For 35-inch tires on a JL Wrangler, a minimum 2.5-inch lift is required. A 3.5-inch lift provides more clearance and reduces the need for fender trimming. For JK Wranglers, 2.5 inches is the minimum with some fender modification. Always verify backspacing and offset requirements with your specific wheel choice.

Spacer lifts use pucks on top of the stock springs to add height. They are cheap ($100-300) and easy to install but do not add suspension travel or improve ride quality. Spring lifts replace the factory coils with taller, purpose-built springs, providing better ride quality, more articulation, and proper suspension geometry. For anything over 2 inches, a spring lift is strongly recommended.

The lift kit itself does not require regearing, but the larger tires you install afterward often do. If going from stock 31s to 35s or larger, regearing from the stock 3.21 or 3.73 ratio to 4.10 or 4.56 is strongly recommended to restore acceleration, fuel economy, and transmission health.

A basic 2-inch spacer lift is beginner-friendly and takes 2-4 hours with basic hand tools. A full coil spring lift kit with control arms is intermediate-level and takes 6-12 hours. Long-arm kits require welding and advanced mechanical skills. After any lift install, a professional alignment is mandatory. Budget $100-150 for the alignment.