Jeep Chrysler Dodge RAM FIAT® of Ontario
Whether you drive a Jeep Wrangler built for trail running or a RAM 1500 that needs to stand taller on Ontario roads, a lift kit is one of the most impactful modifications you can make. But choosing the right lift involves more than picking a height — the type of kit, your vehicle model, installation requirements, and total cost all factor into the decision.
This guide breaks down everything drivers in Ontario, CA, and surrounding communities like Corona, Riverside, and West Covina need to know before lifting their truck or SUV.
Understanding the difference between a body lift and a suspension lift is the most important decision you’ll make before purchasing a kit. They accomplish different goals at very different price points.
Raises the vehicle body away from the frame using spacers, typically adding 2 to 5 inches of height. Factory ride quality stays mostly unchanged, but ground clearance does not increase — the frame, axles, and differentials stay at the same height. Works only on body-on-frame vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and RAM 1500.
Replaces or modifies suspension components — springs, shocks, and sometimes control arms — to raise the entire vehicle including the frame. Provides genuine ground clearance gains and allows for significantly larger tires. Ranges from 2 to 6+ inches but requires more investment and professional installation.
Raises only the front of the vehicle by about 1.75 to 3 inches, correcting the factory nose-down rake. The most affordable option that maintains most of the factory ride quality while allowing moderately larger tires — typically up to 33 to 35 inches.
| Lift Type | Height Gain | Ground Clearance | Kit Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Lift | 2–5 inches | No gain | $180–$500 | Appearance, larger tires on a budget |
| Suspension Lift | 2–6+ inches | Full gain | $1,000–$5,000+ | Off-road performance, max clearance |
| Leveling Kit | 1.75–3 inches (front) | Front gain only | $100–$1,000 | Correcting factory rake, daily drivers |
The height of your lift is the single biggest factor in total cost. Larger lifts require more advanced components, longer installation times, and additional supporting modifications.
The most accessible entry point. These kits typically use spacers or mild coil spring upgrades and work well for drivers who want a subtle stance improvement and enough clearance for slightly larger tires — usually up to 33 inches. Kit costs generally run $200 to $1,000 depending on the brand, and installation takes about 2 to 4 hours.
The sweet spot for many truck and Jeep owners around Claremont and Norco who want a noticeable visual upgrade with meaningful off-road improvement. At this height, you can typically run 35-inch tires. Kits range from $800 to $2,500 for quality suspension systems, and installation runs 4 to 8 hours. Budget an additional $100 to $200 for alignment.
A serious modification that transforms your vehicle’s stance and capability. These kits require comprehensive suspension overhauls — replacement knuckles, cross members, extended brake lines, and upgraded shocks. Kit costs range from $2,000 to $5,000+, and professional installation can take 8 to 12+ hours. Accommodates 37-inch tires or larger.
The lift kit itself is only part of the equation. Several additional expenses catch first-time buyers off guard.
| Additional Expense | Estimated Cost | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Larger Tires (33″–37″) | $1,500–$3,000+ (set of 4) | Most lifts — bigger tires complement the added height |
| Wheel Alignment | $100–$200 | Required after any lift to prevent uneven tire wear |
| Extended Brake Lines, Control Arms, Driveshaft Mods | Varies by vehicle | Suspension lifts of 3 inches or more |
| Professional Installation Labor | $300–$1,800+ | All lifts — based on $90–$150/hr and 2–12+ hours of work |
| Fuel Economy Reduction | 1–3 MPG decrease | Ongoing — larger tires increase rolling resistance |
The CDJR lineup includes some of the most popular vehicles for lift kit modifications. Here’s what’s available for each model at your Ontario, CA dealer.
The Wrangler is arguably the most popular vehicle to lift in the entire automotive market, and the aftermarket support reflects that. Lift options range from simple 2-inch spacer kits to full 6-inch suspension systems with upgraded shocks, control arms, and track bars.
Mopar offers a factory-engineered Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit with FOX shocks and longer lower control arms, designed to maintain electronic stability control compatibility. For drivers who want to go bigger, brands like Rough Country, BDS, ReadyLIFT, and JKS offer 2.5-inch to 6-inch+ suspension systems specifically engineered for the JL platform.
A 2.5-inch lift on a Wrangler is enough to clear 35-inch tires, while a 3.5-inch to 4-inch lift opens the door to 37-inch tires with proper fender clearance. Wrangler lift kits typically start around $300 for basic spacer kits and reach $3,000 to $5,000+ for high-performance suspension systems.
The Gladiator shares its platform with the Wrangler JL, so many of the same lift kit options apply. Brands like BDS, Zone Offroad, JKS, and ReadyLIFT all offer Gladiator-specific kits in 2.5-inch to 6.5-inch configurations. A 3-inch lift is particularly popular for the Gladiator, providing clearance for up to 35-inch tires while maintaining a comfortable ride for daily driving and light hauling.
Mopar’s JPP 2-inch lift kit is also available for the Gladiator with the 3.6L engine. Note that Mojave models have different shock mounting configurations, so not all aftermarket kits are directly compatible — always verify fitment before purchasing.
The fifth-generation RAM 1500 supports a wide range of lift options from 2-inch leveling kits to full 6-inch suspension systems. Key considerations for RAM owners include whether your truck has factory air suspension (which limits kit compatibility) and what wheel size you’re running.
Leveling kits in the 2-inch to 2.5-inch range are the most popular starting point for RAM 1500 owners, allowing 33-inch to 35-inch tires without dramatically altering the ride. For more aggressive builds, BDS, ReadyLIFT, and Zone Offroad offer 3-inch to 6-inch suspension systems. A 6-inch lift on a RAM 1500 accommodates up to 37-inch tires but requires heavy-duty knuckles, differential drops, and upgraded shocks.
Important compatibility notes: most aftermarket suspension lift kits are not compatible with RAM 1500 models equipped with factory air ride, the TRX, or diesel applications. Dedicated air-ride-compatible lift kits are available from select manufacturers like ReadyLIFT but at a higher price point.
The current-generation Grand Cherokee is a unibody SUV, which means body lift kits are not an option. Lift options are limited to leveling kits and modest suspension lifts — typically 1 to 2.75 inches. Models equipped with Quadra-Lift air suspension are not compatible with standard lift kits, as the air system automatically adjusts ride height and will override any spacer-based lift.
Like the Grand Cherokee, the Durango is a unibody platform with limited lift options. Spacer-based leveling and lift kits are available in the 1.75-inch to 2.75-inch range, accommodating up to 33-inch tires. The same air suspension limitation applies — only coil spring Durango models can be permanently lifted.
A lift kit changes your vehicle’s suspension geometry, center of gravity, and steering behavior. Improper installation can lead to uneven tire wear, steering pull, premature drivetrain wear, and even safety hazards.
Professional technicians handle the full scope of the installation — from suspension disassembly and component replacement to brake line routing, driveshaft adjustments, and post-installation alignment. This is especially critical for suspension lifts of 3 inches or more, where improper driveline angles can cause vibration, excessive CV joint wear, or handling instability.
At Jeep Chrysler Dodge RAM FIAT of Ontario, our service team works with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles daily and understands the specific requirements of each platform. Whether you’re lifting a Wrangler for weekend trail runs near Riverside or leveling your RAM 1500 for a more commanding stance on your Corona commute, our technicians ensure the job is done right.
Ready to lift your Jeep, RAM, or Dodge? The team at Jeep Chrysler Dodge RAM FIAT of Ontario can help you choose the right kit, handle professional installation, and make sure your vehicle is safe and aligned when it leaves our shop.
Planning a desert trip in your newly lifted Jeep? Check out our guide to Jeep summer desert preparation to make sure your rig is trail-ready.
Visit us at 1202 Auto Center Dr, Ontario, CA 91761 — serving drivers across Ontario, Corona, Norco, Claremont, West Covina, and Riverside.
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