Hey everyone,

I've currently got a 2011 JK 2 Door Sport, and plan on wheeling it stock for a while. That said, I figure there are a few "must-have" accessories and mods to protect the Jeep. I already plan on getting an Evap Skid (PS), and CB, but what else do I need?

Cheers!

 

Rockslides in my opinion are the most important. Evap skid is not a high priority, I wheeled the crap out of mine and never hit it, and even if you do it won't affect you being able to drive home. Also recovery gear. Don't forget to have fun!

 

Before you go crazy with rock sliders and armor, what type of wheeling? What's the terrain like? Rock sliders aren't necessary if you aren't rock crawling. Your first choice should be the stuff that can really get harmed wheeling anywhere - like the oil pan. Look at Skid Row, EVO, etc. for an oil/engine/tranny skid first.


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Also, look for low points as weak points. Front differential cover, lower control arms, and steering stabilizer are all low and can take abuse on moderate trails.

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Like it was stated above the evap. skid is not big priority. Get the skids that protect the oil pans (engine and trans). If you have an auto trans you cooling lines are exposed. You could easily be stuck on the trail if you damage any fluid holding parts. Rock sliders and body armor can also save costly repairs to body parts. A bent rocker panel is not cheap to fix. Diff. cover are good if you plat in the rocks and look cool too.

 

The evap is a big priority if you live in a state that has emissions testing. Tons of people I know around MA have had their Evap torn off wheeling even on mild trails around here. No Evap canister, no passing emissions testing. Dealers will not warranty it around here and its a $500+ replacment. Spending $99 for a skid is not worthless.

The skid was the first "mod" I did and it showed signs of abuse pretty much after my first trail run.

 

An evap can is only 60 bucks online. I have seen damage to the rocker panel from more then rocks. Better safe than sorry with body damage in my opinion.

 

These links below should help you out

Jeep Bumpers Front & Rear for Wrangler JK & Unlimited at Morris 4x4

Jeep Nerf & Side Bars for Jeep Wrangler JK & JK Unlimited

Jeep Wrangler JK Skid Plates Parts

 

My bad....should have said $50+....not $500..

My point is that the canister sits there asking to be torn off. If you have a state that checks emissions, you need to either skid it or relocate it if you plan on wheeling. Otherwise, it's going to get wrecked an awful lot of times and even though it's cheap to replace in parts, you still need time to install a new one or have a dealer do it which adds to the cost. Spending $65 to relocate or $99 to skid it is worthwhile.

And yes, adding sliders is also a must. Little things like tree stumps can destroy the thin sheet metal we have. My brother in law destroyed his Sahara steps because he slipped off a small stump on a very basis trail. He now runs my old Rubi sliders which have done well for him.

Others have recommended oil pan skids which should be on the top of the list, diff covers (I don't think they are necessary if you've ever watched the Youtube video that tested them with guns....held up pretty well), control arm skids (rear lowers tend to get the most abuse).

Someone also mentioned the steering stabilizer. I wouldn't skid this but relocate it but chances are if you destroy this, you will likely have bent your tie rod too so I'd just run it stock until that happens then look to upgrade all the steering components.

get a decent set of sliders, throw a skid or relocate the evap canister and do either a separate oil pan skid or one of the combo skids and a stock jeep van pretty much hit any trail at that point. Then start fixing your crushed muffler, steering components, control arms, ball joints, driveshafts, etc...

 

Rockers are the most vulnerable part of a Jeep so at the very least pick up some Rubi Sliders or ACE Sliders. If your going to put the full weight of the Jeep on them your better off getting sliders that are frame mounted like the EVO's or weld on ACE's.

Most everything else will hold up fairly well seeing as your already taking care of the Evap.

While they arent really necessary I would look at a set of quick disco's as they make things go a lot quicker at the trail head. An air source is a necessary piece of equipment if your going to wheel. That and load up on recovery and first aid gear. I always bring enough gear for an overnight stay just in case.

Rob

PS: Gusset your C's, the second most vulnerable parts of a JK.