I've been considering more and more about rock crawling. But with a bone stock JK I am worried of causing damage to something I owe so much on. What do you recommend as the first things I need to do to protect my Jeep while being able to complete a trail?

 

I would go with rock rails as this seems the area with highest chance of being hit when you're around larger rocks or even in a tight turn around obstacles.

 

I second the rock rails. Having the two door helps, but you will surely be stuffing rocks up into the rocker panels from time to time if you are running any decent trails. Also, skid plates. There is quite a bit out there for underbody protection. Other than that, a lift kit and larger tires... as it will obviously help with getting over terrain, and help keep you from dragging your overly expensive pride and joy over the rocks...

 

Ace rock rails and the evo pro tek skid system. Best money you will spend on your jeep.

 

Forget the skids and definitely get side protection. After that, you want to get your steering stabilizer out of the way and next your tie rod is a rock magnet. A gentle right foot helps a lot but so does bigger tires and a lift. A stock JK really isn't made for any real rock crawling so you are gonna need to spend some cash. The tires are thin and made for pavement so you will cut sidewalls and burn through them climbing. If you are on a rock that shifts you off you can drop on it and bend your weak factory tie rod. Fall forward into a rock and send your tie rod back into the axel. Either beef it up or get taller.

Honestly the first thing I did was get onboard air so I could air down for traction. Then tires and lift. Then armor. Then beef up the suspension components. That said, a good spotter and a controlled driver makes a world of difference.

 

Agreed with last post. First would be steering stabilizer relocation, tie rid, lift tires rock rails. After that then side protection and such. U def want some air before u start going out to inflate and deflate. Suprisingly the stock skids are very strong and do the job

 

Tie rods and steering stabilizers aren't that expensive to replace, how much is it going to cost when you put a hole in your engine, oil pan, or transmission.