This being my first wrangler, what are some must have modifications or aftermarket parts?

Whatever makes your wrangler more useful and appealing to you personally for your intended use.

What are your goals for the Jeep? What do you plan to do with it? What kind of driving do you do? Throw us a fricking bone here!

I surprised to keep learning just how few mods are actually something my own Wrangler needs to serve my needs in stock configuration.

Although after nearly a year, I did finally order upgraded Dan Stern head light set up today.
Stock headlights seem to really suck on many of the stock Wranglers.

You'll know more depending on which one you end up taking home.

Bought my 2011 2DR Sport in March.
Things I've bought so far. (I'm only 21 so I don't have the same budget as you guys)
- Life Is Good Tire cover ($50)
- Mopar Mirror Relocation Brackets from my dealer ($60)
- SpiderWebShade ($70)
- Smittybilt 2" x 30' Tow Strap ($30)
- Rugged Ridge Front/Tail Light Covers ($80) - Craiglist
- Quadratec Front Floor Liners ($60)
- Quadratec Black Grab Handles ($20)
- VDP Trash Can & Cup Holder ($35)
- MORE Dead Pedal ($45)
- Yakima Spare Tire Bike Carrier ($60)
- Painted stock rims w/ bedliner spray paint ($30)

Total = just over $500.
Ten separate. 10 seperate moments of happiness. Everything else is still stock. I'm content for now.

I'm just a wanna-be owner, but I would say those entry guards (door jam plastic pieces). When I looked at a rubicon in the showroom the paint was coming off there from people just getting in and looking at it.
Link to entry guard example

I'm also planning on getting ACE rock rails. They are protection, look cool, and act as a step to get in.

- Quadratec Front Floor Liners - These are better then Mopar being that they actually hold water . I have heard the mopars can leave a ring of crap around the carpet from melted snow.

-Recovery straps

-Hi-lift with winching upgrade parts

-Head Lights- I heard the stock ones suck. I think the consensus was Philips-80 blah blah .. something was the best. I would give it a search.

-Grab Handles

I'm a lot like Twisky, we're saving for a house and getting ready for kids so money is tight, and I have to get a lot of enjoyment out of the small things. Plus everything costs more over here, so the money doesn't go as far.

I've got some new decals from pixeldecals, flipped my mirror upside down, drilled a hole in the side mirrors, rugged ridge floor mats (same as the Q-tec ones) and recovery gear. Got some pro comp wheels waiting for tires.
Next I'm looking at the spiderweb shade and some safari straps. Actually the 'next' list is massive...

In addition to recovery equipments i would have armor protection for your oil pan and evap canister.Jeep are capable even on stock form but not properly protected underneath.

The ones mentioned are just the very least but i would also add rock sliders,winch,lift and bigger tires when the funds are available.

Another bump for recovery gear. If you do plan on offroading, making sure you have rock rails is a great investment too; and they look good to boot.

Cheapest mod by far though is a couple cans of bedliner and some sandpaper

Yes, we see a LOT of guys doing the ACE Rock Sliders as there first mod to there JK. It is cheap, offer a nice step, and also adds protection to the sides of the JK if your plan on getting it off road!

Welcome to the club and if there is anything we can do to help, please let us know!

-Jason

Thanks for the tip, i just ordered a set off ebay. <$30 with shipping, seems like a worthwhile and affordable investment. Got my first mod and I don't even own the vehicle yet LOL

If it's available on the Quadratec website, PM them here on the forum and ask for a quote. They're sponsors of this forum and offer it's members some nice deals.

Most of those are nice mods. Keep in mind tho' that if you'd held off on some of the less functional ones, you'd have had enough saved for a decent lift.... Just food for thought. Then you could be saving for wheels and tires, and gas, and insurance, and rent, and groceries, and tuition, and oh my, the mom needs to go back into her cave....

I mostly drive to and from work but I am a weekend off-roader. I want things to improve the aesthetics.

I built a door storage bin and bought a hoist-a-top. Now I can get my Jeep "naked" without any help.

Your jeep looks tough!

Four questions:
Tire size?
Lift?
Door storage?
Cargo area separator?

Thanks!

- BFG Mud 35x12.50r17
- Skyjacker 2.5" spring/shock lift (great lift. Not sure why so many knock it.)
- I built the door storage from 2x6s & 2x4s, then covered it in moving blankets.
- Cargo separator is made by Precision Pet Products... Funny, I get so many comments on that dog wall. I've had it for years. It fits great in the Wrangler.

Depending on the terrain you will be driving, you well have to choose modes

Example I live in self Florida and have a daily driver/weekend warrior, so my list goes as fallowing in order off purchase
285/70R17 BFgoodrich AT
Grab handles
Smoked side markers (just had to have them)
Looking gas cap
Rugged ridge mats
Hitch with shackle insert
Flea trunk ( I have a soft top)
Hella black magics on the cowl,
Safari snorkel
Phillips HIDs

Coming soon 3 or 4 inch skyjacker lift and 315/70R17 ATs


If you live in a rocky area you might wanna put the snorkel money in to a higher end suspension.
I suggest take a LITE off-road trip ( don't get cocky and over excited) try and pay attention to your jeeps needs and weak points. Se for your self what you need and what you want.