Lifting Your Jeep Wrangler: Pros & Cons
Modified Jeep Wranglers are such a common sight that one could assume modifying Jeeps to be an age-old American pastime. And, in a way, they’d be right. Jeep Wranglers have always carried a DIY attitude, with owners personalizing (for better or for worse) their Jeep Wranglers to their exact specifications and needs. One of these modifications is lift kits. Is it worth lifting your Jeep Wrangler? Isn’t the Jeep Wrangler already highly off-road capable? Why would one even want to lift their Jeep Wrangler, and if so, are there any downsides to lifting? Today we’re here to answer your questions and provide the pros and cons so that you can be better prepared for your potential Jeep Wrangler purchase here at Safford CDJRF of Springfield, Virginia.
Lifting Your Jeep Wrangler Pro: Aggressive Aesthetic
While doing research on this topic, I’ve noticed that many Jeepers desire to lift their Jeep Wranglers purely for looks; and that’s totally okay. Many hardcore off-roaders and Jeepers may frown upon lifting a Jeep Wrangler (Even if you barely go off-road), but hey, it’s your car. Do what makes you happy. However, your wallet may not share your happiness, which leads to my next point…
Lifting Your Jeep Wrangler Con: Gas Mileage Takes a Hit
Lifting your Jeep will do a couple of things that’ll affect your gas mileage. Firstly, installing a lift kit goes against the manufacturer’s original intent and design, which will heavily affect aerodynamics. Secondly, lifting your Jeep Wrangler requires larger tires. And larger tires = more weight = more energy required to move. All of these factors come into play and will reduce your gas mileage. Jeep owners report a gas mileage loss of anywhere from 1 mpg to 5 mpg.
Lifting Your Jeep Wrangler Pro: Larger, More Capable Tires
The whole point in lifting your Jeep Wrangler, or any vehicle for that matter, is to fit larger tires for increased traction, clearance, and general off-road prowess. With the extra room provided by a lift kit, beefier and larger tires of your choosing can be fitted into your Wrangler to provide a more engaging and pain-free off-roading experience.
Lifting Your Jeep Wrangler Con: Handling Is Affected
Many automotive enthusiasts tend to replace their wheels for their first modification as it’s the most simple and effective way in changing your vehicle’s handling characteristics. Lifting your Jeep Wrangler will change your handling characteristics for the better during off-road activities. However, on-road handling is affected, and not in a good way. Lifting your Jeep will create a high center of gravity, forcing you to slow down when cornering. Well, it’s not forced per se, but unless you like having your Jeep flipped over on the side of the highway, slowing down is a good idea.
Lifting Your Jeep Wrangler Pro: Increased Travel Suspension
Beefier suspension setups are vital when lifting your Jeep Wrangler. Off-road suspension setups add significant travel to your Jeep Wrangler’s suspension, allowing for a smooth driving experience when off-roading over large rocks, cracks, and rough terrain. The on-Road driving experience is also affected as speed bumps, curbs, and other road obstacles are barely noticeable.
Lifting Your Jeep Wrangler Con: Your Wallet Will Hate You (or Your Wife)
Lifting your Jeep Wrangler is no easy task. On you and your wallet. Sure, you could youtube tutorials on lifting your Jeep Wrangler, and many have done so. However, if you dont have the space (as many of us don’t), the tools, and the expertise required, going to a shop would be your best bet. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Shop Installation Costs (depends on region & Shop): $400~$1,000
- Jeep Wrangler Lift Kit: $300~$12,000
- Jeep Wrangler Tires: $500 ~ $2,000
So at the highest end of the spectrum, expect to pay around a whopping $15,000+.
Oh and modifications almost always reduce your Jeep Wrangle’s resale value, so keep that in mind when you plan on selling your Jeep Wrangler at some point.
Lifting Your Jeep Wrangler Concluding Thoughts
Lifting your Jeep Wrangler is a highly effective way of increasing off-road capabilities, style, and some on-road comfort. The downsides are, for the most part, monetary. If you have the means to take on the reduced gas mileage and high cost of installing and maintaining your lifted Wrangler, then by all means go ahead. However, if you’ve been fine with your stock Jeep Wrangler and how it performs, there’s really no need to spend all that time and money lifting your Wrangler. It sure does look cool though.
We have plenty of new Jeep Wrangler in stock at our Safford CDJRF of Springfield, Virginia location! Come in and take a test drive today.
Also, visit our CDJRF Monthly Deals for the latest deals and offers for our Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, and Fiat vehicles here at Safford CDJRF of Springfield, Virginia!
1 comment(s) so far on Lifting Your Jeep Wrangler: Pros & Cons
I have a 2014 2 Dr Jeep Wrangler Sport with 92k miles… with 35×12 50r 17 tires ..Black…runs great..no accidents…for sale…got any buyers?…$16,500