Help with starting modifications

[st_za]

My most-valued mods are the Wild Boar metal grab handles, the Bartact canvas seat covers and my Spiderwebshade - none of which make it more capable.

I suggest spending a little bit of money on a good ceramic polish - it's a good way to ensure your 10 year old Jeep's paint lasts another 100 years.

If you drive at night in rural areas, LED light bar should be top of your list and maybe a front bar too.

As for other mods, I suggest spending your first money on a set of Maxtrax, a rear recovery hitch (if you have a tow hitch), shackles and a snatchstrap.

The first mod under the Jeep should be a front sway bar disconnect - you will be surprised how little need you have for a locker in a JK because you can keep the wheels on the ground. Second would be a steering stabiliser flip and then a rear diff cover (maybe a front too).

Before doing the next mods, like the others have said, get out there and see what the Wrangler is capable of doing and what you would like to do with it that you can't.

I saved heaps of money on my JKU by not buying twice after lots of consideration for each mod and taking the time to learn how to do everything myself.

Next up I would suggest tyres, if needed. I think that 33" aggressive AT is a great size because 35" or bigger needs lots of supporting mods and lots of money.

A front bar generally has (handy) recovery points but I have generally found rock sliders are needed first because the stock plastic steps get damaged easily. I don't think a rear bar adds much unless the stock plastic bar is damaged or you need something with a carrier for a 35" or larger spare tyre.

I wouldn't add a snorkel, winch unless, lockers or a roof rack unless you will definitely need it. I almost never use mine and they just add weight, cost a lot and lower fuel economy.

Speaking of fuel economy, I don't think there are any value-for-money ways to get more power or better fuel economy out of the 3.8. I would rather spend my money on a way to get more exhaust sound (they sound pretty good imho) and servicing by a Jeep specialist. They do seem to be a very reliable motor and will last a long time with good regular maintenance.

[Freetripper]

Totally agree with Ozrick and the other members. I have a 2008 CRD 2 door with 150km in the clock. They're awesome but you have to maintain them, and as with any vehicle 9yrs old things start to wear out, ball joints bushes, batteries etc. Allow a bit aside for upkeep and dont splash all your cash on bling.
There are also better places to spend your money for any accessories than ARB, who are majorly overpriced crap in most (not all, before the arguments starts) stuff, IMHO, have a look through the vendors section.
As your new to 4wding you should never go out alone, so a winch isn't a necessity with a decent recovery kit sufficing for most needs, also a first aid kit. You will be amazed at how far 2inch lifted jeep with decent tyres will go. As mentioned your suspension has probably sagged so a 2 inch lift will be quite a bit higher.
As for the dress up bling items, cargo nets, grab handles etc, get on ebay cheaply, watch all the stuff you like and you have a wish list for your birthdays, xmas' etc that your relos/partner/friends can choose from if they wish to or buy yourself when you have available funds.
Bit of a ramble I know, but you asked for all our opinions and thats my 2 cents for what it's worth.
Welcome to the world of JK's, you are already looking down the neverending rabbit hole of things that can be done. Think wisely and prioritise what you need and can afford over what you want, based on what you intend to do with it.
Use the search function on this forum as most topics have been covered several times with pictures and solutions more often than not, over and its a great source of info.


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[V82xist]

sway bar disconnects are a fairly cheap item compared to lockers and provide a good increase in flex to allow you to go a lot further before you fit lockers. Have you thought about a long range fuel tank? depending on what sort of driving you might do of course. I wouldn't go for ARB bars and make sure you don't get a safari snorkel. Get an AEV snorkel that enters the airbox at bonnet height.