When it comes to lifting a Jeep Wrangler TJ, JK, JT or JL, two of the most common approaches are spring lifts and spacer lifts. Both raise the ride height, but they do so in very different ways, and the choice between them depends on your goals, budget, and wrenching confidence. This is a common question we get from new Jeepers to old ones, let’s break it down.
The above pics are jeepfan.com Jeeps over the years with varying lifts consisting of both coil and spacer lifts. Can you tell the difference?
What Is a Spacer Lift?
A spacer lift (also called a budget boost) uses polyurethane or metal spacers placed on top of the factory coil springs. This physically raises the Jeep without changing the spring itself.
Benefits of a Spacer Lift:
- Affordable – generally the cheapest way to get extra clearance for larger tires.
- Retains stock ride quality – since you’re keeping the original springs and shocks. This is a bug plus since the factory Jeep ride is nearly hard to beat.
- Quick install – no need to replace factory coils or shocks.
- Shocks – Some spacer lifts include shock adapters to move the shocks so they aren’t over extended, some come with replacement longer shocks. Shock adapters will keep the price down.
Drawbacks:
- Limited improvement in suspension performance.
- Doesn’t increase suspension travel.
- Can possibly accelerate wear on stock springs if they’re already sagging.
What Is a Spring Lift?
A spring lift replaces the Jeep’s factory coil springs with taller, often stiffer, coils. These kits typically include matched shocks designed for the added height.
Benefits of a Spring Lift:
- Improved suspension performance – taller coils often offer better off-road articulation and durability.
- Restores sagging suspension – great if your Jeep’s factory springs are tired.
- More complete solution – often paired with longer shocks, bump stops, and sometimes control arms for improved handling.
Drawbacks:
- Higher cost compared to spacers.
- Installation is more involved.
- Ride quality may (and usually does) change (firmer or stiffer, depending on spring rate).
A few of the jeepfan.com Jeeps that ran spacer lifts…take a look at the installs.
jeepfan.com 2012 Wrangler JK Unlimited Rubicon – Teraflex JK Leveling Kit Install
jeepfan.com 2016 Wrangler JK Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock – Teraflex 2.5″ Budget Boost Install
jeepfan.com 2018 Wrangler JL Unlimited Rubicon – Rough Country 2.5″ Spacer Kit Install
jeepfan.com 2022 Wrangler JL Unlimited 4xe – Teraflex 1″ Spacer Lift Install
Cost Differences
- Spacer Lift: $150–$400 depending on kit quality and whether shocks are included.
- Spring Lift: $500–$1,500+ depending on height, included components, and brand.
If you just want clearance for slightly larger tires (31–33″), a spacer kit can be enough. For serious off-road use or if you’re going with 33″+ tires, a spring lift is the better long-term investment.
Installation Skill Level
- Spacer Lift:
- Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate
- Tools: Floor jack, jack stands, basic hand tools, spring compressors optional.
- Time: 3–5 hours in a driveway.
- Spring Lift:
- Skill Level: Intermediate–Advanced
- Tools: Same as above, but spring compressors and possibly a cutoff wheel may come into play.
- Time: 5–8+ hours depending on kit complexity (control arms, track bars, etc.).
Spacer lifts are perfect for a weekend DIY project with a buddy. Spring lifts, while still doable at home, demand more time and mechanical confidence.
A few of the jeepfan.com Jeeps that ran coil lifts…take a look at the installs.
jeepfan.com 2018 Wrangler JL Unlimited Rubicon – Mopar 2″ Lift Install
jeepfan.com 2004 Wrangler TJ Unlimited – Teraflex 3″ Lift Install
jeepfan.com 2007 Wrangler JK Unlimited Rubicon – BDS 3″ Lift Install
Which One Should You Choose?
- Spacer Lift: Best for budget builds, light to medium off-road use, and when you just want to squeeze a set of larger tires under your Jeep. You’d be surprised how well a spacer lift will perform – especially on a locker equipped Jeep.
- Spring Lift: Best for Jeeps that see regular medium to hard off-road trails, need fresh suspension, or are aiming for bigger tires and more articulation. If you are on a budget and are looking for cheap a cheap spring lift is probably not a good idea. Odd shocks and poorly tuned springs can make for terrible rides and death wobble.
Think of spacers as a shortcut and springs as a commitment. Both get you higher, but only one sets you up for the long haul. BUT much of the performance differences between spacer and coil lifts is very dependent on the kind of offroading you do. We’ve run both and in our opinion there’s no complaints either way. Spacer lifts have performed flawlessly for us on the hardest trails we’ve run.
Consider adding a rear track bar relocation bracket and an adjustable front track bar with 2″ or more of lift regardless if the lift is spacer or spring. These help get the axle centered and minimize bump steer.
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