Wrangler Gets High with a Little Help From Its Friends

Members of San Diego Jeep Club pitch in to install suspension lift kit.

If you’re a diehard off-roading Jeep fan, then you know the importance of a good lift. Increasing your altitude also increases your off-road maneuverability and capability, and it increases approach and departure angles. But installing a suspension lift kit isn’t always a fun or easy task. That’s when a group of your Jeep Wrangler loving friends can be a great help.

TrailRecon is a great source for Jeep and off-roading footage and information. In this video, our hosts Brad and John are joined by 6-8 members of the Sand Diego Jeep Club to lift a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport. The SDJC has been working on this JK Unlimited as part of their club’s ‘Project Build.’

They chose a 4.5″ Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5 lift kit suspension system for the build. First they take measurements of the Wrangler to see how much height they’ll get from the completed lift. Next they go through the list of parts that come in the suspension lift kit. Then they get to work removing the tires the team disassembles the suspension components. After that rear and front axles are removed, and front steering components, to install Dynatracs Dana 60 axles.

While they encounter a few wrinkles along the way, the team pulls together and the installation is completed. John and Brad provide a lot of information throughout, it’s a great how-to video. In the end the Wrangler has gained a 10-inch lift overall, with a 9-inch increase in arrival and 9-inch in crease in departure. It also now is sporting 37-inch tires. This JK Unlimited is ready to climb, crawl, and tackle the terrain.

What do you think of this lift? Sound off in the forums!

S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.