Want to make your Jeep Gladiator look its best? A leveling kit is one of the most effective ways to do just that. You’ll enjoy increased visibility, a tougher stance and improved off-road capabilities.
Our guide will provide you with all the info you need to get your Jeep leveled up!
The Jeep Gladiator is an incredibly popular vehicle that offers both off-road capabilities as well as a great look. While these vehicles are already attractive, many owners want to personalize them to make them stand out even more. One of the most popular ways to do this is by adding a leveling kit.
A leveling kit will enhance the look of your Jeep and make it appear taller, while also improving its performance and reducing its fuel consumption.
A leveling kit is essentially a suspension lift kit that will raise the front end of your jeep. Depending on the size of the kit you can lift it anywhere from 1-3 inches, with most kits providing a 2 inch lift for optimal performance and eye appeal. The installation process for most kits can be done quickly and without major modifications to your vehicle, making it an ideal upgrade for those who are looking for an easy way to customize their ride.
In this complete guide we’ll discuss everything you need to know about installing a leveling kit on your Jeep Gladiator – what the process entails, how much it costs, which brands we recommend and more. Read on for all the details you need!
How to choose the right leveling kit for your Jeep Gladiator
To choose the right leveling kit for your Jeep Gladiator, you’ll need to consider a few factors. First and foremost, decide how much you are willing to spend on the kit. Leveling kits range from $50 – $200 for a mid-level model, so if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly to just lift the nose of your Gladiator, you should be able to find the perfect one without having to break the bank.
The next factor is how much lift you want to achieve with your leveling kit. Most kits offer anywhere from one inch up to three inches of lift, depending on what type of tires and wheels you have chosen as well as other modifications that may be affecting ride height. Most kits come with additional components (such as sway bar links or shock spacers) that will allow you obtain even more clearance and stability in your vehicle.
Finally, determine what type of blend between performances and looks are best suited for what purpose your vehicle will see on roads or off-roads. While many owners mainly employ their leveling kits for cosmetic enhancement purposes, others may need it more in terms of an off road performance improvement upgrade. To get the most out of this investment and ensure safety at all times, it’s best to define what kind of application use can be planned for before settling on a certain product model.
Factors to consider
When considering whether a leveling kit is right for you, it’s important to take into account all the factors involved. Depending on your needs and preferences, there are several considerations to think about before beginning installation.
- Purpose: Leveling kits are used for more than just aesthetics—many are designed to raise the ride height of your Jeep Gladiator, providing an improved off-road driving experience and allowing you to increase tire size for added clearance. Ask yourself why you’re interested in a leveling kit—are you looking for a better off-road experience, more clearance, or just a striking look? Knowing your intentions can help you choose the perfect kit.
- Tire Clearance: A common issue with leveled Jeeps is tire rubbing on the fender flares or even on other parts of the vehicle due to increased wheel-well size with the lift. It’s important to consider how much lift you’ll need before purchasing a leveling kit that won’t work with your desired wheel/tire combo due to lack of clearance.
- Budget: Before buying any aftermarket parts, it’s essential to consider how much money is available for that specific part or project in general. A two-inch lift may cost close to $600, where as some budget returns start at around $300 for slight less height but still enough improvement over stock height specifications make them worth considering if budget is an issue as well as factor in overall performance needs/wants when looking into pricing/budgeting options.
- Level Kits Available: Last but not least is research into what level kits are available on the market today and deciding upon which will best suit your Jeep’s specifications while staying within budget restraints determined by pricing analysis research earlier discussed above.
Desired height
When choosing a leveling kit for your Jeep Gladiator, it’s important to consider the desired end result. Depending on the make and model, it’s possible to modify the height of your vehicle in small increments or up to two inches. If you want a more aggressive look, then you may opt for higher lift options.
Additionally, if you plan on installing bigger tires or additional suspension components like coilovers, then choosing an appropriate lift kit will become all the more important. The right amount of lift will ensure that these components work together seamlessly and aesthetically.
When lifting your Jeep Gladiator above two inches with a leveling kit, it’s recommended that installation be done by qualified professionals as there can be added challenges when dealing with additional elements like steering, suspension geometry and brake lines.
Budget
When it comes to budgeting for a leveling kit, there are several factors to consider. The total cost of the kits depends on its components and the type of material used. For example, certain kits may contain shocks, which can increase the overall cost significantly.
When budgeting for your Jeep Gladiator’s leveling kit, make sure to include all related costs such as tools, installation labor and shipping costs. It’s also important to consider any additional components you will need after installation is complete such as wheel spacers or new tires. Generally speaking, expect to spend anywhere from $200 – $800 for a complete kit including hardware and installation labor depending on what type of parts you choose and tech level you have installed in your Jeep Gladiator.
Once you have an idea of your budget it’s time to start shopping around and researching different types of suspension systems available for Jeep Gladiators. Do a quick online search or speak with an experienced automotive technician about what types of customizations might be best for your needs. With so many different choices available it can be overwhelming at first but don’t worry — with some careful planning it won’t take long until you find the perfect kit!
Popular leveling kit brands
When purchasing a leveling kit for your Jeep Gladiator, there are many brands to choose from. It’s important to understand that quality and safety may vary from brand to brand. Here is a list of some of the most popular brands of leveling kits available for Jeep Gladiators:
- Daystar: Daystar is one of the most popular brands for all-terrain vehicles, including Jeeps. They offer leveling kits specifically designed for the Jeep Gladiator that come in various heights and types. These leveling kits help to create a more aggressive look and improved ground clearance on your Jeep Gladiator.
- Rough Country: Rough Country is another popular brand of vehicle modifications offering an extensive line of easy-to-install lift products, including leveling kits specifically designed for the Jeep Gladiator models. Their kit comes with everything needed for the upgrade, such as adjustable strut spacers and hardware, making installation quick and simple.
- Barricade 4×4: This brand specializes in quality aftermarket upgrades made especially for off-roaders like Jeep owners looking to enhance their Gladiators look and performance with larger tires or off-road wheelsets. Barricade 4×4 offers simple bolt-on 2-inch lift/leveling kit specifically designed for all models of the Jeep Gladiator that can be easily installed with basic tools in just 1–2 hours time.
- Kargo Master: This long established manufacturer produces an assortment of high quality accessories for vehicles including roof racks compatible with many makes and models of Jeeps as well as a convenient 2″ front differential drop kit built to level out your stock OEM suspension on your 2019–2021 Jeep Gladiators.
III. Installation process of a leveling kit
When you have made your decision to level the look of your Jeep Gladiator with a leveling kit, there is an important step that you will need to follow—the installation process.
This involves the removal of the tires and rims from the Jeep and then installing the leveling kit on the lift arms. Installing a leveling kit might seem daunting for some but it doesn’t have to be. The steps are relatively straightforward, however proper care must be taken during each one in order to ensure a successful installation procedure.
Below is a comprehensive step-by-step explanation on how you can install a leveling kit yourself:
- Loosen all four lug nuts antirotationally. You should then be able to take off the tires while they are still attached by their hub screws and wheel studs.
- Raise your Jeep up with a car lift or jack and secure it properly in place with stands. This will allow easy access underneath of your JL Wrangler for easy installation of the new components required for fastening by bolting them down into place as necessary depending on which type of kit you purchased (either two-inch or two and half inches).
- After that, attach new screws provided with your lifting package using weasellings into bolt holes, located around wheel axles or any application mounted near lift arms just above wheels in order 4 secure new bolts firmly in position by tightening them up neatly according to instructions, ensuring no falling out along way during rotation while checking both sides continually while tightening down evenly (it won’t be possible if any irregularities were undetected).
With everything firmly fixed together again after installation; reinstall freshly pulleyed wheel surrounds with original lug nuts now attached on both sides equally per wheel for tire’s equilateral seating position – this should guarantee more competent balancing along center-line between wheel rim’s marked measurement from front face side edge when jacking them back onto designated metalwork sunken area perfectly snugged under newly lifted suspension clearance now set up perfectly flatly leveled around axle base ground foundations!
Required tools and equipment
Before you begin your leveling kit installation, it’s important to make sure you have the right tools and equipment. These include a set of ramps or a set of jack stands to raise the front end of your Jeep, an adjustable wrench and a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the front suspension components in place, and a heavy-duty screwdriver to secure the leveling shim.
You will also need either a grease gun or a grease needle to apply grease on any moving parts that are exposed while doing your repairs. Lastly, make sure you have plenty of rags or paper towels handy for wiping up any dirt that accumulates during your work.
Step-by-step instructions
When installing a leveling kit on your Jeep Gladiator, it’s important that you accurately follow the manufacturer’s instructions. That said, there are several general steps to take when installing a leveling kit. Knowing this information before you begin can help ensure that the installation process goes smoothly and safely.
- Prepare the area: Prior to starting the installation of your leveling kit, make sure the vehicle is in park with the engine turned off completely and all four tires firmly on the ground with no weight being placed on them. In addition, block any ramps or objects on which you may be working during installation and make sure all tools are in close proximity as needed.
- Lift/slacken suspension: Once properly prepared, it’s necessary to either loosen or remove any existing components connected to your Jeep Gladiator’s suspension system such as shocks or coil-over springs before beginning work on adding the leveling kit components. When lifting the vehicle ensure it is lifted safely and securely by using a professional lift platform or by jacking up one side at a time from each corner of your Jeep.
- Installing top plate spacer: After lifting/slackening off your Jeep, install both top plates for each side of your vehicle spacer onto its strut assembly according to manufacturer instructions for doing so – if being done manually -and then tighten up both corresponding nuts once in place using an appropriate size socket wrench set so as not to damage or strip any parts during this step.* If utilizing an air tool please adjust accordingly based on manufacturer instructions*. Once secured, reinstall any components which were loosened/removed and then repeat this process for each of the remaining tires before moving onto Step 4 below.*
- Properly toruing every bolt & nut: After completing above steps 3 & 4, lower down adjust pressure until all four tire is firmly seating againstground surface before reviewing torqueonnuts bolts specifications provided once installed correctly go ahead & re-equate those exact specs for each bolt existd surface going by safemax levelling suggest load inthe spec sheets placrd feeting them torque application following mfd specs tight enough but not overly tight where subject stripping some material.
After installation maintenance
Once you have installed your leveling kit, the next step is to make sure that it is maintained properly. This involves regular inspections to check for any problems or signs of wear and tear. Additionally, you should make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how often to grease any moving components. It’s also important to ensure that all nuts and bolts are tight after installation so they don’t become loose over time.
In order to maximize the life span of your Jeep Gladiator leveling kit, keep it clean by washing off any dirt or debris. This will also help prevent corrosion due to moisture and salt exposure. Additionally, store your Jeep’s leveling kit in a dry area when not in use in order to further extend its life span. Finally, you should always inspect both tires before each drive for any signs of wear or flat spots that may have developed due to uneven tire pressure caused by an improperly installed leveling kit.
Proper alignment
Proper alignment of your Jeep is essential, regardless of whether or not you install a leveling kit. The main purpose of an alignment is to ensure that all four wheels are pointing in the correct direction and the suspension is operating correctly, allowing for your tires to make optimal contact with the road surface. Uneven tire wear can occur if your alignment isn’t done correctly and can lead to expensive repairs down the line.
An alignment will restore handling performance as well as improve fuel economy by dispersing driving forces evenly on all four tires. With proper alignment of your Jeep Gladiator, any leveling kit install should go smoothly and you’ll be able to enjoy a smoother ride overall.
Regular check-ups
It is important to keep track of how your Jeep Gladiator performs after installing a leveling kit. Irregularities such as vibration or shakiness in the steering wheel when turning corners can indicate that there may be something wrong with your suspension system. Have a trained technician inspect your vehicle’s suspension every few months to make sure it is functioning properly and safely.
They should check for signs of strain or wear on any components, mechanical attachment points, and bolts. Additionally, they should check tire tread levels and tire pressure so they can advise if rotations or replacements may be necessary.
Finally, they should perform a full diagnostic check-up to identify any potential issues before they become serious problems.
Conclusion
Overall, a leveling kit is an inexpensive yet effective way to improve the look of your Jeep Gladiator while bringing its stance closer to factory specs. The installation process is straightforward, with direct-fit components that require only basic tools and minor fabrication skills.
However, if you’re still unsure or worried about performing the modifications yourself, contact a qualified shop or expert who can assist in the installation.
Once fitted and properly adjusted, you can rest assured that your Jeep Gladiator’s level and stance will remain superior no matter how hard you drive it!
FAQ’s
What does a leveling kit do on a Jeep Gladiator?
A leveling kit on a Jeep Gladiator raises the front of the vehicle to match the height of the rear, improving ground clearance and appearance.
Are Jeep leveling kits worth it?
Whether or not a leveling kit is worth it for a Jeep Gladiator depends on personal preference and specific needs.
What size leveling kit for Jeep Gladiator?
The size of a leveling kit for a Jeep Gladiator varies depending on the desired lift height, but typically ranges from 1 to 2.5 inches.
What is the difference between a lift and leveling kit on a Jeep Gladiator?
A leveling kit raises the front of the Jeep Gladiator to match the height of the rear, while a lift kit raises the entire vehicle, resulting in increased ground clearance and improved off-road performance.
What is the disadvantage of leveling kit?
A disadvantage of a leveling kit on a Jeep Gladiator is that it can potentially affect the vehicle’s handling and stability, particularly when cornering.
Are leveling kits good or bad?
Whether leveling kits are good or bad for a Jeep Gladiator depends on individual preferences and needs.
Does a Gladiator ride smoother than a Wrangler?
In general, the Jeep Gladiator is known to ride smoother than the Wrangler due to its longer wheelbase and additional suspension components.
Should I lift or level my Jeep?
Whether to lift or level a Jeep depends on individual preferences and intended usage. Lifting provides more ground clearance and off-road performance, while leveling improves appearance and some off-road capability.
Does a leveling kit affect 4×4?
A leveling kit can potentially affect the performance of a Jeep Gladiator’s 4×4 system, particularly if it alters the front-to-rear ride height balance.
Should I do a leveling kit or lift kit?
The decision to install a leveling kit or lift kit on a Jeep Gladiator depends on individual preferences and needs. Leveling kits are generally more affordable and provide a minor lift, while lift kits offer increased ground clearance and off-road performance at a higher cost.
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