How To Lower Jeep Grand Cherokee: Step-by-Step Guide For Beginners

Highlights

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of lowering your Jeep Grand Cherokee, covering everything from choosing the right components to ensuring a safe and successful installation.
A lower stance gives your Jeep a more aggressive and sporty look, setting it apart from the crowd and turning heads wherever you go.
These are simple metal blocks that are placed between the axle and the leaf springs, providing a quick and easy way to lower the rear of the vehicle.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a renowned SUV known for its rugged capabilities and commanding presence. However, for some enthusiasts, the factory ride height might feel a bit too high, especially when navigating tight city streets or seeking a sportier driving experience. If you’re looking to give your Grand Cherokee a lower, more aggressive stance, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of lowering your Jeep Grand Cherokee, covering everything from choosing the right components to ensuring a safe and successful installation.

Why Lower Your Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Lowering your Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a plethora of benefits beyond aesthetics. Here are some compelling reasons to consider taking the plunge:

Improved Handling: Lowering the center of gravity enhances stability, reduces body roll, and improves overall handling, making your Grand Cherokee more responsive and enjoyable to drive.
Enhanced Aesthetics: A lower stance gives your Jeep a more aggressive and sporty look, setting it apart from the crowd and turning heads wherever you go.
Increased Ground Clearance: While counterintuitive, lowering your Jeep can actually increase ground clearance for certain off-road scenarios by allowing for larger tires.
Improved Aerodynamics: A lower profile reduces wind resistance, leading to improved fuel efficiency and a smoother ride, especially at higher speeds.

Choosing the Right Lowering Kit

The first step in lowering your Jeep Grand Cherokee is selecting the right lowering kit. Several options are available, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages:

Coil Springs: These are the most common and affordable option. Coil spring lowering kits replace the factory springs with shorter ones, effectively lowering the vehicle’s ride height.
Adjustable Coilovers: Coilovers offer more versatility and adjustability. They allow you to fine-tune the ride height and adjust the spring rate for optimal performance.
Lowering Blocks: These are simple metal blocks that are placed between the axle and the leaf springs, providing a quick and easy way to lower the rear of the vehicle. However, they are generally considered less desirable due to their potential for affecting ride quality and handling.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lowering Kit

Before purchasing a lowering kit, consider the following factors:

Desired Drop: Determine how much you want to lower your Jeep. Most kits offer a range of drop heights, typically between 1-3 inches.
Ride Quality: Lowering your Jeep can affect ride quality. Some kits are designed to maintain a comfortable ride, while others prioritize performance and handling.
Budget: Lowering kits vary in price, with coil springs being the most affordable option and coilovers being the most expensive.
Vehicle Usage: Consider how you primarily use your Jeep. If you frequently drive off-road, a moderate drop is recommended. If you mainly drive on paved roads, a more aggressive drop might be suitable.

Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve chosen the right lowering kit, it’s time for installation. While some kits come with detailed instructions, hiring a professional mechanic is always recommended for a smooth and safe installation. However, if you’re comfortable working on your vehicle, here’s a general guide:

1. Gather Tools and Materials: Ensure you have all the necessary tools, including a jack, jack stands, wrenches, sockets, torque wrench, and a level.
2. Prepare the Vehicle: Park your Jeep on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Chock the rear wheels for added safety.
3. Remove Old Suspension Components: Carefully remove the old springs, shocks, or other suspension components depending on the type of lowering kit you’ve chosen.
4. Install New Components: Install the new lowering components, ensuring they are properly aligned and secured.
5. Adjust Ride Height: Adjust the ride height to your desired level using the provided instructions or by consulting a professional mechanic.
6. Test Drive and Alignment: After installation, take your Jeep for a test drive to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Afterward, get a wheel alignment to compensate for any changes in the suspension geometry.

Maintaining Your Lowered Jeep

Lowering your Jeep Grand Cherokee can affect its overall performance and handling. It’s crucial to maintain your lowered Jeep to ensure optimal performance and safety:

Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your suspension components for wear and tear, especially after lowering.
Fluid Changes: Ensure all fluids, including brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid, are changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Tire Pressure: Maintain proper tire pressure to prevent premature tire wear and improve handling.
Alignment Checks: Get your wheels aligned regularly to ensure proper tire wear and optimal handling.

The Final Touch: Wheel and Tire Upgrades

Lowering your Jeep Grand Cherokee often opens up the possibility for wheel and tire upgrades. Larger wheels and tires can further enhance the aesthetics and performance of your vehicle. Consider the following:

Wheel Size: Choose wheels that fit your Jeep’s wheel wells and offer the desired look.
Tire Size: Select tires that complement the wheel size and provide the desired grip and performance.
Offset: Offset refers to the distance between the wheel’s mounting surface and its center. Choose an offset that allows for proper wheel clearance and avoids rubbing.

Beyond the Lowering Kit: Enhancing Your Jeep’s Performance

Lowering your Jeep Grand Cherokee can be the first step in a comprehensive performance upgrade. Consider these additional modifications to further enhance your vehicle’s capabilities:

Performance Exhaust: A performance exhaust system can improve horsepower and torque while adding a sporty sound.
Cold Air Intake: A cold air intake improves airflow to the engine, boosting horsepower and torque.
Performance Tune: A performance tune can optimize the engine’s performance by adjusting fuel and ignition settings.

The Ultimate Driving Experience: A Lowered Jeep Grand Cherokee

Lowering your Jeep Grand Cherokee can transform its driving experience, giving it a more aggressive stance, improved handling, and a unique aesthetic. From choosing the right lowering kit to maintaining your vehicle’s performance, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to embark on this exciting journey. Remember to prioritize safety and consult with a professional mechanic for any complex installations or modifications.

How to Lower Jeep Grand Cherokee: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners