One of the best things about the iconic Jeep Wrangler is how fun and easy it is to modify. There’s an entire aftermarket niche dedicated to mods specifically for Jeep Wranglers.
However, not all mods are made equal. Some mods truly improve the look and function of your Jeep, while others are money pits at best, and at worst can make your Jeep worse for the wear.
Let’s take a look at five upgrades you should definitely consider for your Wrangler and five that are best avoided.
Five Upgrades You Should Consider
Upgrade 1 – Winch
If you plan to take your Jeep Wrangler off-road at all, a winch is a big necessity. This is the number one way to get a stuck vehicle unstuck, whether it’s your vehicle or your friend’s vehicle. Seasoned Jeep owners say this is the single best upgrade for an off-roading Wrangler.
Upgrade 2 – Bumpers
In line with the first upgrade, a bumper upgrade also makes sense. Plastic factory bumpers on new Jeep Wranglers aren’t very useful for off-road durability or installing a winch. Aftermarket heavy-duty bumpers also tend to give your Jeep a more aggressive “ready for anything” look.
Upgrade 3 – Rock Sliders or Entry Guards
Even if you don’t take your Jeep off-road much, the side steps are useful to help people get into the Jeep as well as protecting the body from scratches and scuffs. The selection of side steps, rock sliders, and entry guards runs the gamut, so you’ll have to consider carefully what you will need them for.
Upgrade 4 – Grab Handles
You’re probably familiar with grab handles in other vehicles. These are the handles right above the doors that make it easier to get in and out. However, a Jeep Wrangler has a roll cage between you and the ceiling of the vehicle. The good news is, it’s easy to install aftermarket grab handles on the roll cage or the A-pillars. These come in nylon versions or heavy-duty Paracord among others. These handles will especially come in handy if you plan to lift your Wrangler.
Upgrade 5 – Lift Kits
Lift kits are probably the most common mod for a Jeep Wrangler. The key here is to do your research and not get something cheap or that doesn’t fit what you need it for. For example, if you plan to ford deep water or rock crawl, then a basic spring lift is a good fit. If you’re off-roading at higher speeds through the desert, then a solid coil-over system works best.
Five Upgrades To Avoid
1. Cheap Aftermarket Exhaust
Aftermarket exhausts can be good mods on a Jeep Wrangler, but they can also be really bad if you get something cheap and of poor quality. The key here is not to get something that is mainly aesthetic, but instead, get a system that actually improves the performance of your Wrangler.
2. Lange Side Mirrors
These are appealing for their classic looks. It gives your Jeep Wrangler somewhat of a throwback appearance. The problem is, Lange side mirrors aren’t very safe. They make it difficult to see behind your vehicle while driving as they only cover a small area.
3. Cheap Shocks
Like cheap exhausts, cheap shocks are a bad idea in a Jeep Wrangler. They get rusty quickly and will have to be replaced before you know it.
4. Mud Terrain Tires
This upgrade to avoid comes with a caveat. If you plan to off-road a lot in mud, then mud tires are indeed the way to go. However, if you’re buying them only for looks, you’ll likely be disappointed with the noise they make and the bad gas mileage your Jeep will experience.
5. TeraFlex Quicker Disconnect
This mod is meant to give you quick release for free traveling of your front wheels while off-roading, which in turn gives more traction. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Many Jeep owners complain that the bushings are difficult to disconnect and may be damaged in the process of disconnecting.
The best thing to do when looking to modify your new or used Jeep Wrangler is to do plenty of research and see what other seasoned Jeepers have to say. You don’t want to get stuck with a money pit mod or one that causes more problems than it’s worth.
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