What to Expect When You Lift Your Jeep

Real-World Consequences of Lifting a Jeep Wrangler

Quick Answer: What happens when you lift a Jeep?

Lifting your Jeep increases ground clearance and off-road capability, but it also changes gearing, driveline angles, steering geometry, braking, fuel economy, and suspension wear. A proper lift requires supporting upgrades like gearing, brake lines, driveshafts, alignment, and regular inspections to stay safe and reliable.

35's  Falcon Wildpeaks

Lifting a Jeep: More Than Just Bigger Tires

Lifting your Jeep opens the door to bigger tires, tougher trails, and improved capability but it also introduces mechanical changes many Jeep owners don’t expect.

On Episode 14 of the Off-Road Insiders Podcast, What to Expect when you lift your Jeep, my co-host Nate and I break down what really happens after you lift your Jeep beyond looks and stance. I’ve lived this firsthand after lifting my Jeep and running 35” tires for years as a daily driver and trail rig.

If you’re considering a lift, here’s what you need to know before you spend the money.

Must-Do Mods When You Lift Your Jeep

1. Gearing

Larger tires change your Jeep’s effective gear ratio. Without proper gearing, your Jeep may feel sluggish, struggle on hills, and stress the drivetrain.

Why it matters:
Correct gearing restores torque, drivability, and transmission health especially with 35s or larger.

2. Speedometer Calibration

Tire size changes cause inaccurate speed readings.

Fix:
Recalibrate using a programmer or aftermarket solution so your speed, mileage, and shift points are accurate.

3. Brake Lines

A lift can overextend factory brake lines.

Upgrade:
Extended or stainless steel brake lines improve safety and durability especially when flexing off-road.

4. Fuel Economy

Expect a drop in MPG.

Real-world example:
I went from 16 MPG to 13 MPG after lifting and running 35s. Not a deal-breaker for me but it matters for daily drivers.

Driveline Issues (This One Surprises People)

Front Driveshaft Failure

Factory JK/JKU front driveshafts use a Rzeppa joint with a rubber boot. Lifting the Jeep increases angles and flex, causing the boot to crack.

What happens next:

• Grease leaks

• Joint fails

• Driveshaft replacement becomes unavoidable

Worse yet, lifted Jeeps can cause the OEM driveshaft to contact the exhaust, creating additional heat and wear issues.

Driveshaft Issues from a Jeep Lift.

More Driveshaft issues from a Jeep Lift. 

Ball Joints Wear Faster

Bigger tires add leverage and stress.

My experience:
After lifting and running 35s, my ball joints failed after about 3 years of wheeling and highway driving. Aftermarket replacements cost me ~$600 and took 500 miles to properly seat (not fun).

👉 Lesson learned: OEM isn’t always the wrong choice.

Suspension & Steering Geometry

Adjustable Components Matter

After lifting, geometry changes require:

• Adjustable track bar

• Adjustable control arms

Without them, you’ll experience wandering, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.

C-Gussets & Axle Reinforcement

Lifts increase stress on axle C-ends.

Recommended upgrades:

• Welded C-gussets

• Reinforced shock mounts

• Beefier control arm brackets

These upgrades help prevent expensive axle damage—especially if you wheel rocks.

Alignment Is Not Optional

A professional alignment after lifting is critical.

Why:

• Prevents uneven tire wear

• Restores handling

• Detects geometry problems early

Regular alignments also help identify worn components before failure.

On-Road Driving Changes

Lifting improves off-road performance but can introduce:

• Increased body roll

• Slower steering response

• Reduced aerodynamics

Adjust your driving style accordingly.

Garage Clearance (Ask Me How I Know 😅)

Your Jeep’s height changes especially with a Sunrider or soft top partially open.

Real mistake:
I repeatedly forgot my top was up and scraped it on the garage door. That damage adds up fast.

Must-Do Regular Checks After a Lift

Lifted Jeeps require ongoing inspection, not just install-and-forget but Regular maintenance.

At-Home Tire Play Checks

With the suspension unloaded:

• 12 & 6 o’clock → ball joints

• 3 & 9 o’clock → tie rods

• Pry bar under tire → joint movement

In my case, what looked like a tie rod issue turned out to be a wallowed-out steering knuckle which required replacement.

Final Thoughts: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Lifting your Jeep can unlock incredible capability but it also increases maintenance, costs, and responsibility.

A lift isn’t just about height—it’s about:

• Supporting mods

• Preventative maintenance

• Honest expectations

Done right, a lifted Jeep is incredibly capable. Done poorly, it can drain your bank account fast.

Want More Jeep Education?

👉 Explore my Jeep Maintenance Guide, Must Do Mods When You Lift Your Jeep
👉 Watch my Top 5 Suspension Fail