Yeah, I'd agree, 5.13s and flashpaq

 

I agree, gears now while you have the money burnin a hole in your pocket.

 

Well, I don't exactly agree with that, but I seriously disagree that you need 5.13s before you need a proper front bumper (I'm guessing that some didn't catch your correction and didn't check out your profile before answering the question).

First: You won't ever need 5.13s unless you decide to replace the tranny with an auto or you decide to upgrade to 37s. You need 4.88s. The only exception would be if you never drive your Jeep at highway speeds.

Second: Recovery is a better expense for the off-roader with your current configuration, which is ENTIRELY suitable off-road except if you get stuck you have very limited self-recovery options. You may think you're always with someone, but occasionally a self-recovery is a great deal easier to set up and execute than an assisted recovery (say, narrow, winding trail where you can't properly position the other Jeep without snatch blocks).

Third: If you have enough money, the rear bumper and tire carrier would get that load off of your tailgate. You make it sound like having this much extra money is very unusual for you (at least the way you got it was--congrats on beating the house!), and that if you don't do the rear bumper it will be a long time before you can. That's a longer time for that 35" spare to work on damaging the tailgate. If you can afford both bumpers, do that BEFORE regearing.

Fourth: As I said before, because you have the six speed and 4.10s, your tires and gearing are entirely suitable for off-road work. It's certainly no worse than those of us who are driving X/Sports and Saharas (due to the difference in the transfer case gearing). On highway, your current gear should be "acceptable". Not the best, but it gets the job done. You will regear primarily for that improvement. But, no one can see your new gears as you drive down the road. And, while the regear will improve acceleration, you're not going to have a street redlight-to-redlight racer on your hands. Your biggest improvement will be that you have a more usable sixth gear (and your biggest loss will be a very short first gear). So, no one is going to "see" this improvement: Either by actual sight, or by performance improvement (That Harley-Davidson pick-up down the road will still be able to whip your butt).

So, if you want to install something that SHOWS that you just beat the house, go for the bumpers/winch. At least the front and winch, both if you can fit it into the budget.

 

I totally agree with Mark. What I would address is the rear bumper and tire carrier. It's where your Jeep is most vulnerable. Eventually you'll be making a mess out of your tailgate hinges, and then you have a bigger issue than how much power you are putting to the wheels.

 

I actually do not carry my spare with me daily, I took the stock carrier off with the 35 b/c it was Ripping my tailgate apart. I take out my rear seat when wheeling and strap it in the back.

And I do want to upgrade to 37's when these 35's run out.

 

Best bang for the buck