5 Mods I wish I did to my Jeep sooner

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Headlights: amzn.to/2CwoUSz Rocklights: I used led spotlights and small led lights. amzn.to/2lRbGGy amzn.to/2IUk4OH CB radio: amzn.to/2u3S7P7 Hood louver: www.hylineoffroad.com/jeep_parts/category/jeep_hood_louvers Air compressor: amzn.to/2tWM3c2 Tire deflators: amzn.to/2u603PI

[@hguerra8464]

Whats up man, im new to your videos but already seen some cool mods or good ideas to do on my 2014 Rubicon. I noticed that in a few videos you have the hi lift jack mounted on the hood. What type of mounts and are they locking? Saw you went with JL hood latches, any recommendations for locking latches?

[@j2da]

I've never seen fenders like that, where did you get them?

[@franktobias5595]

sorry to be so off topic but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an instagram account? I was stupid lost the password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me!

[@beaureed564]

@Frank Tobias Instablaster =)

[@franktobias5595]

@Beau Reed i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@thenashvillenightshow5119]

Definitely useful cheap tips! Re the CB radio I suggest an SSB (Single Side Band) radio. A regular radio transmits (sends) a signal 4 miles while an SSB transmits 16 miles. Not much more expensive either. As a professional OTR (Over The Road) semi truck driver that’s what I use

[@jondecarbonel8158]

Excellent list. People don't realize the headlights until you get used to driving with them, then get a vehicle WITHOUT! YIKES! At night in the rain. LOVE the rock lights always! My dad always had a CB. Very handy. Good scoop is very nice, and that compressor! Absolutely! Great list.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thanks!

[@TommyBlanton]

Newbies, I recommend staying with stock axles on open diffs and learn how to drive off road before installing lockers. 20+ years ago I had an 89 YJ with a 4 inch lift on 33's with open diffs and a 5 speed. I learned how to wheel and handled some pretty gnarly trails and obstacles. I was following the "club" around with their $60K jeeps with ARB lockers and doing 90% of all the obstacles they were doing. The obstacles I couldn't do wasn't because I had open diffs, its because I didn't have enough clearance. When you learn to drive without lockers you learn to drive and find the lines that kept your tires in contact. Add lockers after you know how to drive and your axles will last longer instead of driving past your skill level with lockers.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Exactly!!! Nailed it

[@mattjax1330]

What lockers would you recommend

[@Hay-tn6hz]

Thanks Pops.

[@jshapiro34]

Facts it's wasted money because I've seen a stock jeep get some crazy places with a great driver......driving is 70 to 90% the mod right there

[@jeffcivjeep7]

Then your club wasn't doing much outside of driving on fire roads if not having lockers wasn't a limiting factor. No amount of "driving" can make up for the lack of putting power to the ground.

[@ricki7187]

I agree 100% on the hood louver - I had a fire that fortunately did limited damage while running at Moab - a little bit of dust and some sage under the hood with all that heat was all it took. I did the Poison Spider louver and have been amazed at how much heat I can see coming out of the vents. I would say the first mods to any Jeep should be a roll bar mounted first aid kit and fire extinguisher as at some point they will be needed. I have found a method that eliminates the need for rock lights - wheel hard during the day hand drink at night :-)

[@b01tact10n]

I also might add communications via CB Radio is great also a fire extinguisher👍

[@someoneoutthere1866]

First video I have seen that recommends a hood louvre -good choice!

[@seth1665]

you sold me on rock lights. I was always hesitant because i am insanely far away from good trails, but you convinced me.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Check out my most recent video!!

[@rjdom]

skid plates, good tires first things I did. Lights for sure, fog off road lights are a must! CB radio is life saver in the deep trails of NC Good video!

[@brendonlinsley5580]

Just Bought the High Beem Off-road Drifter headlights you reviewed in a later video and wow what a difference, i really regret not doing it sooner

[@Keaton0801]

I do believe this is an old video, but you should keep he hood louver black. It creates a nice contrast and makes your Jeep look more badass. That is just my opinion though.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yeah it’s an old one. I since painted it red, a lot of people told me to keep it black, but honestly I love the red and think it gives the Jeep a cleaner look. But yeah the black does give it a badass look!! For some reason I want it to blend and stand out less haha

[@shadowlm315]

In the colder climates my Jeep had hood louvers and it would help defrost my window.. lol

[@misplacedhaole6726]

The first thing I changed on my JK, literally the next day, was the hood latches. The rubber straps are not good where I live. One 18 wheeler or other big vehicle passes you the other way your hood will lift about an inch in the center. Plus a stubby antenna. Great video!

[@davidred1809]

Misplaced Haole antenna are such a plus.

[@Dwillis2024]

One of my favorite things I bought recently is an ARB deflator. Airs down from 35psi to 15psi in about a minute. Only $25.

[@oldprophet]

Luv how you set up the hood for better breathing 'n' cooling, nice work.

[@patan77]

I just did the hike it x9 brother! What a difference!!! Love it, just trying to figure out where to safely put the controller. Your videos always so helpful my friend.

[@jsrrrmg]

The first mods that I notice most people go with are bumpers. On mine, I went with a package of bumpers, rock sliders, body armor (for around the doors lower panels), open flared finders. The next thing I added was a Besttop soft top. I love that all I have to do is release to latches and just lay the top back. The latest addition was the new Rubicon style hood.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I really want to add a soft top! I think that is a great upgrade and makes going topless so much easier!

[@jsrrrmg]

I went with the BestTop for one the price (about $600). Second, I love the latching feature for the front of the top. I only have to release two latches and I can fold back the top to uncover the front two seats.

[@irishmac3116]

So glad to see your driving a manual!!

[@ivanfromtheeast4709]

I love having a manual Jeep for my first car it’s so much more fun than automatic

[@as5275]

Some interesting things to consider. Didn’t know they were called “rock lights” but we had 30-40 brand new Freightliners brought into our fleet, and I started collecting the rear license plate lights. Not required here. Lined them up side by side on a piece of angle iron, wired them via a relay through the headlights and mounted them up under the chassis. Original thought process was to assist my wife to see the rock guard when entering the cab at night. Unlock button triggered the headlights to come on, thus illuminating the under carriage. Bright white LED. Poor man’s mod.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yep the term rock lights came from the original use of lights underneath Offroad vehicles, they would illuminate the underside for off-roading at night. Now a lot of people do them to look cool and add colors, essentially “under glow”

[@as5275]

I didn’t actually realize that my profile picture was a night time “glow” picture of the Jeep. We call him, “Tank”.

[@Harry-zz2oh]

@@JKGearandGadgets I understand some States do not allow the use of rock lights or any kind of light which shines underneath. Check to see if your state limits them. Having a separate controller switch will allow a person to control when they are in use.

[@b01tact10n]

That is one sweet looking ride, awesome that you keep the grille looking like the 1st Jeeps those are good upgrades👍 I got a rough country 3", later upgraded to teraflex 3.5". We also added 37" BFG M/T on 17's with no requirements for adding spacers. I'm currently close to having enough saved up for an Edlebrock blower. I would like to be sure that I might have to also upgrade parts on my engine that might fail due to the increased stress of increased power.

[@user_mac0153]

If you worry about heat soak when the block's ignition is off, you can get an electric water pump kit (electric fan too I think). Supplements the mechanical engine pump, and still runs for a bit when the engine don't. It's smart tech runs the pump for a bit after you power off the motor, and that'll bring the core block temp down so heat soak isn't a problem with cylinder liners, and any other materials with their own thermal gradients and expansion rates. Another thing might be wrapping the exhaust, at least so the a/c coolant pipes aren't doing extra duty, hotter exhaust means faster flow... shielding is pretty cheap if you're hands on. I've read the wrap material bakes, so there is a smell for a while.

[@Vodafone16v]

My top necessary mods (after wheels, lift and tires... obviously) would have to be Programming (with tune) and Geometry correction (brackets or bars). That alone makes the ride muuuuch smoother. Really diggin' the rock lights! Thanks for the video! Keep it up.

[@Aridrona]

Arizona pinstripes is my favorite mod

[@superneo123]

Great video, getting my 1st jeep in 2 days, been watching a bunch of your videos, great stuff.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Congrats! Whatcha getting?

[@superneo123]

@@JKGearandGadgets getting a 2017 jk unlimited, it does have some mods done to it already, upgraded lighting, 33in tires, new front bumper, i believe a 2.5 in rough country lift, not sure about that yet. But im excited

[@consaka1]

My first mod recommendation would be two things, lockers of some sort. Tru tracs if you are on a budget. While not a locker per se a little brake pressure on an airborne wheel will lock it up enough to get out of predicaments. By far the first thing I would do is get a winch and a winch kit. I have pulled numerous Jeeps out of predicaments with my beat up old Chevy van shortly after putting a winch on the back. I am not even done with the front bumper yet but it amazed me how many people in brand new jeeps are out in the hills in the snow with no form of self recovery. No winch, no max trax type boards. Nothing except expensive tires and expensive light bars. In one case they took their little kids with them. They almost spent the night in the snow. As it was it was dark before I got them back on the hard pack sugar snow. Even if they had had a little wimpy winch they would have been able to get out without the embarrassment of being winched by a full size van.

[@santosbarron3754]

Vans Rule!

[@ivanfromtheeast4709]

4x4Scout I’m lucky I don’t have to get one since we have a group of 4 of us with winches and I can spend that money on something else since I have a rubicon

[@rodw4356]

That’s the cleanest off road Jeep I’ve ever seen

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Feel free to check out some of my other videos! Yes I do take care of it after wheeling

[@rodw4356]

JK Gear and Gadgets I belonged to a club here in MA and used to get dogged for keeping mine clean.

[@scottdman]

Cool mods, might be helpful for your own Jeep and your viewers to do a vid on proper wire routing and cable management.

[@Aikidoman06]

Hood vents are a must in a cj5 V8 in Alabama. Electric fan is a def plus. You just need an override switch if you ford creeks, streams and rivers. Lights are my first pick if you are mechanically sound. I have spots, flood, bar, ditch, rock and rear lights. I can make it daytime! My ditch lights are in pairs pointing 90 and 45 degrees off each side. With the bar and fog lights I have 270 degrees of visibility. I recommend taking the vehicle to the tire store and have them put tubes in the tires. No blow outs and can save you if a rock cuts the side wall. Trust me on this one! Good bumpers, with tow points. I only say get a went home if you travel alone. I've had three cj5s, and I took my wench off my current jeep. I just don't need it. Oh, and pioneer tools. At least a shovel. I have a folding military shovel in my spare tire mount (actually two). It's all up to what you do with it. Great video! I like your choices. I think I have seen more problems with overheating than anything on the trail. Flat tires second. Everyone gets stuck from time to time. Thanks for the video!

[@toxophilite1953]

Really good suggestions. Winches are great when u need them. But your probably gonna use them once in a while.

[@wranglercody8422]

I’m new to the Jeep world and I live in Nevada so I’m definitely gonna do the hood vent mod, probably gonna wire up a auxiliary fan as well.

[@BladeDoomer86]

JW Speakers. US quality (i'm canadian, just saying). 3yrs now, brutal winters, work like new. Don't cheap out on lights, they're wonderful

[@christophermichaelson9050]

I had the old style 8700s and one of them burnt out due to me not running a diode (or aftermarket harness) to mitigate the PWM. I imagine the headlamp experienced millions of power cycles since I run them as DRLs. Anyway, JWS sent me a NEW set of 8700 Evolution Js and sent me a REFUND CHECK for the difference in price I paid on the original units and the current MSRP. Customer for life. And they are the best on the market. Another good thing I did was install the Euro-spec horizontal adjustment screws to horizontally adjust the light alignment. Horizontal alignment can be off depending on your year of Jeep and exact model of JWS headlight. Also, I can't recall the number of threads/posts I have read re: folks getting extreme QRM ("EFI/RFI" in non-ham speak) on their ham radios after installing cheap LED headlights that don't mean FCC Class B requirements. The lights with the halos are the worst culprits!

[@flyingviking2149]

Depends on what you mean by cheeping out. I went with a local company down here in Florida. Much cheeper than paying for the brand name but still high quality and great service. Inspired Engineering.

[@jerome4995]

I went with Trucklites(now Rigid) as they were the only ones with a heated lens option. I winter wheel in the upper US and Canada. LED lights do not get hot enough to clear the ice. If you live where it snows/freezes do yourself a favor and get something with a heated option.

[@justinngeny3402]

ALL CAPS WHEN YOU SPELL

[@Rickugg]

Hello: Looks like Florida, I love Crystal River area...Wish I had an hour to look over that Jeep !!!!!

[@shaunnorum05]

I agree with everything except the air compressor. For newer people offroading, I think its better to just buy a regular compressor and throw it in the back. Then use the extra money for something else. Also, cheap/useful thing as far as deflators/air hoses, I connected 4 different air hoses to one pressure gauge, release valve, and tire valve. Lets you connect all 4 tires, deflate to the same psi at one time, inflate to the same psi across tires, and saves you the hassle of moving the air hose or deflator from tire to tire. Cost around $40 in material. Worth every penny.

[@evolicious-x]

Quadratec floor mats or any kind of floor mat that covers most of the rug is a really good mod. Just so you won't rust out your floor as quickly when getting in with wet shoes or water getting in from leaking roof or wherever water is getting through.

[@evolicious-x]

And the side step armor just so you won't scrape up the paint and metal getting into the jeep.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Very true! Thanks for the comment!

[@christophermichaelson9050]

Also useful for placing in front of your tires and getting you unstuck in the sand!!! Works like a charm.

[@pimpmyride7278]

Yeah. I got the white lights too. The colors can be a bit wacky for my taste. But what do I know, I still have an angry bird grille.

[@christophermichaelson9050]

Great mods. I literally have every one of those except I went with JWS for the driving lights and fogs. I recently upgraded all of my air lines (front ARB locker, rear ARB locker, and a supply line to a front bumper disconnect) to Russell stainless steel lines and added a 2-gallon ViAir tank. The stock plastic supply line to the rear locker ran close to the cat converter and finally melted/burned through after about 4 years. The front locker line is of course in a high temp area as well. Just thought I would point it out as something to consider, or to help you troubleshoot if the rear locker will not engage.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yeah ive been thinking of swapping out the arb lines, but I’m hard headed and probably won’t get around to it until mine melt haha

[@FLManreptiles]

Add a cooler on the back. They make an anchor for a 45qt yeti that locks in. I got one because I don’t feel like changing a 100 pound 37 tire rather wait with a beer. The carrier for the yeti is called Ice-anchor

[@jasons6573]

Ha ha...

[@PatFoster]

I have sunpie headlights too on my wrangler. if you get them for the Halo’s, please spend the money and get good quality. If you get them for the headlights themselves, they’re fine

[@michaelg6652]

Good video and info, only additional would be mounted handles for climbing into the Jeep

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Very true. Once it’s lifted it’s hard to hop in haha

[@davidkay7389]

I need to do the CB install asap. I'm waiting for dry weather or access to a garage to install my rock lights and hood lights

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I hear ya! This weather has held me up on a few projects too.

[@kathyodell5806]

I’m 62 with my first Jeep 2018 JLU joined a girls Jeep group here in Utah and some of their Jeeps are very upgraded I didn’t know where to start, wish I saw this a few months ago. My favorite go to guy and Cassie for my answers, If you ever get to Moab, Ut or Trail hero in St. George, Utah I would love to meet you.

[@Forresto1]

Love that you’re repping Motobilt! I am local to them and they are great dudes!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Awesome! Yeah I love their products and they are great people

[@groberts1980]

For airing up I actually put a CO2 tank in the back. It's big, but I only carry it with me when I'm on the trail. Takes 33" tires from 124PSI up to 36PSI in about 45 seconds and will air up dozens of tires between $25 refills. I only have about $100 in parts in the setup.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I’ve thought about getting a Co2 setup.. heard nothing but good things!

[@groberts1980]

It's pretty nice after a wheeling trip when I've aired up all four tires and everybody else is still on their first. Sure it takes up room in the back but the convenience more than makes up for it! A friend of mine found used CO2 tanks for $30 each, I bought a regulator for around $40, and then a hose and air chuck. SUPER fast air ups. But if I needed an on -board compressor for air lockers I'd probably just use that.

[@conifergreen2]

I have kept my OEM bumpers on because the front bumper protects the wheel from being impacted if i happened to hit a deer or moose. Rather it hit the bumper than the wheel.

[@jonathanroath3791]

I agree with everything on your list very informative for newer wheelers. Didnt even think of the hood I'm going to follow your lead up here in the summer it gets pretty brutal and my wires like to prematurely fail from the heat of the jk. Nice jeep cheers

[@Ken19700]

A good air tank that you fill up prior to offroading is a cheap alternative to a compressor.

[@glennroberts3069]

I recently purchased my 1st Jeep. It’s a 2017 Wrangler 4 dr it’s black and beautiful. I’ve been researching and reading everything I can. It came with awesome rims, awesome 33 tires. It’s not lifted and it fits me perfectly. It’s has an LED lightbar 50 inches across the top. Yesterday I received my clear light bar wind deflector and it’s awesome. I’ve bought grab handles and new seat covers. My first big accessory will be a new front bumper and winch. So here’s my question- yes this is my everyday vehicle. Why do people cut back or replace the fenders with smaller ones? Kind of defeats the purpose of a fender in the first place. I don’t know I’m new. Also I’ll be using my vehicle for hog hunting. I’m searching for a vehicle mounted FLIR…………..let me know if you come across one out there. Thank You let the accessorizing begin!!!!!!

[@mattclark8483]

Great to see another Offroad Elements bro! I love Eric and the guys over there, good people who do good work!

[@pauljr1283]

Sway bar disconnects are great early on mod that gives a huge increase in off road ability at relatively low cost!

[@street_legal_go_kart7356]

Remove it its free .

[@ZacCornfoot]

First upgrade is skid plates. They are the most used mod I have put on. You need them stock or lifted.

[@adamlfa4546]

Love the jeep and the color. Nice picks on the mods

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thank you! Much appreciated

[@GirlArmy21]

Rock lights! Great tip

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Rubicon Express adjustable upper rear and lower front control arms. 1310 rear drive shaft at the time I installed the front. Live and learn.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Adjustable control arms make a world of difference!

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Definitely. I can't recommend Rubicon Express enough. Amazing quality.

[@CrucesNomad1]

Lights before lockers, hood louver, rock lights underneath, cb radio, on board air compressor.

[@overlandvoyager2780]

I installed a ram jet intake that increases air flow into the engine bay and reduces the heat level.

[@Yeasty4twon]

Those Yokohama’s are the best

[@punknjl8722]

Nice Video. I've been thinking about the hood louver.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I say go for it, it’s a useful mod and looks cool too

[@AmptDesiqns]

ive got RGB rock lights on my Tahoe, i know its not a jeep lol... but besides the good looks that come from the rock lights, i have run into a few situations where the rock lights helped a LOT while doing repairs on the road with no flashlight... lol

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yep! They have so many uses and honestly are extremely helpful at night

[@peterfigueroa8807]

Dude your a sick man! I just bumped into your channel and am sooo stoked. I have a 2017 Recon that am totally jacking up from stock. And man I just received my 2020 Gladiator launch edition! Same color you guys have so man get those mods in so can learn something. first time around for me brother on all of this shit, and am an old man so your an inspiration to me. Fig!

[@AZWESTSIDEWHEELERS]

Nice video. Good mods for new Jeepers. One of my first recommendations is Skid plates especially if not lifted. On our KZbin Channel you can see one of the guys isn’t lifted as much and can hear the skids working 🤣. Saves your vital organs

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Very good call! I plan to do a video for offroad Mods I’ll throw skids in!

[@AZWESTSIDEWHEELERS]

JK Gear and Gadgets definitely a must for the trails we run.

[@SmallBlackGuns]

I have a Jeep and I’ve looked into skid plates and I can’t tell where one would be needed

[@AZWESTSIDEWHEELERS]

SmallBlackGuns stock gas tank skid will only do so much protecting. Oil pan / tranny skid is a must. Look on our KZbin, Instagram and Facebook page to see pics

[@makeyourownadventure1653]

Very cool mods. Love the rock light idea. I checked out a bunch of the video's on your channel. Subscribed. Looking forward to your next one.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thank you! Much appreciated, lots of more videos to come!

[@AndsoIdid]

To be completely honest I’ve wheeled in the 115+ degree days out in the Arizona desert and never had cooling issues. Running 37s and a lot of weight and it wasn’t out of the norm. I’d forgo the hood vent

[@Rocky-or4rz]

Those are great recommendations. Thanks.

[@giulianomarchino478]

I just bought a jeep wrangler unlimited sahara last week. After a week driving it. The first thing I am planing to change is the car audio, I hear music at day and night and when I make calls, the one that comes with the jeep doesn't have a good resolution. I used to drive a RAV4 and the sound quality is not even close. Second the lights.

[@ballpython727]

#1 upgrade I wish I did immediately BUY A WINCH!

[@mattwertin]

new sub just bought a 2015 unlimited i wish i bought it sooner

[@DL-jk4ik]

I recommend you acquire an official HAM radio license and subsequent HAM radio. Thanks for the informative video.

[@goldteethman8720]

Fcc dont check for that shit any more... Convert a ham to a cb n call it a day.... $40 to $80 at a cb shop. Or watch a youtube video and do it yourself. Oh I drive semi trucks this isnt the 60's or 70's, they dont enforce that shit any more... Only at a scale house with a dickhead dot officer and least hell do is take it from you if by rare chance and I mean like hitting the lottery rare he happens to meter your power output. Last time I checked there where no D.O.T. offices hanging out in trails fucking with jeepers. Just sayin. 😘 (Ide almost bet money your a liberal cuck) And havent seen that in 20 years... Any ways.... Get ya a Galexy throwing out about 100 watts with side bands

[@dab0yhdizzle]

What about ur liftkit and tires size n wheels ur jeep amazing 👌🤙

[@xzysyndrome]

First thing I have been doing to my 2014 rubicon jk is upgrading the engine and cooling system. I have 33" KO2's...and my next move is a 2.5" Metalcloak game changer lift with 6pak shocks. After that, I will move to the drive shafts and steering components. Possibly gearing to 4.88...but way down the list of things to do. I am still rocking the stock plastic fenders and bumpers...because in my opinion, looking cool is 2nd to being cool.

[@davidferguson4638]

#1 should be steel hood latches, especially if you drive on a interstate. No more hood shanking.

[@icedink87]

Just remove the spring underneath by the latch and it fixes the hood bounce

[@jimmyneutron6127]

Build a co2 tank and get a 150 psi preset regulator. There's on board portable air. 10-15 pound bottle. Them buy a power tank roll bar clamps and bottle bracket. Then your golden.

[@traceys9035]

What if it rains with hood vents installed? Don’t look to water proof.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

No worries, it doesn’t get on anything important. I’ve had this installed for a while now (still using it to this date) with zero issues

[@HarryJVaughn3]

Nice page! Fellow red xj and red jk owner.

[@robertscharfe9879]

I like the fender

[@mike94560]

THE first thing to do is change the factory lug nuts. (JK) They have sheet metal over a solid core. The nut WILL round over and you will not be able to remove them. Replacing wheel studs after you drill out a frozen nut sucks. And I really hope you don't discover this when you have a flat. I also always use anti seize on my lug nuts. But reduce tightening torque by 10%.

[@tyronelannister9922]

Am Tire Mechanic that deals with this all the times, get the correct size socket and hammer it into place, no need to drill them out but yeah, replace those SOBs asap

[@TrueNomadSkies]

I had one of the sleeves fall out of mine the other day and basically made it a point to order a bunch of solid ones when I get my new tires.

[@GeorgeRapko]

headlights are great and all, but it's really tough to get out of a door when you've bent The rocker so bad you can't even open it.

[@parkerparker9092]

Hello. Thanks for the vid. Beast of a Jeep you have there. I have a question about the hood louvre. Do you have to do any cutting to the hood? I just bought a yellow 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport (christened "Bumble Bee"). I don't really plan to off road much, but I want to be prepared if I decide to. I purchased a front bumper with D - rings and winch plate from Amazon that will be in about 2 weeks. My Jeep is not lifted, and it has 16" factory wheels on it. I want to purchase a 5th wheel for it, but don't know where to look. I would also like to know what is the biggest tire I can put on it without lifting it. All comments and suggestions are welcome. I am knew to the Jeep scene but look forward to being apart of the Jeep community. Thanks all.

[@RoyalGraham]

Hey Darryl, got some answers for ya. - Hood Louvre: Yes you'd need to cut into the hood for it to function as intended. If you do it yourself have a buddy handy and for the love of god don't cut through the bracing. - 5th wheel: I'm sure you could reach out to a Jeep dealership and they'd more than likely sell you a factory wheel and tire. If you were looking to change all together there are tons of sites you can browse. - No Lift/Bigger Tires: I wouldn't put anything above of a 33" tire on a no lift Wrangler. You can achieve a 35" or even a 37" tire on a no lift but it would require cutting the frame and would rub when you turn. Putting a 33" tire on a no lift is going to seriously limit your up-travel (distance from tire to fender) and thus limit your wheeling ability. If you were simply just use it as a daily driver go for it but if not I'd get a lift or stick to a smaller tire. Alternatively, you could just remove your fender flares and potentially avoid that. Hope this helps you in any form, if you got any more questions just reach out I'm pretty regular on KZbin so I'd likely see your responses. Welcome to the Jeep community, nothing like having a nice TJ to start you journey!

[@parkerparker9092]

@@RoyalGraham Thank you for your response Graham. I put side steps on it, new speakers front and roll bar and a 8" powered sub, new bestop top, new front crawler bumper with the brush guard (I call it a moose guard lol) 4 pcs Hilite fog lights ( 2 on my bumper and 1 ea. on left and right pillars (i think they call it A frame pillars). It's defintely looking sharp. Now I want to do some performance mods to it. Does the flowmaster cat - back exhaust kit for it give it any more power? And I am thinking of lifting it. I'd like to lift it 3 inches. Is it expensive? The rims on it are 16" factory wheels, and I'd like to get big crawler tires for it, but I think I need to lift it first. Today I just put on a 12000 lb Badland winch. It's pretty badass. I am new to the jeep scene, and welcome any and all comments/suggestions. Again, thank you for your response.

[@RoyalGraham]

Darryl Darryl theoretically an aftermarket exhaust would increase power. The more air an engine can move the more power it can make. As for a lift, it’s something you really don’t want to cheap on. A good 3 inch lift including all the hardware and shocks will probably cost you anywhere from 4-5 grand.

[@georgeryan613]

Replace plastic transfer case linkage.... found out the hard way. 2009 Rubicon.

[@mgarwatoski]

What fenders are on that. Looks a lot like my 2017 that got totaled and U always hated the fenders and now I’m looking for something for my 2019.

[@Doctoberfest]

I have those same headlight(s) for my harley lol

[@mrhoya14]

Same lol

[@80zbaby53]

I FRICKIN' LOVEEEEEE JEEPS!!! I'm patiently waiting on finding a '98 Grand Cherokee.. Limited.. Niner (5.9). I'm so excited to find and own one now! Now that I have enough to buy it since a couple of months ago I found the one I wanted but didn't have enough money!!! ='( GAHHHH!!!!!! I'll keep searching and waiting for a few more months tbh. Than if no luck.. it's a 5.2 ZJ that will be the first Jeep I own.

[@deifor]

Any luck finding your Jeep?

[@mikewideman5747]

What kind of fenders are those fenders you are running now

[@davidvalli1]

Great video! I'd add a subwoofer to this list. Who doesn't listen to music at all in their jeep? And how fast does that sound disappear when the top is off? I'm sure someone will flame me for that suggestion, but the subwoofer does so much to round out the sound of the stock speaker system of a wrangler that I'd never skip it. If you do it yourself, it only coats around $150. I personally replaced the entire system, but the subwoofer alone is a night and day difference in sound and it doesn't need to be huge.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Very true!

[@anonemous7881]

I upgraded my stereo to one with Apple CarPlay and steering wheel controls and upgraded to Kicker speakers in the roll cage and the sound is so clear even with the roof off I never have to go above 22 (out of 50) unless I want it to blast. Relatively cheap too and super easy.

[@deanrocky4]

My jeep has no lights.. It gets dark i stop and set up camp lol. Its a 1953 m38a1 willys, it didnt have the wiring when i got it. But its been a build that i did from the ground up still a work in process will have lights one day.

[@OverlandTT]

Great overview buddy. We are looking to buy a JKU and its great to see how different owners choose to kit up their Jeep. At the moment we have a WJ and WK (had them both years) and both of them have the 2.7 (5 pot) and 3.0 V6 Diesels and wondered - given the choice all over again would you still choose a manual transmission on yours, we are in the UK so manual is generally the standard we learn anyway but I ask more to reliability and ease of use on and off road.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Honestly I would say go with an auto. The Jk manuals are clunky, and overall an auto is going to be better for off-roading.

[@marxula555]

My biggest complaint with manual is that reverse tends to not grab hold all the time and grinds gears. Otherwise i feel like i have more control with a stick. 4Low is pretty rough though with a stick.

[@OverlandTT]

marxula555 Thats interesting to know.

[@Rickugg]

Hello: I have 2017 Wrangler Unlimited I think lights are great. Wish he had said something about gas cap door...12,700 Ml. Factory option 18'' wheels 3.55 gears, Stock Sahara !!! Will Google gas cap door.

[@user-lu9hq6jv4v]

Awesome Jeep, Bro.!

[@Papa__Squatch]

Bro great video!!!!! Where are you based? Reason I asked is Motobilt is local to me. Dan and his crew are awesome and they make some great product!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Awesome! I’m in VA, and yes Motobilt makes some amazing stuff! Should be getting a new rear bumper soon from them, excited to see it and make a video on it

[@kswyg001]

I'm surprised you had a hood louver listed instead of something more practical like sway bar disconnects up front. The JK deals with heat well and in fact, you're decreasing the effectiveness of the radiator at highway speed by altering the high and low pressure zones under the hood.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I thought about adding disconnects to the video but I plan on doing a video on “offroad Mods” and those will be in that video. As for the louver I’ve noticed a huge difference. Highway driving it cooled the intake temp by 6+ degrees. And when on the trail on hot days it really lets the heat out, you can see the heat waves coming out of it. Lots of people don’t like hood louvers but I am personally a big fan

[@SmokeytheJeep]

My thoughts exactly. Discos, CB, fire extinguisher are all more important than that louver.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

See I guess I don’t really consider an extinguisher as a mod. To me that’s the same as a first aid kit etc. almost mandatory items to have in every vehicle.

[@SmokeytheJeep]

kswyg That’s a valid perspective. My point is that you bill this video as essentially entry-level first mods, but a hood louver isn’t necessarily a first mod, unless you’re wheeling in the desert Southwest, maybe.

[@joewilkerson3444]

I will say that my TJ runs a little warm, warm enough that if I have stopped it from running across a few back roads at slow speed here in E. Texas that I have a little trouble getting it up and going again. Sometimess I have to raise the hood for several minutes to let it cool before it'll crank without running rough. I also had a CJ7 that would do the same thing. The AC really hinders air flow and if you have an auto tranny it's even worse. Jeep really does need to address this problem, but I've lived with it since 1979.

[@leootp22]

Nice vid bro! Some good tips

[@dannypstl423]

Okay this is a great video. The hood Louver threw me off but I got to thinking I have barricade fenders on my TJ and their vented so without that I might have been running into the same issue as you were. I will still run the same ARB air compressor but I would tell people if they're looking for a less expensive option but want to hard Plumb something into their Jeep some of the truck air horn air compressors are a good alternative though I don't think the holdup 2 off-road abuse as well as the ARB

[@lukelaylin3828]

What fenders do you have, those look great, are they plastic?

[@DanMcD80]

#2: Being here in Ga in traffic you can see the heat coming out of my hood louver.

[@omar.elle_]

What are the tires size and how much inches is it lifted?

[@jimispeed96]

Question: I have a 2018 Wrangler JL (4 door) Sport with steel wheels. If I decided to change wheels and tires, what size can I go up to until I have to buy a lift kit?

[@russkielol]

For your hood scoop or what ever it's called, how much water gets on the engine when it's raining?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Not much at all, I’ve never had a single issue

[@jdjeep46]

What front bumper and stinger is that, I want one for my 2015 rubicon

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It’s a motobilt hatchet frame chop, but I am actually switching to a new bumper sometime this month!

[@newtdini]

What fenders did you use? I am looking for something lte and functional. Thanks in advance.

[@canadaplace2be176]

Cant u buy a fan kits. Double fan?

[@steveneldred8928]

What brand and model are your flat fenders? And, what are the downside of having flat fenders over stock? With normal around town or highway driving are the flat fenders a problem? Thanks for your advice.

[@Scaphism_]

I did my headlights pretty much the month I got my Jeep, but I never got fogs because I forgot lmao