I have 2011 2dr. with auto and 35's. Seems to run pretty good to me with the way it is now! But, will not do to much off roading until I get a winch! So, gears next summer and a winch the following summer or winch and bumper first?

 

If you're ok with how it drives without the gears I would just go for the bumper and winch. I just upgraded tires this week and really can't complain about 35's with an auto on 4.10s. It was slow before, it's slow now. If I wanted to go fast I would have bought something else.

As for the winch, as long as you go out with other people (which you should always do) I wouldn't worry about it.

 

My only complaint right now with 35's and 3.73's is the shifting out of OD. I might start turning off the OD when I get in, just like I do the Traction control button now! Yes, need to get to Gulches and start meeting local off roaders

 

I am a big fan of the adage that a winch should be the very first upgrade. A stock Jeep can do a whole lot of amazing stuff. A winch adds the security blanket of self recovery.

Sure your trail buddies could have winches, but the more the merrier. Winches do occasionally break, or the terrain may deny other vehicles from being able to move into a position to help with recovery. Personally I love wheeling with guys that don't have winches, because I charge a case of beer every time I have to use mine to help somebody out.

Since you already have a lift and larger tires though I would go with the gears, if for nothing to improve your efficiency and fuel mileage. The money saved on fuel will help you pay for the winch next.

 

Winch first. Period.

We all do dumb things and a lift and tires means it will just be even dumber. Usually the dumbest things happen when alone.

Yes, you'll use the winch maybe once every twenty times out, but that one time will REALLY be worth it!!!!

A winch could quite literally save your life or your rig. Gears won't.

 

Well, we have 3 for a bumper winch and one for gear first. All very good points for each! What to do!

 

First, as said before, winch save your ass... I use almost every time I wheel... So, for me, it is a must!
I agree you use gears every second. I've already written here that 5.13 was the best mod for my jeep...
But I think you have a jeep to wheel, you said you wont until the winch... So, winch first.
But, I can bet you will overheat your tranny with low (number) gear and 35... But this will not happen at 4 LOW... I think this is another reason toe wheel and use 4 low...

For me, winch now and gears ASAP...

 

One thing to think about is used bumper/winch and gears will go easly with the budget...
Do the gears the best way you can, with an overhault kit...

 

I turned the OD off even with the stock tires and after getting a flashpaq. Maybe they should have programmed the OD to not try to engage at 28 mph.....or at least allow it to come OUT of OD without having to put the pedal to the floor.

Unless you're sitting on the cash NOW, I would drive the jeep for a while and decide how bad you don't like the gearing.

 

I have not wheel much at all since I bought it new, with the stock tires. Just got the Duratrac's couple of weeks ago, and this also my dd and not paid for, so I baby it for now while I build it up. Nothing but red clay around here, but Gulches four wheel park is about hours drive.