Lifts:

What do lifts get me? More space! Space for larger tires, space for larger components like new transfer cases, wrenching space under the Jeep, who doesn't love having space for stuff? New Jeepers often want a lift as their first "big" mod, usually to fit bigger tires, but don't always realize some of the added benefits a lift can net you, or some of the issues that can come with them.

Are bigger tires really that important? Bigger tires is one of the most impactful upgrades you can add to a Jeep, so creating room for them makes a good lift invaluable. Running bigger tires on your Jeep not only increases belly and axle clearances, but also improves traction, larger tires have more surface area in contact with the trail, and can help you navigate difficult areas.

Any other benefits? Quality lift kits offer more than just room and clearances. With some quality lifts you'll get added rock-proofing from upgraded control arms and atriculation gains offroad from swaybar disconnects and upgraded suspension components. Some lift kits can even improve your Jeep's ride quality.

What about the issues you mentioned? Lift kits can come with a few issues, but they aren't usually too concerning, and most of them can be fought or fixed. Lifts can negatively impact your steering geometry, driveline geometry, and center of gravity. Most lifts won't mess with the steering geometry all that much though, and quality lifts often come with things to combat changed driveline geometry. Most lifts also don't get tall enough to make center of gravity worth worrying about.

There are a few different types of common lifts, each with different benefits and issues, but don't worry, they all have their own article where we cover the basics of each type:

• Suspension Lifts
• Body Lifts
• Budget Boosts

If you're looking at lifting your TJ, you should absolutely read this thread as well, it is packed with excellent information: A Beginner's Guide to Lifting Your Jeep Wrangler TJ