Hello everybody!

New user here. This post is on behalf of my father who has retired and is eager to build his dream Jeep. The problem is, he doesn't know what it looks like! Due to a technological and language barrier, he asked me to compile a list of "must have" modifications.-I don't know anything about cars. He drives a 2014 silver Jeep Wrangler JK 2-Door with a soft-top. He won't be doing any off-roading, but wants it to look aggressive. His budget is $10,000, what do you all suggest? Also, which and where should he buy a hard-top?

Thanks!


His Jeep

 

Stubby bumpers, winch, 35's, flat fenders, leveling kit, gears. That should eat up $10k.

 

Thanks! Any brands in particular? Also, which brand would you recommend getting a hardtop from?

 

look for a factory take off for sale. Genright, poison spider, metal cloak.

 

Sorry, just noticed your signature: "Please do not email asking me to recommend a lift kit or brand"

 

Add wheels to Dirtman’s list above, something that is 17”x 9” and has a 4.5” backspace is going to be a good option.

Just to expand a bit as well, since you aren’t a gearhead nor is your father. Most things you guys are going to do to achieve the look your dad wants is going to make that jeep less economical (adding weight and rotational mass). Adding the extra weight and the larger tires will really slow that thing down, which is why you then need to consider regearing the axles to get some pep back.

A used factory hard top should be in the $1250 - $1400 range on Craisglist or FB marketplace. Dirtman named some good brands above. Your father is getting older and if this is his dream jeep it’s likely one of the last dream vehicles he’ll have. Don’t cheap out. Put quality items on and end up with a quality jeep.

Since neither you nor he has much experience, and I sense you won’t be doing your own work, you might come up with a plan and then post it up here and ask for opinions before moving forward. That can help 1) eliminate some mistakes, and 2) help keep you from letting a local shop take advantage or misdirect you guys to something that might not be ideal for him.

 

Thank you! Great suggestions, we will definitely ask questions before committing to an expensive purchase.

 

Sorry, I just read your signature now:"Please do not email asking me to recommend a lift kit or brand"

 

Also try and buy A/T rated tires not M/T. The AT's give some offroad driveability but are really quiet on the road as compared to the mud terrains (M/Ts).

 

Here is an option for a mild economic build (what I did the first time around and was surprised how capable it was and how nice it rode).

$5k or so
Rancho 2" Sport Kit with RS9000s shocks (2" front, 1 1/4" rear). = about $600, figure $1,200 installed with alignment. People with bash this but I loved mine.
33" All Terrains with wheel spacers = about $1,500
Winch and winch plate for stock bumper = about $700 depending on brand
Skid plates = about $500
GMRS, mounts, hood latches, interior goodies for storage, etc = about $500
LED headlights and fogs, accessory switches, etc.. = about $500

Drive it, wheel it, take it on trips and use the rest of the budget where you feel you need to use it, like on whisky and beer.