After a lot of thinking, searching, and browsing through scads of images of pretty Jeeps, I've nailed out the basics of my build. I've contacted a shop that's provided a competitive quote to do it all. This is my first Jeep that isn't stock, so if I'm shooting myself in the foot somewhere with any of my choices, feel free to comment! I haven't pulled the trigger just yet, but would like to do it here in the next couple of weeks.

My Jeep: 2012 Wrangler Sport 2-door, Stone White
The lift: AEV 2.5" Dualsport XT
Control Arms: YES. I waffled on this decision and decided that the extra cost is worth it in my goal to improve the overall ride and not detract from the suspension geometry by installing a lift.
Wheels: Stock 17" Mopar wheels (no, seriously, it's part of the charm. I like the look of those wheels)
Spacers: Spidertrax 1.5"
Tires: Goodyear Duratrac 285/70/17, D-load rating (yup, all 5 of 'em)

I'm going for somewhat of an old-school look with the factory wheels and midrise lift. My thinking is that it's meant to be an adventure rig and not a rock crawler.

If I could skip the wheel spacers, I would, but I fear the tires might rub at full lock. I really want to keep the factory wheels but realize the backspacing isn't optimal for larger tires. Does anyone have experience with this setup and NO spacers?

Bumpers are yet to come, if ever. I'd like to install some additional lighting (2 driving lights up front, either on the windshield pillar or front bumper via a bar, or on an aftermarket bumper, and a flood in the rear on a bracket, or aftermarket bumper). That will happen at a later time, though...not part of this initial build to get the thing riding how I want it to.

Thoughts? Pics of the same install?