Installing a Jeep Gladiator lift kit is one of the absolutely one of the best upgrades you can do to increase its off-road capabilities. More lift equals more ground clearance, meaning your rugged JT can traverse hairier, more hazardous trails before dragging or getting stuck. In addition to an improved obstacle approach and departure angles, a suspension lift also provides increased clearance in the event you plan on upsizing your tires significantly – all but a must if you plan on tackling any extreme terrain. Plus, lift kits just look cool.
If you’re shopping for a Jeep Gladiator lift kit, there’s a lot to consider; lift kits can vary dramatically by price and components. Some consist of nothing more than a few spacers for your suspension, maintaining the factory suspension travel while raising your Gladiator’s body further off the ground. Others are more extensive, requiring you to replace springs, spring seats, and other aftermarket bits to maintain the correct alignment. Apart from giving your truck more ride height, some of those kits also include substantially upgraded components, like shocks, longer control arms, and progressive springs that provide a smooth ride with increase off-road capabilities.
Sound like a lot to consider? Don’t worry because our staff of off-road experts has put together this handy list of our favorite Jeep Gladiator lift kit options, to satisfy just about every budget and use.
Table of contents
- 1. Editors Choice - ReadyLIFT Terrain Flex 4-Arm Kit with Falcon 2.1 Shocks
- 2. Best Gladiator Leveling Kit - TeraFlex JT 1.5” Performance Spacer Leveling Kit
- 3. Best OEM Option - Mopar 2” Lift Kit for Jeep Gladiator
- 4. Best Budget Boost - Skyjacker Coil Spring Spacer Kit
- 5. Skyjacker Coil Spring Leveling Kit With Black MAX Shocks
- 6. Rough Country 3.5” Lift Kit with N3 Shocks, Dual-Rated Coil Springs
1. Editors Choice - ReadyLIFT Terrain Flex 4-Arm Kit with Falcon 2.1 Shocks
If you’re looking to get monster lift out of your new Jeep Gladiator, this ReadyLIFT Terrain Flex JT kit is the way to go. Boasting 4 inches of lift up front and 3 inches at the rear, this kit is pricier than the other options on this list, but well worth the investment if you’re ready to get into overlanding as a full-time hobby. The real draws here are high-performance Falcon 2.1 monotube shocks, tuned specifically to suit the new Gladiator, and thicker-gauge front springs with extra travel, capable of supporting increased load from things like aftermarket steel bumpers and front-mounted winches. The lower control arms are beefed up for improved durability, and an adjustable front track bar allows you to keep the correct alignment. Designed as a complete suspension system upgrade, it topped our list as the best Jeep Gladiator lift kit.
2. Best Gladiator Leveling Kit - TeraFlex JT 1.5” Performance Spacer Leveling Kit
Looking to maximize affordability with your Jeep Gladiator lift kit? Look no further than this one from TeraFlex. This Gladiator leveling kit utilizes spacers to provide a 1.5-inch front lift, that provides just enough space to fit tires up to 33 inches in diameter – or 35 inches, if you’ve got a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. It’s a very small price to pay to unlock a bit of extra off-road capability, complete with four spring spacers, bump stops, and all the necessary hardware to complete installation.
3. Best OEM Option - Mopar 2” Lift Kit for Jeep Gladiator
If you’re worried about fitment or compatibility, you can’t go wrong with genuine Mopar parts and accessories. Designed and developed by the same company that made your JT in the first place, Mopar’s Jeep Gladiator lift kit unleashes an extra 2 inches of lift for more off-road clearance, with extra suspension travel rendered by a set of high-quality 2.5-inch monotube Fox shocks and longer coil springs. The included long front control arms help keep the caster optimized so you don’t have to compromise your on-road drivability.
4. Best Budget Boost - Skyjacker Coil Spring Spacer Kit
Few companies in the world of off-road suspension kits have amassed the reputation Skyjacker has, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend an arm and a leg for a Skyjacker Jeep Gladiator lift kit. This modestly-priced kit features a 2.5-inch lift up front and a 1-inch lift at the rear for a more level ride, giving you a little more height than a basic Gladiator leveling kit. The spacers are made of metal with a durable black finish to stave off corrosion, and the kit includes everything you’ll need for install, including longer sway bar end links and shock and bump stop extensions for the front.
5. Skyjacker Coil Spring Leveling Kit With Black MAX Shocks
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive Jeep Gladiator lift kit with Skyjacker’s quality and engineering expertise, you can’t go wrong with this Jeep Gladiator suspension kit. Featuring comfortable progressive-rate springs similar to the ones that come stock on the Gladiator, and heavy-duty Black MAX shocks built to take abuse off-road, this kit comes with everything you’ll need for up to 3.5 inches of extra ground clearance and increased travel, including extended lower control arms and an adjustable front track bar to maintain proper alignment.
6. Rough Country 3.5” Lift Kit with N3 Shocks, Dual-Rated Coil Springs
Well known for its full range of high-quality off-road components, Rough Country offers a Jeep Gladiator lift kit that’s priced just right for the average off-road enthusiast. The kit can safely accommodate tires up to 37 inches in diameter, and it features front and rear coil spacers so you can retain your Gladiator’s coils to help preserve the factory ride. It also features Rough Country’s fantastic nitrogen-charged, 10-stage variable-valving N3 shocks with a durable 18mm spring-loaded piston rod and reinforced seals to keep gunk out, for years of reliable performance. This kit follows a straightforward bolt-on installation process.
Why are the prices of some kits so different than others?
Some kits are very basic and only offer spacers to give a quick boost for tire clearance but don’t offer any additional performance gains for your suspension. When you need more lift than the budget boost kits offer, you’ll see prices go up because the kits likely have more components. Some can be as simple as springs, spacers and shocks, while the best kits will have you swapping out springs, shocks, control arms, track bars and sway bar links. The more complicated kits will increase your ride height and tire clearance, but can also increase your suspension travel and suspension articulation making your Jeep Gladiator a more capable trail rig.
How do I know which size lift kit I need?
First off, decide which tire size you want to increase to. Once you know how big of a tire you want, start researching the different lift kits that are available. Many companies will provide recommended tire sizes for specific kits. Another easy way of determining what kit you might want to get would be to ask other Jeep Gladiator owners. There is no shortage of forums, Facebook groups and off-road clubs who have members that are more than glad to talk anything and everything Jeep.
What other accessories or mods are recommended when doing a lift on my Gladiator?
While there aren’t any “required” accessories or mods, many owners obviously upgrade their wheels and tires. Other items they’ll add on for protection to the rockers are side steps, which also help give you a boost into your Jeep by adding an additional step. If you do opt to go larger on the tires, you might also want to get some fender flares to help keep the flinging mud under control.
Additional Resources
- Best Jeep Gladiator Bed Extenders
- Best Jeep Gladiator Accessories for Hitting The Trails
- Best Jeep Gladiator Side Steps
Recent Updates
01/28/2022: Updated product descriptions, added additional resources, added FAQ question.
03/18/2021: Updated content, ranked products and added FAQ
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