Best First Upgrades For Jeep Wrangler JK

The DIRT Staff

Jeep's Wrangler JK is a fine off-roader that sold like proverbial hotcakes. Produced as a two- or four-door SUV that could be had with an open top, it remains supremely popular on the secondhand market as the next-generation Wrangler is now on sale. With competent off-road chops and decent on-road manners, it's no surprise that these are desirable vehicles. If you've just bought a Jeep Wrangler JK, you may be wondering what the best Jeep JK upgrades or best Jeep mods are. Let us help you figure out the best way forward. Of course, if you want to go all-out and modify your Jeep Wrangler JK to the nines, 4 Wheel Parts has an ample array of parts that cover every conceivable area.

What Jeep Mods To Make First

The first mods to make are ones that are typically low-impact, require little to no drilling or modification to your Jeep, and represent a great way to dip your toe into the waters and test out if Jeep upgrades are your thing. Here are a few things to consider.

Floor mats: OEM Floor Mats are great for general day-to-day use, but when you throw in some mud, dirt, or snow into the mix, they can quickly become inundated. Why not consider an aftermarket set of floor mats, of which 4 Wheel Parts has a great selection from renowned names such as Bestop, Husky, Rampage, Rugged Ridge, Rough Country, TeraFlex, and WeatherTech, among others, not to mention the OEM Jeep items as well, should you prefer a new set of those.

Roof rack: A roof rack enhances your luggage carrying capability and is a no-brainer for casual to moderate off-roaders. Check out our range of roof racks from names such as ARB, Smittybilt, Thule, Warrior, and more.

Tires and wheels: There's an old saying that no amount of electronics and software trickery can take you as far as the right set of tires and wheels can. Tires are the sole contact patch between your Jeep and the surface it's traversing, and upgrading them to suit the terrain can make a massive difference. When upgrading your tires — especially if you're upsizing them — a wheel upgrade is required too. This comes with a nice side effect of making your Jeep look cooler as well. Just hit up our tires and wheels section for inspiration.

Upgraded lighting: It's always better to upgrade your lighting if you're planning to venture out when the sun is down. The temperature can be cooler as well. Just ensure that you've upgraded your Jeep Wrangler JK's lighting appropriately. We carry a host of lighting upgrades, from better bulbs to LED fixtures, light bars, spotlights, and all the related accessories you're bound to need.

Recovery gear: You should always have a set of essential recovery gear in the trunk of your Jeep. We've got a great range of recovery gear kits that contain the basics in one set. Even if you're planning to stick to the mildest trails, you never know when you might require it or encounter someone else in need. Remember, on the trails, everyone helps each other out. If you meet another Jeeper or off-roader in trouble, be sure to stop and help. It's proper etiquette, as well as the right thing to do.

Benefits Of Jeep JK Upgrades

While the Jeep Wrangler JK is a great vehicle, Jeep had to build it to meet a whole range of potential customer segments. While some customers would want to take it from the factory to the toughest trails, others would prefer something that can comfortably do the school and office run on a daily basis and never encounter anything more taxing than a large curb. Thus, Jeep engineered a decent compromise between capability and practicality.

That's not to say that the Wrangler JK is any less of an off-roader; in fact, it can show more outwardly serious off-roaders a clean pair of heels in the right hands — but it's also a great upgrade platform, as Jeep knew that there was a massive community ranging from greenhorns to seasoned pros who wanted to customize the vehicle according to their requirements and preferences. The end result of this is an extremely broad range of customization and upgrade parts for the Wrangler JK, numbering in the thousands, and 4 Wheel Parts proudly carries a large selection.

Other Mods To Consider

Once you've done the basics, you should consider a few other mods that will take your Jeep Wrangler JK to the next level.

Bumpers: Why not enhance your Jeep's looks and add enhanced protection with a set of aftermarket bumpers? Check out our range. You'll also need to upgrade your bumper if you're planning to install a winch, another item of which we carry an excellent assortment for you to choose from.

Lift kit: The next step from upgrading wheels and tires and adding beefy bumpers is to install a lift kit, raising your Jeep Wrangler JK higher, and increasing its ground clearance, approach, and departure angles. This mod is a bit more involved and should be installed professionally, but we can help you choose the right kit for your needs.

Hit Up 4 Wheel Parts For Everything Jeep

Finding quality upgrade components from renowned brand names is made easier than ever when you purchase them from a retailer like 4 Wheel Parts. With over 90 stores located nationwide, there's bound to be a store close to you. If you prefer to let your fingers do the walking, shop online and browse the same array of thousands of products. A no-nonsense price matching policy ensures that you receive the best value for your money, and friendly professionals are on hand to provide advice. Your orders will get to your doorstep quicker than you expect, thanks to the tireless efforts of their six nationwide distribution centers. Why not make 4 Wheel Parts your trusted companion for everything Jeep? You won't regret it.