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Lifted Jeep Renegade (Guide, Cost, Lift Kits)

By: Author Kris Peter

Posted on  - Last updated:

Categories Gear, Jeeps

Although not the series’ flagship model, the Jeep Renegade is one of the better preferred off-roading 4x4s in the market. And if you have guessed it is due to its prowess in traversing snowy roads and beaten paths, you are correct!

It has so much potential that maximizing its off-roading capabilities by getting the Jeep Renegade lifted makes perfect sense. Fortunately, this guide is just what you need to start this task.

A simple Jeep Renegade lift kit is relatively easy to source and install, with tons of 1.5″ to 2″ lift kits. More extensive lift kits offering higher clearance and improved drivability are also available – although these may require additional mods, more advanced skills, and special tools.

We will run over the lowdowns of Jeep Renegade lift kits and top picks for different lift types. We will also look into potential problems with and design limitations of the vehicle and determine if installing a 6-inch Jeep Renegade lift kit is feasible.

So if these details more than pique your interest, stick around and continue reading this article.

Yellow Jeep Renegade

Why Install a Jeep Renegade Lift Kit?

The Jeep Renegade is a pretty impressive crossover. In stock form, the 4×4 already exhibits agreeable behaviors when treading on the freeway and through snowy conditions.

It also offers tons of usable features like Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Selec-Terrain Traction Management System (to name a few).

These features are unquestionably invaluable on-road. But as a true-blue off-roading vehicle, there is still much to be had with its handling – which aptly justifies the need for a suspension lift kit.

That said, here are some of the benefits of having a lifted Renegade or Jeep Renegade Trailhawk®:

Benefits

  • A well-installed lift kit can help rectify disparities in height between the front and rear ends of the vehicle and issues in wheel alignment.
  • Lifted Renegades flaunt a more stylish appearance and improved off-roadability (if there is such a term) by accommodating larger tires that prevent front-end sagging and provide sufficient clearance when tackling obstacles and other off-road interferences.
  • Suspension lift kits enhance not only your Jeep Renegade’s trail capability but also its stance, approach angles, wading depth (already 19 inches stock), and pulling power – highly-coveted qualities in 4x4s used for heavy work or off-roading.
  • Professionally outfitted lift kits can resolve the Jeep Renegade’s fickle stock suspension setup (especially for pre-2020 models), provided faulty components are tended to or replaced first.

The Jeep Renegade does not inherently have design flaws that might get in the way of installing an aftermarket lift kit. However, some model years of the vehicle have suspension problems characterized by unusual bounciness, sudden drifting, and weird noises when driving over a speed bump or turn.

Therefore, it is wise to keep an eye and ear out for these telltale signs and nip the problem source in the bud before spending your hard-earned bucks on getting the vehicle lifted.

How to Install Jeep Renegade Lift Kits 

The installation process for lift kits varies in difficulty, depending on the lift height a Jeep owner wants to achieve. 2.0 inches of lift (or lower) is relatively easy, whereas anything higher than 3 inches requires more advanced mechanical skills and special tools.

That said, ready yourself with the following before you begin the installation process:

Once you have these tools ready, follow the steps below. (Note that they only apply to 1.5-inch lift kits. Custom-lifted Jeep Renegades or those with performance lift kits installed require an entirely different procedure):

Step #1:

Park your Jeep Renegade on level ground, put on the parking brake, pop the hood, and take off the windshield caps over the retaining nuts. Next, take off the nuts holding the windshield wipers. Mark the position of the wipers for later.

Step #2:

Remove the three push tabs that hold the cowl in place with a flathead screwdriver and a panel trim pry tool. Do not forget to remove the other push tabs on each side of the cowl cover. Take the cowl off and set it aside.

Step #3:

Jack up your Jeep Renegade (stands should be placed under the frame rails a little behind the front knobbies) until the tires are off the ground and resting on the jack stands.

Step #4:

Using the appropriate socket, remove the lug bolts holding the front wheels onto your vehicle. Afterward, take off the wheels, and place them under the frame rails (works as an added safety measure). 

Step #5:

Take off the sway bar link on the strut from the driver’s side. Use the Torx T40 to hold the stud in place and a corresponding wrench to remove the nut.

Loosen the nut holding the tie rod to the steering knuckle without taking it off completely. Hit the end of the sterling knuckle with the 3-lb hammer to ring out and eventually remove tapered studs.

Step #6:

Using the Torx T40 and appropriate-size wrench, take off the sway bar link from the sway bar arm. Then with needle nose pliers, take off the spring clip holding the brake line to the mount to pull the former free.

Step #7:

Take off the speed sensor from the strut before removing the two bolts holding it to the steering knuckle. Use a floor jack to give the bottom of the steering knuckle assembly additional support.

Then using an E-14 Torx and ratchet extension, take off the additional bolts holding the strut onto your Jeep to dislodge the component.

Step #8:

If your lift kit has stud extenders, use thread locks on them and install them onto the top part of the strut assembly. For spacers, put them on top of the strut assembly before reinstalling the latter onto the vehicle (with bolts tightened just enough to Secure the strut assembly to the steering knuckle).

Step #9:

Do steps #1 to #7 but in reverse order – all the way to reinstalling the windshield wipers.

Step #10:

Remove the nuts holding your carrier-bearing skid plate one at a time (but loosen both), slip a round spacer between the carrier-bearing bracket and the bottom, then tighten the bracket using a 10-mm bolt and washer. Do this step for both ends of the carrier-bearing skid plate.

Step #11:

Chock the front wheels, then lift the rear end of the Jeep Renegade off the ground with jack stands (tires should be well off the ground too). Remove lug bolts on the tires and insert the appropriate spacers that came with the lift kit for this part of your four-wheeler.

Step #12:

Using the appropriate socket and ratchet extension, remove the muffler and slide a spacer onto the muffler hanger bracket topside. Once done, secure it with the bolt and washer provided in the lift kit. Do this step on both the driver and passenger side of your Jeep Renegade.

Finally, you are done with installing your lift kit and can take your 4×4 for a test drive!

Best Lift Kits for Jeep Renegade

Jeep Renegade Parked Beside Wooden House

It can be confusing when choosing the best kit for your Renegade. After all, there are several lift kit options available to vehicle owners, as follows:

  • Body lift kits: provide 1-3 inches of lift while maintaining stock suspension and wheels and are done mainly for cosmetic reasons
  • Budget lift kits: provide 1.5-2 inches of lift without requiring a lot of suspension mods and are done mainly for looks and the ability to add larger tires
  • Leveling kits: best with older Renegade models or those that have seen years of heavy use, as these vehicles tend to sit lower in the front than the back; allow mounting of larger tires on both front and rear ends
  • Coil spring lift kits or spacer lifts: offer 2-3.5 inches of lift while providing increased articulation and are done mainly for enhanced off-road capability
  • Short arm lift kits: offer 2-6 inches of lift while dramatically improving off-road capability, ground clearance, and wheel travel; includes everything found in a coil spring lift kit.
  • Long arm lift kits: provide 2-6 inches of lift through the mounting of longer control arms on the rear of the vehicle frame; installation requires welding, fabrication, and (often) the expertise of mechanically savvy enthusiasts and professionals

Nonetheless, I have gone ahead and consolidated the top picks by automotive publications and online sources for lifted Jeep Renegade Trailhawk and standard Renegade models. The list should take some of the burden that comes with decision-making off your shoulders (please see below):

(** Price not specified, currently unavailable, patent-pending, or out of stock)

TeraFlex

TeraFlex 1351200 Renegade 1.5″ Lift Kit (view on Amazon)

Designed for Jeep Renegades and 2017–2018 Jeep Compass

Pros:

  • Front and rear strut spacers take care of wheel offset (suspension alignment) without compromising ride quality on city streets or freeways.
  • The mounting hardware included in the kit is all made from stainless steel.
  • Installation of the kit provides a modest lift height of 0 to 2.5 inches and up to 29-inch tires.

Cons:

  • Installation can take up to eight hours or more despite being straightforward.

Rough Country

Rough Country 2″ Lift Kit 62100 (view on Amazon)

Designed for 2014–2021 Jeep Renegades and 2017–2021 Jeep Compass

Pros:

  • The kit includes front strut spacers, charcoal canister brackets, sway bar end links, 1.25-inch body pucks, rear trailing arm spacers, and an exhaust spacer.
  • Installation is 100% bolt-on and hassle-free (no need for special tools).
  • When installed, it gives the Jeep Renegade a beefier, more badass look and clearance for larger tires.
  • This Renegade lift kit offers a limited lifetime replacement warranty by Rough Country.
  • Installation of the kit provides a lift height of up to 2.5 inches and up to 29-inch tires.

Cons:

  • It is heavier than most aftermarket lift kits for the Jeep Renegade.
  • Some consumers have reported minor quality-control issues like missing installation parts.

Daystar®

Daystar® 1.5″ x 1.5″ ComfortRide™ Front and Rear Suspension Lift Kit**

Designed for 2014–2022 Jeep Renegades (including 2WD, 4WD, Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk)

Pros:

  • The kit includes progressive-rate polyurethane coil spacers and coil spring spacers, front sway bar end links, rear control arm brackets, and a rear block and U-bolt kit.
  • Included spacers bolt to the top of the factory strut assembly, so coil springs are not preloaded and ride quality remains unaffected.
  • Polyurethane construction ensures proper cushioning that prevents the travel of harsh vibrations from the front end to the passenger area.
  • Installation is simple and doesn’t require the replacement of existing factory springs, shocks, or struts.
  • It includes a limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects.
  • The kit provides a lift height of up to 1.5 inches and accommodation for up to 33-inch tires.

Cons:

  • The lift kit does not include shocks.

Southwest Speed

Southwest Speed NEW DAYSTAR Suspension Lift Kit**

Designed for 2015–2017 Jeep Renegades (including 2WD, 4WD, Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk)

Pros:

  • The kit includes progressive-rate front and rear polyurethane coil spring spacers, sway bar end links, rear control arm brackets, and top load strut stud extender mounts.
  • Installation is 100% bolt-on, FMVSS 126-compliant, and with no strut disassembly required.
  • The instruction manual is detailed, and aftersales customer service is responsive.
  • The kit provides a lift height of up to 2.5 inches and accommodation for up to two sizes of larger tires.

Cons:

  • It is more expensive than most aftermarket lift kits for the Jeep Renegade.
  • The strut spacers and relocation bracket for the control arm provided in the kit tend to be too tight.

American Trail®

American Trail® 4″ x 4″ Front and Rear Suspension Lift Kit**

Designed for Jeep Renegades

Pros:

  • Kit inclusions are constructed from premium 6061 T6 aircraft billet aluminum, and 1018 cold rolled steel – corrosion-resistant and with an anodized black finish.
  • Installation is 100% bolt-on, with all mounting hardware included and no strut disassembly required.
  • The kit includes coil springs (front and rear), lift blocks, and spacers.
  • It provides a lift height of up to 2.5 inches and accommodation for up to 30-inch tires.

Cons:

  • It is more expensive than most aftermarket lift kits for the Jeep Renegade.
  • Fitting larger tires requires inner fender modification.

Eibach®

Eibach® 1″ x 1″ Pro-Lift-Kit Front and Rear Lifted Coil Springs**

Designed for 2016 Jeep Renegades (including 4WD, Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk)

Pros:

  • A lift kit is engineered using the same tech found in ERO Off-road Race Springs.
  • The kit includes silver powder-coated coil springs providing cross-country handling, reduced aerodynamic drag and rollover tendency, and impressive ride quality.
  • Pro-series kits signify a moderate level of drop versus Sport-series kits.
  • Installation of the kit provides a modest lift height.

Cons:

  • Because it does not use coilover systems or spacer lifts, the kit only provides a moderate improvement in your Jeep Renegade’s off-roading capabilities.
  • To get at least 1.5 inches of lift, best pair this kit with compatible Bilstein Offroad B8 Shocks (view on Amazon).

If you do not intend to go ham on lift height, you would only need what is provided in your lift kit. But it is a different story for certain lift heights. For instance, going for a Jeep Renegade 3-inch lift kit would require different lower control arms and longer shock absorbers. You may also consider lengthening your 4×4’s front and rear brake lines.

With at least 4 inches of lift (or more), you would need to add longer upper control arms, longer brake lines, and a replacement track bar to the list. 2-door and 4-door lift kits differ too. Hence, be mindful of the vehicle layout when getting your BU or Jeep Renegade Trailhawk lifted.

Conclusion – Lifted Jeep Renegade Guide

White Jeep Renegade Off-Road

After all the details in this guide, the question remains – “Is it feasible to install a 6-inch Jeep Renegade lift kit?” And the answer is YES – it is! However, doing so is not exactly ideal.

Similar to the Jeep Patriot I covered a while back, the Jeep Renegade is more for paved streets than off-the-beaten-path. While it handles spectacularly on slick surfaces, it does not automatically make the vehicle a natural on the dunes or off-road.

The Jeep Renegade is not intrinsically sport-oriented (except for its Trailhawk trim). That said, two inches of lift is already a good enough upgrade for this tank.