Unleashing Adventure: The Ultimate Guide to 2020 Jeep Compass Lift Kits

Unleashing Adventure: The Ultimate Guide to 2020 Jeep Compass Lift Kits Lmctruck.Guidemechanic.com

The 2020 Jeep Compass is an incredible blend of urban sophistication and legendary off-road capability, making it a favorite for many. But what if you want to push its boundaries even further? What if you envision a more aggressive stance, enhanced ground clearance, and the ability to tackle tougher trails?

This is where a 2020 Jeep Compass lift kit comes into play. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about transforming your vehicle into an even more capable and personalized adventure machine. As an expert in vehicle customization and off-road enhancements, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible difference a well-chosen lift kit can make.

Unleashing Adventure: The Ultimate Guide to 2020 Jeep Compass Lift Kits

In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into everything you need to know about lifting your 2020 Jeep Compass. From understanding the various types of kits to navigating the installation process and considering the long-term impacts, we’ll cover it all. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision and truly unleash your Compass’s full potential.

Why Consider a Lift Kit for Your 2020 Jeep Compass? More Than Just Looks

Many owners initially consider a lift kit for the striking visual transformation it offers. However, the benefits extend far beyond a more imposing presence on the road. Lifting your 2020 Jeep Compass opens up a world of practical advantages.

Enhanced Aesthetics: The Aggressive Stance You Crave

Let’s be honest, a lifted Jeep Compass simply looks fantastic. It commands attention with a more assertive and robust profile. This visual upgrade alone is a significant motivator for many enthusiasts.

The increased ride height gives your Compass a distinct, rugged appeal that sets it apart from stock models. It reflects a readiness for adventure, even when you’re just cruising through the city. Based on my experience, this aesthetic enhancement often becomes a source of pride for owners.

Increased Ground Clearance: Conquering Rough Terrain

Perhaps the most functional benefit of a lift kit is the added ground clearance. This is crucial for anyone looking to venture off the beaten path. Every inch gained reduces the risk of scraping the undercarriage on rocks, roots, or uneven terrain.

For the 2020 Jeep Compass, which already boasts decent clearance, a lift kit significantly improves its capability on moderate to challenging trails. It allows you to confidently navigate obstacles that would otherwise be impassable. This translates directly into a more enjoyable and less stressful off-roading experience.

Accommodate Larger Tires: Traction and Performance Boost

A lift kit is often a prerequisite for installing larger, more aggressive off-road tires. Stock wheel wells have limited space, restricting the size of tires you can mount without rubbing. Lifting your Compass creates the necessary clearance.

Larger tires, especially those with aggressive tread patterns, provide superior traction in mud, snow, sand, and over rocky surfaces. They also increase the overall diameter of your wheel and tire package, which further boosts ground clearance and improves the vehicle’s approach and departure angles. This combination of lift and tires is a game-changer for off-road performance.

Improved Approach and Departure Angles: Tackling Steep Obstacles

When off-roading, approach and departure angles dictate how steep an incline or decline your vehicle can tackle without scraping its front or rear bumpers. A lift kit significantly improves these angles by raising the vehicle’s body away from the ground.

This enhancement means you can approach steeper obstacles without fear of damaging your bumpers or undercarriage. It expands the range of trails and terrain your 2020 Jeep Compass can confidently explore. It’s a critical factor for serious off-road enthusiasts.

Personalization and Expression: Making Your Compass Truly Yours

Ultimately, modifying your 2020 Jeep Compass with a lift kit is about personal expression. It allows you to tailor your vehicle to your specific needs and adventurous spirit. Your Compass becomes a reflection of your lifestyle and aspirations.

Whether you’re aiming for a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation, a lift kit offers a powerful way to personalize your ride. It’s about building a vehicle that not only performs how you want but also looks exactly how you envision.

Understanding the Different Types of Lift Kits for the 2020 Jeep Compass

When it comes to lifting your 2020 Jeep Compass, you’ll encounter a few primary types of kits, each offering different levels of lift, complexity, and impact on ride quality. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for choosing the right solution for your needs.

Leveling Kits: Addressing the Factory Rake

Many vehicles, including the 2020 Jeep Compass, come from the factory with a slight "rake," meaning the front sits slightly lower than the rear. This design is often for aesthetics or to accommodate heavy loads in the rear without the vehicle sagging. A leveling kit is designed to eliminate this rake.

These kits typically consist of spacers that are installed above the front struts. They raise the front end of your Compass to match the height of the rear. This creates a more level stance, which many owners prefer for both looks and the ability to fit slightly larger tires in the front.

Leveling kits are generally the most affordable and straightforward lift option. They offer a modest lift, usually between 1 to 2 inches, and have minimal impact on ride quality. Pro tips from us: while simple, ensuring proper alignment after installation is paramount to prevent premature tire wear.

Spacer Lift Kits: An Affordable and Effective Lift

Spacer lift kits are a popular choice for 2020 Jeep Compass owners seeking a bit more lift than a leveling kit, typically ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Similar to leveling kits, these systems primarily utilize spacers placed on top of or below the existing suspension components.

These spacers can be installed above the front struts and above or below the rear springs. They effectively push the vehicle’s body further away from the axles, increasing overall ground clearance. This method retains the factory shocks and springs, meaning the original ride quality is largely preserved.

While offering a good balance of affordability and lift, it’s important to choose quality spacers made from durable materials like aluminum or high-density polyurethane. Common mistakes to avoid are buying cheap, low-quality spacers that can crack or fail over time, compromising safety and performance.

Full Suspension Lift Kits: The Comprehensive Upgrade

For those serious about off-roading or desiring a significant lift (typically 2.5 inches and up), a full suspension lift kit is the ultimate solution. These kits are far more comprehensive than spacers, involving the replacement of multiple factory suspension components.

A full suspension lift kit for the 2020 Jeep Compass might include longer coil springs, upgraded shocks, and potentially new control arms or other components designed to correct suspension geometry. These kits are engineered to provide not only lift but also improved articulation, dampening, and overall off-road performance.

While more expensive and complex to install, a quality full suspension lift kit offers the best performance and durability. Based on my experience, these kits are ideal for owners who regularly tackle challenging trails and demand the most from their vehicle. They are designed to maintain or even improve ride quality, unlike basic spacer kits that can sometimes stiffen the ride.

Key Factors to Consider Before Lifting Your 2020 Jeep Compass

Lifting your 2020 Jeep Compass is a significant modification that requires careful consideration. Before you commit, it’s essential to weigh several factors to ensure you choose the right kit and avoid potential regrets.

Intended Use: Daily Driver vs. Off-Road Warrior

How you plan to use your Compass after the lift is the most critical factor. If your vehicle is primarily a daily driver with occasional light trail use, a leveling kit or a mild spacer lift might be perfectly adequate. These options offer aesthetic appeal and a slight boost in capability without significantly altering on-road dynamics.

However, if you envision serious off-roading, rock crawling, or frequent adventures on challenging terrain, a full suspension lift kit is a more appropriate investment. These kits are engineered for durability and performance in demanding conditions. Choosing the wrong kit for your intended use can lead to dissatisfaction or even damage.

Desired Lift Height: A Little or A Lot?

Lift kits for the 2020 Jeep Compass typically range from 1 inch to over 3 inches. Your desired lift height will influence the type of kit you need and the subsequent modifications required. A modest lift of 1-2 inches can often be achieved with spacers and may not require extensive additional modifications.

A higher lift, say 2.5 inches or more, often necessitates a full suspension kit and may require adjustments to brake lines, driveshaft angles, and potentially new wheels to maintain proper geometry and prevent rubbing. Be realistic about how much lift you truly need and what additional costs might be involved.

Budget: Kit Cost, Installation, and Hidden Expenses

The cost of a lift kit can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for a basic leveling kit to several thousand for a high-performance full suspension system. This initial purchase price is just one part of the equation.

You also need to factor in professional installation costs, which can range from $500 to $1500 or more depending on the complexity of the kit. Furthermore, a lift kit almost always requires a professional alignment afterward to correct steering and suspension geometry. Pro tips from us: don’t forget to budget for larger tires if that’s part of your plan, as these can be a significant expense.

Tire Clearance: What Size Tires Do You Want to Run?

One of the primary reasons to lift a vehicle is to accommodate larger tires. Before choosing a lift kit, decide on the maximum tire size you’d like to run. Different lift heights provide varying amounts of tire clearance.

Researching what tire sizes are compatible with specific lift heights for the 2020 Jeep Compass is crucial to avoid rubbing issues. Many manufacturers provide guidelines on their websites. This often dictates the minimum lift required. For more on maximizing your off-road setup, check out our guide on Understanding Jeep Compass Off-Roading Basics.

Impact on Ride Quality & Handling: Expect Changes

Lifting your 2020 Jeep Compass will inevitably alter its factory ride quality and handling characteristics. Spacer lifts tend to retain much of the original ride, though some might notice a slightly stiffer feel. Full suspension lifts, especially those with upgraded shocks, can actually improve off-road ride quality but might feel different on pavement.

Higher lifts raise the vehicle’s center of gravity, which can affect on-road handling, particularly during cornering. It’s important to be aware of these potential changes and adjust your driving style accordingly. Your Compass will feel different, not necessarily worse, but different.

Warranty Concerns: OEM Warranty Implications

Modifying your vehicle’s suspension can potentially impact your factory warranty. While the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act generally prevents manufacturers from voiding an entire warranty due to an aftermarket part, they can deny warranty claims for components directly affected by the modification.

For example, if a lift kit causes a CV joint to fail prematurely, the dealer may deny a warranty claim for that specific repair. It’s always a good idea to speak with your dealership beforehand to understand their specific policies regarding suspension modifications.

Legality: Local Regulations

Before installing any lift kit, research local laws and regulations regarding vehicle height and modifications. Some states or regions have limits on how high you can legally lift a vehicle or specific requirements for headlight aim and bumper heights. Common mistakes to avoid are neglecting these laws, which can lead to fines or inspection failures.

Choosing the Right Lift Kit for Your 2020 Jeep Compass: A Deep Dive

With so many options available, selecting the perfect lift kit for your 2020 Jeep Compass can feel overwhelming. However, by focusing on quality, reputation, and component specifics, you can make an informed decision that will serve you well for years to come.

Research Reputable Brands: Quality Matters

The aftermarket industry for Jeep accessories is vast, but not all brands are created equal. When investing in a lift kit, it’s crucial to choose products from reputable manufacturers known for their quality, engineering, and customer support. Brands like Rough Country, Eibach, and Teraflex are often mentioned in the Jeep community for their extensive range of products and commitment to performance.

While I won’t endorse a single "best" brand, I always recommend looking for companies with a proven track record. They invest in research and development, use high-quality materials, and often provide comprehensive instructions and technical support. This helps ensure your kit is safe, durable, and performs as advertised.

Read Reviews and Forums: Real-World Experiences

One of the most valuable resources for choosing a lift kit is the collective experience of other 2020 Jeep Compass owners. Spend time on dedicated Jeep forums, Facebook groups, and product review sections of retailer websites. Look for feedback on specific kits regarding:

• Ease of installation: Are the instructions clear? Were there unexpected challenges?
• Ride quality: How does the vehicle feel on and off-road after the lift?
• Durability: Are components holding up over time? Any premature failures?
• Customer service: How responsive and helpful is the manufacturer?

Pro tips from us: pay close attention to reviews from owners who use their Compass similarly to how you intend to use yours. Their experiences will be most relevant to your situation.

Consult Professionals: Expert Advice

Don’t hesitate to consult with local 4×4 shops or off-road specialty stores. These professionals have hands-on experience with numerous lift kits and can offer tailored advice based on your specific needs, budget, and local terrain. They can often recommend kits that perform well in your area and might even point out potential issues you hadn’t considered.

They can also provide insights into installation challenges and costs, helping you budget more accurately. Their expertise can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of suspension modifications.

Kit Components: What Should You Look For?

A quality lift kit is more than just a set of spacers or springs; it’s a system designed to work cohesively. Here’s what to look for:

• Material Quality: Spacers should be made from durable materials like billet aluminum or high-density polyurethane, not cheap plastic. Springs should be high-tensile steel, properly rated for your vehicle.
• Shocks: For full suspension kits, look for high-quality, application-specific shocks that are valved to work with the new spring rates. Upgraded shocks are crucial for improving ride quality and handling.
• Brake Line Extensions/Relocation Brackets: For higher lifts, these are essential to prevent brake lines from stretching or tearing during full suspension droop.
• Sway Bar End Links: Longer end links help maintain proper sway bar function and prevent binding with increased articulation.
• Alignment Components: Some kits include components like camber bolts or control arms to help achieve proper alignment angles after the lift, which is critical for tire wear and handling.

By scrutinizing these details, you can differentiate between a basic lift and a well-engineered system that enhances your 2020 Jeep Compass’s performance and longevity.

Installation Process: DIY vs. Professional for Your 2020 Jeep Compass Lift Kit

Once you’ve chosen your 2020 Jeep Compass lift kit, the next big decision is how it will be installed. This choice largely depends on your mechanical skill, available tools, and comfort level with vehicle modifications.

DIY Installation: For the Enthusiastic Mechanic

Installing a lift kit yourself can be a rewarding experience, saving you on labor costs and providing a deeper understanding of your vehicle. However, it’s not a task to be taken lightly, especially with suspension components.

Tools Needed: You’ll typically need a comprehensive set of sockets and wrenches, a torque wrench, jack stands, a reliable floor jack, spring compressors (if replacing coil springs), and potentially specialized tools like a pickle fork for separating ball joints. Safety is paramount; never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

Safety Precautions: Always use jack stands to support the vehicle properly. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves. Ensure you understand the instructions thoroughly before beginning and have a helper if possible.

Complexity and Time Commitment: Even a relatively simple spacer lift can take a full day for an experienced DIYer, while a full suspension kit might span a weekend. Be prepared for unexpected challenges, such as seized bolts or difficult-to-reach components. Common mistakes to avoid are rushing the process or skipping steps, which can lead to serious safety issues or improper installation.

Professional Installation: Expertise and Peace of Mind

For many, professional installation is the preferred route. It offers peace of mind knowing the job is done correctly by experienced technicians with the right tools and expertise.

Benefits: Professional installers have specialized knowledge of suspension systems and common pitfalls. They can often complete the installation more quickly and efficiently. They also typically provide a warranty on their labor, offering an extra layer of protection.

Cost: Professional installation costs vary significantly based on the type of kit and the shop’s labor rates. As mentioned, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 or more. While it’s an added expense, it’s an investment in safety and proper function.

What to Ask Your Installer: Before committing, inquire about the shop’s experience with Jeep Compass lift kits specifically. Ask for a detailed quote that includes all parts and labor, including the crucial post-installation alignment. Ensure they offer a warranty on their work.

Post-Installation Essentials: Don’t Skip These Steps!

Regardless of who installs your lift kit, several crucial steps must be taken immediately afterward:

• Professional Alignment: This is non-negotiable. Lifting a vehicle changes its suspension geometry, requiring adjustment of camber, caster, and toe angles. Proper alignment prevents premature tire wear, improves handling, and ensures steering accuracy.
• Re-Torquing Bolts: After driving a few hundred miles, all suspension bolts should be re-torqued to their factory or kit-specified settings. This allows components to settle and ensures everything remains securely fastened.
• Checking for Issues: Pay attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in handling. These could indicate an issue with the installation or a component that needs adjustment. Early detection can prevent more significant problems.

The Impact of a Lift Kit on Your 2020 Jeep Compass’s Performance and Longevity

While a lift kit brings undeniable advantages, it’s crucial to understand that it also introduces changes to your vehicle’s dynamics and can affect the wear and tear on certain components. Informed decision-making means knowing both the pros and the potential cons.

Pros: Enhanced Off-Road Prowess and Aesthetics

The primary pros are clear: improved ground clearance, the ability to run larger tires, better approach/departure angles, and a significantly more aggressive aesthetic. These benefits directly translate to a more capable and visually appealing off-road vehicle. Your 2020 Jeep Compass will be ready for more challenging adventures.

Cons/Considerations: Understanding the Trade-offs

• Center of Gravity Changes: Raising your vehicle’s center of gravity can lead to increased body roll during cornering and a slightly higher risk of rollovers if driven recklessly, especially with extreme lifts. Drive responsibly and be mindful of these changes.
• Drivetrain Angles: Lifting your Compass can alter the angles of your CV joints and driveshafts. While mild lifts usually have minimal impact, higher lifts can put increased stress on these components, potentially leading to premature wear or vibration. Quality full suspension kits often include components to correct these angles.
• Potential for Increased Wear on Certain Components: Components like ball joints, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings might experience accelerated wear due to altered geometry and increased stress from larger, heavier tires. Regular inspection and maintenance become even more important.
• Speedometer Calibration: Installing larger tires will affect your speedometer’s accuracy, causing it to read lower than your actual speed. It’s essential to have your speedometer recalibrated, usually by a dealership or a specialized shop, to ensure accurate readings for safety and legal reasons.
• Fuel Economy: Larger, heavier, and more aggressive tires, combined with increased aerodynamic drag from a lifted stance, will almost certainly lead to a decrease in fuel economy. This is a common trade-off for enhanced off-road capability.
• Headlight Adjustment: After lifting, your headlights will be aimed higher, potentially blinding oncoming drivers. Always adjust your headlights to their proper level after installing a lift kit. Pro tips from us: this is a simple but often overlooked step that significantly impacts safety.

Based on my experience, most of these considerations are manageable with a well-chosen, professionally installed kit and diligent maintenance. The key is to be aware of them and plan accordingly.

Recommended Tire Sizes for a Lifted 2020 Jeep Compass

One of the most exciting aspects of lifting your 2020 Jeep Compass is the opportunity to fit larger, more aggressive tires. However, it’s not simply a matter of picking the biggest tire you can find. Proper tire selection is crucial for performance, aesthetics, and avoiding rubbing issues.

General Guidelines for Different Lift Heights

• 1-1.5 Inch Lift (Leveling Kit/Mild Spacer): With a mild lift, you can typically fit tires around 29-30 inches in diameter. This might allow for a slight increase over stock (which is often around 28-28.5 inches) without major rubbing. You might consider sizes like 235/65R17 or 245/65R17.
• 2-2.5 Inch Lift (Spacer Lift/Mild Full Suspension): This is a popular range that provides a noticeable boost in clearance. With this lift, you can usually comfortably fit tires up to 30.5-31 inches in diameter. Common sizes include 245/70R17, 255/65R17, or even 235/75R17, depending on the wheel offset. This offers a great balance of capability and minimal modification.
• 2.5+ Inch Lift (Full Suspension): For the most aggressive stance and maximum off-road capability, a 2.5-inch or higher lift might allow for tires up to 31.5 inches or even 32 inches, though 32-inch tires often require significant trimming and specific wheel offsets to prevent rubbing under compression and steering. Sizes like 245/75R17 or 265/65R17 could be possibilities, but always verify clearance.

Rubbing Issues and Wheel Offset

Even with a lift, aggressive tires can still rub against the fender wells or suspension components, especially during full steering lock or suspension compression. This is where wheel offset becomes critical. Wheels with a negative offset (meaning the hub mounting surface is closer to the back of the wheel) push the tire further out from the vehicle, providing more inner clearance.

However, pushing tires out too far can cause them to rub on the fender flares. It’s a delicate balance. Many forums and enthusiast groups have detailed discussions about specific wheel and tire combinations that work best with various lift kits.

Tire Types: All-Terrain vs. Mud-Terrain

• All-Terrain (A/T) Tires: These are an excellent choice for a lifted Compass that sees a mix of on-road and off-road driving. They offer a good balance of highway manners, traction in various conditions (dirt, gravel, light mud, snow), and decent tread life.
• Mud-Terrain (M/T) Tires: If serious off-roading is your primary goal, M/T tires provide maximum traction in extreme conditions like deep mud, rocks, and loose dirt. However, they tend to be noisier on the highway, offer less precise handling, and wear faster.

Pro tips from us: Always verify tire fitment with your chosen lift kit manufacturer or a reputable tire shop. A great resource for comparing tire sizes and understanding their impact can be found at a trusted source like Tire Rack’s tire size comparison tool.

Maintaining Your Lifted 2020 Jeep Compass

Lifting your 2020 Jeep Compass means adding new components and altering the vehicle’s geometry, which necessitates a slightly different approach to maintenance. Regular care and vigilance will ensure your investment lasts and your Compass performs optimally.

Regular Inspections: Your Eyes and Ears

One of the most important maintenance practices for a lifted vehicle is frequent visual inspections. Get under your Compass regularly and look for anything unusual. This includes:

• Loose bolts or nuts: Pay particular attention to all suspension mounting points, control arms, and sway bar links.
• Cracked or torn bushings: Inspect all rubber or polyurethane bushings for signs of wear, dry rot, or damage.
• Leaking shocks: Check the shock bodies for any signs of fluid leakage.
• Damaged CV boots: Ensure your CV boots are intact and not torn, as this can lead to dirt and debris entering the joints, causing premature failure.
• Frame cracks or stress points: Especially after hard off-roading, inspect mounting points on the frame for any signs of stress.

Pro tips from us: make these inspections part of your routine, perhaps every oil change or after a particularly challenging off-road trip.

Lubrication of Moving Parts: Keep Things Smooth

Many aftermarket suspension components, especially those with rebuildable joints or bushings, require periodic lubrication. Consult your lift kit manufacturer’s instructions for specific lubrication points and recommended intervals. Using the correct grease for zerk fittings is crucial to prevent premature wear and squeaks.

Checking Torque on Bolts: Settling In

As mentioned in the installation section, re-torquing all suspension bolts after the initial break-in period (typically 100-500 miles) is critical. Beyond that, it’s a good practice to periodically check the torque on these critical fasteners, especially before and after off-road excursions. Vibrations and stress from driving can cause bolts to loosen over time.

Addressing Unusual Noises: Don’t Ignore Them

Any new squeaks, clunks, groans, or vibrations should be investigated promptly. These noises are often indicators of loose components, worn bushings, or binding parts. Addressing them early can prevent minor issues from escalating into expensive repairs or safety hazards.

Alignments and Tire Rotations: Extended Life

While a professional alignment is crucial immediately after installation, it’s also a good idea to have your alignment checked periodically, especially if you notice uneven tire wear or changes in steering. Regular tire rotations are also vital for a lifted vehicle, promoting even wear and extending the life of your more expensive larger tires. For more comprehensive care, refer to our detailed guide on Essential Maintenance Tips for Your Jeep Compass.

Common Misconceptions and FAQs about 2020 Jeep Compass Lift Kits

Let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions and clear up common misconceptions surrounding lift kits for your 2020 Jeep Compass.

"Will it void my warranty?"

This is a common concern. As discussed, generally, a lift kit will not void your entire factory warranty. However, the manufacturer can deny warranty claims for specific components that they can prove were directly affected or caused to fail by the aftermarket lift kit. For instance, if a CV axle fails due to altered angles from the lift, the dealer might deny a warranty claim for that axle. It’s always best to discuss this with your dealership before modification.

"Can I still daily drive it?"

Absolutely! Most mild to moderate lift kits (1.5-2.5 inches) are designed to be perfectly suitable for daily driving. While the ride quality might change slightly, and you might notice a small decrease in fuel economy, your lifted 2020 Jeep Compass can remain a comfortable and practical daily driver. Extreme lifts (3+ inches) can impact daily drivability more significantly, but even those are often used for daily commutes.

"Is it safe?"

When installed correctly using quality components, a lift kit is safe. Safety concerns arise from:

• Poor quality kits: Cheap materials can fail.
• Improper installation: Incorrect torque, missed steps, or improper alignment can lead to dangerous situations.
• Neglecting post-installation maintenance: Loose bolts or unaddressed issues can compromise safety.
• Reckless driving: Lifting a vehicle changes its center of gravity; driving too aggressively, especially around corners, can be dangerous.

Pro tips from us: invest in a reputable kit and professional installation, and drive responsibly.

"How much does it cost?"

The cost varies widely:

• Leveling Kits: $100-$300 (parts only)
• Spacer Lift Kits: $200-$600 (parts only)
• Full Suspension Lift Kits: $700-$3000+ (parts only)
• Installation: $500-$1500+ (labor)
• Alignment: $100-$200
• New Tires: $800-$2000+

Therefore, a complete lift kit project, including new tires and installation, can easily range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. Common mistakes to avoid are only budgeting for the kit itself and forgetting about installation, alignment, and potentially new tires.

"Will it negatively affect my resale value?"

This depends on the buyer. Some buyers specifically seek out modified vehicles, especially if the modifications are well-done and enhance