When it comes to driving a Jeep Wrangler, many people desire a different look and feel from the popular off-roading vehicle. Lowering the height of the Jeep is one of the best ways to achieve this aesthetic.
Not only does lowering the Jeep create a more aggressive and stylish overall look, but it also helps improve performance on- and off-road.
Whether you have an off-roader or just an everyday driver, lowering your spongy suspension can reduce body roll on curves, sharpen up poor handling, eliminate popping noises arising from rough terrain, and optimize the ride.
Doing so will provide a better overall experience while driving your beloved Jeep’s toughest terrain.
How to Lower a Jeep Wrangler: A step by step Guide:
Step 1:
Install a Hydraulics System to Lower a Jeep Wrangler
A professional with knowledge in vehicle customizing is recommended for the installation of a hydraulics system to lower a Jeep Wrangler. You might think of this as an outline for how to set up a hydraulics system.
Step 2:
Obtain the necessary parts and equipment:
Components such as hydraulic cylinders, hoses, pumps, and control valves will be included here.
Step 3:
Remove the factory suspension:
In order to install the new system, the Jeep will need to be elevated, and the stock suspension will need to be removed.
Step 4:
Install the hydraulic cylinders:
For the vehicle’s lifting and lowering to work, the cylinders will need to be attached to the chassis.
Step 5:
Route the hoses and wires:
The cylinders’ hoses and cables must be run all over the car to reach the various control valves and pumps.
Step 6:
Install the pumps and control valves:
The hydraulic cylinders, tubing, and wiring will need to be installed in the vehicle, and the pumps and control valves will need to be fitted there.
Step 7:
Configure the system:
As such, the system needs to be set up and tested before the vehicle may be lowered or elevated without incident.
Step 8:
Align the suspension and wheels:
Aligning the suspension and wheels after installation is necessary for both good vehicle handling and preserving tire life.
Use Shorter Springs
The ride height of a Jeep Wrangler can be lowered in a number of ways, one of the most prevalent being the installation of shorter springs. Here are the common steps involved in this procedure:
Step 1:
Obtain the necessary parts:
Invest in shorter springs that are in keeping with the Jeep’s original design.
Step 2:
Raise the vehicle:
Raise the car off the ground with a jack or lift and set it on some solid supports.
Step 3:
Remove the factory springs:
The suspension’s original springs must be removed first. To do this, the springs and their attachments (such as shocks or struts) must be taken off.
Step 4:
Install the shorter springs:
The shorter springs must be positioned and inserted in the same manner as the original factory springs.
Step 5:
Reinstall the shocks or struts:
Reinstalling the shocks or struts and adjusting them to the new spring height is necessary.
Step 6:
Reinstall wheels and lower the car:
Wheels back on, car back down.
Step 7:
Align the suspension and wheels:
Aligning the suspension and wheels after installation is necessary for both good vehicle handling and preserving tire life.
Install a Lowering Kit:
To reduce the height of a Jeep Wrangler, a lowering kit must be installed. In general, lowering kits contain a new set of shorter springs and/or coil overs, as well as the required hardware and installation instructions. This is a general rundown of how to put on lowering springs or kits:
Step 1:
Obtain the necessary parts:
Invest in a Jeep Wrangler lowering kit made for your exact make and model.
Step 2:
Raise the vehicle:
Raise the car off the ground with a jack or lift and set it on some solid supports.
Step 3:
Remove the factory suspension:
The Jeep must be elevated, and the stock suspension must be removed, for the new lowering system to be installed.
Step 4:
Install the new springs or coilovers:
In order to get the same ride height and handling as with the stock suspension, the replacement springs or coilovers must be placed in the exact same location.
Step 5:
Reinstall the shocks or struts:
After installing a lowering kit, the shocks or struts must be replaced and adjusted to the vehicle’s new height.
Step 6:
Reinstall wheels and lower the car:
Put the wheels back on and set the car back down on the ground.
Step 7:
Align the suspension and wheels:
Aligning the suspension and wheels after installation is necessary for both good vehicle handling and preserving tire life.
The handling, suspension, and alignment of your automobile may change if you install a lowering package. It’s crucial that you verify the Jeep lowering kit is appropriate for your model and that you get the car aligned after the lowering is complete. It’s also crucial that you read and adhere to the kit manufacturer’s instructions.
Issues With Improperly Lowered Jeep Wrangler:
Incorrectly lowering a Jeep Wrangler can result in a variety of problems, including the following:
- Reduced ground clearance: If you lower the vehicle by too much, the undercarriage may rub up against the ground, which is especially problematic on terrain that is rocky or uneven.
- When the vehicle’s center of gravity is lowered, it is more likely to roll over in the event of an accident or when making sharp curves at high speeds. This also increases the likelihood of the vehicle being involved in a rollover.
- Problems with the vehicle’s suspension and alignment: Lowering the vehicle can place more stress on the suspension and alignment, which can lead to greater wear and tear as well as the need for more regular repairs.
- Reduced towing capacity: Because lowering the vehicle can also lessen the amount of weight it can safely tow, this makes the vehicle less adaptable in terms of hauling trailers or other types of equipment.
In order to prevent these problems from occurring, it is essential to ensure that the vehicle has been lowered appropriately and that the suspension and alignment have been appropriately set.
What are the Advantages of Lowering a Jeep Wrangler?
There are a few benefits that can come from lowering a Jeep Wrangler, including the following:
- Enhanced aerodynamics: Lowering the car can help enhance the aerodynamics of the vehicle, which in turn can help to lower the amount of wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency.
- Handling and stability can be improved by lowering the car, particularly when making sharp turns or traveling at high speeds. This benefit is most noticeable in situations where the vehicle is being driven quickly.
- A more aggressive and sporty appearance can be achieved by lowering the car, which can also contribute to an improvement in the vehicle’s overall looks.
- Performance enhancements in the suspension. One of the benefits of lowering the car is that it can increase suspension performance. This is accomplished by lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity, which in turn makes the suspension more responsive to the inputs of the driver.
- Increased tire clearance: Lowering the car can also increase tire clearance, making it simpler to install larger or more aggressive tires. This benefit is achieved by increasing the vehicle’s ground clearance.
- Increased load-carrying capacity one of the benefits of lowering the vehicle is an increase in the load-carrying capacity of the vehicle. This is because lowering the vehicle helps the weight to be distributed more evenly.
- The sag in the suspension can be reduced by lowering the vehicle. The sag in the suspension can develop over time owing to the weight of the vehicle and the load that it carries. Sag can be reduced by lowering the vehicle.
- The vehicle’s overall handling and stability may benefit from the lowered ride height as a result of the improved suspension geometry that can be achieved by lowering the vehicle.
Before you modify your Jeep Wrangler by decreasing the ride height, you should carefully evaluate the following benefits and weigh them against the drawbacks of the modification.
It is also important to know that certain states have rules that stipulate the minimum height for vehicles that are driven on the road. Because of this, it is vital to examine the legality of any modifications that are made before making any changes.
Disadvantages of Lowering a Jeep Wrangler:
There are several drawbacks associated with lowering a Jeep Wrangler, including the following:
- Lowering the car will lower the space between the bottom of the vehicle and the ground. This will increase the likelihood that the vehicle will bottom out or scrape on obstacles when off-roading.
- Reduced suspension travel. Because lowering the car also reduces the amount of suspension travel, this can have a detrimental impact on the performance of the vehicle when traveling over difficult or uneven terrain.
- Lowering the car will place more stress on the suspension components, which can lead to greater wear and the need for more frequent maintenance. This increased wear and tear on the suspension components might be a direct result of lowering the vehicle.
- Lowering the vehicle can also increase the chance of rolling over the vehicle, particularly while making sharp curves or traveling at high speeds. This is especially true when the vehicle is lowered.
- Reduced towing capability: Bringing the vehicle’s height down can also bring a reduction in the towing capacity, making it more difficult to haul huge cargo.
- Stability can be compromised when a vehicle is lowered, making it more prone to skidding or sliding in adverse weather conditions. Stability can be compromised when a vehicle is lowered by lowering the vehicle’s ride height.
- Reduced off-road capabilities: Lowering a vehicle can also diminish its off-road capabilities. This is because a vehicle with a lower profile is more likely to become bogged down in softer soil or in ruts that are deeper.
- Problems with the law. In some places, there are rules that stipulate the minimum height for vehicles that are allowed to be driven on the road. Lowering the vehicle could cause problems with these laws.
Before you modify your Jeep Wrangler by decreasing the ride height, you should carefully analyze the following drawbacks and determine how they compare to the advantages of the change.
What difference between Lowering by Yourself or by a Mechanic?
Lowering your jeep can be a rewarding experience, whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a mechanic. Doing it yourself allows the satisfaction of taking on the challenge and completing the project while enlisting a mechanic can ensure that everything is done with precision and accuracy.
The main differences between doing it yourself and taking it to a professional is cost, knowledge, and resources. Doing it yourself may require more time since the repair parts need to be acquired first. Knowing how to install them may also come from personal research and experimenting.
In contrast, hiring a mechanic will likely come at an additional cost but saves time, as they will have direct access to parts and often extensive working knowledge when it comes to repairs and modifications.
How Much Does it Cost to Lower a Jeep?
The cost of lowering a Jeep varies depending on the type of modification you want to perform. Many owners choose to replace their suspensions, springs, and shocks in order to achieve the desired lower stance for their off-road vehicles.
Complex suspension kits range in price from approximately $400 to $1000+, with costs varying based on customization options such as air or coil-over suspension, overriding factory suspension lifts, and replacement shocks.
If your Jeep is a classic model, you will likely need to source individual parts and opt for custom-fit options which can be relatively expensive compared to newer makes and models. Depending on your needs, budgeting time and money for the right parts can be the key to having a great ride that performs optimally off-road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I lower the suspension on my Jeep Wrangler?
Lowering the suspension on your Jeep Wrangler is one of the best ways to provide it with enhanced on-road handling capability and off-roading performance.
It involves making adjustments to your vehicle’s suspension components or installing aftermarket components, that reduce its ground clearance. As such, it can be done relatively easily by a competent DIYer with basic mechanical tools and knowledge.
However, before beginning the process it’s important to consult an automotive professional about which suspension parts are right for your particular vehicle in order to make sure you achieve the desired results safely and efficiently.
Can you lower a Jeep lift?
If you own a Jeep with a lift kit, you may find yourself in need of lowering the vehicle from time to time. Lowering your Jeep can be beneficial for a variety of reasons; it reduces its height so you can more easily access garages and parking structures, it improves performance on the road and off-road, and it helps regulate the vehicle’s center of gravity.
Fortunately, there are several ways to lower your Jeep, ranging from simply adjusting the torsion bar to swapping out certain components such as springs or shackles.
While the process might initially seem complicated and intimidating, taking the proper steps can make it relatively straightforward and easy to tackle.
Conclusion
For those that drive a Jeep Wrangler, the need to lower it could be the difference between conquering off-road terrain and having an uneventful journey.
Lowering a Jeep Wrangler can provide better control at higher speeds and reduce occurrences of body roll as you traverse across the terrain. It can also give you better access to your favorite trails if you have larger wheel/tire combinations.
However, making sure once you lower your Jeep that all of your components are properly secured and aligned is essential for maintaining its full performance capabilities.
With this knowledge in hand, lowering your Jeep Wrangler could just be the key to unlocking a new level of off-roading pleasure.