When considering what options to add to your Jeep Gladiator to enhance its off-road capabilities, a lift kit should certainly be on your list.
Now, we’re not talking about a 6-inch lift here, as that would just make your JT top-heavy and prone to tipping over on the trail.
Instead, a more modest lift – even just a couple of inches – will do your rig a lot of good for your off-roading adventures.
Of course, there are a million lift kits available, so the question is, what are the best jeep gladiator lift kit?
In today’s article, we’ll explore a variety of options that will give you durability and reliability of service for the long haul.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Best Jeep Gladiator Lift Kit
As you no doubt know, a lift kit gives your Gladiator more ground clearance to clear obstacles on the trail. Perhaps more importantly, it gives your truck better approach and departure angles for getting up and over things like gullies and big boulders. An additional benefit is that a lift gives you more room for larger tires.
But not all lift kits will give you these benefits in an equal manner. Lifts come in all sorts of arrangements with different components and at different price points.
For example, you can lift your Gladiator with just a few spacers for the suspension. On the other hand, you can replace pieces and parts of the existing suspension (i.e., the springs and control arms) to give your truck more ride height in addition to improving its off-road capabilities.
Whether you want a simple lift kit or something more complex, and whether you have a tight budget or a “who cares!” budget, there’s an option for you in the list below.
Best Jeep Gladiator Lift Kit for Leveling Your Gladiator: TeraFlex JT 1.5” Performance Spacer Leveling Kit
If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford a complete suspension upgrade, this TeraFlex JT leveling kit is a great option.
The spacers in this kit will give you 1.5 extra inches up front which will allow you to fit 35s with ease (assuming you have a Rubicon, like I do). The kit also comes with bump stops and all the hardware to get the kit installed.
Now, obviously you wont’ get earth-shattering changes in approach angle or ground clearance, but every little bit helps, right?! Plus, at just under $100, you can’t get more budget-friendly than this!
Best Budget Jeep Gladiator Lift Kit: Skyjacker Coil Spring Spacer Kit
If money is tight but you want more than a simple leveling kit, you might try this Skyjacker Coil Spring Spacer Kit.
You get one inch of lift in the rear and 2.5 inches of lift in the front, so you not only get a higher ride but a level one, too.
The advantage of this kit is that even though it’s a budget option, the spacers are made of metal with a black finish to give you the utmost in durability and corrosion resistance.
This is an all-inclusive kit, too, so you get all the components (i.e., longer sway bar end links, bump stop extensions, shock extensions) you need to give your Gladiator a higher ride.
At the moment, this kit is just under $340, which isn’t bad considering all the goodies it comes with.
Another Budget Option: ReadyLift 69-6025 2.5″ SST Lift Kit
If the SkyJacker option discussed above isn’t your cup of tea, you might consider this ReadyLift 2.5-inch kit.
This kit offers front and rear laser-cut 1/4-wall tube coil spring spacers that give you a 2.5-inch lift in the front and a 2-inch lift in the back. With a modest lift like this, you can keep the factory shocks and springs while improving control articulation with bump stop extensions.
The kit will fit various Gladiator models, including the Rubicon. If you add this kit to a Rubicon, you can put up to 37-inch tires on your rig. For Overland and Sport models, it’ll fit up to 35s.
If you have a little more money than what the budget options call for but aren’t ready to spring for a more expensive option, the Fabtech K4162 Sport II lift system should be on your radar.
This setup will give you three inches of lift. It comes with everything you need, including brackets for the front and rear bump stocks, sway bar links for both the front and back, and coil springs.
Plus, it comes with a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty, so you get excellent peace of mind for years after you install it on your Gladiator. And with a price of around $735, you won’t break the bank, either!
The advantage of using a Mopar lift kit is that it was designed and built by the same folks that built the Gladiator. That means that there’s no question about whether it will be compatible with your ride…it most certainly will.
This is a modest lift with two inches of additional clearance for your off-road adventures.
It comes with 2.5-inch monotube Fox shocks, longer front control arms, and longer coil springs as well.
As a result, you get the lift you want, a bad-ass look, and excellent on- and off-road drivability as well.
Priced at $1,350, this Mopar lift kit is a solid mid-priced option.
Best Big Jeep Gladiator Lift Kit: ReadyLift Terrain Flex 4-Arm Kit with Falcon 2.1 Shocks
I’m not a huge fan of huge lifts, but if bigger is better in your life, then the ReadyLIFT Terrain Flex is a great option for lifting your Jeep.
This bad boy will give you three inches of lift in the back and four inches of lift in the front. That’ll give you some pretty hefty ground clearance on the trail!
Perhaps more interesting is that this kit includes Falcon 2.1 monotube shocks. These shocks are specifically tuned for Gladiators plus they have beefier springs to account for the extra load of carrying steel bumpers, winches, and the like.
Additionally, the lower control arms also get a heavy-duty upgrade to give them better long-term durability. The adjustable front track bar is a nice touch as well as it will allow you to maintain a proper alignment.
Since this is a full suspension upgrade, it’s pricey at $1,850. But, again, if you want a big lift with lots of features, this is it.
Which Jeep Gladiator Lift Kit is Right for You?
Ultimately, any of these options will be a great addition to your truck. But as with any purchase, doing your due diligence and doing thorough research will ensure you get the right lift kit for your needs.
In addition to considering things like needed ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and price, also consider how big of tires you want, as the lift you select will determine the size of tires you can add.
Also consider what your off-road driving needs are. If you only do light-duty stuff, a 4-inch lift isn’t necessary.
Use this guide to help you get started in your search, find a lift that’s right for you, and enjoy your time out on the trail!