Just got my first Jeep about a month ago and love it. I went with the Willy's because I knew I would enjoy taking it off road...and I don't need most of the Rubicon package (leather seats, power windows, etc). I took it out on the trail last week and now I have the bug. Since I've got 4drs my biggest concern is the undercarriage...so I've been doing a lot of lift research.

However, I don't want to go replacing everything just yet...I just paid extra for upgraded shocks, tires, etc. that came with the Willy's package and I have a nice warranty. Maybe a larger lift, bigger tires, and all the additional gadgets are in my future...but not yet. I want to enjoy wheeling with a close to stock rig for a few years until then.

After reading through the forums I've got a decent idea of what I should do. I'm looking at the teraflex 2.5" spacer bb and adding some armor. I understand from reading on this website that a spacer lift isn't going to increase my off-road performance but will it hurt performance? All I'm trying to do is get additional clearance. While it is my DD, I plan to push its limits every now and then on the weekends.

Also, where should I start with armor? I want a little piece of mind when playing on the trails.

thanks guys, this website is amazing!

 

I put the EVO protek armor on my 14 Willys. Covers everything that's exposed.

 

The budget boost and some shock extensions will be a great option. I'd also look into an adjustable track bar in the front and raised tb bracket in the rear to keep everything dialed it.

As far as armor goes, rock rails are essential and the stock rubi rails hold up pretty well (which come on the Willy's IIRC). The only skids you really need are oil pan/engine and transmission. The Protek, like stated above, have pretty good reputation.

 

Before dumping money into a full set, you might start by driving the trails and seeing what you are likely to need 'for your location'. Maybe paying attention to the lines you pick will be enough - unless you want to drag the belly just for the hell of it. The stock skids are decent enough, for stock skids. Scratch them up, then decide if you need others. (Is the evap can still in the same place on newer jk's?)

 

As mentioned above, I'd start with the oil pan and transmission skid for peace of mind. I actually just did them both last weekend on my Willys.





If you wandered what 2.5" lift with the stock tires looked like, below is a pic. If you go the lift route, my advice from experience is to get longer front lower control arms to keep the handling nice.

 

That looks just like my WILLYS..

 

Thanks for the responses. The Protek kit for manual transmission is now next on my list. I'll be sure to keep the adjustable tb in mind when I get the bb.

I'm quite happy with the stock tires for now. But when they wear out its going to be hard not to buy 35s. Looks like that will open up a whole new can of worms that I'm not ready for.