mods for a beginner suggestions
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 0
From: East Coast
Check out this FAQ https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/modified-tech-faq-answers-questions-every-newbie-has-18617/
Before saying get this, get that, here our my thoughts:
And I would suggest you try out your Jeep offroad a bunch stock before the mods begin. Thats how I was able to determine what tire size/lift and everything else that I was going for. This is the first Jeep I owned, and back in 2007 when I bought it, I had similar concerns, where do I begin? Over the years, I acquired parts and turned my Jeep into what it is today. I had wheeled it a bunch stock, mostly on trails on my buddy's property and I hit a couple different spots in the Poconos, and also around Michigan, up north on some ORV trails.
I realized my rig was going to mostly see trails, and I didn't need an extreme rock crawler, so my build began. I also purchased things as I went along, waiting for good deals and sales. Now that my rig is in its present condition, I have wheeled it pretty hard on the ORV trails, with no issues, been to some off-road parks in Michigan, and I will be heading to Rausch Creek next weekend, if you don't know where or what RC is, google search it. It looks awesome, and I am finally in the area.
It's always a good idea to get a recovery strap, some D-rings, tow hooks if you don't have em, flashlights, a hi-lift jack, maybe chains, etc. before you go with mods. Then you can figure out if you want to lift it, get bigger tires, get a winch, a winch bumper, tire carrier, etc. Plus, some of the other suggestions on this thread are a good idea...
Hope this helps and congrats on the new Jeep!
Before saying get this, get that, here our my thoughts:
And I would suggest you try out your Jeep offroad a bunch stock before the mods begin. Thats how I was able to determine what tire size/lift and everything else that I was going for. This is the first Jeep I owned, and back in 2007 when I bought it, I had similar concerns, where do I begin? Over the years, I acquired parts and turned my Jeep into what it is today. I had wheeled it a bunch stock, mostly on trails on my buddy's property and I hit a couple different spots in the Poconos, and also around Michigan, up north on some ORV trails.
I realized my rig was going to mostly see trails, and I didn't need an extreme rock crawler, so my build began. I also purchased things as I went along, waiting for good deals and sales. Now that my rig is in its present condition, I have wheeled it pretty hard on the ORV trails, with no issues, been to some off-road parks in Michigan, and I will be heading to Rausch Creek next weekend, if you don't know where or what RC is, google search it. It looks awesome, and I am finally in the area.
It's always a good idea to get a recovery strap, some D-rings, tow hooks if you don't have em, flashlights, a hi-lift jack, maybe chains, etc. before you go with mods. Then you can figure out if you want to lift it, get bigger tires, get a winch, a winch bumper, tire carrier, etc. Plus, some of the other suggestions on this thread are a good idea...
Hope this helps and congrats on the new Jeep!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 440
Likes: 1
From: Kilauea, HI
I'm a fairly new Jeeper too, but I agree to know what you are going to use if for.
To start you can get some Rubicon tires, you can find them really cheap on here or Craigslist. They give you a more traction off road, but handle great on road too.
A small leveling kit makes the Jeep look better (and not stock), but still not changing the ride too much. Then there are other things like grab handles and seat covers.
These are some suggestions just to get your feet wet, but still have your jeep looking good and ready for some off road driving. If you are really patient, wait for deals and over time you will build your Jeep with way you want it and it won't cost you a fortune.
To start you can get some Rubicon tires, you can find them really cheap on here or Craigslist. They give you a more traction off road, but handle great on road too.
A small leveling kit makes the Jeep look better (and not stock), but still not changing the ride too much. Then there are other things like grab handles and seat covers.
These are some suggestions just to get your feet wet, but still have your jeep looking good and ready for some off road driving. If you are really patient, wait for deals and over time you will build your Jeep with way you want it and it won't cost you a fortune.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield, VT
Planman did this write-up for me a little while back. i hope it helps.
You need to spend more time reading here before you make any moves.
A 4" lift without control arms will drive like crap, and a 4" lift with a 2 door JK will fry your rear driveshaft (and destroy your front if you have an automatic).
3.73 gears with 35s will be extremely lethargic and your gas mileage will be very low.
To start, read the FAQs here:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18617
Also, this is a write-up I did some time ago for a friend:
JK Lift, Gearing, Skidplate, Tire, & Wheel Considerations
Build for 35” Tires (Budget is $2,500+)
LIFT CONSIDERATIONS (Budget is $400+)
Minimum 2.5” lift (1” body lift and/or flat/trimmed flares add more room)
Spacers or taller springs
Longer rear swaybar links (move stock rears to front)
Rear trackbar or trackbar relocation bracket
Extended bumpstops (fronts not required if you go with flat/trimmed flares)
Rear extended brakeline bracket (easy to fab if not in your kit) or longer brakelines
At 3” you will want an adjustable front trackbar.
Over 3” you will want adjustable lower control arms and an adjustable front trackbar.
If you add a heavy front bumper/winch, you will need a 0.75” front spring spacer to level the JK.
At 3” a 2 dr should consider a rear driveshaft, at 4” a 4dr should consider one due to steep driveshaft angles causing failures.
Lifted JK's with automatic transmissions may have stock driveshaft clearance problems with their stock automatic transmission skid and with their transmission case.
The Rubicon stock shocks are high quality. So, Teraflex and Rough Country sell kits with shock extensions.
Teraflex:
(Teraflex lifts include longer swaybar links, rear trackbar bracket, & extended bumpstops)
2.5” Budget Boost spacer lift with shock adapters is about $249, or $395 with shocks
2.5” Spring lift with shock adapters is $440, or $600 with shocks
3” Spring lift with shocks is $829, (higher than 2.5” lift and you will want to add an adjustable front trackbar from JKS for $140)
Rough Country:
2.5” Spring lift with shocks is $329 plus shipping, but you will want longer swaybar links ($40), rear trackbar relocation bracket ($40), extended bumpstops ($75), and rear brakeline relocation brackets for a total of about $500 shipped.
Superlift, Black Diamond, Zone, and others are similar. Just be sure you have all the components.
Performance Accessories or M.O.R.E: 1” body lift is about $100-$150
Xenon: Flat flares are about $500-$550 depending upon whether you go narrower or wider than stock.
GEARING (Budget is $309 for Programmer, Add $1000-1500 to re-gear)
With taller tires, you may want to add a Superchips Flashpaq Programmer for about $309 shipped to modify your tune, and to adjust for different size tires and gears. The stock gears are bearable with 35s, a Programmer, and turning off the Overdrive on an automatic or not using 6th gear on a 6 speed.
With an Automatic, 5.38 gears are best for 35”+ size tires. (5.13s if you have a Dana 30 front axle.)
With a 6 speed, 4.88 gears are best for 35” tires and 5.13 gears for 37”+ size tires.
Regearing runs about $1000-$1500 for parts labor and fluids.
SKID PLATE CONSIDERATIONS (Budget is $480+)
The stock automatic transmission skid plate can cause driveline clearance problems when an automatic JK is lifted. There is no stock engine skid plate. The stock gas tank skid plate is thin.
The stock rocker guards/sliders are strong enough to support the jeep.
Minimum recommended skid plate is the Rock Hard engine skid for $380, and EVAP canister skid for $100
TNT Customs/TREKS is selling their combo engine, transfer case and gas tank skid system for $1000
Front and rear bumpers are expensive and start at about $1000 for the pair.
Running a larger than 35” on the stock tire carrier is not advisable.
TIRE CONSIDERATIONS (Budget is $400+ for spacers or wheels and $1200+ for tires)
The stock wheels are narrow with significant backspacing. In order to run wider than a stock tire on the stock wheels, wheel spacers from Teraflex or Spidertrax are necessary to avoid tire damage due to rubbing on suspension components. The spacers are about $100 a pair.
Aftermarket wheels should have no more than 4.5” backspacing. The JKs 5x5 bolt pattern is different than the TJ (5x4.5).
If you sell your stock tires and wheels, you may be able to get $500-$700 for them to offset the cost of larger tires and wheels.
Some 15” wheels may rub the front calipers—requiring grinding some of the material off the calipers for clearance. Most 16” and 17” wheels with 5x5 bolt patterns and 4.5” or less backspacing fit with no problems.
Costco is the least expensive place to buy BFG KM2s. You have to special order them. They mount them to your wheels for carry out. They will not install the tires/wheels on your jeep.
Discount Tire Direct is also extremely compeititve in pricing and service.
Tires for 16” or 17” wheels cost about $80-$100 more per tire than for 15” wheels.
Notes:
Also plan on a CB ($100-$200 installed).
For offroading, you will need to carry tools, recovery gear, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a cooler (lunch & drinks). For more extreme offroading, plan on carrying fluids and spare parts.
37” tires require re-gearing ($1,000-$1,500), upgraded driveshafts ($1,000+), upgraded front axle shafts ($700), and more clearance from either a body lift, flat fenders, or taller lift ($600-$1,000s). 37” tires will eventually cause factory parts to fail. The factory warranty will not cover failures caused by non-factory parts.
You need to spend more time reading here before you make any moves.
A 4" lift without control arms will drive like crap, and a 4" lift with a 2 door JK will fry your rear driveshaft (and destroy your front if you have an automatic).
3.73 gears with 35s will be extremely lethargic and your gas mileage will be very low.
To start, read the FAQs here:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18617
Also, this is a write-up I did some time ago for a friend:
JK Lift, Gearing, Skidplate, Tire, & Wheel Considerations
Build for 35” Tires (Budget is $2,500+)
LIFT CONSIDERATIONS (Budget is $400+)
Minimum 2.5” lift (1” body lift and/or flat/trimmed flares add more room)
Spacers or taller springs
Longer rear swaybar links (move stock rears to front)
Rear trackbar or trackbar relocation bracket
Extended bumpstops (fronts not required if you go with flat/trimmed flares)
Rear extended brakeline bracket (easy to fab if not in your kit) or longer brakelines
At 3” you will want an adjustable front trackbar.
Over 3” you will want adjustable lower control arms and an adjustable front trackbar.
If you add a heavy front bumper/winch, you will need a 0.75” front spring spacer to level the JK.
At 3” a 2 dr should consider a rear driveshaft, at 4” a 4dr should consider one due to steep driveshaft angles causing failures.
Lifted JK's with automatic transmissions may have stock driveshaft clearance problems with their stock automatic transmission skid and with their transmission case.
The Rubicon stock shocks are high quality. So, Teraflex and Rough Country sell kits with shock extensions.
Teraflex:
(Teraflex lifts include longer swaybar links, rear trackbar bracket, & extended bumpstops)
2.5” Budget Boost spacer lift with shock adapters is about $249, or $395 with shocks
2.5” Spring lift with shock adapters is $440, or $600 with shocks
3” Spring lift with shocks is $829, (higher than 2.5” lift and you will want to add an adjustable front trackbar from JKS for $140)
Rough Country:
2.5” Spring lift with shocks is $329 plus shipping, but you will want longer swaybar links ($40), rear trackbar relocation bracket ($40), extended bumpstops ($75), and rear brakeline relocation brackets for a total of about $500 shipped.
Superlift, Black Diamond, Zone, and others are similar. Just be sure you have all the components.
Performance Accessories or M.O.R.E: 1” body lift is about $100-$150
Xenon: Flat flares are about $500-$550 depending upon whether you go narrower or wider than stock.
GEARING (Budget is $309 for Programmer, Add $1000-1500 to re-gear)
With taller tires, you may want to add a Superchips Flashpaq Programmer for about $309 shipped to modify your tune, and to adjust for different size tires and gears. The stock gears are bearable with 35s, a Programmer, and turning off the Overdrive on an automatic or not using 6th gear on a 6 speed.
With an Automatic, 5.38 gears are best for 35”+ size tires. (5.13s if you have a Dana 30 front axle.)
With a 6 speed, 4.88 gears are best for 35” tires and 5.13 gears for 37”+ size tires.
Regearing runs about $1000-$1500 for parts labor and fluids.
SKID PLATE CONSIDERATIONS (Budget is $480+)
The stock automatic transmission skid plate can cause driveline clearance problems when an automatic JK is lifted. There is no stock engine skid plate. The stock gas tank skid plate is thin.
The stock rocker guards/sliders are strong enough to support the jeep.
Minimum recommended skid plate is the Rock Hard engine skid for $380, and EVAP canister skid for $100
TNT Customs/TREKS is selling their combo engine, transfer case and gas tank skid system for $1000
Front and rear bumpers are expensive and start at about $1000 for the pair.
Running a larger than 35” on the stock tire carrier is not advisable.
TIRE CONSIDERATIONS (Budget is $400+ for spacers or wheels and $1200+ for tires)
The stock wheels are narrow with significant backspacing. In order to run wider than a stock tire on the stock wheels, wheel spacers from Teraflex or Spidertrax are necessary to avoid tire damage due to rubbing on suspension components. The spacers are about $100 a pair.
Aftermarket wheels should have no more than 4.5” backspacing. The JKs 5x5 bolt pattern is different than the TJ (5x4.5).
If you sell your stock tires and wheels, you may be able to get $500-$700 for them to offset the cost of larger tires and wheels.
Some 15” wheels may rub the front calipers—requiring grinding some of the material off the calipers for clearance. Most 16” and 17” wheels with 5x5 bolt patterns and 4.5” or less backspacing fit with no problems.
Costco is the least expensive place to buy BFG KM2s. You have to special order them. They mount them to your wheels for carry out. They will not install the tires/wheels on your jeep.
Discount Tire Direct is also extremely compeititve in pricing and service.
Tires for 16” or 17” wheels cost about $80-$100 more per tire than for 15” wheels.
Notes:
Also plan on a CB ($100-$200 installed).
For offroading, you will need to carry tools, recovery gear, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a cooler (lunch & drinks). For more extreme offroading, plan on carrying fluids and spare parts.
37” tires require re-gearing ($1,000-$1,500), upgraded driveshafts ($1,000+), upgraded front axle shafts ($700), and more clearance from either a body lift, flat fenders, or taller lift ($600-$1,000s). 37” tires will eventually cause factory parts to fail. The factory warranty will not cover failures caused by non-factory parts.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
Lift, tires and wheels are the biggest things to improve both the appearance and off-road performance of your Jeep. Compare this (stock):
To this (33" tires, 4.5" BS wheels, 2.5" lift):
It is a good idea to wait to get a feel for how large you want to go on the tires. Larger tires come with implications for other mod's to support the lift--that means more money.
After that, the front bumper. Someone suggested stubbing it--good plan if you prefer that look (Or, if like many of us, you've dinged up the ends of your stock bumper. LOL.). And a winch is always a good idea, if not an absolute necessity.
Then there are the mod's that you get in a "supporting role." These will depend on a variety of factors, including your decisions on lift and tires, but can include control arms, adjustable track bars, rear bumper/tire carrier, etc. As you can see, this can get expensive very fast.
So, how about some not so expensive stuff? You say you do a lot of highway driving. Here's a mod that's almost free, and will make your JK safer when doing lane changes and turns:
Goody's Useless...but kinda cool Fender Blinker Mod
When you off-road you're going to want a CB radio. You could just carry a handheld, but for not too much money you can buy a decent radio to integrate into the Jeep. Here's a way to mount your antenna with a self-made bracket for $8. Buy 1" stock metal at your local hardware store. Cut and bend it as you see, and drill three holes, one for the antenna feed-through, the other two to attach to existing bolts on your spare tire rack ...
BTW: On that pic above do you notice the spare tire bump stops? I made them from a piece of radiator hose that fit exactly over the stock bump stops (which were too short with the new wheels/tires). Since then Daystar has an after-market part that does the job just as well (and radiator hose ain't cheap, so I recommend Daystar on this one).
Protecting your oil pan has been suggested. I found the Rancho RockGear skid perfect and easy to install. Just be sure that the adhesive is holding really well--mine fell off while mudding a few days after install. LOL.
Rancho Suspension RockGear Oil Pan Skid
Relocating the evaporative cannister has been mentioned. There are also skids. I recommend relocate it because with the Woods kit it's easy, and you really feel good about doing a mod on your Jeep when you're done. This is a great first "real" mod (i.e., not floor mats, etc). While you're at Brett's website, consider also the sway bar relocation bracket. Another quick mod, and pretty inexpensive to boot ...
JeepSwag.com
Tops/Doors: Hot diggity-dog, the fun of a Jeep is running top and doors off. But, if you prefer a little more protection from the sun and some added security (especially if you carry small kids), consider various top and door options. I really find that I like my Jeep best with the ORF tube doors and the Mopar SunBonnet, and Bestop Duster and Windjammer. Okay, the Windjammer is weak on the four doors and you could easily do without that. But, still, take a look at the picture below--that's what I have on in it when it's warm out.
Have you seen your hood dance, yet? If not, and you get around on the highways, you will. It's especially exciting on windy days on two-lane roads with lots of oncoming semis. Then you will swear that you're going to lose the hood. There are a variety of fixes, but the one I prefer is cheap: Two 11" Zip-ties ...
Stickers and decals: Personalize your Jeep. Did you see the JK stickers two pic's above? Order them on this forum. The stock stickers come off really easy, especially when it's hot. There are occasional threads that describe using fishing line, but I just gently pulled mine off and cleaned up the residue with WD-40. Then, with that success, I looked at that hideous "JEEP" on the grill and pried it off with a small screwdriver. Don't you agree that it looks a lot better???
To this (33" tires, 4.5" BS wheels, 2.5" lift):
It is a good idea to wait to get a feel for how large you want to go on the tires. Larger tires come with implications for other mod's to support the lift--that means more money.
After that, the front bumper. Someone suggested stubbing it--good plan if you prefer that look (Or, if like many of us, you've dinged up the ends of your stock bumper. LOL.). And a winch is always a good idea, if not an absolute necessity.
Then there are the mod's that you get in a "supporting role." These will depend on a variety of factors, including your decisions on lift and tires, but can include control arms, adjustable track bars, rear bumper/tire carrier, etc. As you can see, this can get expensive very fast.
So, how about some not so expensive stuff? You say you do a lot of highway driving. Here's a mod that's almost free, and will make your JK safer when doing lane changes and turns:
Goody's Useless...but kinda cool Fender Blinker Mod
When you off-road you're going to want a CB radio. You could just carry a handheld, but for not too much money you can buy a decent radio to integrate into the Jeep. Here's a way to mount your antenna with a self-made bracket for $8. Buy 1" stock metal at your local hardware store. Cut and bend it as you see, and drill three holes, one for the antenna feed-through, the other two to attach to existing bolts on your spare tire rack ...
BTW: On that pic above do you notice the spare tire bump stops? I made them from a piece of radiator hose that fit exactly over the stock bump stops (which were too short with the new wheels/tires). Since then Daystar has an after-market part that does the job just as well (and radiator hose ain't cheap, so I recommend Daystar on this one).
Protecting your oil pan has been suggested. I found the Rancho RockGear skid perfect and easy to install. Just be sure that the adhesive is holding really well--mine fell off while mudding a few days after install. LOL.
Rancho Suspension RockGear Oil Pan Skid
Relocating the evaporative cannister has been mentioned. There are also skids. I recommend relocate it because with the Woods kit it's easy, and you really feel good about doing a mod on your Jeep when you're done. This is a great first "real" mod (i.e., not floor mats, etc). While you're at Brett's website, consider also the sway bar relocation bracket. Another quick mod, and pretty inexpensive to boot ...
JeepSwag.com
Tops/Doors: Hot diggity-dog, the fun of a Jeep is running top and doors off. But, if you prefer a little more protection from the sun and some added security (especially if you carry small kids), consider various top and door options. I really find that I like my Jeep best with the ORF tube doors and the Mopar SunBonnet, and Bestop Duster and Windjammer. Okay, the Windjammer is weak on the four doors and you could easily do without that. But, still, take a look at the picture below--that's what I have on in it when it's warm out.
Have you seen your hood dance, yet? If not, and you get around on the highways, you will. It's especially exciting on windy days on two-lane roads with lots of oncoming semis. Then you will swear that you're going to lose the hood. There are a variety of fixes, but the one I prefer is cheap: Two 11" Zip-ties ...
Stickers and decals: Personalize your Jeep. Did you see the JK stickers two pic's above? Order them on this forum. The stock stickers come off really easy, especially when it's hot. There are occasional threads that describe using fishing line, but I just gently pulled mine off and cleaned up the residue with WD-40. Then, with that success, I looked at that hideous "JEEP" on the grill and pried it off with a small screwdriver. Don't you agree that it looks a lot better???
Last edited by Mark Doiron; Dec 22, 2009 at 09:51 AM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo, TX
I have a Black Unlimited and got myself some AEV argent Pintler wheels as my first mod and I am very happy I did. Completely changed the look making it more unique and personalized. if you are looking for a visual impacting mod, i would go with wheels first
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 534
Likes: 0
From: Charleston
yea two woods kits would be a good place to start, steering stabilizer relocation kit its like $30 and as some have stated, evap canister relocation kit, or u can skid it, but those are 2 components jeep didnt locate very well IMO. and also as some have stated DONT GO CHEAP on the important stuff like i did at first. I got a cheap incomplete lift, but then had to get other components to complete it and ended up spending more than i could have gotten a TF BB for. and as some have also stated, read up on this forum, wish i had done so before my first few purchases. I think ive learned more about my jeep from this forum that i learned in all my classes this semster haha.
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,113
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis MO.
Start with misc stuff, tow strap, first aid kit, drill mirrors, dash crevis guard, paint guages, grill gaurd, mini mirrors for doors off, and all that stuff together is less than 100 bucks.
Then I would get tires and maybe a 2.5 bb lift.
Good luck and welcome!!
Red
Ps I have 35's for sale if ur interested.
Then I would get tires and maybe a 2.5 bb lift.
Good luck and welcome!!
Red
Ps I have 35's for sale if ur interested.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Fort McmUrray, Alberta
There is a lot of good advice here already. Do not spend a dime of your hard earned money until you have decided what you want to get out of your jeep. Have a plan (things might change) and try and stick to it. On trails you can have a lot of fun with a stock jeep. If you are seriously into 4wheelin then I would look into a winch, recovery gear and a CB radio.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Edison, New Jersey
thank you!
Everyone,
thank you very much for all the advice! I really appreciate it. I plan to take it slow, but I will definitely keep everyone posted on new mods as i go!
Thanks again!!!
:b eer:
thank you very much for all the advice! I really appreciate it. I plan to take it slow, but I will definitely keep everyone posted on new mods as i go!
Thanks again!!!
:b eer:
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 440
Likes: 1
From: Kilauea, HI