I want to make a few upgrades to my stock Sahara Unlimited pictured here: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-show-tell-33/photos-my-new-jk-sahara-1133/

I want to get:
- beefier tires and possibly wheels if required by tires
- a winch and bumper
- a lift

I haven't done any mods to Jeeps or other off-road vehicles before so I am not really sure what to get. It is my everyday driver but I live in the mountains of New Mexico and will get off-road plenty. I also plan on making many 5-7 hour trips on the highway throughout the southwest that may or may not end in going off-road. So I want tires that will handle that situation well and a lift that won't affect the on-road performance too much.

I am considering the 2" lift kit from Quadratec listed here: http://www.quadratec.com/products/16064_200X_PG.htm because I was told that if I don't go over 2" then i won't have to mod any other part of the drivetrain.

Finally, I have never had a winch and have no idea what to get.

Any suggestions on tire size / type, winch, and / or lift kit??

 

Ide get a 3" lift with LT295 or 305 tires.
BTW, Northridge 4x4 I heard has some great deals on lifts!

 

I'd be thinking Full Traction in terms of lifting your rig.

 

If you spend most of your time on pavement but are looking for a tire that do you well on the trails as well, I'd recommend picking up a set of BFG A/T KM's or Toyo Open Country A/T's. Both are really good all terrain tires that'll serve you well. If you are looking for something more aggressive, I would probably recommend something like a BFG M/T KM's. They are surprisingly quiet for a mudder and can be ordered through Costco at a great no haggle price. Of course, depending on how tall of a lift you get will determine how big of a tire you can go with. If you only go 2", you'll want a 33" tire but if you go 3", you should be able to run 35's no problem. And, if you only do mild wheeling, you will not need to upgrade your drivelines.

As far as winches go, I would recommend getting one that is rated to pull 9000 lbs. Of course Warn makes some of the best winches out there but I would also recommend T-Max. I have one on my TJ now and love it. Now, as to which bumper to get? They're all pretty good, you'll just need to find one that you like and one that'll have a winch mount.

 

Thanks for all suggestions, folks! Really appreciated.

:p

 

If you plan to pick the BFG M/T you'll need to rotate them every 3000 miles or so or they will wear unevenly. I too would recommend a warn 9,000 lb. winch.

A 3" lift will do you good, and can handel 35" tires. You should only get four wheels for the JK at first because the stock rear tire carrier might not be able to hold the weight of a new, bigger, heavier tire. That's if you choose 35's. As far as wheels go, you should be able to use the stock wheels.

Hope this helps

 

Have you guys looked at the rear door latch? There is a male & female type of bracket that looks like will keep the weight off of the actual door latch. I temporarily installed my 35 x12.50 on the carrier and it barely fit. I was wondering if this bracket would support the 35 over the long haul with minimal problems.