Just bought this 2009 JKU should what do you all think, should I start with a lift and work my way to bigger tires or should I start with bumpers and lighting. It's my daily driver but I also want her to be a head turner.

 

I would start with the lift and tires. You can always use factory rims till u decide if you want new rims. I personally think all the factory jeep wheels look good on jeeps with bigger tire.

 

That's what I was leaning towards too. 3.5" suspension with 31's

 

Tires should drive how much lift you add. While it is popular in the pick-up truck world to jack sky high with super large tires to get looks, a Jeep is really a different beast. So, determine what you want to do with your Jeep, select tires to do that, and add enough lift to clear those tires, plus compensate for any sagging you might have from other mods. I run 35s on 2.5" of lift, but get plenty of "looks".

 

I'd go at least 33, 31 and 3 inch lift will look silly

 

You'd be better with a leveling kit and wheel spacers (for OEM rims) or 4.5" backspace new wheels for 31" tires. It would look more balanced, and you'd have fewer mechanical problems and other expenses because of too much lift. There is a sticky in the modified section about "My thoughts on lifts" written by Dirtman. Suggest you peruse that.