There are two ways to do it if you’re looking to improve the jeep suspension for off-road. One way is by installing a jeep body lift which will give your jeep more ground clearance and better handling.
The other option is installing a jeep suspension lift that provides the highest jeep lift options by raising the height of the jeep’s suspension. The jeep’s stock suspension components are replaced with more extended ones, significantly increasing the jeep’s clearance.
A jeep suspension lift is a jeep modification that provides additional clearance for off-road driving.
On the other hand, a jeep body lift is a jeep modification that raises the jeep’s body from the frame/chassis to handle larger tires and provides more ground clearance by installing leveling kits between body and frame.
Body lifts are often used when jeeps do not have enough factory clearance to accommodate larger tires. So which should you choose?
In this guide, we’ll discuss the jeep suspension lift vs. jeep body lift so that you can make an informed decision about which will work best for your jeep!
Contents
What is the Difference Between a Body Lift and a Suspension Lift?
Jeep owners are always looking to improve their jeep, but not all jeep mods are the same. There is a big difference between jeep body lifts and suspension lifts. Suspension lift kits also have more benefits than jeep body lifts because they can help with clearance on the trails or obstacles in your way on the road.
A body lift is an affordable and easy way to get an extra height on your jeep. This lift uses spacers between the frame and body mounts to lift the jeep’s body off the frame. This can help you achieve your desired lift and give you about 1 to 2.5 inches additional height.
One of the significant benefits of body lift is the price over suspension lift. Body lift kits are cheaper than suspension lifts, and you can also install them yourself in your garage with a few tools.
But there are many other factors you should consider when installing a leveling kit. Because of that I wrote a separate guide about jeep body lifts.
On the other hand, a jeep suspension lift can increase your vehicle’s ride height by as much as 4 inches!
A jeep suspension kit works by replacing the hydraulics and stock struts on the jeep. This means more room between your vehicle and obstacles on the road, such as rocks and tree branches along unpaved roads.
Why Would You Choose One Over the Other?
Jeep suspension lift, jeep body lift. Which one is better for jeeps? The answer to this question depends on your jeep and what you want to do with it. However, most pro garage installers advise choosing a suspension lift over body lift.
A suspension lift is not easy to install. It gives your jeep more clearance when driving off-road, and it makes your jeep look fiercer. However, it would be best if you upgraded your driveline before having access to the engine.
Body lifts are less expensive than suspension lifts, and body lift gives full access to the driveline and engine. It keeps your jeep’s original look because it doesn’t change the shape or appearance of the jeep. It only makes it increase the height so it can accommodate big tires.
But sometimes unnecessary spaces can be created between the jeep body and frame due to body lifts according to the leveling kit you are using. Especially in front and rear bumper areas. They can be fixed with some extra modifications.
At some instances you may encounter electronic, steering and gear shifter issues with body lifts.
Because leveling kits creates an extra space between the jeep body and frame. So the original lengths of the above mentioned components may not match with new space between body and frame. So be careful about that also.
A suspension lift requires more space to work with, making it more complex if your garage doesn’t have enough space. You need enough space before you can install this.
Choosing one that is better between body lift and suspension lift boils down to personal interest, your needs, how much you are willing to spend for the installation kits, and personal preference.
Considering some safety benefits, one would go for the suspension lift, while the body lift would be preferred if you want an easy installation process and lift your jeep on a slim budget.
Do I Need Any Additional Parts for Installing Either Type of Lift/Spacer?
When lifting your jeep, you may need to get some additional parts or replace the old parts if they are bad. Lifting your jeep requires that your jeep parts are in perfect condition. You don’t want to run into problems on the road.
2.5″ Lift Kit (fits) 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler
Most lifting kits are specific to the type of your jeep’s drive train. Some include coil springs, lift blocks and strut spacers. Sometimes, lifting your jeep may require you to replace the control arms and trailing arms.
You might also need to do additional modifications on the steering geometry, driveshaft length, and brake lines to ensure that your jeep is in proper driving condition.
Rough Country 1.75″ Lift Kit for Jeep Wrangler
What Are Some Pros and Cons of Each Type of Lift/Spacer System (Body vs. Suspension)
Pros (Body Lift)
- Body lifts are cheap and easy to install.
- It gives a bit of clearance between tires and fenders.
- It eliminates rubbing problems when used with big tires.
Cons (Body Lift)
- It doesn’t improve road performance to a large extent as expected.
- It Increases the center of gravity.
- It creates a noticeable space between the body of the jeep and the frame allowing your jeep to look unattractive.
- You may experience gear shifting issues if you use a manual transmission jeep unless you modify the shifter hole.
- You may get electronic wire connection strains, steering component issues after installing body lifts.
Pros (Suspension Lift)
- It allows space to fit large tires.
- It also allows handling to be improved.
- It increases suspension travel off-road.
- There is more ground clearance for the jeep.
Cons (Suspension Lift)
- It is expensive and difficult to install.
- Increased risk of rollover because the center of gravity has been raised.
- The steering geometry may be affected or compromised.
- You may need to adjust some other parts of the jeep, such as lengthening of brake lines and driveshafts.
- You may experience more wind resistance.
- Your jeep may not pass the safety inspection due to the modifications.
Conclusion
Before making any modification to your jeep, you need to consider the pros and cons of the process you are about to take and consider which one best fits you.
Hopefully, we have made that easy for you, and now you have been able to have a good idea of the things you need to know before deciding what kind of lift to go for.
If you think this guide may be helpful for someone else, you can share this with them. You just have to hit one of the share buttons below!
Peace!!
