Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited Lift Kits Compared

Stock baselines

Start from your own trim. Jeep's numbers differ by more than an inch of ground clearance before any lift goes on.

MotorTrend 2022 RTI, as quoted on a forum

The original article could not be checked directly, so these figures rest on a forum member's quote. Jeep's sheet and these scores do not match, and ramp angle changes the result.

• MotorTrend's 2022 test scored the Rubicon 392 at 532 with the bar engaged, after 'rumbled up the 22-degree RTI ramp' in 4-Lo. A forum member flagged that the identical 532 for the 4xe and 392 'doesn't look right'. RTI 532 @ 22° (bar on) Magazine test, quoted on forum Suspension Articulation RTI Tracker, page 3 (ih8mud forum) quoting MotorTrend 2022 Four Wheeler SUV of the Year RTI testing, 2023-06
• MotorTrend's 2022 test scored the Rubicon 392 at 684 with the sway bar disconnected on a 22-degree ramp; the quoting post notes the source article had a corrected error. The ih8mud tracker later lists 701 (4xe) and 684 (392) as 20-degree scores, which conflicts with the 22-degree wording. RTI 684 @ 22° (bar off) Magazine test, quoted on forum Suspension Articulation RTI Tracker, page 3 (ih8mud forum) quoting MotorTrend 2022 Four Wheeler SUV of the Year RTI testing, 2023-06
• MotorTrend's 2022 Four Wheeler SUV of the Year RTI test scored the Rubicon 4xe at 532 with the sway bar engaged. Quoted verbatim from MotorTrend by an ih8mud member (post of Jun 9, 2023); the MotorTrend page itself was blocked to fetch, so not verified directly. The same article describes a 22-degree ramp. The quote states the 22-degree ramp only for the 392 run. RTI 532 (bar on) Magazine test, quoted on forum Suspension Articulation RTI Tracker, page 3 (ih8mud forum) quoting motortrend.com/reviews/rti-ramp-testing-2022-four-wheeler-of-the-year/, 2023-06
• MotorTrend's 2022 Four Wheeler SUV of the Year test scored the Rubicon 4xe at 701 with the sway bar disconnected. Relayed verbatim on ih8mud; MotorTrend page blocked to fetch. The quote states the 22-degree ramp only for the 392 run. RTI 701 (bar off) Magazine test, quoted on forum Suspension Articulation RTI Tracker, page 3 (ih8mud forum) quoting MotorTrend 2022 Four Wheeler SUV of the Year RTI testing, 2023-06

Other stock RTI figures in circulation

• A forum member contrasts an '842 JL score v 730 for JLU', with no source, trim or ramp angle given. JL 842 vs JLU 730 Owner report Suspension Articulation RTI Tracker, page 3 (ih8mud forum), 2023-06
• A Bronco forum member put the JLU Rubicon at roughly 645-699 and the 2-door JL Rubicon at 'around 800ish', saying Jeep does not publish the figure; no source or ramp angle was given. JLU ~645-699; JL 2-door ~800 Owner report Ramp Travel Index - RTI = 700 (Bronco Nation forum), 2021-09
• The ih8mud RTI tracker lists a stock 2018 JLU Rubicon with the front bar off at 724, presented as a 20-degree-ramp score. The tracker gives no source for this entry. RTI 724 @ 20° (bar off) Owner report Suspension Articulation RTI Tracker (ih8mud forum, chart updated 2/06/25), 2025-02
• The same tracker lists a stock 2018 JLU Rubicon with the front bar on at 523 (20-degree basis). No source is given for the entry. RTI 523 @ 20° (bar on) Owner report Suspension Articulation RTI Tracker (ih8mud forum, chart updated 2/06/25), 2025-02
• A Jeep dealer blog citing Four Wheeler's 2022 SUV of the Year award gives the Rubicon 392 a Ramp Travel Index of 730, with no sway bar state or ramp angle. This conflicts with the 532/684 figures quoted from MotorTrend's RTI write-up. RTI 730 (config not stated) Retailer claim Jeep Wrangler 392 named SUV of the Year (Benna CDJR dealer blog), 2022-02
• An ih8mud member cites a Car and Driver suspension-test table listing a '22 Wrangler Rubicon at 847, but says he could not find test details beyond the score. The Car and Driver page was blocked to fetch. RTI 847 (config not stated) Owner report Suspension Articulation RTI Tracker, page 3 (ih8mud forum) citing caranddriver.com/features/a41898039/suv-how-we-test-suspension/, 2023-06
• A second JLUR bar-off entry in the tracker reads 718 (20-degree basis), with no year or source given. RTI 718 @ 20° (bar off) Owner report Suspension Articulation RTI Tracker (ih8mud forum, chart updated 2/06/25), 2025-02

The kits

Listed alphabetically, not ranked. Fitment shows only the trims a maker or seller names, so a kit can fit a trim its listing leaves out. Check the source before you buy. A range can include several shock or arm options.

184 kits

Measured vs advertised lift

Few of these numbers come from a tape measure and a stated method. Of 24 owner reports, 7 name a Rubicon, 2 name a Rubicon 392, 6 name another trim and 9 do not state one. Rubicon 392s and Xtreme Recon rigs carry factory lift, so a number from one of those does not carry over to a Sport or a Sahara. Tires also inflate these figures, because several owners include the jump to 35s.

Owner reports

What makers and sellers say about height

These are claims, not measurements.

Independent tests

• TrailRecon (Brad Kowitz) installed six manufacturers' lift kits on six stock 2020 JLU Rubicons, measured lift gained over stock and tested articulation (episode 57, Dec 10, 2020), then ran on- and off-road tests in a second episode (Dec 18, 2020). The episode listings don't name the kits or results. 6 kits, same 37 in tires Measured (independent test) The Ultimate Jeep Wrangler Lift Kit Comparison - Install & Measurements (TrailRecon, TheTVDB listing), 2020-12
• AEV's kit ($1,379) gained as much or more front and rear ride height as the 3.5 in kits, but its articulation was at the back of the pack; its instructions were rated second best. Lift gain >= 3.5 in kits; articulation back of pack; $1,379 Measured (independent test) Ultimate Jeep JL Wrangler Lift Kit Comparison (JK-Forum, summarizing TrailRecon)
• Off Road Xtreme measured 9.6 in of front suspension travel and 11.1 in rear, about 2 in more front droop and 3.5 in more rear droop than stock, on a 1.5 in setting. No RTI was reported. 9.6 in F / 11.1 in R travel; +2 in F / +3.5 in R droop vs stock Measured (independent test) Quick Hit: Energy Suspension's Jeep Wrangler JL Rock-Flex System (Off Road Xtreme), 2019-04
• In TrailRecon's six-kit test the Rock Krawler kit ($3,876) scored best in articulation, but its measured front and rear ride-height gain was lower than the 2.5 in kits. Install was estimated at two to three days for a home mechanic. Best articulation; lift gain < 2.5 in kits; $3,876 Measured (independent test) Ultimate Jeep JL Wrangler Lift Kit Comparison (JK-Forum, summarizing TrailRecon)

Common issues after lifting a JLU

Each item below is one source's report, with its label. Owner reports are single experiences, not failure rates.

Track bar and axle offset

A taller spring moves the axle sideways on its track bar. Owners report the offset in the kits below, and some kits include an adjustable bar to re-center it.

• Recall 18V-675: front track bar bracket welds may be off-seam and the bracket can separate from the frame, reducing steering response. Remedy is to inspect and repair the welds. Recall 18V-675; 18,055 vehicles Official record NHTSA Part 573 Recall Report 18V-675, 2018-09
• FCA's CTO said steering-vibration complaints involved about 2% of roughly 370,000 JLs built through June 2019, caused by air entering the original damper in cold weather. Quadratec lists the track bar, tie rods, ball joints, control arms, bushings and wheel bearings as parts to check. ~2% of ~370,000 JLs Manufacturer claim Jeep's fix for JL death wobble issue (Quadratec), 2019-08
• TSB 08-003-21 'Improved Steering Feel' replaces the steering gear (and the track bar on JLs built on or before Jan 22, 2019) for wander, pull and excess play. Professionally lifted vehicles are eligible only if within service alignment specs, and the TSB will not fix a sustained shake or shimmy. TSB 08-003-21; lift OK if within alignment spec Official record FCA TSB 08-003-21 Improved Steering Feel (NHTSA), 2021-01
• ExtremeTerrain lists the track bar (re-torque, about 125 ft-lb), worn ball joints (worse with larger tires and less backspacing) and tire imbalance as death-wobble causes, with ball-joint play limits of 1.5 mm radial / 1.25 mm axial. Its +4.2° factory caster target is not stated as JL-specific. Track bar ~125 ft-lb; ball joint 1.5/1.25 mm Retailer claim What Is Death Wobble? (ExtremeTerrain XT Tech Guides), 2026-03
• Shock Warehouse says a steering stabilizer can't fix a loose track bar, worn ball joints or bad alignment and can mask them; a lift changes caster and steering geometry, and larger tires amplify balance problems. Stabilizer masks, doesn't fix Retailer claim Can a Steering Stabilizer Fix Jeep Death Wobble? (Shock Warehouse), 2026-08
• 3-star reviewer says the Jeep became uncontrollable above 25 mph and he had to hold the wheel at about 10 o'clock to go straight. AEV recommended adjustable track bars and blamed too little added front weight; he says this fixed it 'for now'. Owner report AEV 2.5in DualSport RT (Quadratec reviews), 2025-09
• Owner found the front axle 3/4" off-center to the driver side after install (rear fine) and says an adjustable track bar is needed; none is included. 3/4" axle offset Owner report Reviews for Mopar 2" Lift Kit for JL Unlimited (Quadratec), 2020-06
• Owner had 'a lot of steering wheel shimmy' at certain speeds, like death wobble but 'WAY less severe'. He fixed it with more caster from adjustable lower control arms, saw a little over 1" of axle shift, and suggests track bars. steering shimmy; >1" axle shift Owner report Reviews for Mopar 2" Lift Kit for JL Unlimited (Quadratec), 2018-10
• 2-star reviewer calls the ride horrible: the Jeep follows truck-worn ruts and changes lanes over small bumps, 'a true two handed driving experience'. Calls it a 'for looks only' kit with no track bar correction. Owner report Reviews for Mopar 2" Lift Kit for JL Unlimited (Quadratec), 2022-05
• Owner likes the kit on and off road but says that above about 3" 'The fixed lcas that come with kit aren't long enough' for good caster; recommends adjustable track bars and adjustable front control arms. Owner report Lift Kit suggestions (JLWranglerForums)
• xtopherm traced a small clunk to a lower rear shock bolt knocked loose on a rock and advises re-torquing at 1,500 miles. He also says track bar relocation brackets made the geometry 'considerably worse'. clunk: loose rear shock bolt Owner report Lift Kit suggestions (JLWranglerForums)
• Same owner notes front spring bow (a known criticism; he plans adjustable track bars), a knock from a sway bar link nut he had not torqued, and a speedometer reading off after the tire change. front spring bow Owner report First impressions of wheeling a JLUR with the 2" Mopar lift kit (JLWranglerForums)
• The OP's BP-51 build used heavy-duty springs plus an adjustable front track bar, rear track bar bracket, Rancho front control arm brackets, adjustable rear arms, four OME trim packers and larger bump stops, which he said were needed to clear 40in tires. Owner report Old Man Emu BP-51 (JLwranglerforums thread)
• Without a rear track bar relocation bracket the rear pinion contacts the gas tank at full stuff; the author recommends front and rear driveshafts with this lift and calls it overkill for 37in tires. Reviewer opinion JL JOURNAL - Bumping Up to a Rancho 3.5 Inch Lift (WAYALIFE), 2018-11
• Rough Country sells a 392-specific 3.5 in kit ($1,099.95) whose coils match the 392's original spring rates, with control arm drop brackets, sway-bar links, bump stops and an adjustable front track bar. $1,099.95; OE-rate coils Manufacturer claim Rough Country's 3.5-inch lift kit for Wrangler Rubicon 392 now available (Mopar Insiders)
• 4-star reviewer says a rear track bar bracket is not included but is 'needed for proper alignment of the rear axle'; he cites TeraFlex 1953600 and says it cost $100+ at a shop. Owner report Reviews for Quadratec ST2 2.5" Suspension Lift by Teraflex (Quadratec), 2026-02
• Same owner says the kit is not fully bolt-on: he drilled one hole in the rear track bar bracket and two in the front. The steering wheel was about 1/5 turn off center, and the solo install took about twice the stated time. He calls this about the maximum height before brake lines, locker cables and breathers need extending. Owner report Teraflex Sport ST3 3.5" Suspension Lift (Quadratec reviews), 2022-10

Caster and front driveshaft vibration

Lift changes the angle of the control arms and driveshafts. These findings cover what that does to steering feel and vibration.

• FCA's CTO said steering-vibration complaints involved about 2% of roughly 370,000 JLs built through June 2019, caused by air entering the original damper in cold weather. Quadratec lists the track bar, tie rods, ball joints, control arms, bushings and wheel bearings as parts to check. ~2% of ~370,000 JLs Manufacturer claim Jeep's fix for JL death wobble issue (Quadratec), 2019-08
• A proposed death-wobble class-action settlement offered extended coverage of up to 8 years/90,000 miles for front steering damper replacement plus reimbursement, pending court approval; the report mentions no exclusion for lifted vehicles. Up to 8 yr / 90,000 mi damper coverage (proposed) Manufacturer claim Jeep Wrangler owners' death wobble lawsuit settlement may bring extended warranties (KBB), 2023-02
• A 392 forum member says the 392's factory lift is limited to about 2 in to keep caster in spec because the lower control arms are shared across JLs; another mentions a Mopar long lower control arm for more caster. ~2 in caster-limited Owner report Clarification on the 392 factory lift height (Jeep392.com forum), 2022-11
• TSB 08-003-21 'Improved Steering Feel' replaces the steering gear (and the track bar on JLs built on or before Jan 22, 2019) for wander, pull and excess play. Professionally lifted vehicles are eligible only if within service alignment specs, and the TSB will not fix a sustained shake or shimmy. TSB 08-003-21; lift OK if within alignment spec Official record FCA TSB 08-003-21 Improved Steering Feel (NHTSA), 2021-01
• FCA attributed most steering-vibration reports to modifications such as lift kits and oversized tires, worn or damaged steering parts, and incorrect tire pressure or balance; NHTSA had more than 200 JL steering complaints at the time. >200 NHTSA complaints (Nov 2018) Manufacturer claim JL Jeep Wrangler Owners Report Feeling 'Death Wobble' at Highway Speeds (The Drive), 2018-11
• ExtremeTerrain lists the track bar (re-torque, about 125 ft-lb), worn ball joints (worse with larger tires and less backspacing) and tire imbalance as death-wobble causes, with ball-joint play limits of 1.5 mm radial / 1.25 mm axial. Its +4.2° factory caster target is not stated as JL-specific. Track bar ~125 ft-lb; ball joint 1.5/1.25 mm Retailer claim What Is Death Wobble? (ExtremeTerrain XT Tech Guides), 2026-03
• Shock Warehouse says a steering stabilizer can't fix a loose track bar, worn ball joints or bad alignment and can mask them; a lift changes caster and steering geometry, and larger tires amplify balance problems. Stabilizer masks, doesn't fix Retailer claim Can a Steering Stabilizer Fix Jeep Death Wobble? (Shock Warehouse), 2026-08
• AEV warns that on full-time or AWD-capable transfer cases, which have no front axle disconnect, the front driveshaft may see vibration and wear at higher speeds; it suggests an aftermarket double-cardan front driveshaft for some models. Manufacturer claim AEV 4" DualSport RT Suspension System for JL Wrangler 4-Door (AEV)
• AEV's brackets ($329) are made for 2-4.5 in lifts and are said to restore caster without cam bolts or adjustable arms, reduce bump steer and brake dive, and slightly reduce front driveshaft angle during travel. Standard on AEV's 2.5 in DualSport RT. $329; 2-4.5 in lifts Retailer claim AEV Stamped Geometry Correction Brackets; Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT (RubiTrux)
• Clayton notes factory caster is about 4 deg and the kit targets 5.5 deg; some vehicles may need upgraded front lower control arms to reach it, and less caster may cause 'a light or vague steering feel'. target caster 5.5 deg Manufacturer claim Jeep Wrangler 2.5" Ride Right Lift Kit (2018+, JL) (2 or 4 Door)
• Dana-sponsored THE SHOP article says replacing the factory driveshaft is generally advised with any lift and that at 2.5 in or more it 'quickly becomes a necessity'; vibration on acceleration or clunking calls for immediate action. Replacement 'necessity' at 2.5 in+ Manufacturer claim Upgraded Driveshafts Keep Jeeps on the Trail (THE SHOP, Dana-sponsored), 2020-09
• Reviewer Luis A. (3 stars) received an incomplete kit missing front sway bar links, a front shock extension and bump stop spacer hardware; he noted the front control arms are about 1/2in longer, which helps maintain caster. Quadratec shows 3.5/5 from 2 reviews. 3.5/5 (2 reviews) Owner report Daystar KJ09177KV 2in Spacer Lift Kit (Quadratec), 2022-10
• Reviewer Aaron C. reported more steering play and death wobble after the lift, especially in cold weather, which the steering damper campaign resolved. Another reviewer on 35 in Toyo MTs reported rubbing at max flex. Wobble fixed by damper campaign Owner report Reviews for Mopar 2" Lift Kit for 18-23 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited (Quadratec), 2020-01
• Owner reported more steering play and death wobble, especially in cold weather. It stopped after the factory steering-damper recall was done: 'no more wobble'. death wobble (resolved by recall) Owner report Reviews for Mopar 2" Lift Kit for JL Unlimited (Quadratec), 2020-01
• Owner had 'a lot of steering wheel shimmy' at certain speeds, like death wobble but 'WAY less severe'. He fixed it with more caster from adjustable lower control arms, saw a little over 1" of axle shift, and suggests track bars. steering shimmy; >1" axle shift Owner report Reviews for Mopar 2" Lift Kit for JL Unlimited (Quadratec), 2018-10
• Owner likes the kit on and off road but says that above about 3" 'The fixed lcas that come with kit aren't long enough' for good caster; recommends adjustable track bars and adjustable front control arms. Owner report Lift Kit suggestions (JLWranglerForums)
• Without a rear track bar relocation bracket the rear pinion contacts the gas tank at full stuff; the author recommends front and rear driveshafts with this lift and calls it overkill for 37in tires. Reviewer opinion JL JOURNAL - Bumping Up to a Rancho 3.5 Inch Lift (WAYALIFE), 2018-11
• Rancho says a taller spring pushes the control arm angle down and reduces front-axle caster, which can make a lifted Jeep wander; its JL/JT brackets lower the control arm mounts to restore caster for 2-4.5 in lifts. For 2-4.5 in lifts Manufacturer claim Solving Caster Problems on Lifted Jeep Wranglers & Gladiators (Rancho)

Sway bar links and the electronic disconnect

Longer travel asks more of the sway bar links, and Rubicons add an electronic front disconnect to work around.

• Quadratec says a lift does not void the whole factory warranty, but parts the kit replaces (springs, shocks, control arms, sway links, brake lines) aren't covered, and factory control arms, tie rod ends, ball joints and gearing affected by the lift or tire size can be denied. Lift-affected parts can be denied Retailer claim Will A Jeep Lift Kit Void My Warranty? (Quadratec), 2023-11
• Reviewer Luis A. (3 stars) received an incomplete kit missing front sway bar links, a front shock extension and bump stop spacer hardware; he noted the front control arms are about 1/2in longer, which helps maintain caster. Quadratec shows 3.5/5 from 2 reviews. 3.5/5 (2 reviews) Owner report Daystar KJ09177KV 2in Spacer Lift Kit (Quadratec), 2022-10
• MetalCloak says lifted Jeeps need longer sway bar links to keep the bar properly adjusted and keep it from flipping during articulation; its 2024+ links are made for the factory electronic sway bar ($54/pair). 12.25 in c-c; $54 Manufacturer claim Front JL/JT Sway Bar Link Extension Kit, 12.25", 2024+ (MetalCloak)
• Same owner notes front spring bow (a known criticism; he plans adjustable track bars), a knock from a sway bar link nut he had not torqued, and a speedometer reading off after the tire change. front spring bow Owner report First impressions of wheeling a JLUR with the 2" Mopar lift kit (JLWranglerForums)
• Install took about 8 hours versus the 2-3 hours listed; factory bolts had threadlocker, instructions omitted the 19mm socket/wrench for rear torque steps and did not say which steps were one-side only. His early kit lacked front sway link sleeves and bump stop spacers found in later versions. Steering was well aligned afterward. 8 hr install Owner report Rough Country 2.5 install report (JLWranglerForums post 92227)
• Synergy's longer adjustable links fit 0-4 in of lift; at 2 in or more they require a relocation bracket (8855-02 or 8855-11) and at least 2 in of front bump stop spacing. Manual disconnects may still be needed on Rubicons with a lot of down travel to keep the links from over-centering. 9.0-10.0 in links; $140 MSRP Manufacturer claim Synergy Jeep JL/JLU/JT Front Sway Bar Links
• Stock wheels cannot be reinstalled without spacers because of rear sway bar interference. Reviewers said the instructions were poor (one says they added at least 3 hours) and the shocks were not labeled front/rear; one reviewer said it fit a 2021 4xe despite the listed 4xe exclusion. 5 reviews Owner report Zone Offroad 3 Inch Lift Kit, Jeep Wrangler JL 4-Door (Zone Offroad), 2026-10

Brake lines and bump stops

Droop stretches brake lines, and a lift changes where the bump stops land.

• Quadratec says a lift does not void the whole factory warranty, but parts the kit replaces (springs, shocks, control arms, sway links, brake lines) aren't covered, and factory control arms, tie rod ends, ball joints and gearing affected by the lift or tire size can be denied. Lift-affected parts can be denied Retailer claim Will A Jeep Lift Kit Void My Warranty? (Quadratec), 2023-11
• Clayton's bracket raises the upper brake line mount about 2 in to keep factory lines clear of the control arms; it is recommended for 3-4 in lifts, included in Clayton's 3.5 in kits and optional for 2.5 in kits ($22/pair). +2 in mount; $22 Retailer claim Jeep Wrangler Stainless Steel Front Brake Line Bracket Extension 2018+ JL/JT (OK4WD)
• Reviewer Luis A. (3 stars) received an incomplete kit missing front sway bar links, a front shock extension and bump stop spacer hardware; he noted the front control arms are about 1/2in longer, which helps maintain caster. Quadratec shows 3.5/5 from 2 reviews. 3.5/5 (2 reviews) Owner report Daystar KJ09177KV 2in Spacer Lift Kit (Quadratec), 2022-10
• Jeep released a JPP 2 in lift ($1,495) 'tuned specifically for the Jeep Wrangler 4xe' with four springs, four FOX shocks, front lower control arms, stabilizer links and bump stops. Spring rates were not published. $1,495; 4xe-specific tune Manufacturer claim Jeep Wrangler 4xe lift kit (Autoblog), 2021-04
• The OP's BP-51 build used heavy-duty springs plus an adjustable front track bar, rear track bar bracket, Rancho front control arm brackets, adjustable rear arms, four OME trim packers and larger bump stops, which he said were needed to clear 40in tires. Owner report Old Man Emu BP-51 (JLwranglerforums thread)
• Reviewer Robert G. (2 stars) said install took about 8.5 hours with a lift and impact tools; front bump stop hardware did not fit, rear sway bar bolts were too large for the eyelet, and he needed two hardware-store trips. 8.5 hr install Owner report Reviews for Rough Country 2.5in Spacer Lift Kit for 18-24 Jeep Wrangler JL (Quadratec), 2021-06
• Install took about 8 hours versus the 2-3 hours listed; factory bolts had threadlocker, instructions omitted the 19mm socket/wrench for rear torque steps and did not say which steps were one-side only. His early kit lacked front sway link sleeves and bump stop spacers found in later versions. Steering was well aligned afterward. 8 hr install Owner report Rough Country 2.5 install report (JLWranglerForums post 92227)
• Rough Country sells a 392-specific 3.5 in kit ($1,099.95) whose coils match the 392's original spring rates, with control arm drop brackets, sway-bar links, bump stops and an adjustable front track bar. $1,099.95; OE-rate coils Manufacturer claim Rough Country's 3.5-inch lift kit for Wrangler Rubicon 392 now available (Mopar Insiders)
• Synergy's longer adjustable links fit 0-4 in of lift; at 2 in or more they require a relocation bracket (8855-02 or 8855-11) and at least 2 in of front bump stop spacing. Manual disconnects may still be needed on Rubicons with a lot of down travel to keep the links from over-centering. 9.0-10.0 in links; $140 MSRP Manufacturer claim Synergy Jeep JL/JLU/JT Front Sway Bar Links
• Same owner says the kit is not fully bolt-on: he drilled one hole in the rear track bar bracket and two in the front. The steering wheel was about 1/5 turn off center, and the solo install took about twice the stated time. He calls this about the maximum height before brake lines, locker cables and breathers need extending. Owner report Teraflex Sport ST3 3.5" Suspension Lift (Quadratec reviews), 2022-10

TSB 08-003-21 and factory alignment

This factory bulletin covers lifted Jeeps only when the alignment is within service specs.

• NHTSA PE19012 (frame welds and steering) closed Oct 29, 2023 without a recall. FCA attributed one wobble cause to air in the steering damper's base valve (addressed by CSN V41, June 2019); steering looseness was addressed by TSB 08-003-21 and loss of power steering by CSN Y95. PE19012 closed, no recall Official record NHTSA PE19012 closing resume, 2023-10
• TSB 08-003-21 'Improved Steering Feel' replaces the steering gear (and the track bar on JLs built on or before Jan 22, 2019) for wander, pull and excess play. Professionally lifted vehicles are eligible only if within service alignment specs, and the TSB will not fix a sustained shake or shimmy. TSB 08-003-21; lift OK if within alignment spec Official record FCA TSB 08-003-21 Improved Steering Feel (NHTSA), 2021-01

Warranty and gearing

Two questions that follow any lift: what the warranty still covers, and what gears the new tires need.

• RANDYS recommends 4.88 gears for a manual JLU on 35s: just over 2,000 rpm at 60 mph, about 350 rpm above stock cruise; 5.38s (~2,200 rpm cruise) for towing or heavy builds. New carriers are not required for the ratio change. 4.88 (5.38 for towing) Retailer claim Tales From The Tech Line: Re-Gearing A Jeep JLU Wrangler With 35-Inch Tires (RANDYS Worldwide), 2025-11
• Quadratec says a lift does not void the whole factory warranty, but parts the kit replaces (springs, shocks, control arms, sway links, brake lines) aren't covered, and factory control arms, tie rod ends, ball joints and gearing affected by the lift or tire size can be denied. Lift-affected parts can be denied Retailer claim Will A Jeep Lift Kit Void My Warranty? (Quadratec), 2023-11

RTI and CTI explained

RTI: Ramp Travel Index

Drive one front tire up a ramp until another tire starts to lift, then score the distance against wheelbase. A steeper ramp gives a different score, so compare only numbers from the same ramp angle.

• RTI = distance driven up the ramp (leading edge to hub center, before any wheel lifts) divided by wheelbase, times 1,000. The standard ramp is 20 degrees; some events use a steeper 23-degree ramp for very flexible vehicles. 20° standard; 23° for high-flex rigs Reviewer opinion The RTI Ramp (JeepFan.com), 2007-06
• Wikipedia describes RTI as distance up the ramp divided by wheelbase times 1000; ramps range from 15 to 30 degrees and 20 degrees is usually the standard, so scores from different ramp angles are not directly comparable. (d / wheelbase) x 1000 Reviewer opinion Ramp travel index (Wikipedia)

CTI: Corner Travel Index

CTI is MetalCloak's method, and every JL CTI number in this log comes from MetalCloak, including the scores it lists for competing kits. The log holds no independent JL CTI figure.

• MetalCloak defines CTI (Corner Travel Index) as a measure of maximum axle/wheel articulation at the four corners: add the articulated wheel travel of each tire in inches and multiply by 10. It says RTI scores cannot be used to predict CTI. CTI = sum of 4 corner travels (in) x 10 Manufacturer claim Updated! Corner Travel Index (CTI) - What's That? (MetalCloak), 2023-04
• US patent US10539484B2 (inventors Powell, Colacchia, Martin) defines CTI: tires at about 15 psi, raise one diagonal pair until the other pair is about to lift, measure each raised tire's clearance, repeat for the other diagonal. Complete CTI = (FPT+RDT+FDT+RPT) x 10; estimated CTI = (FPT+RDT) x 2 x 10. Complete CTI = 4 corners x 10; estimated = 2 corners x 2 x 10 Official record US10539484B2 - Systems and methods for measuring a corner travel index (Google Patents)
• 4 Wheels & A Motor says CTI measures maximum travel at each corner, with tires at 15 psi, and gives 'estimated' (two-wheel) and 'certified' (four-corner) formulas. A reader comment by Matson Breakey says his MetalCloak team developed the method. Estimated: (FPT+RDT) x 10 x 2; Certified: (FPT+RDT+FDT+RPT) x 10 Reviewer opinion Ask 4WAAM - Corner Travel Index (CTI), 2023-07
• MetalCloak says most stock Jeeps score 400-600 CTI depending on wheelbase and well-designed suspensions often exceed 900; larger tires can raise CTI with no change in suspension travel, and lift height alone does not determine CTI. Stock Jeeps 400-600; good systems 900+ Manufacturer claim What 14,000 CTI Tests Taught Us About Articulation (MetalCloak), 2026-03

Also in the log

• BlackDogMods says the Rubicon electronic disconnect locks out above a set speed, may refuse to disconnect or auto-reconnect once moving, and its exposed motor means a failure requires replacing the assembly; some owners fit manual links to a failed bar. Reviewer opinion Jeep Wrangler Sway Bar Disconnects: Which Type to Buy (BlackDogMods), 2026-08