I've been wanting to get a new Jeep for a number of years now but financial circumstances and other life matters had prevented me from getting anything other than my old trusty XJ. After putting over 227K miles on it I decided I needed something a little more modern for my daily transport as I have a Miata for the weekends.

I finally bit the bullet and bought a 08 JK Rubicon Unlimited back in November. It's been a wonderful vehicle since day one. It's comfortable, handles great, does well on long trips (STL to CO and back), and isn't any worse on fuel than my now sold XJ was.

But, like any true Jeeper I've realized that it's good, not perfect. It's not mine yet. So it's time to start planning the upgrades to make it truly my vehicle. She doesn't have a name yet, but she will. Right now every thing's in the design phase. Let me run down what I've done thus far and what I plan to do.

Factory Equipment
2008 Wrangler JK Unlimited – Black w/ Charcoal Interior
Towing Package
MyGIG w/ Infinity Speakers
Freedom Top


Currently Completed Mods
Weather Tech Floor Mats and Trunk Liner w/ Velcro Mod
Seat Belt Anti-Flapping Mod
Drilled Mirrors Mod
Gentex Homelink Rearview Mirror
Rear Grab Handles
Fire Extinguisher on rear rollbar
DayStar Upper Dash Panel
Wheel Locks
MOPAR Hard Top Carrier


Now here's where I need your help. I want to make sure I do this right and order the parts that are durrable, cost effective, and stylish. You guys have been working on your JK's longer than I've own mine. You have the experience. Take a look at my list below and tell me where I've screwed up, what you like, and what you'd do diffrently keeping in mind this is a daily driver that may see trails 5 times a year. I don't really plan on any of these mods in any particular order but I will likely start with the stereo upgrade first as this is my daily drive and music's important to me.


Stereo Upgrade
Amp......................................... Alpine...................... PDX5
Front Components...................Hertz................ .......Hi-Energy
Rear Components....................Hertz............... ........ Energy
Subwoofer...............................JL Audo....................JK Stealthbox
Factory Interface..................... Costal Tech..............Lockpick Ver.2
Factory Interface..................... MOPAR.....................Uconnect Mic
Factory Interface..................... PAC..........................CAN-Bus Interface

Armor/Protection
Front Bumper...........................Expedition One........JK Trail Bumper
Rear Bumper............................Expedition One........JK Trail Series Rear / Tire Carrier
Skid Plates...............................Treks........ ................Treks Full Kit

Suspension and Tires
Suspension Lift........................Rough Country.........2.5" Suspension
Tires x 5...................................Goodyear...... ...........Wrangler SilentArmor 33x12.5R17

Electronics/Commo
HAM Radio 2M/440CM..............Yaesu.......................FT-7800R
CB Radio..................................Cobra...... .................18 WX ST II
HAM Radio Antenna................. Comet......................SBB-5
CB Radio Antenna....................FireStik............... ......FireStik 2 3'
Windshield Lights.....................Hella.................. ......Black Magic
Windshield Light Mounts..........Smitty Bilt.................Light Bracket
Switch Panel............................DayStar.......... ..........Lower Dash Panel
Switches x4.............................DayStar............ ........Rocker Switches


I know I'm missing some suspension parts such as bump stops and the sway bar brackets. I also need skid plates and rock rails.

 

Tires and lift always look good for the first step. makes ya feel like you have accomplished the world.

 

You may want add some performance items to your list.

I am running 35x12.5s on a 3.5 lift with intake/exhaust (plus really heavy bumpers) with a 4.10. I have quickly learned that 5th and 6th are useless on small inclines of highway road. I plan on regearing.

Superchips just released a Flaspaq programmer that looks favorable and reasonably priced and plenty of companies make intake, exhaust, headers, TBSs, and additional tuners. Most are not so expensive that you can't afford to make another mod in the near future. Someone else has their initial impressions about the Flashpaq some where on here. I also plan on purchasing this product.

I know you don't plan on doing any heavy trail riding but performance is always a good plus and maybe you can squeeze out some more mpgs. The V6 will never be the S6, its disappointing but the truth.

If I was to start over, I think I would have worked from the engine out instead of in...just some suggestive banter. Good luck with the build and keep us posted on your progress.

 

With the 4 door Id recommend the Tera 2.5" springs vs the RC.

 

I'm coming aweful close to the top of my garage at stock. I got maybe another 5-6" of room before things get dicey and I'm concerned the TF might make me a bit to tall.

 

Then you need to add a new house to your list of mods lol.

 

Well, I've spent quite a bit of time working on my condo lately so I don't think I'll be moving any time soon. I am considering buying some land to build a garage though.

That being said, any other comments good or bad on what I've got outlined?

 

x2. The tera kit will give you about 3" front and about 2" rear for average 2.5". It looks great to me. I would get a spacer kit before I got RC.

No matter what you pick don't forget the photos! your gonna have fun.

 

I have read that people are satisfied with the rough country lift, but I second the notion that you should at least look into the teraflex lift. Great sponsor on this site, information is always given and people have been stoked with the results, myself included. The lift is complete and looks amazing.

I cant say enough good things about my own results with the 2.5" coil lift I put on my 2009 Rubicon. With the rubicon I would recommend this lift with the shock adapters, and upgrading shocks down the road. Possibly with OME from David at northridge. I believe this will be best ride and most complete lift for money.

Just my 2 cents. Can't wait to see pictures when you make each change.

 

i dont know if ya mis spoke on the 35x12.5x15 but if ya want any kind of aluminum wheel you really should go at least 16s some wheels have brake caliper clearence problems