Level or Lift? Help the new guy

[Ottoparts]

I had a 1976 Cherokee but never lifted it and I have only had my 2022 Gladiator Willys for three weeks so I need some help and don't trust the dealer or shops to give me the right answer rather than the most expensive solution. I only need a bit of more lift and won't be doing any rock climbing, it's mostly for appearance as I hate the factory forward tilt look. Questions are is a spacer leveling kit all I really need? And if so what is the most lift I can use without changing my shocks? Any advice would be appreciated.

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[Zero_Accel]

If you're only interested in leveling out the truck, Teraflex makes a nice leveling kit that will suit your needs.

If you want an actual lift that will let you keep your shocks, there several kits that add a spacer between the frame and the spring, combined with shock extensions. My truck came with a Ready lift 2.5 kit that kept the factory suspension for around 500 bucks. There's other options as well.

 

[Ottoparts]

If you're only interested in leveling out the truck, Terraflex makes a nice leveling kit that will suit your needs.

If you want an actual lift that will let you keep your shocks, there several kits that add a spacer between the frame and the spring, combined with shock extensions. My truck came with a Ready lift 2.5 kit that kept the factory suspension for around 500 bucks.

Thanks, that lift sounds great So the ready lift kit raised the front 2.5" and the back 1" right?

 

[Zero_Accel]

Thanks, that lift sounds great So the ready lift kit raised the front 2.5" and the back 1" right?

This kit raises the front 2.5 inches, and the rear 2 inches, my truck still has some forward rake, not as much as stock, but I've got Mojave shocks and springs now, so it may look different on yours. I'm on 37's just so you know. There's other kits that may have less lift in the back.

 

[Ottoparts]

Man that looks great, and yeah I can't even really tell yours has any forward rake. The factory rake is offensive to me

 

[Mav4x4Chris]

I just put the Teraflex 1.5" front level in mine and Rubicon 33's. Looks great and is going to be realistic for most of the adventures I will be on.

 

[CoachA]

I just put the Teraflex 1.5" front level in mine and Rubicon 33's. Looks great and is going to be realistic for most of the adventures I will be on.

Ditto

 

[HorneyBadger]

If you want it level then stick with the spacer leveling kits. The other spacer kits lift it the same both front and back. I went with the AEV spacer kit and love it but it still has the rake as it was 2" front and back.

 

[tom.mary.glad]

I used the Alloy USA 61001 Suspension Leveling Kit, Front, 1.5 Inch Lift - $111 from Amazon to just raise the front end. It took out most of the factory rake. It has shock extension brackets so no need to replace shocks.

 

[Ottoparts]

If you want it level then stick with the spacer leveling kits. The other spacer kits lift it the same both front and back. I went with the AEV spacer kit and love it but it still has the rake as it was 2" front and back.

Looks good, I went Sarge green too.

It sounds like from all this good advice a leveling kit is all I really need. I would love a little more lift but right now I don't want to get into too much expense.

 

[HorneyBadger]

Looks good, I went Sarge green too.

It sounds like from all this good advice a leveling kit is all I really need. I would love a little more lift but right now I don't want to get into too much expense.

Looking good! The AEV kit ($459) raised it 2 inches front and back and I dont notice the rake as much.

 

[jbretthorton]

Just this past weekend I installed the Rough Country Level Lift - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RK4DRLQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
and the Icon Dynamics 1.375 Rear spacers- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KTVVTGJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Then Toyo 35's

Love the look and the price! Super easy install as well

LOL.... It is level, just the driveway is downhill!

 

['22JTRD]

If you are going to do the #Teraflex 1.5" leveling kit, don't forget to add the #Teraflex 2" Shock Extension if you want to keep the shock travel closer to oem spec.

 

[Camaroboi13]

Paid $71.99 for a 2.5" level kit up front that included shock extensions, spacers, bump stops, and sway bar end links. The whole process up front took about 90 minutes. It's 5 bolts per side (10 if you include lug nuts) and very easy to do. I also purchased a 3/4" spacer on the rear for an additional 28.99 (not installed in this photo) because once I added the 37s I put the spare in the bed and the front was a tad bit higher than the rear. So the 3/4" spacer in the rear was a perfect option for me, and it only cost me a C note.

 

[Almost]

I'll recommend you do it the right way. I'm not a fan of spacer lifts - if I'm going to do anything I want incremental performance not just looks. Anytime you lift anything with a spacer lift you change the suspension geometry (usually for the worse).

This is the route I would go:
https://www.claytonoffroad.com/product/jeep-gladiator-15-leveling-kit-2020-jt

This comes with lower control arms and a track bar to center your axle. You know the saying - buy once, cry once.

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