Best 3.5-4 Inch Lift Kits for JK Wrangler

Last updated: February 1, 2025. All prices and availability verified.

The 3.5 to 4 inch lift range is where JK builds get serious. This is the height that lets you run 35 inch tires with full clearance, tackle challenging trails without compromise, and still maintain a reasonable daily driver.

But this lift height also introduces complexity. Driveline angles become critical. Geometry correction is mandatory. And the price difference between a mediocre kit and a great one can mean years of trouble-free wheeling versus chasing vibrations and wobbles.

After testing numerous setups in this range, here are the kits that actually deliver.

Why 3.5-4 Inches Is the Sweet Spot for 35s

Before diving into specific products, let’s talk about why this lift height makes sense.

At 2.5 inches, you can squeeze 35s on a JK, but you’ll deal with rubbing at full articulation. You’ll trim fenders, adjust bump stops, and still hear tire contact on aggressive trails.

At 4.5+ inches, you’re into serious driveline modification territory. You’ll likely need a long-arm kit, upgraded driveshafts front and rear, and your on-road manners suffer noticeably.

The 3.5-4 inch range gives you full 35 inch tire clearance with room for suspension travel, while keeping driveshaft angles manageable with quality components. It’s the practical ceiling for a short-arm suspension that still works well as a daily driver.

For a deeper understanding of lift heights and what each requires, check out our Complete JK Lift Kit Guide.

What to Look for in a Mid-Height Lift Kit

Not all 3.5 inch kits are created equal. Here’s what separates the good from the problematic:

Geometry Correction Components

At this height, you must correct your suspension geometry. The kit should include:

• Adjustable front track bar - Centers your front axle and prevents steering issues
• Adjustable rear track bar - Keeps the rear axle properly located
• Adjustable control arms - At minimum, adjustable lowers to set pinion angle

Kits that skip these components will cause problems. Period.

Spring Quality and Rate

The springs make or break your ride quality. Look for:

• Dual-rate or progressive springs - Soft initial rate for comfort, stiffer under load
• Proper weight rating - Account for bumpers, winches, and accessories
• Reputable manufacturing - Springs from major brands like Eibach or proprietary designs from quality kit makers

Shock Compatibility

Some kits include shocks, others don’t. Either way, you need shocks matched to your lift height. Stock shocks are too short and will limit your suspension travel or bottom out.

Driveshaft Considerations

At 3.5 inches, many JKs can run the stock front driveshaft, but it’s marginal. At 4 inches, a front CV driveshaft is typically required. The rear is usually fine up to 4 inches with proper pinion angle adjustment.

Top 3.5-4 Inch Lift Kits for JK Wrangler

Best Overall: Teraflex 3.5” Sport ST3 Suspension System

Teraflex has been building JK suspensions since the platform launched, and it shows. The ST3 kit is their mid-height offering that balances capability with value.

What’s Included:

• 3.5” front and rear coil springs (Eibach)
• Adjustable front track bar
• Front and rear track bar brackets
• Adjustable rear track bar
• Front lower adjustable control arms
• Sway bar end links
• Bump stop extensions
• All necessary hardware

Why It Works:

The Eibach springs in this kit are genuinely good. They don’t sag under load like budget springs, and the dual-rate design means you get comfort on the highway and support on the trail. The adjustable control arms and track bars let you dial in geometry precisely.

Price: Around $1,800-2,200 depending on configuration

What You’ll Still Need:

• Shocks ($400-1,000 depending on brand)
• Extended brake lines ($80-150)
• Possibly a front CV driveshaft if you experience vibration

Best For: JK owners who want proven reliability without premium pricing. This kit works well for trail use and daily driving.

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Best for Trail Performance: Rock Krawler 3.5” Adventure Series

Rock Krawler builds suspension for people who actually use their Jeeps hard. Their Adventure Series 3.5” kit is designed for serious trail capability without going full competition spec.

What’s Included:

• 3.5” front and rear coil springs
• Adjustable front track bar
• Rear track bar relocation bracket
• Front and rear adjustable lower control arms
• Adjustable upper control arms (front)
• Sway bar disconnects
• Extended brake lines
• All mounting hardware

Why It Works:

The inclusion of front upper adjustable control arms sets this kit apart. Combined with the adjustable lowers, you get complete control over caster and pinion angles. The sway bar disconnects are a nice bonus for trail articulation.

Rock Krawler’s springs tend to be slightly stiffer than some competitors, which translates to less body roll on the trail but a firmer highway ride.

Price: Around $2,400-2,800

What You’ll Still Need:

• Shocks (they offer packages with Fox or Bilstein)
• Alignment after installation

Best For: Owners who prioritize trail capability and want all geometry correction components included from the start.

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Best Value: Rubicon Express 3.5” Super-Flex Standard

Rubicon Express has been around longer than most JK lift manufacturers. Their Super-Flex line offers solid capability at a lower price point than premium options.

What’s Included:

• 3.5” front and rear coil springs
• Adjustable front track bar
• Rear track bar bracket
• Front lower adjustable control arms
• Extended sway bar links
• Bump stops

Why It Works:

The RE springs have a proven track record. They’re not as refined as Eibach springs, but they’re reliable and hold their height well. The adjustable components provide necessary geometry correction.

This kit represents the minimum you should spend for a 3.5” lift that won’t cause headaches.

Price: Around $1,200-1,500

What You’ll Still Need:

• Shocks
• Extended brake lines
• Possibly rear adjustable control arms for optimal geometry

Best For: Budget-conscious builders who still want quality components. This is the floor for a 3.5” lift done right.

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Premium Choice: AEV 3.5” DualSport SC Suspension

AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) builds components for people who want the best and don’t mind paying for it. Their DualSport SC is a short-arm kit that performs like a long-arm system.

What’s Included:

• 3.5” front and rear coil springs (AEV-spec Eibach)
• AEV Geometry Correction Brackets
• Adjustable front and rear track bars
• Adjustable front and rear control arms (full set)
• AEV bump stops
• All mounting hardware

Why It Works:

AEV’s geometry correction system is unique. Their brackets allow for longer effective control arm length within a short-arm setup, improving ride quality and articulation. The full set of adjustable arms means you can perfect every angle.

The springs are tuned specifically for AEV accessories but work well even without a full AEV build.

Price: Around $3,500-4,000

What You’ll Still Need:

• Shocks (AEV recommends Bilstein 5160s)
• Alignment

Best For: Owners building a premium JK who want the best short-arm suspension available. Often paired with AEV bumpers and accessories for a cohesive build.

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Best Coilover Option: King 3.5” Coilover Suspension

For those who want adjustability and maximum performance, a coilover setup opens up possibilities that traditional springs can’t match.

What’s Included:

• King 2.5” front coilovers with adjusters
• King 2.5” rear coilovers with adjusters
• Adjustable front track bar
• Adjustable rear track bar
• Extended brake lines

Why It Works:

Coilovers let you adjust ride height and preload independently. This means you can dial in exactly 3.5 inches, account for accessory weight, and adjust for different conditions. King shocks are race-proven and incredibly durable.

The ride quality is noticeably better than any spring/shock combination. You feel in control even at speed over rough terrain.

Price: Around $4,500-5,500 depending on configuration

What You’ll Still Need:

• Adjustable control arms (sold separately)
• Professional setup and tuning recommended

Best For: High-performance trail rigs, owners who want the absolute best ride quality, those willing to invest in proper setup.

Spring Lifts vs Coilover Lifts: Which Is Right for You?

This decision comes down to budget and intended use.

Choose Coil Springs If:

• Budget is a consideration (springs cost significantly less)
• You’re building a daily driver that sees occasional trail use
• You want a straightforward installation
• You don’t need adjustable ride height

Choose Coilovers If:

• You want the best possible ride quality
• Adjustability matters (different heights for different uses)
• You’re building a dedicated trail rig
• Budget allows for premium components

For most JK owners running 35s as a daily driver with weekend trail use, a quality coil spring kit with good shocks is the practical choice. Coilovers are the premium path for those who want the best performance regardless of cost.

Installation Considerations at This Lift Height

A 3.5-4 inch lift is more complex than a basic 2.5” kit. Here’s what to expect.

DIY Feasibility

This installation is doable in a home garage, but it’s a full weekend project. You’ll need:

• Floor jack and quality jack stands
• Spring compressors
• Full socket and wrench sets (metric and standard)
• Torque wrench
• Possibly a pickle fork for ball joints
• Penetrating oil (lots of it)

If you’ve done suspension work before, plan for 10-16 hours. First-timers should plan for longer and have a backup vehicle available.

What Can Go Wrong

Common issues at this lift height:

• Stuck hardware - JK suspension bolts rust. Have penetrating oil and a breaker bar ready
• Driveline vibration - May require front CV driveshaft if stock shaft complains
• Steering wheel off-center - Track bar adjustment fixes this
• Bump steer - Usually from incorrect track bar installation

For a comprehensive installation guide with step-by-step instructions, see our JK Lift Kit Installation Guide.

Professional Installation

Expect to pay $600-1,000 for professional installation of a 3.5-4” kit. This includes:

• Full suspension installation
• Geometry adjustment
• Test drive and initial inspection
• Alignment (sometimes included, sometimes extra)

Professional installation makes sense if you don’t have tools, time, or experience. A good shop will catch issues before they become problems.

Supporting Modifications

At 3.5-4 inches, these supporting mods are important:

Highly Recommended:

• Extended brake lines - Required for full suspension travel without stretching
• Alignment - Non-negotiable after any lift
• Torque check at 500 miles - Suspension bolts settle

Consider Adding:

• Front CV driveshaft - Eliminates vibration if stock shaft causes issues
• Adjustable upper control arms - Better caster control, improved steering feel
• Quality shocks - If your kit doesn’t include them, don’t cheap out here

Down the Road:

• Regearing - For 35s, 4.56 or 4.88 gears restore power
• Steering stabilizer upgrade - Helps with larger tire feel

Making Your Decision

Here’s a quick reference for choosing:

Priority	Recommended Kit	Price Range
Best value	Rubicon Express 3.5” Super-Flex	$1,200-1,500
Best overall	Teraflex 3.5” ST3	$1,800-2,200
Trail performance	Rock Krawler 3.5” Adventure	$2,400-2,800
Premium build	AEV 3.5” DualSport SC	$3,500-4,000
Maximum performance	King Coilover Setup	$4,500-5,500

Whatever kit you choose, don’t skip the geometry correction components. The difference between a 3.5” lift done right and one done wrong is the difference between years of enjoyment and months of frustration.

Related Articles

• Complete JK Lift Kit Guide - Everything you need to know about lifting your JK
• JK Lift Kit Installation Guide - DIY installation tips and common mistakes
• Best JK Lift Kits by Budget - More lift kit recommendations across all heights
• JK Death Wobble: Causes and Fixes - Prevent issues after lifting

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 3.5 inch lift enough for 35 inch tires?

Yes, 3.5 inches is the sweet spot for 35 inch tires on a JK. At this height, you’ll have full clearance at all suspension angles without the excessive lift that creates driveline complications. You won’t need to trim fenders or worry about rubbing during articulation. Most serious JK builders consider 3.5 inches the optimal lift height for running 35s.

What’s the difference between a 3.5 and 4 inch lift?

That half-inch difference has real implications for your driveline. A 3.5 inch lift often works with stock driveshafts, particularly in the rear. At 4 inches, you’ll typically need a CV driveshaft up front to eliminate vibration. Both heights fit 35 inch tires equally well, so the choice often comes down to whether you want to stay just under the driveshaft modification threshold.

Do I need a long-arm kit at 3.5 inches?

No, short-arm kits work very well at 3.5 inches when they include proper geometry correction. Long-arm kits improve ride quality and articulation, but they’re not necessary unless you’re pushing toward 4.5 inches or higher. The premium short-arm kits like AEV’s DualSport deliver excellent performance without the complexity and cost of a long-arm setup.

Should I get coilovers or coil springs for a 3.5 inch lift?

Coil springs are the practical choice for most builds. They’re significantly more affordable, easier to install, and work great for combined trail use and daily driving. Coilovers offer adjustability and better performance but cost two to three times as much. Unless you’re building a high-performance trail rig or want adjustable ride height, quality coil springs with matched shocks are the better value.

Will a 3.5 inch lift cause death wobble?

Not if installed correctly with proper geometry correction. Quality kits include adjustable track bars and control arms specifically to maintain correct suspension geometry. Death wobble problems start when people install cheap kits that skip these components or when adjustable parts aren’t properly set. Always get an alignment after installation and torque check all fasteners after 500 miles of driving.