There are basically two ways to lift your 1987-95 Jeep Wrangler YJ: suspension lift or body lift. Each has its pros and cons in terms of price, performance, and ease of installation, but let’s first distinguish between the two.
A suspension lift raises the vehicle frame (chassis) away from the axles by replacing the springs with taller (or more arched) springs. A body lift raises the vehicle by lifting the body off the frame with spacers. This keeps the frame at its existing distance from the ground. A suspension lift is recommended for anyone planning to use their vehicle off-road, while a body lift is recommended for anyone who wants their vehicle to appear elevated with no real intentions to go off-road. This does not mean that a bodied vehicle cannot go off the road. It just won’t perform as well as a raised suspension vehicle because it hasn’t gained any ground clearance. Suspension lifts for the Jeep Wrangler YJ typically range from 2 inches to 4 inches (although there are some companies that produce “extreme” kits above this), while body lifts range from 1 inch to 3 inches.
A suspension lift is more complicated than a body lift because it alters all of the suspension components that give the vehicle its factory driving characteristics. Taller leaf springs are usually stiffer than factory leaf springs, so the vehicle will have a harder ride quality than with factory soft leaf springs. Longer shock absorbers will be needed. The vehicle will also have a higher center of gravity because the entire weight of the vehicle (everything except the axles) will now be lifted higher off the ground. In some cases, it will be necessary to lower the transfer case and reposition the rear differential to minimize driveline vibrations, as the Jeep Wrangler is known for having a short rear driveline that does not readily accept U-joint angles. increased.
Advantages: increases ground clearance, increases approach and departure angles, allows mounting of larger tires.
Cons: expensive, longer installation time, driveline angles increase (more susceptible to vibrations), brake lines need to be redirected or lengthened, new shock absorbers needed, higher center of gravity.
A body lift is relatively simple because it consists primarily of a set of spacers that are inserted at the mounting points between the frame and the body of the vehicle. This leaves all the heavy parts of the vehicle (chassis, engine, transmission, transfer case, etc.) in their factory locations, so the vehicle’s center of gravity (albeit increased) will not increase as much as the suspension lift. .
Pros: Inexpensive, can be installed quickly with basic hand tools, allows for larger tire mounting, simple (all components come in a small box).
Cons: Appearance (there will be noticeable space between the body tub and the frame), extra leverage is placed at the mounting points, no increase in ground clearance.
Ultimately, a body lift provides no more benefits than allowing the installation of larger tires, while a suspension lift is designed to improve off-road performance (while allowing the installation of larger tires) . If you are on a budget and want your Jeep Wrangler to look like a big off-road rig with no real intention of ever going off the road, then a body lift would be for you. However, if cost isn’t a factor and you’re looking to make your Wrangler more off-road capable and trail-ready, then a suspension lift is the only way to go.