Body Lift Vs. Leveling Kit?
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk, VA
Body Lift Vs. Leveling Kit?
First of all I'm new to the forum so i'd like to say hello 
and that i really like what some of y'all have done to your jk's!! 
Now my question is: what exactly is the difference between body lift's and leveling kits, and what are some of the pros/cons to using them? I just recently purchased my first jeep (2010 stone white sport LOVE IT) and am looking to put 33xwideasicanx16's on it, and would like to have a little boost in ride height as well, but would also like to ensure that it could be easily reverted back to stock for warranty work after reading some of the horror stories about chryslers view on modified jeeps
and that i really like what some of y'all have done to your jk's!! Now my question is: what exactly is the difference between body lift's and leveling kits, and what are some of the pros/cons to using them? I just recently purchased my first jeep (2010 stone white sport LOVE IT) and am looking to put 33xwideasicanx16's on it, and would like to have a little boost in ride height as well, but would also like to ensure that it could be easily reverted back to stock for warranty work after reading some of the horror stories about chryslers view on modified jeeps
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
From: Simi Valley Ca
welcome to the forum. IMO the leveling kit is the way to go. tons of people on this forum run them and many are very happy with them. I personally do not trust body lifts. Another option you can do if budget allows for it is a teraflex 2.5" coil lift.
IMO the leveling kit is the way to go. tons of people on this forum run them and many are very happy with them. I personally do not trust body lifts. Another option you can do if budget allows for it is a teraflex 2.5" coil lift.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
A BB is a suspension lift. You pull everything apart and slip a small spacer on top of your coils, then put everything back together. This lifts the frame/undercarriage/body/etc, everything but the axles.
A BL puts spacers between the frame and the body. This lifts the body up, but leave the frame/undercarriage/etc down where they started.
Both will allow more wheel well clearance for the use of taller tires.
As you lift higher with the suspension (BB or coil lifts), you start running into issues with the driveline and steering. At 2", you can get by with no added components.
As you lift higher with a BL, the gap between the body and frame becomes more noticeable. (most people will have something negative to say about the 'look'). Manual transmissions may have issues with the shifter. The rear bumper may need to be raised. etc
Make sure you read through the FAQ's to get a handle on the backspacing you will want for the new rims.
A BL puts spacers between the frame and the body. This lifts the body up, but leave the frame/undercarriage/etc down where they started.
Both will allow more wheel well clearance for the use of taller tires.
As you lift higher with the suspension (BB or coil lifts), you start running into issues with the driveline and steering. At 2", you can get by with no added components.
As you lift higher with a BL, the gap between the body and frame becomes more noticeable. (most people will have something negative to say about the 'look'). Manual transmissions may have issues with the shifter. The rear bumper may need to be raised. etc
Make sure you read through the FAQ's to get a handle on the backspacing you will want for the new rims.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk, VA
great info!
got any pics of your setup? i'm leaning more towards the leveling kit because it will allow me to run the bigger tires without as much of the awkward look that a body lift brings lol
got any pics of your setup? i'm leaning more towards the leveling kit because it will allow me to run the bigger tires without as much of the awkward look that a body lift brings lol
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 0
From: Olathe, Kansas
Welcome to the forum!
A good place to start (and has specific answers to those questions you asked) is right here:
Answers to the Questions Every Newbie Has
Oh, and by the way - I'm running a Teraflex Leveling Kit and its great! I've got it with 33.5x11.5x17 tires at the moment.
A good place to start (and has specific answers to those questions you asked) is right here:
Answers to the Questions Every Newbie Has
Oh, and by the way - I'm running a Teraflex Leveling Kit and its great! I've got it with 33.5x11.5x17 tires at the moment.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk, VA
Welcome to the forum!
A good place to start (and has specific answers to those questions you asked) is right here:
Answers to the Questions Every Newbie Has
Oh, and by the way - I'm running a Teraflex Leveling Kit and its great! I've got it with 33.5x11.5x17 tires at the moment.
A good place to start (and has specific answers to those questions you asked) is right here:
Answers to the Questions Every Newbie Has
Oh, and by the way - I'm running a Teraflex Leveling Kit and its great! I've got it with 33.5x11.5x17 tires at the moment.
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Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9
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From: Norfolk, VA
