The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most commonly customized vehicles on the road, if not the most customized vehicle on the road. This is thanks in part to the massive aftermarket for the Wrangler, but over the years, Mopar has gradually increases the size of their Jeep catalog. The Mopar brand even created a division called Jeep Performance Parts, or JPP. Thanks to Mopar and JPP, the vast majority of Wranglers leave the dealership with at least one upgraded component.
“Our comprehensive Jeep portfolio includes more than 500 factory-engineered, quality-tested, off-road performance parts and accessories,” said Mark Bosanac, Head of Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, FCA – North America. “At Mopar, we’ll continue to fill our catalog with ultra-capable, factory-backed features that resonate with Jeep fans.”
With the new Jeep Gladiator being closely based on the Wrangler, it comes as little surprise that the off-road-ready pickup has quickly become another one of the most customized new models on the road. The latest announcement from Mopar makes it clear why, as the Jeep Performance Parts catalog has just added a lift kit that is specifically for the Wrangler and Gladiator with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6.
Mind you, the EcoDiesel option for the Gladiator was only introduced earlier this month, but Mopar already has a lift kit designed specifically for the V6 torque monster.
JPP EcoDiesel Lift
The Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator are each the most off-road-capable vehicles in their respective segments in stock form, but adding a lift kit can go a long way in making any off-road vehicle more capable. In this case, the Jeep Performance Parts lift kit for the EcoDiesel-powered models increases ride height, but the upgraded components are heartier as well.
This kit includes new springs, Fox shock absorbers, front lower control arms, front and rear stabilizer links, front and rear bump stops and the fasteners needed to hold everything in place. This is a direct bolt-up kit with no need for cutting or welding. According to Mopar, “both lift kits are validated to OEM specs in order to manage the increased vehicle curb weight and to deliver heightened ground clearance and higher approach/departure angles needed for larger tires”.
In addition to adding 2 inches of ride height, this lift kit offers a variety of advantages over the stock setup. Suspension articulation is increased by 18%. The Fox monotube shocks measure 2.5-inches in diameter (stock shocks are 2 inches in diameter), offering better cooling and durability. The front lower control arms allow the vehicle to maintain ideal caster settings once the extra ride height is added, improving vehicle control.
Finally, the springs are “specifically tuned for the diesel-engine application, which optimizes the dynamic performance in all on- and off-road driving conditions”. As you might imagine, the EcoDiesel engine is heavier than the other engine options for both the Wrangler and the Gladiator, so the springs and the shocks are specially tuned for the added front end weight.
Cost and Availability
Best of all, this new lift kit for the current Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator with EcoDiesel power is priced at just $1,495. This kit comes with everything needed to add 2 extra inches of ride height, all of which was engineered by the same people who designed the vehicle. There is no need to worry about buying compatible components for a lift project, so a novice Jeep owner can buy this kit and have it installed at their dealership with confidence.
The JPP 2-inch lift kit for the EcoDiesel Wrangler is part number 77072399AE and it is available through Mopar right now. The Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel will go on sale during the third quarter of 2020 for the 2021 model year. The 2-inch lift kit for the diesel pickup will go on sale later this summer, so by the time that the first units are reaching dealerships, there will already be a lift kit available from Mopar.