For new Jeep owners, the urge to customize a recently acquired Wrangler can be overwhelming. In fact, many Jeep owners begin contemplating their first modifications before ever making it out of the parking lot of their local Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler/Ram dealership. This is quite understandable since there are few other vehicles on the road today that have been the subject of such high levels of aftermarket component production. In the world of Jeep ownership, the possibilities for customization are endless.
However, when staring down the path of Jeep customization, it is often difficult to decide where to start. At times, the sheer magnitude of available aftermarket parts, kits, and upgrades can be quite overwhelming. While the decision of how best to customize one's Jeep is largely a matter of personal preference, the following product categories are sure to be an excellent place to start such a journey.
Winches
One of the first questions that a new Jeep owner should ask themselves is whether or not they intend to take their explorations off-road. If the answer to this question is a resounding “yes”, then the purchase of a heavy-duty recovery winch should be atop the priority list. A winch is not only an excellent upgrade, but it's the best insurance that an avid off-roader can have at his or her disposal.
Life on the trail is rough and far from predictable. Mishaps and misadventures are commonplace, as exploration seldom follows the path of least resistance. When thrown a curveball while off-roading, a winch can quite literally save the day. Recovery winches are offered in both hydraulic and electric forms and come with a multitude of options pertaining to cable type, load capacity, and features.
When selecting a winch for purchase, there are several vital factors to consider. The first pertains to what weight of winch will be required for your particular application, which is most commonly determined by multiplying the total GVWR of your Jeep, including all accessories, by 1.5. The second factor to consider is whether you prefer a steel cable or synthetic rope lead, which is largely influenced by a number of environmental factors. Additionally, you must conclude whether a hydraulic or electric winch is best suited to your particular application.
Lift Kits
Another immensely popular form of Jeep customization is the installation of a lift kit. Lift kits are equal parts form and function since they provide additional ground clearance when off-roading, while also enhancing aesthetic appeal by creating a more aggressive stance. For all intents and purposes, the purchase of a lift kit is a win-win type of proposition, because lifted Jeeps tend to be better equipped to conquer rugged terrain and look stellar while doing so.
There are two main types of lift kits: body lifts and suspension lifts. Body lifts increase the overall distance between a vehicle’s frame and body through the use of specialty spacers. This style of lift is intended more for cosmetic appeal than enhanced functionality. On the other hand, suspension lifts increase the actual distance between a vehicle’s frame and axles. If you intend to lift your Jeep to a moderate or substantial degree, a lift kit of this nature is likely to be your best bet.
LED Lighting
One particular aftermarket product category that has grown immensely in the past decade is that of LED lighting kits. LED light kits come in virtually every form and fashion imaginable. LED light packages are also offered in a significant number of different lumen ratings. Many such kits include integrated control interfaces, which allow drivers to control light function and brightness with the flip of a switch.
Within this product category, LED light bars reign supreme. Light bars can be purchased for any application, and some of the highest-quality models feature an extreme range of illumination. Light bars can also be purchased at nearly any price point. Several light bars are offered at a sub-$100 retail price, while others command an expenditure well north of the $1,000 mark. In most cases, the higher the retail price, the greater a light’s lumen count and lineup of features.
Custom LED headlights and taillights are also readily available. These lights serve as direct replacements for a Wrangler’s stock lights and typically improve visibility and extend one’s sight distance when traveling by night. Lights of this nature also tend to be relatively affordable and simple to install.
Fender Flares
Another aftermarket Jeep accessory that remains in high demand from one year to the next is fender flares. Fender flares offer value on two different fronts; they add to the overall look of a custom Jeep Wrangler while simultaneously serving as a form of protective equipment. While few can argue against the visual appeal of a well-chosen set of fender flares, it is also important to consider the fact that these custom add-ons keep limbs, dirt, rocks, and other trail debris from becoming lodged in a fender well.
Additionally, the use of fender flares also offers a bonus benefit that far fewer consumers are aware of. When attempting to install larger than stock tires, appropriately sized fender flares can provide just enough additional clearance within the fender well for proper fitment, especially in regards to depth. This often comes as well-received news to those who have recently purchased aftermarket wheels and tires only to find out that they do not properly fit as intended.
It is also easier than ever to locate the best fender flares to compliment your Wrangler. A vast array of flares are available for Wrangler JK, Wrangler JL, and Wrangler YJ models. By simply scrolling through the nearly infinite number of available fender flares on the internet, you can locate those which align with your vision for your Wrangler and have them shipped to you with just a click of the mouse.
Bumpers
There are few ways to modify the overall looks of a Jeep Wrangler as quickly as the addition of aftermarket bumpers. With the simple addition of a set of custom bumpers, a stock Wrangler can take on the appearance of a robust trail machine intent on laughing in the face of any obstacles placed in its way. The diversity of aftermarket bumpers available in today’s market is nothing short of astounding. From sporty to outwardly aggressive, if you have a particular vision for the appearance of your Jeep Wrangler, there is most certainly a bumper available to meet your needs.
In recent years, a number of combination-style front bumpers have taken a spot of prominence in this product category. Now more than ever, bumpers with integrated light bars, push bars, and brush guards have come in high demand. In many cases, these combination style front bumper assemblies offer consumers additional bang for their buck.
Grilles
One of the most recent trends to sweep through the custom Jeep community is the installation of aftermarket grilles. Thanks to an increase in demand, a multitude of new and unique aftermarket grilles seem to come available with every passing month. These grilles exude personality upon installation and bolster a Jeep’s level of overall eye appeal. Products of this nature are also an excellent complement to the addition of an aftermarket front bumper, as they tend to round out the appearance of a customized Wrangler’s front end.
There are a number of different types of aftermarket grilles to choose from. Some of the most popular of these varieties include billet grilles, wire mesh grilles, CNC machined grilles, and tubular grilles. Additionally, a wealth of custom grille screens are also available for purchase. Custom grilles tend to vary significantly in price. However, on average, they tend to be one of the least expensive modifications out of those noted on our list.
Soft Tops
There is something about cruising around in a Jeep equipped with a soft top on a fair-weather afternoon that does the heart good. Luckily, there is no shortage of custom soft-top options available for Jeep owners to choose from, and consumers are presented the opportunity to select that which most adequately reflects their personality and provides the greatest level of appeal. With so many possibilities at one’s fingertips, the only difficulty that a consumer can expect is being unable to select only a single product out of the sea of soft-tops available for purchase.
Some of the most popular forms of soft-tops on the market today include fastback, tonneau, bikini, and summer brief models. The retail price of Jeep soft-tops can vary significantly, starting as low as $100 and rising steadily in price from there.
Honorable Mentions
Aside from the abovementioned modifications, there are many other noteworthy customization projects for new Jeep owners to take part in. The installation of the following aftermarket components are also worthy of consideration.
- Side Steps
- Seat Covers
- Grab Handles
- Custom Wheels
- Off-Road Tires
- Tube Doors
- Light Guards
- Floor Mats
- Trailer Hitches
- Entry Guards
- Skid Plates
- Locking Cargo Compartments
A One-of-a-Kind Masterpiece
Jeep Wranglers are perhaps the most versatile production vehicles to ever hit the road. For some, their Wrangler is a daily commuter, and for others, it's a weekend trail machine. No matter the intended use of your new Jeep, one can rest assured that there is no shortage of parts available to facilitate any customization projects that you might currently have in mind. By taking stock of your customization goals and proceeding on a project-by-project basis, you will watch as your Jeep is transformed from its stock form into a personal creation that is as unique as you are.