Hey guys! Thinking about beefing up your i99 Jeep Grand Cherokee? A lift kit is the way to go! Not only does it give your ride a more aggressive look, but it also seriously improves its off-road capabilities. Let's dive into everything you need to know about choosing the perfect lift kit for your i99 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Why Lift Your i99 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

First off, why even bother with a lift kit? Well, there are a bunch of awesome reasons. Primarily, off-roading becomes a whole new game. With increased ground clearance, you can tackle tougher trails without worrying about scraping the undercarriage of your Jeep. Plus, you get to fit larger tires, which means better traction and an even more imposing stance. Let's break down the key benefits:

• Increased Ground Clearance: Say goodbye to those nerve-wracking moments when you're creeping over rocks and logs. A lift kit gives you the extra space you need to clear obstacles with confidence.
• Larger Tires: Bigger tires aren't just for show. They improve your Jeep's ability to grip the terrain, making it easier to navigate mud, sand, and rocky surfaces. The visual upgrade is a nice bonus, too!
• Improved Off-Road Performance: Combining increased ground clearance and larger tires results in a significantly more capable off-road machine. You'll be able to go places you never thought possible.
• Aggressive Look: Let's be honest, a lifted Jeep looks awesome. It gives your Grand Cherokee a commanding presence on the road and sets it apart from the crowd. You will definitely turn heads wherever you go with a taller, meaner-looking Jeep.

Types of Lift Kits for the i99 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Okay, so you're sold on the idea of lifting your Jeep. Now, what kind of kit should you get? There are several types available, each with its own pros and cons. The right choice depends on your budget, how you plan to use your Jeep, and how much lift you're looking for. Let's explore the main options:

Spacer Lift Kits

Spacer lift kits are the most budget-friendly option. They involve installing spacers on top of your existing coil springs to lift the body of your Jeep. These kits are great for achieving a modest lift (usually 1-3 inches) without breaking the bank. They're relatively easy to install and don't require replacing any major suspension components.

Pros:

• Affordable: Spacer lifts are the cheapest way to lift your Jeep.
• Easy Installation: Most spacer kits can be installed with basic tools and mechanical knowledge.
• Maintains Factory Ride Quality: Since you're using your stock suspension, the ride quality remains largely unchanged.

Cons:

• Limited Lift Height: Spacer lifts typically only provide a small amount of lift.
• Doesn't Improve Off-Road Performance: While you get more ground clearance, the suspension's articulation and travel remain the same.
• Can Cause Suspension Wear: Over time, using spacers can put extra stress on your factory suspension components.

Coil Spring Lift Kits

Coil spring lift kits replace your factory coil springs with longer, stiffer springs. This provides a higher lift than spacer kits (usually 2-4 inches) and improves your Jeep's off-road performance. Coil spring kits often include other components like longer shocks to accommodate the increased ride height.

Pros:

• Increased Lift Height: Coil spring kits offer more lift than spacer kits.
• Improved Off-Road Performance: The longer springs allow for greater suspension travel and articulation.
• Better Ride Quality: Upgraded springs can improve ride quality compared to worn-out factory springs.

Cons:

• More Expensive: Coil spring kits cost more than spacer kits.
• More Complex Installation: Installation requires more time and effort than spacer kits.
• Can Affect Ride Quality: Stiffer springs can make the ride feel firmer on the road.

Complete Suspension Lift Kits

Complete suspension lift kits are the most comprehensive option. These kits replace virtually all of your Jeep's suspension components, including coil springs, shocks, control arms, and sometimes even steering components. Complete kits offer the highest lift heights (3 inches or more) and provide the most significant improvement in off-road performance.

Pros:

• Maximum Lift Height: Complete kits allow for the highest possible lift.
• Superior Off-Road Performance: Upgraded suspension components provide the best possible articulation and control.
• Improved Ride Quality: High-quality components can dramatically improve ride quality both on and off-road.

Cons:

• Most Expensive: Complete suspension kits are the priciest option.
• Most Complex Installation: Installation requires advanced mechanical skills and specialized tools.
• Can Significantly Alter Handling: The changes to the suspension can affect the way your Jeep handles on the road.

Choosing the Right Lift Kit for Your i99 Jeep Grand Cherokee

So, how do you decide which lift kit is right for you? Here are some factors to consider:

• Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a lift kit? Spacer kits are the most affordable, while complete suspension kits are the most expensive.
• Intended Use: How do you plan to use your Jeep? If you mostly drive on the road with occasional off-roading, a spacer or coil spring kit may be sufficient. If you're a serious off-roader, a complete suspension kit is the way to go.
• Lift Height: How much lift do you want? Consider the size of tires you want to run and the type of terrain you'll be tackling. A smaller lift (1-2 inches) is fine for mild off-roading, while a larger lift (3 inches or more) is needed for more challenging trails.
• Installation Skills: How comfortable are you with installing the lift kit yourself? Spacer kits are the easiest to install, while complete suspension kits require more advanced skills.
• Ride Quality: How important is ride quality to you? Spacer kits maintain the factory ride quality, while coil spring and complete suspension kits can alter the ride feel.

Installation Tips for Your i99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Lift Kit

Alright, you've picked out your lift kit! Now it's time to get it installed. Here are some tips to make the process go smoothly:

• Read the Instructions: This might seem obvious, but it's crucial to read the installation instructions carefully before you start. Make sure you understand each step and have all the necessary tools.
• Gather Your Tools: Before you begin, gather all the tools you'll need for the job. This might include sockets, wrenches, a torque wrench, a jack, jack stands, and possibly some specialized tools like a spring compressor.
• Work in a Safe Environment: Choose a well-lit, level surface to work on. Use jack stands to support the Jeep securely before you start removing any suspension components.
• Take Your Time: Don't rush the installation process. Take your time and double-check your work to ensure everything is installed correctly.
• Get Help if Needed: If you're not comfortable with any part of the installation, don't hesitate to get help from a professional mechanic.
• Torque Everything to Spec: Use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts and nuts to the manufacturer's specifications. This is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of your suspension.
• Get an Alignment: After installing the lift kit, it's essential to get a wheel alignment. This will ensure that your tires wear evenly and that your Jeep handles properly.

Top Lift Kit Brands for the i99 Jeep Grand Cherokee

When it comes to lift kits, there are several reputable brands to choose from. Here are some of the top names in the industry:

• Rough Country: Known for their affordable and durable lift kits, Rough Country offers a wide range of options for the i99 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
• TeraFlex: TeraFlex is a premium brand that specializes in high-performance suspension systems. Their lift kits are designed for serious off-road enthusiasts.
• Superlift: Superlift offers a variety of lift kits for different budgets and needs. Their kits are known for their quality and performance.
• Old Man Emu (OME): OME is an Australian brand that focuses on providing comfortable and capable suspension systems. Their lift kits are designed for both on-road and off-road use.
• Daystar: Daystar is a popular brand that offers a range of lift kits and suspension components. Their kits are known for their easy installation and good value.

Common Issues and How to Troubleshoot Them

Even with careful installation, you might encounter some issues after lifting your i99 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

• Vibrations: Vibrations can be caused by an incorrect driveline angle. This can often be resolved by installing a transfer case drop kit or adjustable control arms.
• Steering Problems: Steering issues can be caused by changes to the steering geometry. This can be fixed by installing a new steering stabilizer or adjustable track bar.
• Tire Rubbing: Tire rubbing can occur if your tires are too large for the amount of lift you have. You may need to trim the fenders or install wheel spacers to resolve this issue.
• Ride Quality Issues: Ride quality problems can be caused by stiff springs or shocks. Consider upgrading to softer springs or adjustable shocks to improve the ride.

Maintaining Your Lifted i99 Jeep Grand Cherokee

To keep your lifted Jeep running smoothly, it's important to perform regular maintenance. Here are some tips:

• Inspect Suspension Components: Regularly inspect your suspension components for signs of wear or damage. This includes checking the shocks, springs, control arms, and bushings.
• Check Alignment: Get your wheels aligned regularly, especially after off-roading. This will help prevent premature tire wear.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Lubricate all moving parts, such as ball joints and tie rod ends, to keep them functioning properly.
• Clean Your Undercarriage: After off-roading, clean the undercarriage of your Jeep to remove mud, dirt, and debris. This will help prevent corrosion.

Conclusion

Lifting your i99 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a fantastic way to improve its off-road capabilities and give it a more aggressive look. By choosing the right lift kit and following the installation tips, you can transform your Jeep into a true off-road machine. Remember to consider your budget, intended use, and installation skills when selecting a lift kit. And don't forget to perform regular maintenance to keep your lifted Jeep running smoothly for years to come. Happy Jeeping!