For most vehicles, we’re fans of letting the ink dry on the Bill of Sale before thinking about modifications. We like to drive our rides for a while, see what we like and what could use improvement. But when it comes to Jeep Wranglers, many of us put the cart before the horse. Especially if that cart is lifted 6" with reservoir shocks and a Dana 60 axle…
But we understand, a Jeep is widely considered the most customizable platform, offering downright enviable aftermarket support. It’s hard not to think of the possibilities.
No two Jeep owners are the same though, and what’s right for one person is not for another. That being said, let’s look at a couple different types of first time Jeep owners and where they might want to start with their Wrangler mods.
The Off-Roader Newbie
So perhaps you’re new to the off-road game, or this may even be your first Jeep. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a teenager, adult, or navigating a mid-life crisis, if you want a Jeep to begin (or reignite) your off-road journey, it can be a bit daunting to find a place a start. Here are a few ideas to help.
Tires
If you have a new JL Wrangler, it may not make a ton of sense to swap out those factory tires immediately. So, we suggest running them until they need to be replaced – then you can think about something larger and more aggressive. However, if you’re getting yourself a used Wrangler with basic street tires, there’s certainly work to be done.
For an aspiring Jeeper, we recommend a set of all-terrain tires. These strike the best balance between off-road performance and on-road manners. Perhaps if you get enamored with the hobby and want more performance, you can go with mud-terrains for your second set. But for someone new and wide-eyed, the noise, gas mileage, and quick-wearing nature of mud-terrains will be jarring to the system.
Before shopping, learn what size tires can comfortably fit the Jeep and suspension you currently have. If you go too big, you’ll be throwing off gear ratios and suspension geometry, and will need further upgrades. Usually, a 33" tire will be your upper limit before additional modification will be necessary. If you’re cash strapped, consider getting a tire that you’ll be able to reuse your wheels for, instead of having to go out and replace them as well.
Remember to factor in the cost of your full-size spare; it just looks a bit awkward not to swap that out. Plus, it won’t serve any purpose as it’ll most likely be an entirely different size.
Bumpers
If you’re a first-time Jeep owner planning to take your baby out in the wilderness, it pays to have a bit of body protection. The stock plastic bumpers of a Wrangler may look solid, but after your first encounter with a rock, stump, or wayward branch, you’ll realize there’s not much to them. Thankfully, one of the most widely available upgrades in the aftermarket are metal bumpers.
To narrow down your search, consider what features you’ll need:
- Do you want something slim, sleek, and form-fitting?
- Or do you want beefy and strong maximum protection?
- What about cutouts for lighting, a winch, and other accessories?
- Can your suspension handle the heft of a steel bumper, or would lightweight aluminum be a better choice?
And remember, the rear of your Jeep is just as vulnerable, if not more than the front – it needs protection too. Plus, if you’re running a larger tire, the factory tire mount may not be rated to hold it, and you’ll need some other solution like a rear bumper with a stronger tire carrier.
Other Great Upgrade Options: Winch, Suspension, Lighting, Shovel, Jack
The Pavement-Only Jeeper
Despite what some purists and Jeep gatekeepers (gateJeepers?) might believe, your Wrangler doesn’t need to be a burly off-roader. Maybe you don’t want to wheel, or crawl, or mud. That’s completely fine, because even if you don’t plan on doing those things, Wranglers are still fun as heck!
Here are a few suggestions for Jeep Wrangler mods that don’t have to deal with off-road performance.
Soft Top
Even if you reside in a climate where it can only be truly enjoyed a few months out of the year, do yourself a favor and get a soft top. There are so very few vehicles, modern or past, that have the ability to provide the open-air feel a Wrangler can offer – and frankly, it’s just a shame to waste it.
Before purchasing, consider how you’d like to use your soft top, as there are many different varieties:
- Bikini tops keep the roof covered while removing the sides.
- Flip Tops allow just the panel above the driver and passenger to be opened.
- Retractable tops allow the roof to slide back at the push of a button.
Like a custom dress or suit, consider the fabric and color options available to you as well. Soft tops are iconic, fun, and quintessentially Jeep. They’re well worth the money.
Sound System Upgrade
Like many of the options we’re listing here, the audio situation in your Jeep relies heavily on what model and trim Wrangler you’re looking at upgrading. If you’ve got a JK or older with a stock system and you’re a big music buff, a full upgrade would change your world. (Heck, even if you have a new JL, that sound output has room for improvement.)
The first thing to look at is the head unit, alternatively referred to as your radio. Most aftermarket units have Bluetooth and/or Apple CarPlay/Android auto, which is a necessity for any modern music enthusiast. These units generally have more connections around the back to hook up other peripherals, in addition to being capable of handling more power.
Tired or blown stock speakers should be your next consideration. If you’re not looking to modify or use any kind of adapters, then make sure you’re looking at speakers of the same size as what you currently have. Additionally, check that any new speakers complement the head unit’s wattage output. Keeping these two numbers similar ensures your speakers won’t be under or overpowered. If you want to really crank the volume, consider bypassing the power your head unit provides by adding an amplifier to give your speakers a real jolt.
For those of you first-time Jeep owners not planning on filling up the cargo area, adding a subwoofer is a great option to accentuate the low end of your music. (Slim, discrete options are available that fit under the front or rear seats, if reappropriating the cargo bay isn’t an option.)
Overall, if you’re just swapping out speakers, it’s a project that can probably be done by yourself. But if you’re looking to add amps, subs, or extra speakers beyond the stock locations, we recommend involving a professional installer, especially if you’ve never done an audio upgrade.
Other Great Upgrade Options: Roof Rack, Head/Taillight Replacements, Entry Guards, Hood Decal, Grille Inserts
Wrangler Owners on a Budget
Hey, maybe you spent a little more than you wanted to on that Wrangler. Not to worry, you can still add a few functional and personal touches to your Jeep without resorting to selling that comic book collection or cancelling your monthly novelty-sock subscription.
While our selections are a little pricier than putting a couple rubber duckies on your dash or slapping a Jeep Wave! sticker on your mirror, they’ll still leave you enough cash to get yourself a pair of sultry eyelashes for your headlights.
Floor Mats
Look, we put floor mats on our article for winter Jeep upgrades, but they’re just too much of a necessity to leave them off here as well. Plus, compared to what else you can do to a Wrangler, it’s a pretty cheap swap. If you have carpet floor mats or (gasp!) no liners at all, don’t step another foot into your Jeep without a set.
Wranglers, especially older models, are generally heavy on the carpet. And while that may feel great on your bare feet after a day at the beach, think of the long-term lifespan of thin fabric entry mats. Ever lifted up one of those after a few people used it on a snowy or rainy day? Water seeps straight through to the floor below, and this is exactly what happens in your Jeep, causing odor, discoloration, mildew, and worst of all—the rusting of your metal subfloor.
Keep moisture, mold, and rust from turning what’s below your feet into an early grave, and get yourself some liners. Just don’t go down to your local dollar store and pick out a set of universal mats that claim to fit everything. Spend a little more of a thick set of Wrangler-specific mats from a brand like WeatherTech, Husky, Bestop, or Rugged Ridge. You’ll pay a little more, but the millimeter-perfect fit and durable construction is worth it.
Tubular Products/Steps/Boards
If you’re a young, macho, gym-going guy standing at 6′5", congratulations, you may not feel the need for a little boost into the cabin. But not all of us can comfortably step up into our Wrangler like the Big Show entering a WWE ring. Even if it doesn’t feel like a chore to you, think of your little ol’ grandma or anyone else who may need a ride.
Depending on your style and taste, a set of nerf bars, side steps, or running boards not only gives anyone entering your Jeep a helpful boost, but they also look darn good as well. Whether you want a large, wide step area; a high and tight bar that doubles as body protection; or even steps that come down automatically, there’s a product to suit your need. Look for trusted names like DeeZee, n-Fab, Black Horse, and Westin to set up your ride.