Jeep enthusiasts have always been on the lookout for the best components that can improve the performance of their rides. With the introduction of the Jeep JL, Jeep fanatics have a new addition to their collection. One such upgrade that every Jeep JL owner must consider is a lift kit. However, not all lift kits are the same, and choosing the right one can sometimes be overwhelming. If you’re looking for the best Jeep JL lift kit for highway driving, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top lift kits on the market that are perfect for those who use their Jeeps for highway cruising.
1. Introduction to Jeep JL Lift Kits
Jeep JL is among the popular vehicles for off-roading enthusiasts. For the adventurous and thrill-seekers, this vehicle offers enormous possibilities for off-roading. Jeep JL’s factory suspension is designed to handle rough terrains but with limitations. It may not give you the best height or withstand extreme conditions. That’s where Jeep JL lift kits come in. A lift kit enhances the vehicle’s performance, boosting its height, tire sizes, and improving its overall handling. In this article, we will explore the top Jeep JL lift kits that are ideal for highway driving.
2. What is a Lift Kit?
A lift kit is a set of vehicle parts used to raise the height of a vehicle’s suspension. It comprises shocks, springs, and hardware that work collectively to enhance the performance of your vehicle. A lift kit can increase the ground clearance of your vehicle, improve its suspension articulation, and allow you to install larger tires. The Jeep JL is a versatile vehicle that can offer maximum performance both on and off the road. Still, the factory suspension system can limit its capabilities, which is why a lift kit is a perfect upgrade.
3. Benefits of a Lift Kit for Highway Driving
A lift kit can offer you several benefits for highway driving, including improved road clearance, better visibility, and more significant tire sizes. A higher ride height helps you to better navigate high curbs, rocks, and other obstacles commonly encountered on highways. It also gives you a better view of the road ahead, making it easier to anticipate potential hazards. A lift kit can also allow you to fit larger tire sizes, providing more grip and better handling, especially on highways.
4. Choosing the Right Lift Kit for Highway Driving
Choosing the right lift kit for your Jeep JL is crucial, especially when it comes to highway driving. There are numerous lift kits available in the market, but not all of them are ideal for highway driving. What you need is a lift kit that can provide a comfortable and stable ride, even at high speeds. When choosing a lift kit, you should consider factors such as your driving needs, the type of terrain you will be driving on, and the size of tires you want to install.
5. Factors to Consider When Installing a Lift Kit for Highway Driving
Before installing your lift kit, there are several factors to consider, such as your Jeep JL’s weight, the type of lift kit, and the shock absorbers’ performance. A heavier Jeep JL requires a lift kit with a higher weight capacity than a lighter one. The lift kit’s type will also affect your vehicle’s handling, ride comfort, and stability. Lastly, upgrading your shock absorbers helps to provide a smooth ride and better handling.
6. Best Jeep JL Lift Kits for Highway Driving
Here are some of the top-rated Jeep JL lift kits ideal for highway driving:
1. Teraflex 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit
2. Eibach 2.5″ Lift Kit
3. Rubicon Express 2.5″ Sport Lift Kit
4. Rough Country 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit
5. Skyjacker 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit
Each of these lift kits offers unique features that can enhance your Jeep JL’s highway driving performance. Still, it would be best to choose a lift kit that meets your driving needs.
7. Teraflex 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit
The Teraflex 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit is perfect for highway driving. It offers a comfortable ride, better handling, and improved stability. The kit comes with extended shock absorbers and adjustable sway bars, providing a smooth highway drive.
8. Eibach 2.5″ Lift Kit
The Eibach 2.5″ Lift Kit is another excellent option for highway driving. It offers a firm, stable ride that is ideal for long highway trips. The kit comes with matching springs and shocks, providing a high-quality upgrade for your Jeep JL.
9. Rubicon Express 2.5″ Sport Lift Kit
The Rubicon Express 2.5″ Sport Lift Kit is another popular option for Jeep JL owners. The kit offers a comfortable highway drive, improved handling, and better tire clearance. It also comes with advanced shock absorbers that can handle high-speed driving.
10. Final Thoughts
In conclusion, upgrading your Jeep JL’s suspension with a lift kit can enhance its performance on the highway. It improves ride comfort, handling, and stability, allowing you to tackle long highway trips with ease. When choosing a lift kit, consider your driving needs and the type of terrain you drive on. With the right lift kit, your Jeep JL can handle highway driving like a champ.
How Lift Kits Affect Highway Driving
When it comes to Jeep JL lift kits, the main focus is often on off-road performance. However, lift kits can also have a significant impact on highway driving. In this section, we’ll explore how lift kits affect highway driving and what you should consider when selecting a lift kit for your Jeep JL.
1. Height and Stability
The primary concern when it comes to highway driving and lift kits is height and stability. The higher you lift your Jeep, the higher your center of gravity becomes. This can lead to decreased stability and increased body roll, especially at high speeds on the highway.
2. Tire Size and Speed Rating
Many lift kits also come with larger tire sizes. While this can improve off-road performance, it can also have an impact on highway driving. It’s important to consider the speed rating of your tires when selecting a lift kit. Tires with a lower speed rating may not be suitable for highway driving.
3. Suspension Type
There are two primary types of suspension systems for lift kits: body lift and suspension lift. Suspension lift kits are generally better for highway driving since they maintain the original suspension geometry. Body lift kits, on the other hand, can affect the handling and stability of your Jeep.
4. Alignment and Steering
Lift kits can also affect the alignment and steering of your Jeep. When you lift your Jeep, you may need to adjust the alignment to ensure even tire wear and proper handling. It’s also important to consider steering upgrades, such as stabilizers, to improve handling on the highway.
5. Brake Upgrades
Depending on the size of your lift kit and tires, you may need to upgrade your brakes to ensure proper stopping power. Larger tires require more force to bring your Jeep to a stop, so upgrading your brake system can improve safety on the highway.
6. Wind Resistance and Aerodynamics
Lift kits can also affect the aerodynamics of your Jeep, leading to increased wind resistance at highway speeds. This can result in decreased fuel efficiency and increased noise levels. Consider wind deflectors or hood scoops to improve aerodynamics.
7. Weight Distribution
Lift kits can also affect the weight distribution of your Jeep. This can have an impact on handling, stability, and braking performance. As such, it’s important to consider weight distribution when selecting a lift kit for highway driving.
8. Road Noise and Comfort
Lift kits can also affect the overall comfort and noise levels of your Jeep on the highway. Larger tires can create more road noise, while a stiffer suspension can lead to a harsher ride. Consider sound deadening materials and upgraded shocks to improve comfort on the highway.
9. Visibility and Lighting
Higher lift kits can also affect visibility and lighting on the highway. It’s important to ensure that you have adequate lighting and that your headlights are aimed correctly. Consider upgrading to LED or HID headlights for improved visibility.
10. Legal Requirements
Finally, it’s important to consider any legal requirements when it comes to lift kits and highway driving. Some states have specific regulations regarding lift kit height and tire size. Check your local regulations before purchasing and installing a lift kit on your Jeep JL.
Top Jeep JL Lift Kits for Highway Driving
Jeep JL owners who love to tackle off-road trails usually install lift kits. But what if you’re someone who uses your Jeep mainly for highway driving, and don’t want the vehicle to look like a monster truck? In that case, you need a lift kit option that will give you the extra clearance you need while maintaining a sleek and streamlined appearance. Here are the top options for a Jeep JL lift kit for highway driving:
1. Teraflex 1.5-inch Lift Kit
Teraflex is a well-known manufacturer of Jeep suspension systems, and their 1.5-inch lift kit is perfect for JL owners who want a subtle upgrade without drastically changing the vehicle’s appearance. This kit includes everything you need to raise the vehicle by 1.5 inches, including front and rear springs, shocks, and all necessary hardware. With this lift kit, you’ll be able to fit larger tire sizes and enjoy improved off-road performance without compromising the Jeep’s on-road handling.
2. Rubicon Express 2.5-inch Lift Kit
Rubicon Express is another respected name in suspension systems, and their 2.5-inch lift kit provides excellent on-road and off-road performance. This kit includes high-quality shocks and coil springs that have been designed specifically for the Jeep JL and will give you a significant lift without making your vehicle look too extreme. With this kit, you’ll have more ground clearance and improved handling both on and off the highway.
3. Skyjacker 2-inch Lift Kit
Skyjacker’s 2-inch lift kit is a perfect choice for JL owners who want to add a little lift to their vehicle while also maintaining a sleek appearance. This kit includes everything you need to raise your Jeep JL by 2 inches, including shocks and coil springs. With this kit, you’ll be able to fit larger wheels and tires and enjoy improved off-road capability without sacrificing on-road handling.
4. Rough Country 2.5-inch Lift Kit
Rough Country is a popular choice for Jeep JL owners who want a lift kit that provides excellent off-road performance without sacrificing on-road drivability. Their 2.5-inch lift kit includes high-quality shocks and coil springs that will give you a comfortable ride while also giving you more ground clearance. With this kit, you’ll be able to tackle rough terrain with ease while also enjoying a smooth drive on the highway.
5. Daystar 1.75-inch Lift Kit
If you’re looking for a lift kit option that’s both affordable and easy to install, look no further than the Daystar 1.75-inch lift kit. This kit includes everything you need to raise your JL by 1.75 inches, including front and rear coil spacers and all necessary hardware. This kit is designed to maintain your Jeep’s factory ride quality while giving you a little more clearance for off-road adventures.
| Lift Kit | Height Increase | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teraflex 1.5-inch Lift Kit | 1.5 inches | Includes front and rear springs, shocks, and all necessary hardware | $526.99 |
| Rubicon Express 2.5-inch Lift Kit | 2.5 inches | Includes high-quality shocks and coil springs | $799.99 |
| Skyjacker 2-inch Lift Kit | 2 inches | Includes shocks and coil springs | $460.99 |
| Rough County 2.5-inch Lift Kit | 2.5 inches | High-quality shocks and coil springs provide a comfortable driving experience on- and off-road | $699.95 |
| Daystar 1.75-inch Lift Kit | 1.75 inches | Designed to maintain factory ride quality | $139.99 |
You can find a comprehensive guide on the best lift kit options for a comfortable and smooth ride on highways with your Jeep JL at JL Wrangler Forums.
Thanks for Riding Along
I hope this article provided you with valuable insights and helped you find the right lift kit for your Jeep JL. There’s nothing like hitting the highway with a properly lifted Jeep that feels comfortable and looks amazing too. Don’t forget to come back and check out our other articles on the latest jeep trends and market updates. Enjoy the ride!