Ok, so I've always wanted a Wrangler.. I almost bought an '03 Rubi until I couldn't get my Dad to co-sign with me on the loan, so I settled for a Honda Accord

In July I won a 2008 Wrangler 2dr Sahara from a local radio station... got it in October, and now that i've paid the taxes on the Jeep I am ready to make it look good.

I live in the DC area... I don't believe I'll do much off-roading other than when I go camping. I do want to upgrade the wheels and put some off-road tires on her... what are the basics I need to know when purchasing the larger tires other than a suspension lift?

I'll get it out of the way... my Jeep is an automatic.. I know I know, a "chick" Jeep. But hey, it's free... I've always wanted one and now I'm ready to make it look like I know what I'm doing! Please help!

 

No not at all. Automatics are very popular off-road. It's all a matter of personal preference. Congratulatons on the Jeep. I never win anything, but I can still be happy for you.

 

You won a new Jeep? You suck. Go away.

 

Congrats on winning a JK. That is freaking awsome.

 

There are more automatic JKs than manual ones. I almost regret not getting an automatic myself.

Congrats on the "free" Jeep.

EDIT: you can fit 33s on there without any lift. You can get a 1" bodylift and a Budget boost for less than 400 bucks and fit 35s on the Jeep.

 

That is awesome! Congrats!

I'm another auto guy, here. Maybe a little less "hands on", but definitely a plus when it comes to playing on the rocks! As far as tires go, check out the Modified Tech FAQ-- that'll get you started and then you can let us know if you need help from there. Welcome to the Jeeping world!

 

Congrats on winning! I didnt think anyone "real" ever won those car give-aways

 

Congrats on winning the JK. You've come to the right place to answer alot of your questions. Like the previous post said, check out the FAQ section then try hitting the search button up on the top right. If you can't find what you're looking for, ask away, there's plenty of experienced Jeepers on here with answers to the majority of your questions.

Have fun with your new JK. You're gonna love it!

 

What radio station gave away a JK? I live in Fairfax.

Feel free to give a shout if you want any one on one advice. Theres quite a few of us in No. Va. Also the local jeep club, NovaJeepers, has been tremendously helpful as well.

I've read up on the majority of the threads in this forum pretty much since its inception I'm sure I can filter along some granules of knowledge

 

That is awesome that you won! And I too have an automatic tranny. I've had plenty of manual trans and yes they are good and manly.... but just try and use one in Memphis stop and go traffic while trying to eat a burger!

I built my Jeep mild (though its still awesome according to others). Heres how I made my decisions....

Tires and wheels are a good start because even though they are not the cheapest, they MAKE a vehicle! You can totally change your look with the wheels alone! Make SURE you learn all about backspacing BEFORE buying wheels! You want to know how far they stick out. I got mine perfectly lined up with the factory flares and couldn't be happier!

Next, a mild BB or puck lift of 2 inches would set off the Jeep for cheap and not require much more money in the way of suspension changes. Anything higher and your in for $$$ and it will begin to affect other geometry of the suspension. I did this due to it being a daily driver and me wanting to keep it resonable and reliable! Those guys you see with 4inches plus are incredible, but they spent a lot of cash on them and if you don't go offroad your just using that to pose! Before I lifted, I put on new wheels with backspacing that stuck the 33 inch tires out a little more and it fit perfect. I didn't even have to lift, but wanted to so mine would stand up above stock JKs.

Other than those two things.... its all you! From bumpers to lights and stereo you can just go crazy and do whatever you can afford!

Have fun! AND WAVE DAMMIT!