These Are the 5 Best First Mods for Your Jeep Wrangler - Stephen to the Rescue!

[@BarryWard12]

This guy is AWESOME!!!

[@F450FTW]

My favorite mods are as follows. 1. 20x12" wheels with 33" tires 2. 33" extreme mud terrain tires 3. Neon lights underneath 4. Minimum 200" of light bars 5. 4"-6" lift This allows me to not only identify small to medium sized puddles at the Wal-Mart parking lot but to also fully attack and conquer them with extreme confidence👍🏻

[@supadoopa926]

How could you forget the "angry eyes"?

[@F450FTW]

Supa Doopa -Angry eyes are mod #6

[@manojsaxena9840]

You can never have enough lights!

[@ScottParisi]

Post a video of your lights in action at Walmart.

[@thatonedude926]

20 inch rims on a wrangler!? Stupid...lights underneath!? Stupid

[@willb3018]

Stephen videos are always useful and his enthusiasm just adds to them all. This is the latest example.

[@josephwhiskeybeale]

I would definitely get a rear locker way before I attached a winch.

[@jedironin380]

I agree! Also, since you really should not go wheeling alone (in case you should break something or get stuck), having good recovery points and tow straps is important.

[@ALMX5DP]

Joseph Whiskey Beale hmm I’m the opposite. Rear locker makes you more capable but means that when you get stuck, you’re further into the ****.

[@gregoryquick2091]

@@ALMX5DP It's a Rubicon in the video. Front and rear lockers are Standard. But if other Wranglers I do agree with lockers all day long.

[@supernaturewee5442]

No way.

[@stormtrooper_jeep_zj]

I agree with most of your mods. However, the very first mod I would do is replace those crappy headlights on the TJ. The older Jeeps are known to have some of the worst lighting out there. If you can't see well at night, your Jeep becomes useless. My list would go as follows: 1. Headlights and possibly a good set of lights for off-road use. 2. A lift and bigger tires. (Make sure you extend your brake lines) 3. Upgraded steering. 4. Skid plates. 5. Adjustable upper and lower control arms.

[@indybowtie550]

I agree, Thanks Stormtrooper ZJ!

[@garym9433]

Awesome video! On a TJ, you must do a 4” lift for 33” tires. Trust me, if you go with 2.5” lift, you will rub even with wheels that have excellent offset and you will regret it. Also, you MUST do alignment after the lift and finally plan on regearing with 33” tires. If you don’t regear, I can tell you that you should forget about using your 5th gear unless you go over 80mph. These mods should be your primary goal to run 33” tires effectively. Congratulations and have fun!

[@Offshore1977]

That clean TJ needs to stay stock. Most I would do is the same TFL did on theirs TJ including tires and call it a day. By the way. You list was perfect.

[@EchoSigma6]

Agreed, keep it as close to factory as possible and if that means using OEM parts for the retrofit upgrade then all the better.

[@k9karma]

I think a simple mod, especially while the suspension is apart is a sway bar disconnect. Cheap and super easy way to get a lot of extra travel.

[@broncobros2022]

I had one of those. An easy way to get more clearance for those 33”s is a polyurethaning 1” body lift. I’m sure the 20 year old rubber ones are bad anyway. Also the first thing that happened after 33”s was a broken axle. If your Jeep came with a tow package you have a Dana 44 rear with 3.73 gears. If you don’t have the tow package find that axle from a salvage yard and matching front gears. Cheap upgrades

[@abqcrutch]

I just sold my '99 TJ last year. It had Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs in 285/75R/16s on 15x8 Black Steelies. Originally went with 4" lift, but quickly changed to 2.5". The 4" Rough Country springs were way too stiff. The 2.5" RC springs were ideal. On your #5 as best 5 mods for your jeep: I'd definitely go with a rear locker or a TrueTrac over a winch. Just my two $0.02. Love the channel and the new TFL Studios. Keep up the fun work! Crutch

[@lanceripplinger8352]

I'd also recommend getting good lighting. Makes a big difference.

[@anthonyfritz814]

I think those are all good! Only thing I would be adding to sort of go against your recs would be at least a rear locker, even if its just a lunchbox. It has amazed me over the last 10 years of owning SUVs and trucks as to how randomly often that rear locker comes in handy, but again, not something that needs to be done tomorrow.

[@indybowtie550]

Stephen, Awesome job on the video and I really appreciate all the viewer comments! I will post images of the upcoming mods as they happen. Thanks again for the advice and all the suggestions!

[@TREVORJB101]

Great content as usual. I'd love to see a mod video on the ZR2!

[@quintili1]

I have a ZR2 diesel, there are plenty of mods but they are very expensive. Nothing is cheap for this truck. I have a lot of money into my 18' and I haven't even got to bumpers yet, that's going to be another almost $4000.

[@gungfuriceboy]

glad you're from Ontario Canada Stephen! Great TIPS!!....Cheers!

[@richardmiller1256]

My truck had lockers to start with. May have been a previous owner upgrade. It was stock otherwise. Can't tell you how much that has helped in the super soft sand here in FL. Lockers may be a good first mod depending on terrain and cost.

[@dmwil1]

I agree. Tires first. They make the biggest and most useful difference of any mod. Great advice here...Get a tire that fits the kind of off-roading you will be doing. I also agree with the lift next, then winch, then locker. As for skid plates, it depends on what you are doing. If rock crawling, of course. But for most midwest off-roading, the factory skid plating is pretty good and covers just enough of the vital bits. The stock skids on my YJ, JK and JL have covered everything I've hit over the years, except for exhuast tips or approach/departure bumps/bruises. You are SOOOOO right about the winch! I've only used the winches on my Jeeps a few times, but they were a real blessing when I did. Like a gun for self defense: Better to have one and never need it than to need it and not have one.

[@thatonedude926]

2020 Rubicon 2 door...17x9 rims, 35x12.5 ATs, bushwacker fenders, oracle LED halos, axle back exhaust to hide up more for offroading purposes. That was my 5.

[@roygalloway9006]

I agree, if you are not going rock crawling there is no need to add front and rear lockers. I updated my gearing from 3.07 to 4.10 gears. If you do this to a TJ make sure to change your speedometer gear. Running 33" tall tires on a 2 1/2" lift. 2002 Sahara has been a year long project and still going.

[@roygalloway9006]

Forgot, 35 or 36 tooth speedometer gear needs to be used once you change the gearing to 4.10, 2 1/2" lift, and 33" tires.

[@wesbarcus3761]

How much experience a driver has is more important than some early mods. 1. Gas can carryer. Nothing worse than breathing gas fumes inside your jeep caused by leaky cans in the back seat. 2.heavy duty spare tire carrier. 3. Now start looking at tires, lift. 4. Get rid of plastic bumper parts, they explode on contact. A high lift jack. No winch, no problem, a couple of recovery straps, 2 or 3 "d" rings, and a high lift jack can pull you out of a jam. 6. Roll bar grab handles, keep your hands inside the ride at all times. 7. A CB radio. 40 channel plus weather stations. 8. If you are new to jeeping, learn how to wave. It's called the jeep wave. Use it often. Remember, you are now a member of the off road world. The last person you waved at just might become your next best friend. Be safe and have fun.

[@VideosOffRoad]

You nailed it. Armor before winch. Being stuck is WAY better than being broken.

[@slowmo9957]

Sway bar quick disconnects for much better articulation to keep tires on the ground. And, I got the Superchips TrailDash2. It’s kinda pricey but it’s freaking awesome.

[@donlavigne6698]

Hurray! I have all 5! Then I added a new Tereflex (that’s what my 2 & 1/2 inch lift is too) steering damper! Also got aux side mirrors for when I go naked :)

[@scottsymons6152]

Great looking 2-door! Great video.

[@jeffh7021]

I agree about the lockers. They are awesome, but a newbie wheeler should learn to run without them at first. New wranglers are so good now, you'd have to get into a pretty hairy spot before needing lockers.

[@tadcobert1307]

JK/JL have decent traction control for those of us who are not doing the hard trails, great for noobs and softroaders

[@tylergeraci7033]

Lift, tires, rock sliders, rear locker and winch. That’s all you need. And the 40 gallon fuel tank if u got a extra 1200 laying around. (2 dr sport)

[@elizabethescher5445]

Excellent list, Steven.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

Winch, lockers/regear, body armor, suspension, rollcage

[@AdamJones-oq3vu]

lockers would be in my top 5 jeep modifications. (1) Tires [Traction is key]. (2) Lockers [Again, traction is key and this will get all 4 tires turning]. (3) Lift [This will help you fit larger tires]. (4) Removable Winch [You don't always get stuck in a way that you want to be winched out forwards, sometimes its nice to place your winch in your rear hitch and get pulled out backwards. In addition to being able to move it, you can hide your winch if you are worried about thieves]. (5) Bumpers with 2" receivers [This will allow you to plug n play with your removable winch and add to your protection]. Some other things to consider: (6) axles [Even if its just upgraded axle shafts] (7) snorkel (8) upgraded brakes [When you put on taller tires and add more weight you gotta remember this upgrade to ensure you can safely stop!] (9) re-gearing [this will depend on the size of tires you upgrade to] (10) Lighting [Its nice to be able to see where you are going!]

[@ScottyBennitone]

My first mods were as follows : Remote start Ranch 2 inch sport lift 34x11.5 tires with 16x9 wheels Barricade winch w/ recovery kit KC off road lights I’m more of a weekend warrior so I don’t need that much off-road stuff . I just think it looks cool tbh

[@ApparitionLJ]

1. New headlights. 2. Winch and recovery gear. 3. Tires. 4. Lift (4” suspension, you’ll need an SYE, might as well do disconnects or Antirock 5. Regear for new tires and a good time to add lockers. 6. Armor - skids/rockers

[@philtripe]

the BFG AT is great for anything paved...never had much luck with those in the wet off road but besides that id do a body lift...2.5 suspension and 2 body, to keep those rockers clear. with a rear locker seems to be a great combination for Jeeps (body lift is cheap and easy)

[@MrBillsfishin]

Get the best suspension lift your budget allows. The increased flex and ride quality are huge. I know he said All Terrain tires but if you plan on hitting mud at all Mud Terrains are so much better. 3rd for me would be good recovery gear and supplies in case you get stuck. Then maybe re gear it for the tires and some basic engine upgrades to make that 4.0 liter happier.

The lockers are a pretty large and pricey upgrade but I bought my Rubicon because it had lockers. I could have gotten a less expensive jeep (which would have been nice) but I've had a jeep without lockers. I got in situations where it was pretty sketchy. Got in a pretty bad mud pit right in between the northbound and southbound part of a freeway trying to get back south to make an exit I missed. I had to move forward and backwards several times to free that jeep. Yes that was pretty embarrassing to be stuck in the mud between freeways especially if the police would have showed but I got out with some serious cramming of gears. It sure would have helped to be able to use at least a rear locker.

[@1969darr]

Locker mod so you can run in 4 HI IS A MUST to play in mud trails, be warned steering gets really tight though. and don't forget to turn it off!!!

[@danhambrick6331]

You don't need lockers for a weekend warrior.In fact anything other than a selectable locker can be dangerous to drive on the road if you're not familiar with how they handle.

[@samurai4x483]

I have to disagree on that. If you put lockers on a stock vehicle, with a good set of tires, it will be a beast. Take that TJ, lock the front and rear with air lockers, then put some good mud tires on. It would be way more capable than if it had a lift and 35s, plus, you get to keep the stock looks and driving. Also, an lsd or auto-locker on the rear is a lot of fun, and not dangerous to drive on road at all.

[@LukeEdward]

NO. YOU DO NOT NEED A 4” LIFT FOR 33’s!!!! A two inch suspension lift, longer front control arms to eliminate death wobble, 1” transfer case drop, adjust the steering stops to eliminate rub, and 33x10.50 will fit on those wheels. If you’re worried, put a 33x9.50 on the spare and a tiny spacer and it’ll fit back there without modification. Ran that setup on a 2001 TJ for YEARS, and the current owner has been running it since he bought it; 14 years total. FYI - painted fenders mean it’s a Sahara, which also mean they are about 1” wider and will completely cover those 10.50’s, keeping you street legal with no poke.

[@timflaherty2731]

Dont know what the hell ever happened to this guy but he is awesome. He did a Kawasaki Teryx video a few years ago and I ended up buying one. Very down to earth guy.

[@daveallen7767]

He's at Truck King & TK Powersports

[@ronsmith7880]

Lots of Jeeps here in my part of Ontario... Just don't see the regular 2dr models anymore..thanks Stephen

[@STIGRS]

I love this video! The host is awesome!

[@blakeabig8416]

winch over lockers yep! Nice vid!

[@supernaturewee5442]

This was a great video. Your suggestions were perfect... just what we needed. I agree with you on all of it. Thanks... now to get started modifying our 2021 jeep wrangler Freedom Edition. 😊

[@WW-wf8tu]

Tires, Sliders, lights, recovery gear, small lift. The end. Bumpers, racks, gas cans, additional storage and additional cameras if not enough. But those are after thoughts. Along with a slew of other personal choices.

[@BigWheelFab]

Great video other than your order. Winch first in my opinion then wheels and tire. My old tj back in the day I ran 35s with no lift and a ton of trimming.

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

I have those BFG's on my Rubicon and hate them.. they are Stupid loud on the highway.. Can't wait to replace them.

[@thedelmardave]

Love the color. Love the 2-door. Great recommends...

[@grisa12345]

Always go with a winch first.

[@JahyMoonwalker]

For anyone that was hoping for mod suggestions for the loaded JL 2 door, it doesn't need much. A few thing that help I think are a shorty antenna and oh-s#it handles. the reverse light sucks too but I haven't found a solution for that.

[@sprk11]

like your top five,,, not sure a lift is on my top 5 but then I'm not a heavy rock guy. But I like my off road. Tires number 1, recovery, up grading the bumpers. Just bought the 2017 JK Sport,, I think a Sport S, 17 inch wheels Tow package, No power windows, no power doors. grey, black,,, other than mine has the hard top, mine matches Tommy's to a T. I want the D ring recovery points front and back. I use a 3 ton come along no winch. GPS would be something I would consider as my number 3 not sure what my next two would be. Perhaps some form of rack system that would still allow me to remove the tops with out a lot of effort.

[@sprk11]

as a side note, perhaps rear spacers so that the rear tires don't fallow in the same track of snow packed by the front tires. Something they used to do on the snow busses here on the west coast when going to the ski hills.

[@nealesmith1873]

Good list!

[@quintili1]

Lift, tires, lockers, armor,winch

[@NHseacoast]

Led lights off road white and amber, and on road are essential IMO.

[@jaradderosa3252]

I would be more inclined for lower lift and better fender clearance. Anything over 3” and you have to install a slip-yoke elimination kit in the t-case. Plus you are making it that much harder to get in and out.

[@Eightball2516]

Just a rear locker would be all you need

[@jeeper5264]

Agree Lockers aren't the must have for the average wheeler. Jk,JL,JT with the BLD are very capable...

[@BigMateo24]

Upgrade to a Ford 8.8 axle. Gives you rear disc brakes as well.

[@RockmanDash]

1. Tyres 2. Lights 3. Recovery gear 4.winch 5. Body protection. Not in any order

[@bretthibbs6083]

the 2000 tj sahara does have recovery hooks on the front cause i have them on mine and it's all stock i haven't done a thing to it except tires

[@mattinglyfamily]

Great vid! … really enjoyed. I have three Wranglers, only one decked out (35's 3.5" lift/suspension and all). I have an '07 and a '17 JK. Looking to "hack" my '17. Liked your list. I'm looking to do slight mods to '17. mainly appearance. ...what I'd prefer to see is something along the lines of, "best 5 DIY hacks" of the Wrangler. I'm no mechanic :( … so I'm looking for what hacks a novice DIY'er might tackle. I'm changing out grill, and wheels (from stock to after market black matte) and YES--All-terrain tire 33"s ok, what else (so def a 2.5" lift)? I wish I could do the lift myself. I think it's all about the tools! So, another question might be, "what tools would you recommend as a MUST for a new DIY'er??? I'm very interested in doing so. So, with all that said, how about "best prices" … I don't want to end up in divorce court over mods to my '17. I was able to recover from the '04 work, but took 6-years. :) Come on now, advice on saving money on after market items, best tools to own, and those top 5 do it yourself (DIY) work for a novice. PS. Loved the video!!!! Excellent production. Well well done.

[@Robstunner]

The JL rubicon isn’t winch ready. You need to buy a winch plate to hold it in there. The only way it’s winch ready is there’s a empty hole with no winch mounting points for a winch.

[@visseraj6056]

Stephen videos are the only videos I watch

[@korn111685]

Love you bro!

[@greenman2515]

Great videos

[@jermball12345]

Instead of covering suspension twice, first aid, fire extinguisher and tools

[@SSYoung125]

What are some good storage solutions for a 2013 Ram 1500 I've already looked but I feel like I'm missing some. If you want to do a video on truck Storage Options?

[@shaneolsen9394]

Tires, lift, lockers, winch, armor. In a lot of situations lockers will make it so you dont need to Winch

[@darrelltrammel1623]

Wow. $2500 on that Jeep? He got a super deal. Around here you can’t hardly buy a junker for that price.

[@indybowtie550]

Right! I almost felt bad, Then I didnt! Ha Ha

[@PalmerColin]

First on the list should be (depending on experience and seeing as he asked an online chanel for advice, he's probably inexperienced), go do a specialized offroad driver training course. That would also answer all his other questions by identifying exactly what he needs for his type of offroading. Anyhow, that's what I would do, get hands on and learn before committing to spending money on a cheap jeep.

[@kyleloew432]

Good video.

[@40calDeathPunch]

My fifth upgrade is a crate engine from GM 6.2ls.

[@philtripe]

actually the 5.3 works really well. not only is it more compact it still has reserve power in just about any situation and adequate power for anything like deep sand. mud and hill climbs where raw power is needed ... 6.2 is more for 44 inch plus tires

[@LorneClarkeMusic]

Do more of these. For trucks too.

[@rogerj412]

98k miles and only $2500. Joe didn't buy that, he stole it! I wish I could find 4L Wranglers for that price, can't even find 4 banger Wranglers for that price normally.

[@jimcarlson6157]

such a deal. money laundering the paranoid might say!

[@fritty9927]

Go with suspension lift, I’d personally skip a body lift. 👍🏼 I’m a southern Indiana boy myself.

[@JahyMoonwalker]

Not much of a need for a lift with a JL Rubicon.

[@philtripe]

yeah...you really dont need it in Indiana ... you need it in Colorado and any place with mountains over 7000 feet

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Ya, as with the previous comments, rear locker has to be b4 a winch...

[@bigt9222]

What about a 2007 Nissan pathfinder 4x4 do you think it could be a good over landing rig

[@ldmtag]

If you want to have fun - you don't need lockers. If you want to get to places - they are the first thing to buy.

[@jankydriveway4694]

You are right on bro

[@zr2zamboni906]

Stephen - dead on buddy!! Lockers are nice for Midwest mud, so maybe #6. Thank you for NOT suggesting hundreds of dollars of lights first. Winch before lights. Period.

[@nathanwoten6236]

I think he is dead wrong on the locker a stock wrangler with even just a rear locker is hugely more capable them vehicles with out ( just look at a wrangler jk sport vs a rubicon the lockers are a huge advantage ) Just start with a lift that will fit the tire size u want comfortably if the tires are stuffed it can hinder u more than help sometimes. An if u can get a long arm lift u wnt regret it on road an off road it will be so much more comfortable.. then a winch with a good front bumper an rock sliders at least. A rear is good to add also but not a critical throng right away.. then look in to a locker an then check out upgrading the stock roll cage or replacing, skid plates, an new gears an shafts for ur axles

[@333jsh]

Start with the locker. Always should be the first mod. Then a winch. Then tires and lift or cut to fit the new tires. Then sliders and onboard air and a front locker! Keep the center of gravity low and weight 50/50.

[@fritty9927]

He’s in souther Indiana not the Rockies mountains😄

[@redskins1120]

Your videos are getting better than the other guys!! They’re focusing too much on Tesla crap.

[@channeldos]

4 minutes in and they just now started talking about the 1st suggested mod lol.

[@bloodsavage2245]

My '18 ruby took a dump, was going to swap 5.3L crate motor into my nova, but went LT4. So 5.3 going into rubicon instead 🤣. Wiring so far has been the pita...

[@antonlagervall1]

I agree but mayby i get a first aid kit as number one.

[@lavery0365]

2019 4 door Rubicon: 1. 35s 2. 2.5 Mopar lift 3. Flowmaster exhaust 4. 10k Warn winch 5. Steel bumper 6. Rugged Ridge Cargo liner 7. Mopar mats 8. Tinted windows 9. Aftermarket 3" antenna I'm about done lol.

[@atvseatexchange2176]

Great segment but where's his cape?

[@danielmaybee68]

I drove Joe’s exact Jeep in high school! Same color & everything...it’s prolly rusted in half by now...

[@drags666]

Damn you birds!

[@newbwheeler9777]

1. Tires 2. Lift 3. Winch/recovery kit 4. Skid plates 5. GoPro🤪

[@victorpopov882]

6:35 that's what she said

[@willwilliams141]

I just started watching the video series and, its great. Thanks. As requested: Question- I've had many Jeeps; CJs and wranglers, but was never able to get the scrambler. Now that the Gladiator is out, i want one, but as a surfer and cyclist, the bed is just too short. (I have the current Tundra now) Should i wait/hope for a longer bed on the Gladiator to show up? Or is that just wishful thinking. Will (missing driving around with the doors off) Williams

[@Shortydude847]

Well could you not get a bed extender at least for the bikes? Not to sure about the surfboard, maybe some sort of roll cage attachable roof rack (to allow take the top off?)

[@jedironin380]

Do they make a ladder rack for it, like with other pickups? You should be able to modify a ladder rack fairly easily to carry a surfboard.

[@boohoomoron7629]

Am I the only one who's getting a Suzuki Jimny vibe. Way to tape in the Jimny craze.

[@jareddodge8813]

Get some skid plates rock rails winch better tires recovery points you’ll be surprised what a Jeep can do stock

[@spuriouseffect]

I agree. Most people aren't doing the Rubicon Trail, and even that trail is passable in a stock jeep.

[@jeremy8715]

Can the JL be bought without A/C?

[@luism3930]

Is there a mod for those birds?

[@WBOS72]

After owning a JK, I am disappointed in the Pentastar, they should of modernized the 4.0, or designed a new inline 6. The Pentastar is far too complex for it’s output. Great video - keep them coming.

[@SubparSFC]

I'm on the toilet

[@Wrangzilla]

Noah Bontempo #metoo

[@bruhice6058]

aren’t we all?

[@rodswim91]

What color is that Rubicon?

[@turbojunki]

I cant believe they're still building that car.

[@jedironin380]

Good video... But who the heck chooses a Wrangler for a cross-country driver?! :D

[@hxrepeat]

If its not Rubicon, get lockers.