I don't know any person who has done it, but you can certainly lift the front without lifting the rear. And you can do it for less than $10! (Assuming you have the tools.) All you need is a new bolt and nut for each side (they are not re-useable), which can be obtained from the parts department at your local Jeep dealer. Or you can do a lift and level, where you lift the rear a small amount and the front a greater amount. Hazard Sky sells a kit for this at a good price.

https://www.hazardsky.com/store/kl-cherokee-front-wheel-active-drive-1-level-kit

(Says it's for AD1 but it doesn't matter, it works for a Trailhawk just the same. It's just a more modest lift.)

The strut itself is not what adjusts, it's the position of the strut relative to where it connects to the steering knuckle. You can lift it by any amount you choose, up to a max of about 1.5" (which will actually net you a lift of slightly more than that) before you start risking reliability issues. This is how lift is achieved for the front. In the rear, spacers are used below (and often, also above) the coil spring. There are numerous threads on the subject that can give you more detailed info on how it works (and part numbers if you choose to gather your own parts rather than buying a kit), but that's it in a nutshell.

via tapatalk | 2014 V6 Trailhawk

 

Thanks for your response. I'm looking for maybe 3/4 in the front to level it out. I would imagine that I would need a wheel alignment afterward right? Also does this void the warranty?

 

I just did the front HS lift (front only) on my AD1 Latitude V6 and it is almost exactly “level” front vs rear. Immediatiely after, I took it to the alignment shop and they checked it out. Alignment was still within spec! Didn’t charge me to check it either, which was wonderful. I LOVE the new look and it rides just the same as before. I did stop by the dealer and buy the OEM pinch bolts and lock nuts ($12). Highly recommend doing the front first and then measuring before and after. I gained .95” in the front. BTW, brand new 2018 with 1300miles on the ODO.

 

PerfInit thanks for responding. Do you have before and after pictures? Did you have to drill a new hole in the strut?

 

I'm genuinely curious about this. In most threads about this the main reason given for lifting only the front concerns the way the vehicle looks, rather than any performance gain. But surely there was a design reason that Jeep built them this way. So, is there any downside to changing this? Advantages other than appearance?

Appearance is absolutely part of the appeal of these vehicles, so improving the look is as valid as any other reason. I just wonder if there are other things to consider.

Does anyone have any insight into why Jeep chose the way they did. Maybe a lower front is a sort of rock tester, to keep you from getting hung up further back?

Of course if it makes you love your Cherokee even more, go for it.

Cheers
Douglas

 

I’m not an automotive engineer, but I would imagine that “forward rake” (front lower than the rear) on a vehicle does serve an intentional design purpose. Maybe someone with knowledge can speak on that. Could be better aerodynamics or maybe it helps with handling under certain driving conditions?

I did have to drill out (enlarge) the holes in the strut flanges. 15/32” drill bit and some cutting oil worked just fine.

I need to read up on how to post pics from my Ipad....

 

Thank Fueltank and PerfInit, Maybe cause it is technically a Fwd, that the rake puts more weight to the front for traction and also when cargo has passengers. Maybe someone can chime and give their expert opinion.

 

Not an expert by any stretch but part of the reason for the rake is if you hook a trailer to the back, forces the back down and front up because of the tongue weight or if you pack heavy stuff in the rear of the vehicle although that would be closer to the rear wheels and not have as big of an effect.