If you're hunting with regard to a 2014 jeep cherokee lift kit , you probably already realized that while the KL era is a strong daily driver, it sits a little low for anybody wanting to do some real exploring. Whenever Jeep first fallen this model in 2014, it had been a bit of a shock in order to the system. It replaced the boxy Liberty and offered us those squinty headlights and a significantly more aerodynamic form. But let's be honest—in its share form, it looks more like the grocery getter compared with how a trail-rated animal. Adding a lift kit changes that will vibe completely, providing you the distance you need plus the look a person probably wanted in the first place.
Why trouble lifting a KL Cherokee?
You could be wondering if it's actually worth the trouble to lift an unibody crossover. The particular short answer is really a resounding yes, using some caveats. The particular 2014 Cherokee isn't a Wrangler; you aren't going in order to throw a 6-inch long-arm suspension under it and contact it a day. However, even a modest 1. 5 to 2-inch lift the world of distinction.
The biggest issue with the stock 2014 height could be the approach plus departure angles. In the event that you've ever attempted to crawl more than a slightly-too-large stone or even simply a steep entrance, you've likely noticed that cringeworthy scrape from the top air dam. A lift kit assists get those plastic bits out of harm's way. Plus, this allows you in order to run slightly larger, meatier tires, which is in which the real traction originates from whenever the pavement ends.
Understanding your options: Spacers vs. Total Suspension
When you start shopping for the 2014 jeep cherokee lift kit , you'll notice two primary paths you can create. You've got the budget-friendly spacer kits and the more involved (and expensive) strut/spring replacements.
Spacer Lifts
For most individuals just searching for a little bit more attitude plus some extra room intended for tires, a spacer lift is the particular way to go. These are basically pucks produced of aluminum or even high-density polyurethane that sit on top of the factory struts. They're great due to the fact they're affordable and they don't modify the factory ride quality much. If you want how your Cherokee drives now but just wish it was taller, this is definitely usually the best wager. Companies like Rough Country or Hazard Sky happen to be the particular go-to for people with regard to years.
Total Suspension Upgrades
If you're thinking about actually spending your weekends in the particular mud or upon rocky trails, a person might want in order to take a look at something like the Dobinsons or MFC Offroad kits. These often involve replacing the particular struts and springs. The benefit here will be that you're obtaining components designed for the extra stress of off-roading. The particular stock struts on the 2014 model are most likely getting a little bit tired by today anyway, so changing them out for some thing heavy-duty isn't a bad idea in case you have this for it.
The dreaded "Pinch Weld" and wheel clearance
Here is the issue no one tells you until you're halfway with the set up: a lift kit alone doesn't usually mean you are able to match 32-inch tires. The 2014 Cherokee offers a bit of a design dodge in the steering wheel wells. There's a metal seam known as a pinch welds that sticks out there right where your tires want to be when you're turning.
If you're setting up a 2014 jeep cherokee lift kit and intending to upsize your auto tires, be prepared to do a little "clearancing. " This usually involves the hammer, some bravery, and maybe a warmth gun for the plastic liners. It sounds scary in order to beat on your car with the mallet, but it's a standard transitional phase for KL proprietors. Once you tuck those welds back, it is possible to take advantage of the lift and run several decent All-Terrains with no that annoying rubbing sound every period you pull straight into a parking place.
What regarding the CV axle assemblies?
One issue to keep in mind with the 2014 model specifically—since this was the very first year of this particular design—is how the RESUME axles can be delicate to changes in geometry. When you lift a vehicle, you're changing the position at which the particular axles connect in order to the wheels.
If you move too high (anything over 2 inches), you might begin seeing premature put on on your RESUME boots or also feel a small wobble during speeding. This is frequently called the "Cherokee Wobble" in forum circles. Most 1. 5-inch to 2-inch products are created to stay within a "safe" variety that won't wreck your drivetrain, yet it's something to keep an eye on. It's always a good idea to check your own boot seals every single time you change your oil once you're lifted.
Installation: Can you do it inside your driveway?
If you have a decent set of sockets, some jack port stands, and a whole lot of patience, you may definitely install the 2014 jeep cherokee lift kit yourself. It's not really a five-minute job, though. The back is normally pretty straightforward—you drop the decrease control arm, put the spring out, put the spacer in, and button it back upward.
The front is where things get "fun. " The KL uses a MacPherson strut setup in the front side, which means you have in order to pull the entire swagger assembly out. If you're doing a spacer lift, you'll want to mount the spacer to the particular top. If you're doing a full suspension swap, you might need a springtime compressor, which can be a little overwhelming if you've in no way used one. Don't be afraid to take the struts to a local shop plus pay them fifty bucks to exchange the springs regarding you—it's much safer than wrestling with them in your garage area.
The importance of a post-lift alignment
I can't stress this particular enough: do not really skip the position. As soon as you finish setting up your 2014 jeep cherokee lift kit , your toe and camber are going to be just about all out of whack. If you attempt to drive it like that for a 7 days, you'll chew via your tires quicker than you'd believe.
Take it to the shop that understands how to handle modified automobiles. Some big-chain wheel shops get weird if they see auto aftermarket parts, so locating a local four wheel drive shop or an independent mechanic who else understands suspension geometry is usually the particular better move. They'll get everything pointed in the correct direction so your own Jeep drives directly and your tires final longer than a few months.
How seems on the street
You may anticipate a lifted Cherokee to feel like the boat, but it's actually surprisingly composed. Because you're maintaining the unibody rigidity, it doesn't obtain that "death wobble" or crazy body roll that older Wranglers are famous for. It feels a bit more "truck-like" regarding sure—you're sitting higher, the center of gravity has shifted, and in the event that you added heavier tires, you'll see the engine your tiny bit more difficult to obtain up to speed.
Yet honestly? That's section of the charm. There's a specific satisfaction in seated eye-to-eye with people in F-150s while you're driving the Cherokee. It seems to lose that "soft" all terain feel and starts sense like a legitimate Jeep.
Final ideas on the update
Investing in a 2014 jeep cherokee lift kit has become the individual best thing you can do for the automobile when you have any interest in the outdoors. It bridges the gap between a standard commuter car and also an able weekend warrior. Sure, it's not going to switch your Cherokee in to a rock crawler that can deal with Moab's hardest trails, but it will obtain you to all those remote campsites, through deeper snow, and over obstacles that will have left your own stock bumper within pieces.
Just remember to take your own time with the install, don't forget about the alignment, plus maybe keep the hammer handy for all those pinch welds. Once it's all completed and you observe that new stance, you'll wonder why you didn't do it years ago. It transforms the 2014 KL from the subtle daily driver into something which really looks looking forward to an adventure.