Before people learn about off-roading and perhaps experience it for themselves, they typically don’t understand why some owners of pickup trucks and Jeep Wranglers modify the vehicles with a higher suspension. For the Jeep, that modification with a Wrangler JK lift kit provides some distinct advantages.
About the Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is classified as a sport utility vehicle. Although many Wrangler owners drive them for regular daily use, the manufacturer has built the vehicles to be driven safely off the road in rugged conditions. The JK has two doors and the JKU four doors. These two models are almost exactly the same except for the length.
The Wrangler comes standard with a manual transmission, which is highly unusual for cars manufactured in the United States in the 21st Century. Models with an automatic transmission also are available. Many people who enjoy off-roading prefer the stick shift for better control of the vehicle.
About Lift Kits
A lift kit replaces the shocks and struts. The main advantage of modifying the suspension this way is being able to clear taller obstacles. That generally means being able to travel on rougher terrain than would otherwise be the case. Larger tires can be installed, which also helps with this goal.
Nearly all Jeep Wranglers are designated with a two-letter abbreviation. The JK model was released in 2007. A very similar version, the JL, debuted in 2018. JK owners must choose a Wrangler JK lift kit instead of one manufactured for a different model or it won’t work.
