Ever look at a classic Jeep CJ7 and think, “It needs a little more attitude”? That rugged charm is undeniable, but for many CJ7 owners, the desire to conquer tougher trails or simply stand out from the crowd leads them to one crucial upgrade: a lift kit. But here’s the thing – diving into the world of CJ7 lift kits can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. You want to give your Jeep that aggressive stance and enhanced off-road capability, but the sheer number of options, different heights, and varying suspension types can leave you scratching your head.
Choosing the wrong lift kit can mean a bumpy ride, costly mistakes, or even damage to your beloved CJ7. It’s a big decision, and you want to get it right the first time. That’s exactly why we’re here. In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about CJ7 lift kits. We’ll explore the different types, what to consider before you buy, and how to pick the perfect kit to transform your CJ7 into the trail-conquering machine you’ve always dreamed of.
So, if you’re ready to give your CJ7 the lift it deserves and unlock its full off-road potential, stick around. We’ll equip you with the knowledge to make a confident choice and get you back on the trails with a smile.
Our Top 5 Cj7 Lift Kit Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
BDS405H | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
 |
Rough Country 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit for 1976-1983 Jeep CJ7 4WD – 61030 | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
 |
Skyjacker Suspensions J41bkh 76-86 Jeep Cj 4wd 4sport Ser Sys | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
 |
BDS407H | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
 |
Skyjacker Suspensions J21bkh 76-86 Jeep Cj 4wd 2.5sport Ser Sys | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Cj7 Lift Kit Detailed Reviews
1. BDS405H
Rating: 8.9/10
Ready to give your Jeep CJ5 or CJ7 from 1982-1986 a serious upgrade? The BDS405H lift kit is here to help! This 2.5-inch full suspension lift kit adds a rugged look and improved off-road capability. It fits perfectly onto your Jeep, making it ready for adventure.
What We Like:
- Super easy to install – it’s a 100% bolt-on kit! No cutting or welding needed.
- The Glideride leaf springs give you the full 2.5-inch lift you want. They also help your Jeep carry more weight.
- NX2 Nitro shocks are included. These shocks are made just for your Jeep, so they give you better control on the road and trails.
- You get a lift for both the front and rear of your Jeep.
What Could Be Improved:
- This kit is designed for specific Jeep models and years, so it won’t fit other vehicles.
- While the shocks are great, some users might want even more advanced shock options for extreme off-roading.
This BDS lift kit makes it simple to get your Jeep CJ5 or CJ7 looking tough and performing better. It’s a great way to enhance your off-road experience.
2. Rough Country 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit for 1976-1983 Jeep CJ7 4WD – 61030
Rating: 8.9/10
Ready to give your classic 1976-1983 Jeep CJ7 a serious upgrade? The Rough Country 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit (Part #61030) delivers the perfect mix of performance, protection, and cool style. It boosts your Jeep’s ground clearance, letting you tackle tougher trails with confidence. Plus, it levels out your ride, giving it a more aggressive stance. This kit comes with Rough Country’s top-notch N3 Shock Absorbers, designed for a smooth ride whether you’re cruising on the highway or exploring off-road.
What We Like:
- Gives your Jeep CJ7 a great look and better off-road capability.
- Increases ground clearance for tackling obstacles.
- Premium N3 Shock Absorbers provide a comfortable ride.
- Levels the front of your Jeep with the rear for a balanced appearance.
- Precision-cut parts ensure a perfect fit.
- Backed by Rough Country’s reliable Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation might require some mechanical experience or tools.
- The 2.5-inch lift is a moderate increase, not for extreme off-roading.
This Rough Country lift kit is a fantastic way to enhance your Jeep CJ7’s capabilities and appearance. It’s a solid investment for any CJ7 owner looking for improved performance and style.
3. Skyjacker Suspensions J41bkh 76-86 Jeep Cj 4wd 4sport Ser Sys
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to upgrade your 1976-1986 Jeep CJ 4WD with the Skyjacker Suspensions J41bkh 4Sport Series System. This kit is designed to give your classic Jeep a serious boost in performance and looks. It lets you fit bigger tires, up to 33 x 12.5 inches, on 15 x 10 inch wheels with 3.75 inches of backspacing. This means you can tackle tougher trails and look good doing it.
What We Like:
- This system lets you fit larger tires, improving off-road capability.
- It offers a noticeable lift for a more aggressive stance.
- Skyjacker is a known brand for reliable suspension parts.
- Installation is generally straightforward for experienced DIYers.
- The 4Sport Series is built for a balance of on-road comfort and off-road performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The kit might require additional components for a complete setup depending on your specific needs.
- Alignment adjustments are usually necessary after installation.
- Some users might find the ride slightly stiffer than stock.
If you want to give your Jeep CJ a significant upgrade for adventuring, the Skyjacker J41bkh 4Sport Series System is a solid choice. It provides the capability and style you’re looking for.
4. BDS407H
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to give your classic Jeep CJ5 or CJ7 (1976-1981) a serious upgrade? The BDS407H 4-inch Full Suspension Lift Kit is here to boost its look and performance. This kit lifts both the front and rear of your Jeep, giving it an aggressive stance and more ground clearance. Plus, it comes with NX2 Nitro shocks designed specifically for your Jeep, which means better handling and a smoother ride.
What We Like:
- Super easy to install because it’s a 100% bolt-on kit.
- The Glideride leaf springs give you the full 4 inches of lift and can handle more weight.
- The included NX2 Nitro shocks are tuned for your Jeep, offering improved control.
- It makes your Jeep look tougher and ready for adventure.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lift height is fixed at 4 inches, so it’s not adjustable.
- This kit is only for specific Jeep CJ models and years.
This BDS lift kit transforms your Jeep CJ into a capable and stylish machine. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to improve their vintage Jeep’s appearance and capability.
5. Skyjacker Suspensions J21bkh 76-86 Jeep Cj 4wd 2.5sport Ser Sys
Rating: 9.0/10
The Skyjacker Suspensions J21bkh 76-86 Jeep CJ 4WD 2.5 Sport Series System is a fantastic upgrade for your classic Jeep CJ. This kit is designed to give your 1976-1986 Jeep CJ a 2.5-inch lift. This lift allows you to fit bigger tires, making your Jeep ready for off-road adventures. It also improves your Jeep’s look and stance. This system is built tough for demanding trails.
What We Like:
- Improved Off-Road Capability: The 2.5-inch lift lets you run larger tires, up to 31 x 12.5 inches, for better traction and ground clearance.
- Enhanced Looks: It gives your Jeep CJ a more aggressive and capable stance.
- Durable Construction: Skyjacker is known for making tough suspension parts that can handle rough use.
- Complete Kit: It includes everything needed for the lift, making installation more straightforward.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Complexity: While a complete kit, installing a suspension lift can still be challenging and may require some mechanical experience.
- Ride Quality Adjustment: Some users might find the ride slightly stiffer after installation, depending on their preferences and other modifications.
This Skyjacker suspension system is a solid investment for any Jeep CJ owner looking to enhance their vehicle’s performance and appearance. It’s a great way to get your classic Jeep ready for more challenging terrains.
Your Guide to Lifting Your CJ7
So, you’re ready to give your Jeep CJ7 a boost? A lift kit is the way to go. It makes your Jeep look tougher and helps it tackle rougher terrain. Let’s dive into what you need to know to pick the perfect lift kit.
Why Lift Your CJ7?
Lifting your CJ7 does more than just change its look. It gives you:
- Better Clearance: You can drive over bigger rocks and obstacles without hitting your Jeep’s undercarriage.
- Improved Off-Road Capability: Your Jeep will handle mud, sand, and trails much better.
- Room for Bigger Tires: Larger tires offer more grip and can help you get over tough spots.
- Aggressive Stance: Let’s be honest, a lifted Jeep just looks awesome!
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a CJ7 lift kit, keep these features in mind:
Lift Height
- 2-inch to 3-inch: This is a popular choice for everyday driving and mild off-roading. It’s usually easy to install and doesn’t require many other upgrades.
- 4-inch to 4.5-inch: This offers more ground clearance and allows for larger tires. You might need to make some adjustments to other parts of your Jeep.
- 6-inch and Up: For serious off-roading. These kits are more complex and often need new driveshafts, brake lines, and other modifications.
Suspension Type
- Shackle Lift: This is a simpler and more affordable option. It replaces your Jeep’s leaf spring shackles with longer ones. It can provide a small lift.
- Spring Over Axle (SOA): This is a more involved lift. It moves the leaf springs from under the axles to on top of them. This gives a significant lift and is great for off-roading.
- Full Suspension Kits: These replace many of your Jeep’s suspension parts, like springs, shocks, and control arms. They offer the best performance and ride quality but are also the most expensive.
Important Materials
The materials used in a lift kit affect its strength and how long it lasts.
- Steel: Most lift kit components are made of steel. Look for high-quality, durable steel that is resistant to rust.
- Polyurethane Bushings: These are used in many suspension parts. They help absorb shock and reduce noise. Good quality polyurethane will last longer.
- Shocks and Springs: These are crucial for ride quality. High-quality shocks will improve handling and comfort.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a lift kit great? And what can make it not so great?
Quality Boosters:
- Reputable Brands: Stick with well-known brands that have a good reputation for making Jeep parts.
- Complete Kits: A good kit includes everything you need for the installation. This means fewer trips to the store.
- Good Reviews: See what other CJ7 owners say about the kits they’ve used.
Quality Reducers:
- Cheap, Unknown Brands: These kits might save you money upfront but can lead to problems later.
- Missing Parts: If a kit doesn’t include essential components, it can be frustrating and costly to finish the job.
- Poor Fitment: A kit that doesn’t fit your CJ7 correctly can cause damage and poor performance.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will a lift kit change how you use your CJ7?
- Daily Driver: If you use your Jeep for everyday tasks, a smaller lift (2-3 inches) with good quality shocks will give you a comfortable ride and a bit more capability.
- Weekend Warrior: For those who hit the trails on weekends, a 4-inch lift with slightly larger tires is a great balance. It handles moderate trails well.
- Serious Off-Roader: If you’re tackling extreme terrain, a higher lift (6 inches or more) with a full suspension kit and large tires is what you’ll need. Be prepared for more maintenance and a rougher ride on pavement.
Choosing the right lift kit is important. Think about how you’ll use your CJ7 and what you want it to do. Happy lifting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about CJ7 Lift Kits
Q: What is the most common lift height for a CJ7?
A: The most common lift heights are 2.5 inches and 4 inches. These heights offer a good balance between looks, off-road capability, and everyday drivability.
Q: Do I need to change anything else when I install a lift kit?
A: Yes, often you will need to change other parts. This can include longer brake lines, a new driveshaft, or steering stabilizers, especially with taller lifts.
Q: Will a lift kit affect my Jeep’s ride quality?
A: Yes, it can. Taller lifts and stiffer springs might make the ride rougher. High-quality shocks and springs can help improve the ride quality.
Q: Can I install a lift kit myself?
A: Some simpler kits, like shackle lifts, can be installed by someone with basic tools and mechanical knowledge. More complex kits may require special tools and expertise. It’s often best to have a professional install taller or more complex kits.
Q: How big of tires can I fit with a 4-inch lift kit?
A: With a 4-inch lift, you can typically fit 33-inch to 35-inch tires. You might need to do some minor trimming of the fenders for the larger sizes.
Q: What’s the difference between a shackle lift and a spring over axle (SOA) lift?
A: A shackle lift uses longer shackles to lift the Jeep. An SOA lift moves the leaf springs to the top of the axles for a much bigger lift and better articulation.
Q: Are there any downsides to lifting a CJ7?
A: Yes. A lifted Jeep can have a higher center of gravity, which can make it less stable on steep side hills. Fuel economy may also decrease, and on-road handling might change.
Q: How much does a CJ7 lift kit typically cost?
A: Prices vary a lot. Simple shackle lifts can cost a few hundred dollars. Full suspension kits can cost upwards of $1,000 or more.
Q: Should I get a complete kit or individual parts?
A: A complete kit is usually better. It ensures all the parts are designed to work together and simplifies the installation process.
Q: What is a castor correction kit and when do I need one?
A: A castor correction kit helps re-align your front axle after lifting. It’s often needed with lifts of 2.5 inches or more to restore proper steering feel and stability.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.