When starting out, shopping for a lift kit can be overwhelming. Not only are there dozens of brands, but many of those companies make multiple different kits. From short-arm to long-arm, dual-rate to progressive springs, deciphering the difference between all the different 3.5” kits can be daunting.
So let’s start with the basics. What is going on under your Jeep? We are going to look at a JK front end, but keep in mind from TJ to JL are very similar.
Brief description what these parts do?
Track bar: Centers the axle under the jeep by running from the frame to the opposite side of the axle.
Drag link: Steering arm that connects the movement at the steering box on the frame to the steering knuckle on the opposite side of the axle.
Tie Rod: Connects both tires together (not required in a lift, but important to know)
Upper Control Arm UCA: Works with Lower Control arms. Sets caster/pinion angle
Lower Control Arm LCA: Holds the axle to the frame, Working with the UCAs, the LCAs control rotational forces on the axle. Can adjust caster/pinion
Steering Stabilizer: Dampens minor road vibrations (not required in a lift, but important to know)
NOT PICTURED Brake Lines: Lets brake fluid pass to the brake caliper
Knowing what these parts are and what they do, keep in mind a lot of time and money went into a stock design. Every part has a length and an angle for a very specific reason.
Let’s jump right in.
Game Changer
8 adjustable control arms
Front and rear brake lines
2 adjustable track bars, 1 relocation bracket
Front and rear sway bar end links
Great lift for hitting the hardest trails in the country multiple times a year.
Dual Rate
Front upper control arms
Front brake lines with rear drop brackets
1 track bar and relocation bracket
Front and rear sway bar end links
Best suited for light trail use.
Super Flex
4 adjustable control arms, 4 fixed control arms
Front and rear brake lines
1 track bar and relocation bracket
Front and rear sway bar end links
Sport Lift
Drop brackets for 8 control arms
Brake line drop brackets
2 track bar relocation brackets
Rear sway bar end links
High steer drag link
Stage 3
4 adjustable control arms, 4 fixed control arms
Front and rear brake lines
Front and rear track bar relocation brackets
Front and rear sway bar end links
Complete drag link
Shocks not included
Stage 1
Front control arm cam bolts
Brake line drop brackets
Front and rear track bar relocation brackets
Rear sway bar links
Complete drag link
Shocks not included