Are you looking to elevate your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk’s off-road performance? Adding a lift kit can improve your vehicle’s ground clearance, suspension, and overall look. But with so many other rear kit options available on the market, finding the right one can be overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve put together this article to help you make an informed decision. In this article, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about lift kits for the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, including their benefits, types, price and reviews of the best ones in the market.
What is a lift kit, and why do you need it?
A lift kit is a modification that raises the height of a vehicle’s chassis, providing additional ground clearance. Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk owners often choose to install lift kits for off-road adventures, as it allows them to navigate more challenging terrain without damaging the undercarriage or suspension.
A lift kit can also accommodate larger tires, which improves traction and stability on uneven terrain. Additionally, a lift kit enhances the overall look of your vehicle, giving it a more aggressive and rugged appearance.
Why Install a Lift Kit on Your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk?
Before we dive into the different types of lift kits available, let’s first understand why you would want to add a lift kit to your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Here are some of the benefits of installing a lift kit:
Improved Off-Road Performance
A lift kit can improve your vehicle’s off-road capabilities by providing more ground clearance. This allows you to tackle tougher terrains without damaging your undercarriage.
Better Suspension
A lift kit can also improve your vehicle’s suspension, which results in a smoother ride. It can help your car absorb shock and reduce the impact of bumps and potholes on the road.
Better Visibility
Raising your Jeep’s ride height also improves your visibility on the road, giving you a better view of your surroundings and potentially avoiding hazards.
Enhanced Style
Let’s be honest, a lifted Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk just looks cool. A lift kit can give your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk a more aggressive and rugged look, making it stand out on the road. It’s a great way to stand out from the crowd and show off your unique style
Improved Off-Road Performance
With more ground clearance, you’ll be able to take on tougher trails and obstacles without bottoming out. Lift kits also give your Jeep more suspension travel, which helps to absorb impacts and keep your wheels in contact with the ground.
Types of lift kits
There are two main types of lift kits available for the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk: body lifts and suspension lifts.
Body Lift Kits
Body lifts raise the body of the vehicle without altering the suspension system. Body lift kits are the more affordable and less invasive option.
They lift the body of your vehicle by a few inches, giving the illusion of more ground clearance. However, they do not improve your vehicle’s suspension or off-road performance.
Suspension Lift Kits
Suspension lifts, on the other hand, modify the vehicle’s suspension components, resulting in higher ground clearance and improved off-road performance.
Suspension lifts are further classified into three types:
Coil spring lifts.
Leaf spring lifts.
And spacer lifts.
Coil spring lifts use longer springs to raise the vehicle’s height, while leaf spring lifts add extra leaves to the existing leaf springs installed. Spacer lifts are the most affordable option and use spacers to increase the height of the vehicle.
Suspension lift kits are the more expensive and invasive option. They lift the entire vehicle by replacing the stock suspension with taller and more robust components. This improves both the vehicle’s off-road performance and suspension.
Top Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk lift kits
Here are the details of some of the best lift kits for Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk:
Rough Country 2-inch Suspension Lift Kit
Rough Country’s 2-inch Suspension Lift Kit package is an ideal option for Jeep Cherokee KL owners who want to improve their vehicle’s appearance and performance. This lift kit provides an extra 2-inch lift ground clearance and a more aggressive look while keeping the factory ride quality intact.
One of the standout features of this lift kit is the ability to fit larger tires (upto 32-inch) on select platforms. The kit includes front, and lower strut spacers and rear spacer product specs, as well as a brake line and ABS line relocation system built into the front end of the strut spacer.
Additionally, the kit’s bolt-on installation process makes upgrading your vehicle’s performance a breeze. Furthermore, Rough Country offers a Lifetime Replacement Guarantee for added assurance.
It’s important to note that this lift kit is not compatible with certain models, such as 2019+ Trailhawk and 2022 Jeep Cherokee X models, models with aftermarket struts, or models with Active Drive Lock. AD1 models can use up to a 245/70R17, while AD2/Trailhawk models can use up to a 255/70R17.
Overall, the Rough Country 2-inch Suspension Lift Kit is a reliable and practical investment for Jeep Cherokee KL owners looking to enhance their vehicle’s height and style while still retaining its factory ride quality.
TeraFlex Performance Spacer Lift Kit
For Jeep SUV owners seeking a budget-friendly way to raise their vehicle without extensive modifications, TeraFlex’s Performance Spacer Lift Kits are an excellent choice. These kits provide maximum lift while preventing premature IFS failure, and they don’t compromise factory handling and suspension control for a balanced highway ride.
The lift kit includes 2″ Lift Front Strut Spacers and 2″ Lift Rear Angled Spring Spacers, both made from 6061-T6 billet aluminum to withstand corrosion from the elements. Additionally, the kit features Rear Shock Relocation Brackets that allow for more down travel compared to other kits.
Other notable features of the TeraFlex Performance Spacer Lift Kit include Eco-Guard mounting hardware that passes a 1,000-hour salt spray corrosion test and maintains correct wheel offset. This lift kit fits 2014+ KL Cherokee models and 2019+ KL Cherokee models with Off-Road Suspension.
If you’re looking to expand your Jeep’s backcountry exploration capabilities without sacrificing factory handling, the TeraFlex Performance Spacer Lift Kit is an excellent option. With a 2″ lift height, you can fit tires up to 245/75 R17 without trimming or 255/75R17 with modifications.
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The MFC Lift Kit
The MFC Lift Kit is a reliable and durable lift kit that improves both the performance and looks of your Jeep Cherokee. Careful consideration has been taken to ensure the lift kit maintains body geometry, safety, CV angles, and drive-line components.
The result is improved off-road capabilities, with ground clearance, approach, break-over, and departure angles comparable to class-leading off-road vehicles.
The lift kit includes brake-line relocation brackets installed, which eliminate the possibility of your brake lines coming loose, rubbing on your tires or driveline, and creating a dangerous situation. MFC Offroad guarantees that all aspects of the MFC Lift will never fail, break, or crush under the weight of the vehicle under normal use both on and off-road.
The lift kit provides a 2-inch lift over factory height on all four corners of your 2014+ Cherokee. It also provides 10.7 inches of clearance on stock tires on a Trailhawk, 10.2 inches of clearance for an AD2 with stock tires, and 9.1 inches of clearance for the AD1 with stock tires. The lift kit also allows the fitment of up to 32-inch tires on your Cherokee with trimming.
The complete kit includes four adjustable billet aluminum front strut spacers, two billet aluminum rear spring spacers, a brake line, ABS line, and speed sensor line relocation brackets, factory bolts, nuts, and set screws for correct clocking of the rear spacer front kit. You can also choose to purchase either the front kit or the rear kit separately.
Overall, the MFC Lift Kit is a great choice for anyone looking to improve the off-road capabilities of their Jeep Cherokee without compromising safety or handling.
Factors to consider when choosing a lift kit for Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
If you’re looking to take your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk to the next level, a lift kit is a must-have accessory. Not only will it give your ride a more aggressive look, but it will also improve its off-road performance. But with so many options available, choosing the right lift kit can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Type of driving
The first factor to consider when choosing a lift kit for your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is the type of driving you’ll be doing. If you plan to do a lot of off-roading, you’ll want a lift kit that can handle the terrain. If you’ll mostly be driving on-road, a smaller lift kit may be sufficient.
Budget
Another important factor to consider is your budget. Lift kits can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. You’ll want to find a lift kit that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.
Desired lift height
The height of your lift kit is also an important consideration. The higher the lift, the more clearance you’ll have for off-roading. However, a higher lift can also affect your vehicle’s center of gravity and handling.
Quality of components
When choosing a lift kit, you’ll want to ensure that the lifting components are high-quality and durable. Look for lift kits made from materials such as steel or aluminum, which can withstand the rigors of off-roading.
Compatibility with other modifications
If you’ve already made modifications to your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, such as adding larger tires or a suspension system, you’ll want to review it to ensure that your lift kit is compatible with those modifications.
Tire Size and Type
The size and type of tires you plan to use with your lift kit will also affect your decision. Be sure to choose a lift kit that can accommodate the tire size and type you want. wheel alignment is very important too.
Suspension System
Your lift kit will also affect your vehicle’s suspension system. Make sure you choose a lift kit that is compatible with your suspension system to ensure optimal performance.
Performance Upgrades
If you’re looking to upgrade your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk’s performance, you may want to consider a lift kit purchase that includes performance upgrades such as shocks or sway bars.
Legal Considerations
Finally, it’s important to consider any legal requirements for lift kits in your area. Some states have restrictions on lift height, so be sure to check local laws before making your decision.
So, choosing the right lift kit for your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk can be a daunting task, but considering these factors can help you make an informed decision. With the right lift kit, you can upgrade your ride with style and take on any off-road challenge with confidence.
Conclusion
Adding a lift kit to your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk can significantly enhance its off-road capabilities, providing better clearance and improved traction. With so many lift kits available in the market, it’s crucial to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
FAQs
How does a lift kit improve the performance of my Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk?
A lift kit increases ground clearance, approach, break-over, and departure angles, allowing you to tackle rough terrain more effectively. It also allows for larger tire sizes, improving off-road traction.
What size tires can I run with a lift kit on my Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk?
The size of tires that can be run with a lift kit depends on the specific kit and the amount of lift provided. Typically, a 2-inch lift kit can accommodate up to 32-inch tires.
Can I install a lift kit on my Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk myself, or do I need a professional installer?
Installing a lift kit on your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk can be a challenging task, and it is recommended to have a professional installer perform the installation.
What are some potential downsides to installing a lift kit on my Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk?
Some potential downsides include a harsher ride, increased wind noise, decreased fuel economy, and potential issues with alignment, steering, and suspension components.
Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of when driving a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with a lift kit?
Yes, it is important to be aware of potential safety concerns such as increased rollover risk, reduced stability, and altered braking performance. It is recommended to drive cautiously and adjust your driving style to the changes made by the lift kit.
