How To Lift A Jeep Cherokee [And How Much Can It Cost?]

Adding a lift to your Jeep Cherokee gives it a cool look and can make it more capable off-road. However, if you want to install a lift kit yourself, you should know the process and the costs involved. So let's look at what you need to do to install a lift kit on your Jeep Cherokee.

Depending on the lift you want, a lift kit can range from $200-$2,500 without installation. However, if you plan to do the installation yourself, here are the essential steps.

  1. Raise vehicle.
  2. First, remove wheels.
  3. Remove stock shock absorbers.
  4. Remove sway bar links on both sides of the vehicle.
  5. Lastly, remove the coil clip on the lower coil spring seat.
  6. Lower axel.
  7. Remove coil spring using strut compressor [optional].
  8. Remove stock control arms.
  9. Install new controls arms [do not tighten].
  10. Install new coil springs.
  11. Attach and tighten sway bar links.
  12. Install coil clip onto lower coil spring seat.
  13. Install new shock absorbers.
  14. Remove sway bar.
  15. Install bracket on the frame rail.
  16. Install sway bar on the bracket.
  17. Move to the rear of the vehicle.
  18. Remove rear shocks and keep the hardware.
  19. Remove rear U-bolts and springs from spring mounts.
  20. First, install new springs.
  21. Next, install new U-bolts on the axel and tighten them.
  22. Install rear shock absorbers.
  23. Install wheels and lower to the ground.
  24. Tighten leaf springs and controls arms.

That may look like an intimidating process for a Jeep Cherokee lift but don't worry! This article will look at this process and help make it less daunting. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about installing a lift on a Jeep Cherokee, so read on!

4x4 Off-Road Drive by TT Lanhoso, public event - How To Lift A Jeep Cherokee [And How Much Can It Cost]

What to expect when buying and installing a lift on a Jeep Cherokee

If you have never done a Jeep Cherokee lift before, you might be wondering what it will entail. Read on for a general overview of the process and what to expect.

The first thing you need to do is decide which lift kit you want. There are many different kits available on the market, so do your research to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. You will discover that lift kits range widely, from around $200-$2,500 or more.

The reason being is that they vary depending on the height of the lift and what's included in the kit, such as shocks, coil springs, ball joints, and control arms.

You will also need to decide if you want to install the lift kit yourself or have someone do it. If you choose to do it yourself, be aware that it is a fairly involved process and will take some time.

You will also need to have some basic mechanical knowledge and tools. The tools might include socket wrenches, strut compressors, Allen wrenches, mallet, and torque wrenches.

The other option is to take your Jeep Cherokee to a professional installer. This will typically cost more but may be worth it if you don't feel comfortable doing the installation yourself or don't have the time.

Unknown racers on off-road vehicle Jeep Cherokee overcomes the track at amateur competitions among off-road vehicles near ringroad

Installing a lift kit on Jeep Cherokee

When following the steps above, it is important to ensure the Jeep Cherokee is lifted securely before starting the process. If you own a lift, use it. If not, you can safely use blocks or a jack to raise the vehicle. The last thing you want is for the vehicle to come crashing down while you are working on it.

Once the Jeep Cherokee is raised, the first step is to remove the wheels. There are typically four bolts on each wheel that need to be removed. Then the wheel can be pulled off. If you use a jack to do this, start with the front working your way to the rear.

The next important thing to know is not to lose any of the original hardware. This hardware is essential and will be needed to put the Jeep Cherokee back together.

Remove factory parts

Now that the wheels are off, it is time to remove the shocks. There are typically two bolts on each shock that need to be removed. Once they are out, pull the shocks off and set them aside.

Next, it is time to move to the control arms. The control arms connect the suspension to the frame of the Jeep Cherokee. There are typically four bolts on each arm that need to be removed.

Once they are out, pull the arms off and set them aside. Now would be an excellent time to inspect the ball joints and bushings to see if they need to be replaced.

If they do, replace them now before moving on. The last step in this process is to remove the coil springs. There are typically four bolts holding each spring in place. Once they are out, pull the springs off and set them aside.

Install new hardware

Dirty blue colored old Jeep Cheroke

Now that all of the original hardware has been removed, it is time to start installing the lift kit. The first step is to install the new shocks.

Install each lift kit part in the order as directed at the beginning of this article. For the control arms, it is vital not to tighten them until the end. The same goes for the coil springs.

Once all of the parts are installed, it is time to start tightening them down. Again, use a torque wrench to ensure that everything is tight properly.

Move to the rear

Now, move to the rear of the Jeep Cherokee and remove the shocks, U-bolts, and springs. Now install these parts in reverse by starting with the springs, followed by U-bolts, and finally shocks.

You can put your wheels back on when everything is tight and lower the vehicle back down to the ground. Finally, tighten the control arms and leaf springs.

Now is a good time to take it for a test drive to make sure everything feels good and there are no rattles or strange noises. If everything feels good, then you have successfully installed your lift kit!

Congratulations! You've just lifted your Jeep Cherokee! Keep in mind that a lift kit installation process may vary depending on the year of your Jeep Cherokee. 

What are the benefits of a lift kit?

There are many benefits to installing a lift kit on your Jeep Cherokee. Some of these benefits include:

Increased ground clearance

This will allow you to drive over obstacles that you wouldn't be able to before, such as rocks, logs, and snow.

Better performance off-road

A lift kit will give your Jeep Cherokee better performance off-road. It will allow you to travel over more challenging terrain and get to those hard-to-reach places.

Improved stability

A lift kit will improve the stability of your Jeep Cherokee while driving. This is important when traveling at high speeds or taking on rugged terrain.

Appearance

Lifting your Jeep Cherokee can also improve its appearance. It will give it a more aggressive look and make it stand out from the rest.

There are many benefits to installing a lift kit on your Jeep Cherokee. A lift kit is great if you are looking to improve your off-road performance, increase stability, or give your Jeep Cherokee a more aggressive look.

Big 4wd lift Jeep Cherokee with huge truck drive offroad around Yssyk-Kul lake.

What are the downsides of a lift kit?

There are a few downsides to installing a lift kit on your Jeep Cherokee. Some of these include:

Expensive

Lift kits can be expensive, depending on the brand and quality that you choose. When spending thousands of dollars on a vehicle, it is essential to do your research and make sure you are getting the best product possible.

Maintenance

You may need to do upkeep and maintenance more often when a lift kit is installed on your Jeep Cherokee. This includes checking the fluids, tightening bolts, and ensuring all parts are in good condition.

Reduce Ride Comfort

A lifted Jeep Cherokee will have a rougher ride than one without a lift kit. This is because the suspension is raised, which can cause the ride to be bumpier and less comfortable.

Louder Ride

The bigger tires and lift kit on your Jeep Cherokee will also make it louder when you are driving. This can be a nuisance to some people and may not be ideal for long trips.

Lift kits can have both benefits and downsides, depending on what you look for in a vehicle. For example, if you want to improve your off-road performance, then a lift kit is a great option.

However, if you are looking for a smooth ride and don't want to deal with extra noise, then a lift kit may not be the best choice.

4x4 Off-Road Drive by TT Lanhoso, public event

Final Thoughts

Installing a lift kit on your Jeep Cherokee can be a great way to improve its performance and appearance. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding.

Make sure you consider what you are looking for in a vehicle and what the lift kit will entail. If you decide that a lift kit is right for you, then make sure to do your research and find a reputable brand.

Thanks for reading! Here are some other articles you might find interesting:

How To Check Coolant Level Jeep Cherokee

Jeep Cherokee Won't Start —What Could Be Wrong?

Can You Flat Tow A Jeep Cherokee [By trim levels]

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