I know this has been asked many of times and I have read a good handful but I still would like some great advise. Ok here is my dilemma I have a 2009 X stock. I got the "S" package with 17" rims, fog lights, tow package, 3.73 axle ratio, Trac-Lok(R) limited slip rear differential. To be honest I don't know much about axle ratio or limited slip rear differential. This is my first jeep and I have also wanted one. Finally got one. So my question to everyone out there is. I have just $400 I know it's not a lot but I'm unemployed (Marine service and college degree and NO job) and my wife is going to school. So this all she is giving which I am thankful. What can I do. I am thinking a lift but then I need tires. I really really want a snorkel and it's in price range. But how would a snorkel look on a stock jeep. Then I was thinking lights. Please help.

 

Hey bud welcome to the forum and to this addicting jeep thing , I posted something similar, hope that helps and I want a snorkel too !

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/best-upgrade-350-400-bucks-103459/

 

How about a set of swaybar disconnects?

 

you dont need tires with most lifts in that range...

2.5'' lift (pucks most likely not coil and shocks due to the $$)
you might be able to get a coil lift with shock ententions and then get shocks down the line... or get rubi upgrade shocks and be set with that

I ran about 3'' lift with no change in the tires for a long time and I was still happy about it didnt look funny at all... but I had the rubi tires...

just a through.. you may want to just look into picking up a set of rubi wheels/tires locally for that price and then you would get a small bit of clearance, much better tires for offroad and a more agressive look

 

There about $299. then you need a plate for mounting.

 

my first upgrade was a used set of wheels and tires. i spent 550 CND on the both of them and then bought a used budget boost and 4dr rubicon springs for 100 CND. while my tires only lasted me one season, it really helped on the trail, and i can use one of them for a spare when i get some new ones next season.

 

The stock tires on an X kinda suck, so you might think about used rubi tires.

Recovery and safety gear (tow straps, fire extinguisher, etc) are nice and will help get you out of trouble.

Rocker protection is nice, but might be a bit costly.

My best advice would decide how you ultimately want to build your Jeep and go from there. It would suck to spend $400 on something you don't want down the road.

Remember a stock X is still a pretty worthy off-road vehicle.

Did I just talk in circles?

Have fun.

 

I got Rubi take off sliders for $100 off craigslist, and the teraflex leveling kit from northridge for $129. I think it looks good with my stock "S" package 17s.

 

I'm making my own rear bumper with tire carrier with hilift and jerry can mounts for $4,500 pesos (340 USD )

 

It depends a lot on what you want to do with it. I'd also suggest finding a used set of used Rubi tires and you can get them dirt cheap. The KM's are GREAT tires. I'd also suggest recovery equipment for the first set of 'upgrades' too.