Help me spend my money

[Lowrpm]

I'm new here, so be gentle. . . .

I am about to pull the trigger on a new CRD Unlimited manual. Part of the deal, I asked for the quotation to include some stuff, like a 2" lift, front bar and winch, snorkel, tow pack and 33" rubber. But now I'm having second thoughts, as most of the stuff quoted is Mopar, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of love for their stuff on here. So what should I get, in your opinion?

Here's what's suggested by the dealer ;
Mopar 2"
Mopar (AEV) bull bar
Mopar (AEV) snorkel
Warn 9000lb winch
Cooper 275/70X17 AT3 tyres

Should I just save the money and DIY? What gear do you guys recommend? Is there anything else you reckon I need?

I'll be using the vehicle for camping and travel with the missus - places like the Cape and Gibb River Road etc. Tough, but not serious wheeling terrain.

OK, whaddayareckon?

[NTRubicon]

Package in a spare set of belts and hoses. That way if you go somewhere and break something important, you won't have to wait 3weeks for a spare

And don't touch the paint protection or extended warranty if you are actually planning on driving your jeep offroad

[MightyMouse]

Yes... spend the absolute minimum with the Stealer.

IMO what they are offering isn't anything you can't get elsewhere if that's what you like - and most likely at a better price. Of course the aftermarket will have more choices as well. Mopar JK ( Lovels ) lift kits aren't highly regarded.

I also wouldn't trust them to fit a light bulb properly.

And..... if you spend the cash at a REPUTABLE aftermarket supplier, you will develop a good working relationship with them when you want other parts without mortgaging you left nut or you need some genuine expert advice.

[Lowrpm]

Interesting. I am also thinking that if I do a lot of this myself it'll be a good way to learn about the new toy. But right now, I don't know enough to be able to choose the right gear. Should I just go to someone like ARB, or is there a Jeep specialist in Melbourne I could talk to?

[MightyMouse]

As your in Melbourne talk to Bill at DoubleBlack Offroad ( AJOR Vendor ), they do know their JK's.

ARB..... they make some good stuff, but are trying to sell their brand bits rather than whats going to work for you, Everyones requirements are different and so a wider range is a plus. Some ARB dealers may have some Jeep knowledge but why bother when you can talk to specialists ?

[Lowrpm]

I'll do that. I'll start by having a look at their website. Still, willing to accept advice on specific parts though!

[MightyMouse]

Everyone has preferences as to performance, quality brands and price... also there's lots of variation in what people consider a good ride, what's good for one is average for someone else.

There's also differences in use, some are Daily Drivers others are off road weapons, and peoples definition of which are which also widely vary. Choose one end of the spectrum and you'll end up with limitations on the other if you follow......

One piece of advice I can give.... is don't by cheap and nasty. Better to decide where you want to end up and buy quality bits first time that you don't end up throwing out further down the track. Even if it takes a bit longer to do you will get a far better end result.