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Mods to avoid, and why!

111K views 422 replies 196 participants last post by  Laggy 
#1 ·
It's still early in my jeep ownership career, and I want to do a lot of things, but I already have made a few mistakes (including not holding out for an LJ). Help a Jeeper or two save some money & heartache with your worst Mod!

I'll start with a minor one-- mirror relocation brackets. Couldn't get the bolts off, then realized it it wasn't very functional when I did(and hated the look). Ended up using door hinge mirrors by Defiant Systems for $50 and love 'em when doorless. Also have a cheap 2.5" lift I haven't installed yet wondering if I shouldn't wait and spend more later...

What's your hated mod? Why?
 
#2 ·
Haven't made any. Not because I know everything but because I research the hell out of anything I before I do it. Research will be your key to not wasting money & getting your rig the way you want it in the most efficient manner possible.
 
#312 ·
x2 sound just like me, except I didn't do that before I ordered my mirrors which I dislike cuz they mound on the bottom bolts on the windshield not the tops like i thought so they sit lower than I want. ordered the rectangle ones from quadratec cuz the cops kept harassing me about no mirrors. if I could go back I'd get different ones or stock relocation brackets as theirs nothing wrong with the stock ones
 
#3 ·
I painted my dash and door panels using Duplicolor vinyl and fabric paint. I've already had to touch it up 3 times and it already needs it again. I'm afraid it's going to be a huge PITA to get it all off and either leave it the factory color or repaint using Krylon Fusion :facepalm:
 
#5 ·
Stuff new owners get sucked into:

  • BL > 1.25"
  • CAI and/or snorkels
  • Fancy cast iron diff plates (get welded plate)
  • Neoprene seat covers (hello swamp butt)
  • Putting stickers of every part you've ever installed on the fenders (I don't advertise for stuff I paid for)
  • Tube bumpers (I admit I wanted these when I first got my Jeep. Thank goodness I was broke from the payments)
  • Stupid loud exhaust systems (Annoying on trails)
 
#6 ·
Stuff new owners get sucked into:

  • BL > 1.25"
  • CAI and/or snorkels
  • Fancy cast iron diff plates (get welded plate)
  • Neoprene seat covers (hello swamp butt)
  • Putting stickers of every part you've ever installed on the fenders (I don't advertise for stuff I paid for)
  • Tube bumpers (I admit I wanted these when I first got my Jeep. Thank goodness I was broke from the payments)
  • Stupid loud exhaust systems (Annoying on trails)

Not all tube bumper are created equal though. I have a SERIOUS one that will withstand some decent abuse.
 
#9 ·
I'd say stay away from aftermarket exhaust systems. I mean seriously, it's a 6 cylinder Jeep. I can understand if you have true duals on an old 8 cylinder CJ but not todays age Jeeps. I guess that's "cool" if you are 18. X2 on stickers as BLK00TJ said. A decal here and there looks fine but IMO looks cheap and tacky when you have them all over the place. Here's another mod to avoid if you DON'T off-road... Mud terrain tires!
 
#13 ·
BL> 1.25" means don't do a body lift over 1.25" (usually too much of a gap shows between body & frame).

These are good suggestions-- really looking for PERSONAL experience of a Mod you wished you hadn't done and WHY! This thread is not meant to bash Mods you don't like to see on other jeeps as they may love their Mods!
 
#17 ·
really looking for PERSONAL experience of a Mod you wished you hadn't done and WHY!
The Bestop Instatrunk. It cost me about $150. It sounded like a really good idea at the time. And to be fair it is a very good way to add lockable storage to your Jeep. Once the tailgate is locked there is no way to get into that instatrunk without a torch or a key.

The problem is that it cuts down on the trunk storage area. Stuff either has to go inside it or on top of it. I like to throw all the baseball stuff behind the back seat to go to the park and none of it would fit back there with the instatrunk in place so I ended up taking it out. Now it is sitting on the floor of my garage next to where I park the jeep. I'm holding on to it rather than selling it because I could easily put it back in at any time if I needed a secure storage area for any reason.

What I would like to see is a secure trunk storage area that has a hinged lid so that if I wanted to put something bigger back there and not lock it up I could just open the lid rather than having to remove the entire instatrunk. Is there such a thing out there?
 
#15 ·
Also save your money and hold out to buy quality first. Don't buy something because its cheap. Wait till you have the money to get the more expensive higher quality piece. I did this with my smittybilt neft bars. They are OK. So now I have sold them and lost 100 bucks and am waiting to buy some quality ones.
 
#16 ·
kylekae said:
Also save your money and hold out to buy quality first. Don't buy something because its cheap. Wait till you have the money to get the more expensive higher quality piece. I did this with my smittybilt neft bars. They are OK. So now I have sold them and lost 100 bucks and am waiting to buy some quality ones.
That's great advise!
 
#18 ·
I haven't done alot of mods to my Jeep and really thanks to this forum, I haven't had any mods I don't like. And I know I own a JK and not a TJ (tho the BF ownes one so it's ok...right?...lol) but this thread is a good one for everyone to read and comment on. The only thing I wish I had that I don't is different gears but that isn't a mod really.
 
#23 ·
Nice list,,, I'm glad I'm not the only one that can't stand loud cat backs.. I like my stainless steel OME exhaust, and when the time comes will replace it with OME. Another mod to avoid is that cheap lift kit.. Posts on this forum about problems with lift kits outnumber just about anything else.. Do you really need that 4" lift? Remember, your only gaining an extra 2"s over a good 2" lift, and to do it right costs about a thousand dollars an inch... A 2" lift, 1" body lift, and a tummy tuck running 33s will go just about anywhere 4"s and 35s will go. ( serious rock krawling aside ) ;). Just my 2cents !! ;)
 
#237 ·
:confused: I LOVE MY 35's, 4" suspension and 2" body Lift...... and I can go many places where guys with the 2" and 1" lift +33's wont go. :cool: If you doubt me I can show you where. I get a lot more than 2" of clearance and travel.

:thumb: I like everything else you said.


TeraFlex quick discos. I think JKS has a better design and the clips will stay in place better.

TeraFlex front adjustable track bar with 3" of lift. I have to add to much bumpstop to avoid it hitting my factory diff cover. The only adjustable track bars that don't do this, as much, are the Currie/JKS.
x2 on the teraflex quick disconnects! They are the worst thing ever!
I saw disconnects with a new design at their shop and they don't look too much better.
 
#24 ·
After market items rust quickly also. Sky jacker shocks, rusted. Banks exhaust , rusted. Delta x beam headlights, rusting inside. Bast top side steps , rusted and in trash .
 
#27 ·
Pocket flares. They'll draw you in with their rugged look and extra coverage then steal all of your tire clearance. Learned that one the hard way :banghead:
 
#28 ·
Bought my jeep with a 2inch BL skyjacker, handles great on the trails and isnt wobbly at all, but definitely looking to upgrade to a 4 inch soon. The 2 inch just isn't enough for trying to get over big rocks and what not, just not enough clearance for me.

2cents!
 
#29 ·
TeraFlex quick discos. I think JKS has a better design and the clips will stay in place better.

TeraFlex front adjustable track bar with 3" of lift. I have to add to much bumpstop to avoid it hitting my factory diff cover. The only adjustable track bars that don't do this, as much, are the Currie/JKS.
 
#31 ·
BamaRolln said:
The Bestop Instatrunk. It cost me about $150. It sounded like a really good idea at the time. And to be fair it is a very good way to add lockable storage to your Jeep. Once the tailgate is locked there is no way to get into that instatrunk without a torch or a key.

The problem is that it cuts down on the trunk storage area. Stuff either has to go inside it or on top of it. I like to throw all the baseball stuff behind the back seat to go to the park and none of it would fit back there with the instatrunk in place so I ended up taking it out. Now it is sitting on the floor of my garage next to where I park the jeep. I'm holding on to it rather than selling it because I could easily put it back in at any time if I needed a secure storage area for any reason.

What I would like to see is a secure trunk storage area that has a hinged lid so that if I wanted to put something bigger back there and not lock it up I could just open the lid rather than having to remove the entire instatrunk. Is there such a thing out there?
You can get in it with the trunk locked if the Jeep has a fold and tumble rear seat!
 
#32 ·
BBK 62mm throttle body. UGH. I bought it because the butterfly was sticking on the original equipment. They say it's made to replace the stock TB - just bolt it on and go. Unfortunately, I couldn't find much info on them on the forum except that they don't add much if any HP. That was fine, I don't need more HP but it was $60+ cheaper than an OEM replacement from the stealership. I took my foot off the gas and was rolling at 50 mph. It was like having cruise control with a manual! I was idling anywhere from 1200 to 2000 rpm's then the CEL came on and the TB came off. Aside from an initial email, I haven't heard back from BBK after explaining what I did and the poor results and of course 4WD won't take back an installed product. Not sure how you find out a TB doesn't work until you install it.
 
#34 ·
Mctim35 said:
BBK 62mm throttle body. UGH. I bought it because the butterfly was sticking on the original equipment. They say it's made to replace the stock TB - just bolt it on and go. Unfortunately, I couldn't find much info on them on the forum except that they don't add much if any HP. That was fine, I don't need more HP but it was $60+ cheaper than an OEM replacement from the stealership. I took my foot off the gas and was rolling at 50 mph. It was like having cruise control with a manual! I was idling anywhere from 1200 to 2000 rpm's then the CEL came on and the TB came off. Aside from an initial email, I haven't heard back from BBK after explaining what I did and the poor results and of course 4WD won't take back an installed product. Not sure how you find out a TB doesn't work until you install it.
Just a though....did you give your ecu time to re learn for the 62 mm. May not be the correct answer but mine did this also for a couple times and has not done it since
 
#36 ·
I disco'd the battery for about a half hour as I was removing the old and installing the new. Drove it around the back roads for about a half hour and brought it back to the house. Disco'd battery again (about an hour), let it cool off, adjusted the butterfly as low as it would go without locking up, made sure all sensors were installed and connected, intake tube tight on both ends, made sure the gasket was seated correctly, bolts were tight and took it out on the highway (maybe 20-25 miles round trip). It threw the IAC high voltage code so I brought it home. It seems like it letting too much air past the IAC. Do you suggest anything else?
 
#37 ·
My insta-trunk like that has a hinge that locks in the up position, but it's not a strong lock. I was thinking about drilling a small hole into both peices and sticking a cotter pin or something like that through it to keep it in the up position when I need it. Hmm, looks like I just made plans for this Saturday. I'll post some pictures when I do it.
 
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