How To Install A Lift Kit On A Jeep Gladiator Or Wrangler For Beginners
- Muddy Ruttzz
- Jul 25, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Jan 5
Our Gladiator Rubicon Ecodiesel was bottoming out on the Bump Stops. I had put on a steel bumper and winch, causing the stock Rubicon Fox Shocks to struggle with the extra weight. While it was somewhat disappointing, it provided a perfect opportunity to enhance the suspension. I opted for the Mopar 2" Lift Kit With Bilstein Remote Reservoir Shocks.
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Spent 3 Days in My Driveway Installing a Jeep Lift Kit
So, I decided to tackle this video for a pretty intense project all on my own—just like I usually do. It's not exactly a how-to video, but it might help you figure out if you're ready to take on the challenge of installing a Jeep Lift Kit. In the end, everything worked out perfectly, and now the Gladiator is running like a dream!
An Extremely Stylish Collectable Crate Packed With Lift Kit Components
The Mopar Kit is all about giving your Jeep that extra edge with some seriously cool components. They've got a kit for pretty much every vehicle and engine combo out there. Each coil spring and shock comes with its own part number that matches up with a specific corner of your Jeep, which is pretty neat! Plus, Jeep totally gets that sometimes you want to lift your ride. That’s why stock Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators come with an extra 2 inches in the brake lines, electrical lines, and differential breather tubes. So, you’re all set for a little adventure!
There's just something super exciting about cracking open your parts crate and seeing what goodies are inside! If you're looking to lift your Jeep, you’ll need a few essentials: new coil springs, shocks, control arms, bump stop extensions, sway bar links, and of course, some installation instructions. I put together an unboxing video—kind of like a show and tell—so you can check out all the awesome parts in the cool Mopar parts crate. You can watch that video right here on YouTube.
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Download The Installation Instructions That Mopar Has Made Available link
You know, I wasn’t really familiar with front end components, so I had to take my time reading through the instructions to get a handle on things. Honestly, they felt more like a guide for a mechanic who could read between the lines based on their experience. Since I didn’t have any background with this kind of project, it was a bit of a challenge. But hey, if I ever decide to install another lift, I’d definitely tackle it differently now that I’ve learned a thing or two!
One thing I will say is verify the torque specifications because they left much to be desired. Correct torque is essential for both performance and safety.
A Few Tools You Will Need To Install A Mopar Jeep Lift Kit Or Any Other One You Might Choose
I own lots of tools but I needed to buy more.
Some Tools I Already Had In My Garage
Set of Metric wrenches up to 24 mm
Metric socket set 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drive up to 24 mm sockets
Metric Allen Wrenches
75 lbs torque wrench
Lug nut torque wrench
Impact drill motor
Some Tools I had To Buy
200 lbs 1/2" drive torque wrench (Control Arms Torque 185 foot pounds)
Floor Jack that has ability to lift tall vehicle
Jack Stands that will safely hold the vehicle up
1/2" Breaker Bar - long for leverage (mine was cheap and too flexible)
This list is not by any means complete.
Working In The Driveway Is More Difficult - Working On Any Vehicle On Jack Stands Is Inherently Dangerous (Safety Tips)
When working in a driveway, I make sure to place the removed tire under the vehicle for added safety in case it falls. In my area, it's not safe to leave the vehicle on stands with the tires off. It's preferable to have access to a garage where the whole vehicle can be lifted and kept that way until the work is completed. Using a lift is the optimal choice. Great Torque Wrench Is Required.
Loosening And Tightening Bolts On Control Arms And Track Bar: Step 1 Of The Lift Install Process (Proper Torque Wrench Usage)
It takes some strength to lie beneath the vehicle and tighten the bolts with 185 foot pounds of torque. It's also a chance to scrape some knuckles. It's a bit daring for a man in his sixties to do this.
Using Jacks to Support Both Sides of the Front Axle
Having a jack on each side of the solid axle serves to protect the drive shaft and other components from damage. This setup also enables you to adjust the axle by raising and lowering each side as required, which is essential for removing and installing coil springs. A Jack That Goes High Enough To Lift A Lifted Vehicle
Dismantling the Original Suspension Parts: Getting Ready to Install New Suspension Components (Learn About Jeep Suspension)
To start, unplug the Differential Electric Connector, free up the additional 2 inches of Brake Line included in the Jeep, and detach a clip from the Diff Breather Tube. Afterward, you'll be able to safely remove the sway bar link, shock, and lower the axle without causing any harm to them.
Lower Control Arms Are First New Parts To Get Installed
When compared directly, as shown in the first picture above, the new Lower Control Arms don't seem significantly different from the stock ones. Ensure that you have already loosened the bolts that connect the Axle Side and Frame Side. By utilizing the jack to raise and lower the axle, along with my drift pins and hammer, I could easily align the holes and attach the bolts.
Front Springs Are Next To Get Installed
The new coil springs are progressive, unlike the old ones which may not be. Additionally, the new springs are 2 inches longer due to the 2-inch lift. Progressive springs become firmer as they compress more, while still offering a relatively comfortable ride.
You have to reuse the upper coil spring isolators. I secured them in place using blue painters tape during the spring installation. Double-sided tape was used on the rear (better idea.) The fourth picture illustrates the process of installing the spring. Remember to insert the new Bump Stop Extension into the coil before installing the spring.
Hit A "Bump In The Road" Installing The Front Bump Stop Extensions
Front Bump Stop Extensions turned into a nightmare to install. Seriously, I thought I was assembling IKEA furniture blindfolded! It was so bad, I had to create this separate video just to explain it—because if I didn’t, I might have ended up in a witness protection program for tools gone rogue!
Note On Installing The Bilsteins Shock Reservoir On The Frame (Why Reservoir Shocks?)
Encountered a further setback during the installation of the bracket for the Shock Reservoir on the frame. The kit is designed to use existing holes. However, one of the nutserts provided was too small for the designated hole in the frame. After searching through my collection of rivnuts, I managed to find only 2 of the appropriate size. I used my rivnut tool to set them in place and finished the installation successfully.
New springs, shock absorbers with reservoirs, sway bar links, bump stop extensions installed on passenger and driver side.
Time To Install New Suspension On Rear Of Gladiator
Rear Installation Is Of The Bilstein 2" Lift: Much The Same As The Front But Easier
Once the Gladiator has been lifted and placed on stands, the next step is to loosen the bolts securing the track bar, upper control arms, and lower control arms. Support the rear axle on both sides, then proceed to remove the stock springs, sway bar link, and shocks.
In the Gladiator, the Rear Coil Spring is positioned within the Coil Spring Retainer at the top. The Rubber Coils Spring Isolator is retained for reuse. This component serves to avoid direct metal contact, provides cushioning for the spring, and ensures correct positioning.
Installing the new spring and holding the isolator simultaneously is not feasible. To overcome this challenge, I resolved the issue by utilizing double-sided tape to secure it in position. Upon closer inspection, you will notice the rubber pin that aligns with a hole on the retainer to ensure correct placement.
The New Progressive Rear Spring
New spring is stout looking and it is easy to see the tightly wound coils at the top that make it progressive.
Removing and Hanging The Brake Caliper
In order to lower the rear axle sufficiently to install the new longer coil spring, I needed to take off the brake caliper. Otherwise, the brake lines would have been too taut.
New Coil Spring Installed
After lowering one side and raising the other side the the axle I was able shoe horn the new spring in using a flat bar.
Ready To Install The New Bilstein Shock
Rear shock reservoir piggybacks on to the shock with a nicely made aluminum bracket.
2" Bump Stop Extension Bolts On To The Existing Bump Stop
The black rectangle in the photo is the new bump stop extension.
Installation Complete: Looks Totally Awesome
New coil spring, Bilstein Shock, sway bar end link and bump stop extension installed on passenger and driver side of Gladiator.
Time To Re-Torque Track Bar and Control Arm Bolts
After putting the tires back on and lowering the Jeep Gladiator to the ground, I can now begin retightening all the bolts that I had previously loosened. Some of the bolts require a torque of 185 foot pounds. I had to buy a longer 1/2" drive wrench to provide more leverage. The blue cam strap is holding my backup wrench freeing up both hands to tighten the bolts.
Jeep Looks Great And The 35" Tires Have More Room For Articulation: Roughly 2 1/2" Taller With A 2" Lift
Took the Gladiator for a ride and it drove pretty well although the steering wheel was not longer centered. No problem, it was going to my local 4X4 shop for a alignment. After alignment the Gladiator just felt like a whole new vehicle. Huge upgrade from the stock Fox Shocks that came on the Rubicon model Gladiator.
Instruction manual had a page with new alignment specs. According to the shop they were not for this truck. Fortunately they knew the proper specs.
2550 Mile Test Of The New Lift Towing Our Trailer
Lift kit installed, we hooked up our Exventure XV-3 and drove from Norther California to Las Cruces New Mexico. Awesome performance. Jeep just felt so much better.
A Quick List Of Steps Required To Install A Lift Kit On A Jeep Gladiator Or Wrangler JL
Jack up the vehicle and set it safely on jack stands or a lift
Remove tires
Loosen Track Bar and Control Arm Bolts
Remove electrical connectors on differential and remove zip ties from brake and electrical lines to free extra 2" Jeep provides.
Remove stock components
Install new components
Re-attach electrical connectors
Re-install tires
Re-torque all bolts that were loosed to Mopar specs
Test drive and get a alignment
Enjoy your lifted Jeep
Conclusion:
You know, I decided to go for the Mopar 2" Lift Kit because my Gladiator was hitting the bump stops after I added that awesome Warn Bumper and Winch. Let’s be real, the extra weight was just too much for the stock Fox Shocks. I needed some extra clearance for those off-road adventures!
Filming the whole project was a great way to keep myself motivated. But let me tell you, trying to tackle this solo in my driveway—both installing and filming—was no walk in the park. It took me nearly three full days to wrap it up! At 63, I found myself really questioning my life choices. I mean, why was I crawling under a vehicle when I could have just hired someone to do it?
Even with a few hiccups along the way, I managed to pull off the installation and the video. Honestly, it felt like a huge win! Not only did I pick up some solid knowledge and confidence, but I also formed a stronger bond with my Gladiator Ecodiesel. It was totally worth it!
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