Deciding on an 01 chevy tracker lift kit usually starts with one goal: fitting bigger tires without rubbing every time you hit a speed bump. I've always thought the second-generation Tracker was a bit of an underdog. It's got a real frame, a decent transfer case, and it's narrow enough to squeeze through trails where the big Jeeps struggle. But let's be honest—from the factory, it sits way too low to the ground. It looks more like a commuter car than a weekend warrior.
Adding a lift kit changes the whole personality of the truck. It stops looking like a "cute-ute" and starts looking like something that actually belongs on a dirt trail. If you're like me and you've spent way too many hours scrolling through forums trying to figure out which path to take, you know there's a lot of noise out there. Let's break down what actually works and what you should look out for when you're ready to give your Tracker some much-needed height.
Why Even Bother Lifting a Tracker?
You might wonder if it's worth putting money into a twenty-year-old rig. For me, the answer is a hard yes. The 2001 model year is right in that sweet spot where parts are still relatively easy to find, and the mechanicals are simple enough to work on in a driveway. When you install an 01 chevy tracker lift kit, you're not just doing it for the looks—though it does look ten times better.
The main issue with a stock Tracker is the breakover angle and the ground clearance. The belly of the beast hangs low, and those factory running boards (if yours hasn't lost them yet) are rock magnets. A couple of inches of lift allows you to clear 29-inch or even 30-inch tires. That extra rubber is what actually gives you ground clearance under the pumpkins. Plus, a little more height means you won't be cringing every time you cross a shallow creek or a rutted-out path.
The Budget Way: Coil Spacers
If you're looking for the most bang for your buck, a spacer lift is probably where you'll start. These are basically just thick "pucks" made of polyurethane or aluminum that sit on top of your factory springs. It's a pretty straightforward way to get about 2 inches of lift without breaking the bank.
The cool thing about a spacer lift is that it doesn't change your spring rate. If you like the way your Tracker rides now—soft and compliant—you'll mostly keep that feel. However, you've got to remember that you're stretching out your factory struts and shocks. They might top out more often, which can lead to a bit of a "clunk" when you hit a big pothole.
I've seen people try to go higher than 2 inches with spacers, but that's where things get sketchy. Once you go past that mark, your CV axles start to sit at some pretty angry angles. If you're going the spacer route, stick to a modest 1.5 or 2 inches. It's enough to fit some beefier 235/75R15 tires, which is a massive upgrade over the stock "pizza cutters."
Moving Up to a Full Suspension Lift
If you've got a bit more cash to play with, a full suspension-based 01 chevy tracker lift kit is the way to go. Instead of just adding spacers, you're replacing the actual springs and shocks. Brands like Old Man Emu (OME) are basically the gold standard here.
When you swap in new springs, you can actually choose a heavy-duty rate. This is huge if you plan on adding a steel bumper or a winch later on. Factory springs on an '01 are likely sagging by now anyway, so you'd be surprised how much height you gain just by putting in fresh, high-quality coils.
The ride quality with a full suspension kit is usually much more controlled. It feels less "boaty" on the highway and handles the extra weight of off-road gear much better. Just keep in mind that these kits are more expensive and a bit more work to install, but they're less likely to give you headaches down the road.
The Body Lift Dilemma
Body lifts are a bit of a polarizing topic in the Tracker community. A body lift doesn't actually move the frame or the suspension components higher; it just puts spacers between the frame and the body of the car.
Why would you do this? Mostly to clear even bigger tires without having to cut into the metal fenders. An 01 chevy tracker lift kit that focuses on the body is usually pretty cheap, but it's a bit of a chore to install. You have to worry about steering shaft extension, fuel filler hoses, and shifter clearance.
I usually suggest using a small body lift (maybe 1 inch) in combination with a suspension lift if you're really trying to cram 31s under there. But if you just want a better-performing truck, I'd stick to the suspension side of things first.
Supporting Mods You Can't Ignore
Here is the part where people usually mess up. You can't just throw a lift on and call it a day. There are a few "little" things that will drive you crazy if you don't address them.
Camber Bolts
When you lift a Tracker, the front wheels tend to bow out at the top (positive camber). It makes the truck look like it's tiptoeing and will absolutely eat your tires for breakfast. You'll need a set of "camber bolts" or "crash bolts" to get the alignment back to where it should be. They're cheap, and you should definitely have them on hand before you start the install.
Differential Drop
The front CV axles on the Tracker are a bit sensitive. If you lift the front more than 2 inches, the angle on the axles gets steep. This leads to premature wear on the boots and, eventually, snapped axles. A diff drop kit lowers the front differential slightly to flatten those angles back out. It's a simple bracket-and-spacer setup, and it's worth every penny for the peace of mind.
Strut Spacers or Extensions
If you're using longer springs but keeping stock-length struts, you'll lose downward travel (droop). You want the wheels to be able to drop down into holes to keep traction. Strut tower spacers help regain that lost travel. Just don't go overboard, or you'll find the limits of your brake lines real fast.
The Reality of the Install
Let's talk about the actual work. Installing an 01 chevy tracker lift kit is a job you can do in a weekend, but only if you have a decent jack, jack stands, and a whole lot of PB Blaster. These trucks are over 20 years old now. Rust is your biggest enemy.
The rear is incredibly easy—basically just unbolt the shocks, drop the axle, and swap the springs. The front, however, is a bit of a bear. Dealing with the MacPherson strut setup and the compressed springs requires some caution. If you've never used a spring compressor before, take your time and be careful. Or, better yet, find a shop that can pre-assemble the struts for you.
Expect to spend a lot of time fighting stubborn bolts. I highly recommend soaking every nut and bolt you plan to touch in penetrating oil for three days straight before you even pick up a wrench. It'll save you from the nightmare of a snapped bolt in a blind hole.
How it Drives Afterward
You have to manage your expectations here. A lifted Tracker isn't going to handle like a Miata. It's going to have more body roll, and it'll be more sensitive to crosswinds on the highway. However, if you do it right, it shouldn't feel dangerous.
The biggest difference is the confidence you get. Being those extra two or three inches higher gives you a much better view of the road (or trail). When you pair the lift with some aggressive All-Terrain tires, the Tracker transforms into a goat. It'll climb things that would make a stock truck stop in its tracks.
Final Thoughts on the Build
At the end of the day, picking out an 01 chevy tracker lift kit is about knowing how you're going to use the truck. If it's just a cool-looking daily driver, a 2-inch spacer lift is plenty. If you're planning on hitting the Northwoods or crawling over some rocks, save up for a proper suspension kit with a diff drop.
Don't forget to get an alignment as soon as you're done. Your steering wheel will probably be crooked, and your tires will be screaming for help. But once that's sorted, you'll have one of the most fun, capable, and unique rigs on the road. There's just something satisfying about taking a "forgotten" SUV and turning it into a legitimate off-roader. It might not be the fastest thing out there, but with a little extra height, it'll certainly get you where you want to go.