First mod to a jeep

[Noelnoly13]

I am new to jeep, but it has always been a dream vehicle to own a 2 door rubicon. I finally pull the trigger on a Rubicon 2 door purple reign. I would like to start modifying it. what first mods should I focus on first.

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[Heimkehr]

Welcome to the forum, Noel.

What's the vehicle's use case? That will provide the required context regarding what mods we might recommend.

 

[Mest]

Congrats on the jeep!!!

My advice is no mods first. Drive it, use it, explore with it. Give it some personal 1 on 1 time and you will begin to identify what you like/don’t like and most of what you don’t like can be fixed or modified!!! If you come out the gate with mods for the sake of mods or try to copy others you will likely do what most of us have done over the years….over modify and end up not enjoying it. Or you will need to re-do & correct prior mods which is an expensive mistake.


Just relax and enjoy it for a bit!!!!

 

[dragoneggs]

How about your personal situation... kids? No, remove the back seat. That was my first mod as soon as I brought it home.

 

[Noelnoly13]

i use it daily for now. but i like to use it as a dedicated off-roader or rock crawler.

 

[Mest]

i use it daily for now. but i like to use it as a dedicated off-roader or rock crawler.

Do you currently rock crawl or Offroad? If so what kind of trials…what’s your experience like? Not sure what kind of big rocks you have down there in FL, but a stock Rubi can easily outperform most other 4x4 out there with no mods.

I’d still suggest you go take it on some trials stock and find where you get stuck or fail and come home and build it better!

 

[Xcoaste]

All weather floor mats, if you don't have them already. Then drive it stock until discover what you need. Being a good driver is worth more than any bolt on. Enjoy the new Jeep!

 

[aldo98229]

Welcome to the forum!

First mod? Check your tire pressure: chances are the dealer kept them at 43-45. Lower them to the factory recommended 35-37 PSI. The Jeep will ride and handle better!

 

[BDinTX]

I vote a takeoff factory steel front bumper unless you’re already planning to get something else.

You can get it relatively cheap, can take the ends off so larger tires won’t rub.

Then later you’re ready to add a winch plate and winch.

 

[Shibadog]

Congrats on the jeep!!!

My advice is no mods first. Drive it, use it, explore with it. Give it some personal 1 on 1 time and you will begin to identify what you like/don’t like and most of what you don’t like can be fixed or modified!!! If you come out the gate with mods for the sake of mods or try to copy others you will likely do what most of us have done over the years….over modify and end up not enjoying it. Or you will need to re-do & correct prior mods which is an expensive mistake.


Just relax and enjoy it for a bit!!!!

A wise bit of advice. Way too many folks jump on the “mod” bandwagon, spend $$ and wind up less than satisfied with the end result. Use the Jeep, use it the way YOU will be using it. As it sits, right out of the box, you own one of THE most capable vehicles on the road. It is, in fact, far more capable than the vast majority of drivers (including JEEP drivers!). If, after a year or two of Actual use you find any area you want to “improve”, then go for it-but check for advice from actual users First. Spend your current surplus $$ on Using what you already have?

 

[dragoneggs]

A wise bit of advice. Way too many folks jump on the “mod” bandwagon, spend $$ and wind up less than satisfied with the end result. Use the Jeep, use it the way YOU will be using it. As it sits, right out of the box, you own one of THE most capable vehicles on the road. It is, in fact, far more capable than the vast majority of drivers (including JEEP drivers!). If, after a year or two of Actual use you find any area you want to “improve”, then go for it-but check for advice from actual users First. Spend your current surplus $$ on Using what you already have?

Agreed. Start with cosmetic mods that personalize it and are easily reversible. There are a few threads here on cheap mods... do some searching. You will learn a lot in the process.

 

[Extra Cheese]

Congratulations Noel on your new 2 door Rubicon. It looks great!
I too am new to this forum and have a 2 dr Rubi currently in D1.
Here is what I’m doing to mine when it arrives. Nothing major but I think it’s worth it doing.
Weathertech rear mat, because I’m taking out the rear seat.
Deadman pedal (Quadratech)
Center console organizer (OCD brand)
Redline SS Hood lifts
Front Mud Flaps (Weathertech) I have step assist and rails so have to find the right ones.
Cell Phone holder
Mesh Top (Spydershade or Alien)
Hardtop Lifter (Toplift Pro)
Screen saver for the display
Shorty front seat jackers (.75)
Keyhole Caps
The vehicle will remain stock otherwise for awhile.
Hope this gives you some ideas

 

[jcruse64]

Sharp ride!!!!

My first mod was the screen protector for the Uconnect system. Right after was a dead pedal (QuadraTec). I'm mostly staying on simple mods to go with fr our first year in ours, and don't plan on any wheel/tire or suspension upgrades ($$$$) until we've actually had the time to get it off the road and see how it, and we, handle things. Everything we do this yer with it will be easily changed back, including the $$ we put into LOD's Amor Lite sliders (wanted the protection combined with access steps for my wife, who is short and has mobility issues). Will be doing a few things for looks, like removal and addition of body decals, and some limited lighting.

Good luck and happy trails!!!

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Base your mods on what breaks or what you need. When you break something, replace it with a higher quality part. Many times you wont know what you need until the need arises. If this is your first jeep, take the advice above and wait for awhile before breaking out that card.

P.S. Don't buy a High Lift jack and put it on display on your jeep. Without steel bumpers, you can't use one anyway. Don't buy a little wire/metal basket for the roof. And don't get an angry eyes grille.

 

[Philly_]

I started small with a dead pedal and phone mount. Next was refreshing my old recovery gear and building out a more complete kit.

As I started wheeling more I added a radio and onboard air, upgraded fog lights, and a couple other smaller things.

These two door JL Rubicons are insanely capable. I was very rarely limited by tire size all over Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma and kept up with groups where the majority of Jeeps ran 37’s. I was often the only Jeep on 33’s.

Getting familiar with your Jeep off road, learning to use sway bar disconnects, tire pressure, lockers, Off Road+, and the other features in your Rubicon will absolutely blow you away what it’s capable of.

I finally swapped to 35’s and a 2.5” lift mostly because I was sick of belly dragging or smacking the front bumper trying to start the climb over rocks. Also wanted to start taking more difficult lines, that I never planned on doing when I bought my JL.

So, basically, use the crap out of it stock, and start upgrading as you start to find the Rubicon’s limitations.

And check out some build threads! Most of us have them and are open to sharing thoughts on our mods.

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