Looking to get off the roads into some light rock trails, what do you recommend getting/doing? I have no experience with anything jeep related, just got mine and looking for a start so any advice would be appreciated.

 

I have recently been gearing up myself to start hitting some trails in the spring. Im prob going to do more than some light trails but heres a few things that I would recommend to start.

1. Rock rails if you don't have them, last thing you want to do is smash up your body rails.
2. Steering stabilizer relocation bracket, cheap and easy way to save your SS from a rock smash.
Not really sure of the order after this but I also recently bought front and rear Solid Diff covers, Front and rear control arm skids, Front Sway bar disco skid(I have a rubi), Engine/tranny skid, and I got some EVO C Guessets to try and beef up my axle a bit.

Im sure this is more than needed for light trails but should give you some ideas.

 

Let the wild rumpus begin!

check this out - as good a place as any to start. https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-o...new-kid-31957/

You'll be surprised at just how many places you can go in a stock JK - if you just drop a ton of cash on go-fast and big tires right-away, you'll end up stuck deeper, faster. So take some time to learn how to drive better off-road and increase your skills. Find some buddies to go wheeling with and/or if you live near an OHRV area, even better. Find some experienced Jeepers and make some new friends

Depending on where you live, there may be trails guides/maps available with directions on how to get to the start points such as the "Guide to Colorado Backroads and Trails, 3rd Edition" by Charles Wells

 

There're plans, and there's reality... a light trail may be blocked by a fallen tree, or made 'less than light' in some places by the last winter.

Extra water & food (even some energy snacks would do).
First aid kit.
Communications (Cellular / CB).
Some extra fuel, depending on how far you go.
Skid plates & side rock sliders.
Recovery gear - straps, ropes & shackles, etc'. Strong bumpers to which recovery gear can by connected.
Basic tools (including a wood saw & shovel)
Reduce tire pressure whenever you get off the road. This will give improved grab, make the ride more pleasant and reduce tire wear. This means air deflator(s), and preferably a small compressor.
For light trails, 18~20 psi is usually just fine.

An often recommended suggestion is to join a local club and learn from more experienced offroaders.
I'd also look for offroading classes. It would shorten the learning curve and give you confidence in the Jeeps' capabilities.

I'd wait with other mods until after you get to know your Jeep better and gain experience. As-is, your Jeep is very capable, and it will take time before you materialize its' full potential. By then, you'll know which type of offroading you like, and which mods serve your preferences.

The factor that contributes the most to offroading performance is the tires -- tire type, size and pressure.
All-terrain tires are a meaningful improvement over road tires. Most people who changed from stock to 33" wheels, later regret not having moved directly to 35"s.
But, again, wait until you know both your Jeep and preferences better.

 

By the looks of your avatar I am ASSuming you have a 2 door... so flat fenders and 33's, skid protection, c gussets, and at least one locker. You will get all kind of arguments whether it should be rear or front but I would go with the rear first.

 

A friend in a seperate rig and some recovery equipment, go get yourself stuck on purpose! You'll learn so much more if you plan, prepare and practice. Most of all have fun!

 

Ft. Lewis ahhh now that brings back some memories. Hmmm that would be the summer of '79, ADA right up the street from the Ranger Battalion. Oh yeah good days.

 

Love Fort Lewis (Now Joint Base Lewis McChord). The ADA moved down near railhead and then again to North Fort I used to be in 5/5 ADA back in 2000.

 

I would suggest finding a local jeep club and joining them on a group run.
Some rock rails would be a good start - but i wouldnt upgrade much else untill you have been off road.
Then you will see what you want to upgrade and not spend money unnecessarily.
What ever you do, go with buddy who also has a off road vehicle.

 

mud terrains, rock sliders and some recovery gear.