It's a done deal. Having fought through negotiations, you've finally won, and the prize of your conquest sits in your driveway, just as you envisioned it. Buying a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is an exhilarating experience. Still, for many of you first-time Jeep owners, the enthusiasm may rapidly turn to uncertainty when one question quickly becomes a reality.
Whether it's your first or third Jeep, understanding what modifications to buy might be the difference between getting stuck someplace in the great outdoors and continuing your adventure with nothing inhibiting your progress. It's incredible how many different things you can customize on your Jeep Wrangler to make it your own.
We've compiled a list of the top 10 most cost-effective and "Essential" modifications that first-time Jeep owners may and securely implement to answer the question "now what?" There are a lot of fantastic modders out there, just like there are many points of view. And, as previously said, your Jeep route does not need any pre-setting. However, over the last two decades, we've discovered that this list serves as an excellent launching pad into the Jeep lifestyle.
Be aware that if you buy a second-hand car that is essentially "new to you," it may already be modified in some way. If that's the case, double-check that the part(s) you're interested in is in excellent functioning order or are something you desire. If this is the case, get rid of it and replace it with something more to your liking.
10 Install Rock Sliders
Rock sliders are a must-have accessory for any serious off-roader who intends to use their Jeep. This might be your most valuable upgrade after upgrading your tires. Even though stock JKUs are quite adept off-road, their larger wheelbase makes them vulnerable to getting stuck on ledges or dips.
You can practically slide over obstacles that might otherwise harm your setup by adding Rock sliders to your rocker panel. They may also aid with off-camber side impacts from debris and rocks. You may get Rock Sliders in a wide number of configurations: stealthy, with added features like a side step, and everything in between. Please spend some time looking over the many options and keep an eye out for our future guide on rock sliders.
9 Replace Your Hood Latches
Driving a Jeep at high speeds may cause the hood to jiggle, as anybody who has done so knows. While the manufacturer installs a supple, elastic rubber, there is still enough room for the hood to leap when the Jeep is going quickly.
On the other hand, it's disorienting to see your hood flutter about town and on the trail. You may use heavy-duty replacement hood latches to keep your hood in place while you're stepping on the throttle. Additionally, they minimize bothersome interruptions when you're out having a good time in your Jeep on a rough road.
8 Go for Aftermarket Tires
The tires on your Jeep are literally where the rubber meets the road. Thus nothing else will have as big an influence on your Jeep's performance as a new pair of strong tires. The most critical step is to choose a tire that's made for the conditions you'll be driving in. There are cult-like brands and kinds of tires like the BF Goodrich K02s, but the most important thing is to consider where your Jeep will be going and how you want to go off-road before choosing which tire is ideal for your requirements.
If you're seeking suggestions, have a look at our comprehensive tire purchasing guide. Remember that size is important, but not in the manner you may imagine—smaller isn't always preferable in this instance. Even if you plan on using your Jeep mostly on the road, adding a large tire that necessitates a raise and other enhancements may look cool, but you won't get the most bang for your buck if you want to use it exclusively on the road. But if you're going to elevate your Jeep, you'll want to consider upgrading your tires when you do so. This way, you'll be sure to choose a tire size that fits your lift and is suitable for the use you've had in mind.
7 Use A 2-inch Lift Kit
Jeeps were designed to be used in off-road situations. Maybe a good dirt walk on a back road or the dunes near the beach or lake is what it signifies to you. Weekend trail rides with friends or the local Jeep club can be an option for this activity. The factory-installed suspension usually provides a fair compromise between ride quality and handling. Still, by replacing components like springs, shocks, stabilizers, or track bars, you may greatly improve the vehicle's off-road capability without sacrificing ride quality.
In order to ensure compatibility and performance, a factory-supported raise kit is the first step in any Jeep Wrangler conversion. This 2-inch kit, which comes in the Rubicon version, can handle tires up to 37 inches in diameter. These upgrades include Wrangler-specific Fox shocks and control arms that help with turning and off-road performance.
6 Use Entry Guards To Protect Door Frames
Due to high traffic, the door frame sees a lot of wear and tear. To get into your Jeep, insert your foot in the bottom door area. The door frame will begin to show signs of wear after several years of constant usage. Instead of putting skid plates on your transfer case and gas tank, why not put some on your Jeep's most vulnerable spot?
Installing an entrance guard is as simple as putting up a sign. In order to protect the frame, most entrance guards are composed of aluminum, thermoplastic, or stainless steel, and most companies employ 3M adhesive to make installation as simple as possible for homeowners. It makes no difference where you drive your Jeep; entrance guards are a simple and low-cost way to protect your Jeep from being damaged by trampling feet.
5 Protect Your Floors With Floor Liners
The inside of most Jeeps is like a second home to most individuals, as you've undoubtedly discovered. In this day of on-the-go living, floor liners are a terrific method to preserve your second home "mess-free." Floor liners are like a glove for vehicles with factory or aftermarket carpets, keeping your Jeep's interior dry and clean no matter what is dragged inside the vehicle.
There are many varieties of liners on the market, including: Stain-resistant carpet mats that protect your Jeep's interior from the daily abuse they'll get; Slush mats are made of rubber with a grooved surface to assist in collecting water, mud or snow; Stain-resistant carpeting bases or thermoplastic molds create a protective barrier for all-weather heavy-duty liners, and they're also simple to clean. They're made from strong, moldable polyethylene and have an aggressive tread pattern and raised edge to keep out anything from dirt to oil. Front, rear, and cargo-style liners are common to find, so you'll be covered no matter where you drive.
4 Something To Hold On To With Grab Handles
Chances are that most cars you've been in had a handle on the passenger or back doors. When the bend was too tight, or the ride was too rough, you grasped that object with all your might. With the Jeep's roll cage, a top-mounted grip isn't an option. However, a Jeep's roll cage and front A-pillars might provide a better-type handle option. The roll cage or the pillar can securely hold anything you need to hold onto when you have a Jeep, so why bother with a top-mounted grab grip.
As a result, you may use the handle to help you get in and out of the car as required, as well. You may find various cheap options that all Velcro around the roll bar and give smooth "grab-ability" when needed, from simple nylon handles to premium nylon ones with foam grips.
3 Winch Yourself From Trouble
Adding a Winch to your system should only be done after careful consideration. They're not cheap, and according to the terrain you drive on, you may not need them at all or your money might be better spent somewhere else. There's no substitute for an aftermarket winch when it comes to wheeling in the toughest conditions.
A successful self-recovery might be the difference between life and death. When purchasing a winch, do your homework on the brand's reputation and warranty terms. You'll also have to think about a few other things.
2 Take On The Appeal Of Soft Tops
Soft tops have played a significant role in Jeep's heritage. It's like a piece of its chromosomes. If it's a good day, zip out the top and have a unique driving experience unmatched anywhere else. Many first-time Jeep owners only have experience with hardtop models.
Adding a soft top to your car isn't difficult; whether it was the salesman who persuaded you to buy a hardtop or the Jeep you wanted happened to be on the lot at the time. Modern soft tops are available in a wide range of styles and sizes, from full-blown replacement tops that contain all mounting hardware to trendy new frameless soft tops to simple – but effective – bikini tops that you can install after removing; your hardtop (carefully).
1 Enhance Your Interior Security and Storage
As you've undoubtedly discovered, the cargo capacity and security of a Jeep aren't exactly world-class. The newest JK Wranglers, which have four doors, provide a little more capacity, but you may still have trouble finding the room you need. If your vehicle has a soft top, or even if you want to remove the hardtop for a few months, you may be concerned about how to keep your goods secure. The original console does have a lock, but so does your screen door, and you wouldn't feel secure using it to safeguard your home while you leave on vacation. Would you agree with that?
For this reason, many first-time Jeep owners concerned about cargo security might choose solid 16-gauge steel lockable consoles that can be installed between the front seats, under the seat, in the overhead compartment, or even in the rear cargo area.