Best Jeep Wrangler Lift Kits Under $500 (2026 Budget Guide)

Setting realistic expectations is the most important step when shopping for a budget lift kit. In the sub-$500 price range, you can find complete 2.5-inch suspension lift kits that include coil springs and shocks. What you will not typically get at this price point are adjustable control arms, high-end monotube shocks, or bumpstop extensions. That is perfectly fine for many Wrangler owners. A well-engineered budget kit from a reputable brand can clear 33-inch tires comfortably, improve approach and departure angles, and deliver a ride that is comparable to or better than stock. The key is buying from manufacturers who invest in proper spring rate engineering and include application-specific shock absorbers rather than generic units. Avoid no-name kits sold through generic marketplaces -- the springs are often wound with incorrect rates, leading to a bouncy or harsh ride. Also watch out for kits that only include springs without shocks. Running new springs on worn factory shocks (or shocks that are too short for the new ride height) creates dangerous handling characteristics and premature bushing wear.

The JK Wrangler has the deepest aftermarket support of any Jeep generation, which drives prices down through competition. The Rough Country 2.5-inch Series II lift kit is one of the most popular budget options, typically priced between $350 and $430. It includes coil springs, premium N3 shocks, sway bar disconnects, and a front track bar bracket. The springs are tuned to maintain a comfortable on-road ride while providing enough clearance for 33-inch tires. For the money, the N3 twin-tube shocks are surprisingly competent on both pavement and moderate trails. Another strong contender is the Skyjacker 2.5-inch Value Flex kit, which comes in around $380 to $450. Skyjacker has been building Jeep suspension since the 1970s, and their JK springs reflect decades of tuning experience. The included Hydro 7000 shocks offer good all-around damping, and the kit includes all necessary hardware including brake line extensions. If you can stretch your budget slightly, the TeraFlex 2.5-inch Spring Lift sometimes goes on sale around the $500 mark and provides arguably the best ride quality in this price range, thanks to TeraFlex's proprietary spring rate tuning.

JL Wrangler lift kits tend to cost slightly more than JK equivalents because the platform is newer and features more advanced stock suspension. The Rough Country 2.5-inch lift kit for the JL runs about $400 to $480 and includes coil springs, N3 shocks, front and rear bump stop extensions, sway bar links, and a front track bar relocation bracket. The JL-specific spring rates account for the different front and rear weight distribution compared to the JK. Owners consistently report a ride quality improvement over stock, which is notable for a budget kit. The Skyjacker 2.5-inch Dual Rate Long Travel kit for the JL is priced around $430 to $500 and features dual-rate coil springs that provide a softer initial rate for on-road comfort and a firmer secondary rate for off-road control. This dual-rate design is typically found in kits costing twice as much. The Rubicon Express 2.5-inch Standard kit comes in near $450 and benefits from RE's long history with Jeep suspension. Their JL springs are wound in-house and tested on both the street and the Rubicon Trail. Each of these kits comfortably clears 33-inch tires, and with minor fender trimming, most will accommodate 35-inch tires on appropriately offset wheels.

The sticker price of the lift kit is not always the total cost of the project. At 2.5 inches of lift, the factory driveshafts, axle geometry, and steering components generally remain within acceptable tolerances, so you can avoid the major additional expenses that come with taller lifts. However, there are a few items worth budgeting for. First, an alignment is essential after any lift installation -- expect $80 to $150 at a shop experienced with lifted Jeeps. Second, if you plan to run larger tires (which is usually the whole point of lifting), budget $800 to $1,600 for a set of five 33-inch or 35-inch tires. Third, consider aftermarket wheels if your factory offset does not provide adequate clearance. Budget wheels start around $120 each. Finally, a few consumable items may need replacement during installation: exhaust hangers ($10), sway bar end links if the factory units are worn ($40 to $80), and fresh Loctite and hardware ($15). All told, a complete 2.5-inch budget lift project including tires and alignment typically runs $1,500 to $2,500 -- still far less than a premium 3.5-inch or 4-inch setup.