I've been gifted $200 to spend on parts for my new JK for my birthday/christmas by various relatives. I'm trying to put together a short list of little parts so I can get the best bang for my buck. Here's what I've come up with so far.

Daystar Upper Dash Panel (tired of looking for my shades/cellphone)
Daystar Lower Panel (I drive an auto and will eventually need switches)
Rugged Ridge Windshield Light Brackets
Rugged Ridge Front & Rear Euro Guards

and possibley a TerraFlex CB Mount (puts me slightly over).

Any problems with any of the pieces I've specifically mentioned? I know the switches for the lower dash are ala carte. I plan to eventually install a set of Hella Black Magics on the windshield mounts and having both the mounts and the switch panel will help.

 

I would spend $130 of it on this https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/sponsoring-manufacturers-vendors-check-out-cyber-monday-specials-24/solid-axle-diff-cover-sale-%2465-shipped-64502/

 

Upper dash panel - I own one. The only caveat with this piece is that if you put your cell phone up there, it may cause your compass to say strange things.

Front & Rear euro guards - Can't comment on the rear ones, but I recently broke on of my front guards. With a snow brush. Not impressed They're coming off as soon as I upgrade to either the Delta Quad Bar headlights or a set of Cibie's. Haven't decided which yet.

 

Dang, broke it with a snow brush? That's, well, pretty cheezy then so I'll likely strike those from my list or replace them with a diffrent vendor.

I don't do a ton of off roading so I don't know how nessicary the diff covers will be but that might be a good investment.

**EDIT**

W Squared, what kind of cellphone do you have? Do you know what frequency band/communications protocol it uses? I know older GSM phones cause a ton of EMI which may be screwing with your compass. Does it impact your GPS at all?

 

At this price they are a crazy good deal.

midwestjeepthing has a run in Potosi this Saturday at Sayersbrook Bison Ranch. There will be stock, intermediate and extreme groups running. Maybe good chance to get out.

You could also consider a CB and Antenna install

 

OK. Here's my opinion. And everyone knows what opinions are like...

Daystar Upper Dash Panel - Seems to be a lot of fit issues. Skip.
Daystar Lower Dash Panel - I've been putting my switches on the A-pilar. Easy access and zero cost (except for the switches).
Rugged Ridge Windshield Light Brackets - I prefer lights on the bumper - less glare on the hood.
Rugged Ridge Front & Rear Euro Guards - If that's your thing.

Now, my wish list would include the most protection or enhancement bang for the buck.

Diff Covers - pealed my rear (cover, that is) on a rock so I know how vulnerable the covers are. I prefer Riddlers but that would blow the whole budget. $130 on the Solids are a great deal.
Grab Handles - as a driver, you probably don't notice how hard it is to hold on because you have a good hold of the steering wheel (I hope). Get a good set of grab handles for the passengers.
Should leave room for the Teraflex CB mount and some beer for the help in putting on the diff covers. OK - not really a multi-person job, but the beer can be fun anyways!

 

Not sure on how much that totals up to be but I would get a $50.99 K&N filter or some Husky liner floor nat for $69.99.....

 

I work for AT&T and work every weekend so I won't be able to make the Midwest Run unfortunatly. I have similar problems with my Miata club (which up and vanished it seems this last year).

As for the diff covers, I worry that it may void the powertrain warrenty on the Jeep if I replace the OEM parts with aftermarket ones.

I wasn't aware of the fitment issues on the Daystar so that might be a good point. I could just get a glass case and clamp it to the winshield tie- down. I'd love some pics of your A pillar switches. I was planning to leave the A Pillar alone and hope someone makes a gauge pod for it as I hate not having oil preasure and battery gauges.


***EDIT***

I already have an entire set of Weather Tech floor mats and a Weather Tech trunk liner. First mod I bought.

 

BTW Ruether has the teraflex mount in stock. Not sure what part of town you live in, maybe worth a drive. Also the price was less than Q-tecs price by several dollars. Q-tec is also backordered on them for 2 weeks.

 

The covers won't cause any warranty issues. Look at my sig, I have already dicussed my changes with the service manager and he is cool with them all.

The dealer may not admit it but a nicely modified Jeep by a satisfied customer actually brings in more sales business. They make great rolling billboards.