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Jeep Wrangler JK: Starter Modifications

Everybody has an opinion on the best modifications to make to the Jeep Wrangler. Here are some basic mods that will enhance your overall experience.

By David Weitz - December 8, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Wrangler (2007-present).

Everybody has opinions on the best modifications to make to your new Jeep Wrangler. And the cost involved will vary as much as the opinions. We're assuming you've just shelled out enough money on your dream Jeep Wrangler that some basic modifications will make an improvement without draining too much more out of your wallet. So let's talk about some simple basic modifications and upgrades that will improve your overall Jeep experience while you save up for the really big modifications down the road (like a Hemi).

Image 1. Modified Jeep Wrangler.

Let's talk about five very simple upgrades that, looking back, you'll be very glad you made.

Properly Outfitted Toolbox

DIY Cost – $250 - $300

Professional Cost – N/A

Skill Level – Easy; Just get online and order

What are you going to do when you're out on the back roads and something breaks? It won't matter how cool you look then. So what are we talking about? Very simply...

  1. Tool bag with some necessary tools
  2. Fire extinguisher
  3. Flashlight
  4. Basic spare parts
  5. First aid kit
  6. CB radio

Floor Mats & Liners

DIY Cost – $85

Professional Cost – N/A

Skill Level – Easy; Again, you just have to make the purchase

The more fun you have, the more dirt you're going to get into. It doesn't matter which season you prefer. Winter, fall, spring or summer will bring with it its own debris, dirt, mess and residue. You're going to want something that will protect the interior of your Jeep and be easy to clean and hose off. Most of all, you don't want to take much time to get ready to go back out and do it all over again.

Appropriate Rubber

DIY Cost – $800 - $900

Professional Cost – $1,600

Skill Level – Moderate; It will require some strength, heft and the appropriate tools

If you're going to be an off-road enthusiast AND you're going to use your Jeep to take out your best girl on Saturday night, then you're gong to need the right tires. You'll want a tire that will give you the best handling when you'e trashing through mud as well as give you a great ride overall. You'll want a sidewall that is puncture-resistant as well as a tire that will give you an approved towing capacity. You're going to want a tire that is tough enough to deliver you to the back roads this morning, back into town this afternoon and quiet enough to still use on your date tonight.

Beadlocks

DIY Cost – $650 - $850

Professional Cost – $2,000

Skill Level – Moderate; It will require some strength, heft and the appropriate tools

At first blush, this might seem like an outlandish and unnecessary expense, but consider this. When you're out on the back roads and off-road you may find yourself needing to air down your tires in order to increase your traction. Under these conditions, if you're not careful, without beadlocks your tire can unseat itself and come right off the rim. That adds a new meaning to the word "stuck." A good beadlock will hold the tire securely against both inner and outer rims. That will keep you secure no matter what conditions you find yourself in.

Pro Tip

Many beadlocks are often fake while others are illegal for on-road use. Make sure the beadlocks you acquire are actually beadlocks, road legal and DOT approved.

A Winch

DIY Cost – $300

Professional Cost – $700

Skill Level – Moderate; Requires some specialized tools, some drilling and making sure the winch is placed and hooked up properly

Even though we've listed it last, many people will tell you that a winch is probably one of the most important modifications you can give to your Jeep. In fact, and we would agree, not having a winch is nothing short of foolish. Why? One word: recovery. What if you get wedged into an incredibly tight place? What if your Jeep rolls? What if either of those happen to your friend's Jeep? Remember that date you're trying to get home to tonight? Without a winch you are STUCK. A winch will get you home. Trust us...you will be very thankful you have one!

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