Jeep owners are unique. We all have different goals for upgrading our vehicles. For some, that means heavy-duty mods for conquering difficult ground: bigger tires and wheels, suspension lift kits, performance brakes and so forth. Others may focus elsewhere: new bumpers, a replacement soft top, auxiliary lighting or even a new audio system. Not sure where to start? Check out these great suggestions for JL Wrangler parts and upgrades.
New Bumpers
Sure, the stock bumpers on your Jeep may look fine. They get the job done. But if you plan on off-roading, you may need a heavier-duty solution. It’s also wise to think beyond the bumper. That may sound odd, but let’s consider this for a moment. You may need a bumper bar to push small bits of debris out of your way. Perhaps you’re going to install a winch (if not, what are you waiting for?), which requires a sturdier bumper and winch plate. There are also rear bumpers to consider: You could decide to install a rear bumper/tire combo or a simple yet sturdier rear bumper.
Fortunately, there are lots of aftermarket Jeep bumpers and accessories to choose from. Grille guards like Warn’s Stinger model offer solid protection: The Stinger itself is made with two-inch steel tubing finished with a corrosion-resistant black powder coat. When installing a new winch, consider a bumper/winch mount combo like Smittybilt’s XRC Gen2. Made from cold-rolled steel and covered in a two-stage textured black matte powder coat, the XRC incorporates a winch plate plus D_ring mounts. Its unique angled design factors in raised corners for improved exit and entry angles.
Lift Kits & Tires
Now we’ve gotten to the really exciting part: lift kits. But what kind of lift should you choose? If you simply want to equip slightly bigger tires and get a lifted look, you can get away with a body lift. On the other hand, a suspension lift kit for Jeep Wrangler raises your entire suspension and increases total ground clearance — perfect for installing larger tires and rolling over big obstacles on the trail.
There are lots of lift kits on the market from great brands like Pro Comp, Skyjacker, Rubicon Express and Rugged Ridge. So how do you pick one for your Jeep? First, consider your lift height. Most Jeep owners can safely handle a three-inch lift without needing extensive modifications to their brakes and other nearby systems. Also, pay attention to any shocks included in each kit. Gas-charged shocks cut down on vibration, offer better control and deliver enhanced overall performance.
Considering Form and Function
Bumpers and lift kits are just a couple of upgrade options for getting the rugged off-road look you desire. Auxillary lighting can serve both practical and aesthetic purposes: Kick on your light bars while parked and get better visibility plus a wicked look. Swap out your stock headlights for brighter, energy-efficient LED versions. So many more possibilities exist. If you’re stuck for ideas, your trusted off-roading aftermarket parts retailer can provide some helpful suggestions.
