Lift Kits For Jeep Liberty – Types, Costs, Install, And More!

If you own a Jeep Liberty, then you may want to install a lift kit. Beforehand, you should research lift kits for Jeep Liberty including types, costs, installation, and more.

Many Jeep Liberty owners ultimately decide to install a lift kit on their vehicles. Whether it be because they want to install larger tires, they like the look, or they are avid off-road enthusiasts, a lift kit can help to prevent damage to your tires, wheel wells, and fenders by ensuring that no rubbing occurs. But, how do you know what size lift kit you should install and which brands offer the best products at the most reasonable prices? 

Lift Kits For A Jeep Liberty

Before you buy a lift kit for your Jeep Liberty, you should consult with your mechanic about what size is best for your vehicle. After you know what size is best, then you should purchase a BDS Suspension, Rough Country, or Supreme Suspension lift kit to ensure the highest quality at the best prices. 

The size of the lift kit that you should consider installing depends on the size of your tires. Do you want to keep the stock tires on your Jeep or do you want to upgrade to a larger tire size? Larger tire sizes on the Jeep Liberty will most likely require a lift of a couple of inches or more. 

Once you decide what size lift you want to purchase, where should you make your purchase? Which brands should you consider? How much should you be prepared to spend? Can you simply install a coil spacer kit rather than a complete lift kit with all-new shocks and coils? These are fairly common questions that Jeep owners have before they install their first lift kit. 

That is why we are going to address these questions and more while at the same time giving product suggestions for a variety of lift kit sizes as well suggestions for lift kits that are considered some of the best available for purchase in the United States.

To find the best lift kits for the Jeep Liberty, we have browsed many of the most popular auto part retailers in the country to see what kinds of offerings they have available for a variety of different scenarios. We researched an insane number of lift kit products to find the best of the best. 

Additionally, we have selected products specifically for the Jeep Liberty based on tire size and whether only a coil spacer kit is needed or a complete lift kit should be installed. We have also viewed the blogs and Youtube videos of many Jeep Liberty owners who have already completed the process and who have documented their journey. 

By reviewing the documented processes that these Jeep Liberty owners have gone through, we can get a truthful perspective on what works, what doesn’t work, and which products are the highest quality and the easiest to install. 

What tire size does your Jeep Liberty have?

One of the most important determining factors for what size and type of lift kit you should purchase is the size of your tires. The stock tires on a Jeep Liberty are designed to perfectly fit within your wheel well to prevent rubbing and potentially damaging your fenders, tires, and other key components of your Jeep. Having the wrong size tires on your vehicle can be quite troublesome. 

Engineers have spent a lot of time designing and calculating the optimal tire size for your vehicle based on suspension components, fender liners, body panels, and more. Sometimes you can safely install larger tires on your vehicle without the new of a lift kit, however, it is strongly recommended that you install a lift kit to put on larger tires, even if you do not have to.

Also, depending on the size of the tire, sometimes you will have no other choice but to install a lift kit yourself or to have one installed professionally. 

Although the Jeep Liberty is not as well-known as the Jeep Wrangler or the Jeep Grand Cherokee for its off-roading capabilities, a Jeep Liberty with larger tires and a lift kit could potentially perform just as well as other Jeep models when it comes to off-roading and unpaved trail driving.

The Jeep Liberty contains enough throttle and momentum to easily drive through gulleys, hillocks, streams, and uneven and rocky terrain.

Also, if also plan to drive your Jeep Liberty to and from work and for everyday driving, although a solid axle is better in off-road conditions, the independent front suspension of the Jeep Liberty provides a much smoother ride for everyday driving on paved roads and highways. 

Another thing that is important to note is that you can put a lift kit on your Jeep even if you want to keep the stock tires. There are numerous benefits to having a lift kit that can be enjoyed without the need of putting on larger tires. However, based on the tire size you have, some lift kits may be better than others. 

You should know your current tire size or desired tire size before purchasing a lift kit. Here is a breakdown of the stock tire sizes that come on a Jeep Liberty based on year and model. 

The Jeep Liberty was only offered from 2002 to 2012. 

• 2002 Jeep Liberty: Limited: 235/70R16, Renegade: 235/70R16, Sport: 215/75R16 & 235/70R16
• 2003 Jeep Liberty: Limited: 235/70R16, Renegade: 235/70R16, Sport: 215/75R16 & 235/70R16
• 2004 Jeep Liberty: Limited: 235/70R16 & 235/65R17, Renegade: 235/70R16, Sport: 215/75R16 & 235/70R16
• 2005 Jeep Liberty: Limited 2WD: 235/65R17, Limited 4WD Diesel: 225/75R16, Limited 4WD V6: 235/65R17, Renegade: 225/75R16 & 235/70R16, Rocky Mountain: 225/75R16, Sport: 225/75R16 & 235/70R16, Sport 4WD Diesel: 225/75R16
• 2006 Jeep Liberty: 65th Anniversary: 225/75R16 & 235/70R16, Limited 2WD: 235/65R17, Limited 4WD Diesel: 225/75R16, Limited 4WD V6: 235/65R17, Renegade: 225/75R16 & 23570R16, Sport: 225/R75R16 & 235/70R16, Sport 4WD: 225/75R16.
• 2007 Jeep Liberty: Latitude: 225/75R16 & 235/70R16, Limited: 235/65R17, Sport: 225/75R16 & 235/70R16
• 2008 Jeep Liberty: Limited: 235/65R17 & 235/60R18, Sport 225/75R16 & 235/70R16
• 2009 Jeep Liberty: Limited: 235/65R17 & 235/60R18, Sport 225/75R16 & 235/70R16
• 2010 Jeep Liberty: Limited: 235/65R17 & 235/60R18, Renegade: 235/65R17 & 235/60R18, Sport 225/75R16 & 235/70R16
• 2011 Jeep Liberty: Limited: 235/65R17 & 235/60R18, Renegade: 235/70R16, Sport 225/75R16 & 235/70R16
• 2012 Jeep Liberty: Arctic: 235/70R16, Limited: 235/65R17 & 235/60R18, Limited Jet: 245/50R20, Sport: 225/75R16 & 235/70R16

As you can see, depending on the model and year of the Jeep Liberty you own or plan on purchasing, stock tire sizes can range anywhere from 215 to 235, with the one exception being the 2012 Jeep Liberty Limited Jet with a tire size of 245/50R20. 

It is also easy to point out that no matter the year or model, the most common stock tire sizes for the Jeep Liberty are 225 and 235. 

Most engineers agree that with the installation of a lift kit, the largest tire size that would comfortably fit on a Jeep Liberty compact SUV is 265/75R16. A tire size of 265 is about a 32-inch tire. There have been some Jeep Liberty owners that have been able to put on 33-inch, or 285/70R17 tires on their Jeep Liberty with a 5-inch lift kit, however, anything larger and one of two things may need to happen. 

If you really want to have 33, 35, or even 37-inch tires, then you may have to have extensive and custom modifications done to your Jeep Liberty, or you will need to purchase a different Jeep model like the Jeep Wrangler or the Jeep Gladiator. 

If you already own a Jeep Liberty or you have your heart set on purchasing a Jeep Liberty, then it is best that you stick with a tire size of 33-inches or smaller. It is also that you understand that even 33-inch tires may be too big for a Jeep Liberty and that the only way it could maybe be done is by installing a lift kit that is at a minimum of 5-inches.

Let’s first look at some of the best lift kit options available for the different stock tire sizes that come on the Jeep Liberty. Later we can discuss lift kit options that are available for Jeep Liberty owners who want to put on a larger tire size. 

What lift kits can I install on my Jeep Liberty?

If you are having a lift kit installed professionally in your Jeep Liberty, then the Jeep technician or mechanic can recommend lift kits for your vehicle based on the size of your tires and your intended use of the vehicle. These professionals are experienced and educated and can be trusted to help you choose the perfect lift kit for your Jeep Liberty.

That being said, if you plan to do the installation yourself, you still should take your Jeep Liberty into the shop for a full inspection. You will want to make sure that your vehicle is in good enough shape to handle having a lift installed. 

During this inspection, you can also consult with your technician or mechanic about what kinds of lift kits they would recommend. 

You can ask them what size lift you should get based on the size of your tires or the size of the tires you intend to use to replace the stock ones. You can ask them what brands they recommend and if you should simply get a coil spacer kit or purchase a lift kit with all new coils and shocks. Even if you are mechanically inclined, having a second opinion from an experienced professional may be the best thing you do to make sure you are installing the correct product for your vehicle.

Here are some of the best lift kits available for purchase in the United States. Remember, before purchasing a lift kit, you should have your Jeep inspected and ask your technician or mechanic which size lift kit is the best for the size of your tires and your intended use of the vehicle.

1. Jeep Liberty Lift Kit by Supreme Suspension 

What is nice about this lift kit by Supreme Suspension is that it works with any Jeep Liberty from 2002 to 2012 whether it is 4WD or 2WD, and no matter which stock tires it has. 

Last update on 2024-04-23 / If you click this affiliate link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This 2.5-inch lift kit can also accommodate larger tires but be sure to consult a professional to determine what the maximum tire size is for a Jeep Liberty with a 2.5-inch lift. This is a simple strut spacer kit that is easy to install and could be done yourself within two to three hours. 

If you own a Jeep Liberty of a different year, make sure you purchase a rear suspension lift that is designed for the year of your Jeep. 

2. Jeep Liberty Lift Kit by Supreme Suspension 

 If you drive a 2008 to 2012 Jeep Liberty, then you can buy the Supreme Suspensions front 2.5-inch and the rear 2-inch suspension lift kit together as a package deal. 

Last update on 2024-04-23 / If you click this affiliate link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

3. Rough Country 3-inch Lift Kit

This 3-inch lift kit by Rough Country is incredibly affordable and includes new coils and shocks. The main downside to this kit is that it is only designed for 2003 to 2006 Jeep Liberty models and it does not fit the Renegade or Diesel Jeep Liberty. 

This kit is designed for the front suspension, however, Rough Country offers many quality rear suspension kits that can be matched to this 3-inch front suspension kit.

4. Front and Rear BDS Suspension Lift Kit

For another affordable high-quality lift kit product, you may want to check out the 2-inch front and 1.5-inch rear suspension lift kit by BDS Suspension.  This kit comes with all new shocks, coils springs, and struts. This lift kit by BDS also comes with their signature “No BS Hardcore Lifetime Warranty”. 

How much does it cost to lift a Jeep Liberty?

The cost of lifting a Jeep Liberty can vary based on whether you elect to only put in a coil spacer kit or if you go for a lift kit that comes with all new coils and shocks. 

Other aspects that affect the price of installing a lift kit include the brand, materials, and size of the lift kit as well as whether you decide to do the installation yourself or if you pay a professional to complete the project. 

Overall, you can save a lot of money by doing the work yourself, however, if you do not know what you are doing, you could end up spending more in the long run if you install the lift incorrectly, cause damage to your vehicle, and if you eventually need to have it professionally installed anyway after your failed attempt. 

If you have any doubts about your ability to install the lift kit on your own, then it is best to take it to a Jeep technician or your local mechanic to have the work done properly the first time. It could end up saving you money in the long run. 

If you are looking to have your Jeep Liberty lifted, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. Again, price is greatly affected by who does the work, the size of the lift being installed, and the brand/manufacturer of the lift kit purchased. 

Are lift kits bad for Jeeps?

Overall, lift kits are not bad for Jeeps, per se. However, the quickest way to do harm to your vehicle is by having a lift kit not installed and set up properly. 

Having a lift kit installed improperly can do incredible damage to the suspension, frame, tires, and/or the body of your Jeep Liberty. To prevent unnecessary damage caused by an improper installation, you may want to consider having your lift kit installed professionally.  A Jeep technician or a local mechanic that has experience installing lift kits will know things about the original design of your vehicle and what it can and cannot handle.

They will know which height is optimal for your lift kit and how to adjust the vehicle once the lift kit is installed to maximize handling without sacrificing too much when it comes to how the vehicle rides in everyday driving situations. For example, the Jeep Technician or mechanic may ask you some questions about what your intended use is for the Jeep, how often you plan to take your vehicle on off-road excursions, and what kind of conditions you may encounter in the places where you off-road the most frequently. 

Depending on your answers, the Jeep technician or mechanic may suggest a 2-inch lift or maybe a 6-inch lift. The point is, that they will know what is best for your Jeep Liberty based on how the vehicle is engineered and how and where you intend to drive your vehicle. 

Another thing to remember is that anytime you install a lift kit in any vehicle, the ride itself can change immensely. If you have been driving your Jeep Liberty for some time before having a lift kit installed, be prepared to readjust to your vehicle before you decide to take it into any off-road situations. 

A lift kit can fundamentally change how your vehicle handles, steers, and brakes. 

If you end up doing the lift kit installation yourself and you feel you are mechanically inclined enough to handle the job, that is great. 

We simply recommend that once the installation is complete, you have it inspected by a Jeep technician or local mechanic. They can ensure that all the parts were installed properly, that the lift kit is functioning normally, and they can even go through and torque everything. 

Either way, if you have a lift kit installed on your Jeep, you are going to want to have it inspected and retorqued regularly to ensure your vehicle is safe and the lift kit is properly secured at all times.  

Does lifting a Jeep cause problems?

If you are thinking about having a lift kit installed into your Jeep Liberty, you should make sure that you are going to use it by taking off-road excursions as well as make sure that it is something that you truly want. 

Although installing a lift kit does not tend to create major problems that could make your Jeep inoperable, there are some downsides that you should consider and prepare yourself for before making the leap. Here is a list and explanation of some of the most common negative aspects of having a lift installed in your Jeep Liberty.

1. Harder to handle/steer

Using a lift kit on your Jeep Liberty can fundamentally change how your vehicle feels, handles, and steers.

The lift kit changes a vehicle’s center of gravity so it is important that you are aware of this and maintain complete control of your Jeep at all times. For example, if you are not paying attention and you take a big turn or cut a corner too sharp, there is a chance that you could roll your vehicle, especially at higher speeds. 

After you have a lift kit installed, it is important that you take it slow and practice driving it may be in a parking lot or somewhere with little to no traffic.

Once you become more comfortable with the changes in how your Jeep Liberty handles, you can begin to drive it normally, and then eventually, you can take it off-road. It is important that you do not rush this process of relearning how to drive your Jeep.  

2. Slows down acceleration

A lift kit can make the acceleration of your Jeep much slower than before, this is especially true if you also put on larger tires. When you are off-roading, the need for fast acceleration may not be as important, however, when you are driving your Jeep in everyday situations on paved roads and highways, the decrease in acceleration capabilities could potentially be dangerous if you are not used to it. 

For example, if you are at a stop sign waiting to turn onto a busy road, you should give yourself extra time by not cutting out in front of cars. 

Maybe before you could turn onto a busy road and accelerate quick enough that there were no issues, but now with the slower acceleration, it is important that you adjust and make sure you turn onto a busy road at the appropriate time to prevent collisions. 

Another place where slower acceleration can have an effect is when merging onto the freeway. Keep in mind that it will now take you longer to reach the necessary speed to merge onto the freeway and to go with the flow of traffic. 

3. Worse fuel efficiency

The height of your Jeep Liberty can affect how aerodynamic your vehicle is, and ultimately, having your vehicle sitting higher will cause it to be held back by more drag and it will require more fuel to get up to speed and to travel longer distances, especially on the freeway. 

4. Harder to brake/slow down

Having larger tires and a lift installed in your Jeep Liberty will make it harder to brake your vehicle and slow down. It can take up to a few extra seconds to come to a complete stop compared to when you were driving a stock Jeep. 

For these reasons, you should allow more time for stopping, increase following distances, and make sure you practice driving your vehicle before driving in areas with a high concentration of traffic. 

5. Less ride quality

Having a lift kit installed in your Jeep Liberty can cause your vehicle to feel stiffer and it may make you notice bumps in the road more. Your Jeep before modification may have simply absorbed those bumps making them unnoticeable. Not anymore. Be prepared for a less smooth ride. 

6. Can be expensive

Some lift kits are extremely expensive, even before you factor in the cost of labor. You may only want to consider installing a lift kit and/or larger tires if you are prepared to spend a few thousand dollars to get it done. 

7. May void your vehicle’s warranty

If you have a newer Jeep that is still under warranty, you may want to consult with the dealer to see if installing a lift kit will void the warranty on your vehicle. If so, you may want to hold off until the warranty expires or be prepared to pay for the cost of repairs that would normally be covered under the warranty. 

Can you lift a Jeep by yourself?

Yes, as long as you have all the required equipment and tools including a hi-lift hydraulic jack and jack stands or access to a hoist, then you can install a lift yourself.

You will want to make sure you are confident enough in your mechanical skills to complete the project or risk spending more in the long run, fixing mistakes or causing damage to your vehicle from an improper installation. 

Even if you are planning on installing the lift kit yourself, it is recommended that you still take your Jeep into the shop for a full inspection and some advice about what kind and size of lift your vehicle can handle.