Must do MODS for first time owner

[mk7tristan]

Would this work for sport too not just rubicons?

Yes, as long as you don’t have the one piece fenders.

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[Zandcwhite]

SHOCKS! Even if you don't plan to lift it the stock shocks are garbage. Especially on a sport. Under dampened for any kind of bumps at speed and ridiculously short travel. Just 5.88" of stroke up front. Virtually every after market shock for no lift will have 9-11" of stroke. All will do a better job of dampening. A 53-85% increase in suspension travel for as little as $400 and better handling and ride control. Obviously if you're going full lift soon just upgrade the shocks then, but if you're keeping it mostly stock throw that stock junk in the trash ASAP. Even with the xr package and it's extra long bumpstops and long compressed length shocks you still only get 7.5" of travel. With that bumpstop you can run rocksport reds that have 12"+. The only reason the Bronco and 4runner are even in the ballpark on the stock rti ramp comparisons is the terrible factory shock choices. Even the raptor won't come close to the wheel travel of a stock Jeep with a shock upgrade.

 

[Bbp]

A must do mod... wella few must do mods.

Auxiliary battery delete... if you have one.
Locker bypass... if you have a locker
Tazer JL Mini... if you have a Rubicon
Or JScan and ELM ODB tool for lower trim levels.
Tail gate interior release mod... if you plan on camping in the back.

I don't call this one a mod, but it sure acts like one...
A Covosun mesh sun shade. You can remove the screen and reinstall it within a minute, once initial installation is completed. It's the only sun shade that the screen is removable from its tie down structure. You can leave it off when freedom panels are installed and very quickly (less than 20 seconds) install it when they are removed.

Most of what you have listed and others have stated are not must do in my opinion.

What's the benefit of the JL mini if you have a Rubicon? Thanks

 

[Rubi2dr]

I can’t believe no one has mentioned it, so I guess I will, gotta get a big bag of ducks….

 

[Rubi2dr]

Trailer hitch. Got it installed at U Haul cheap

 

[Gio]

If you are going to off road at all and don't have a Rubi, I recommend some easy sway bar disconnects.
If you like to stay clean and keep things easy, try a set of these.

Apex AutoLynx.

There are far less expensive options but I love these and they aren't off the charts expensive.

They made our Willys XR (with additional lift) even more capable.

Other than a front locker and the 4:1 Rubi transfer case, we are pretty trail ready.

 

[entropy]

SHOCKS! Even if you don't plan to lift it the stock shocks are garbage. Especially on a sport. Under dampened for any kind of bumps at speed and ridiculously short travel. Just 5.88" of stroke up front. Virtually every after market shock for no lift will have 9-11" of stroke. All will do a better job of dampening. A 53-85% increase in suspension travel for as little as $400 and better handling and ride control. Obviously if you're going full lift soon just upgrade the shocks then, but if you're keeping it mostly stock throw that stock junk in the trash ASAP. Even with the xr package and it's extra long bumpstops and long compressed length shocks you still only get 7.5" of travel. With that bumpstop you can run rocksport reds that have 12"+. The only reason the Bronco and 4runner are even in the ballpark on the stock rti ramp comparisons is the terrible factory shock choices. Even the raptor won't come close to the wheel travel of a stock Jeep with a shock upgrade.

I had the stock shocks in my 2025 XR for like 3 days only lol. Replaced with 2-3in bilstein 5100s.

 

[Zandcwhite]

I had the stock shocks in my 2025 XR for like 3 days only lol. Replaced with 2-3in bilstein 5100s.

We did the same but added a 1.5" spacer lift to also gain some uptravel right out the gate on our 2022 xr. Have since went to 3.5" metalcloak springs and fox 2.0s, but the bang for the buck of shocks alone is simply insane.

 

[YBABRAT]

What's the benefit of the JL mini if you have a Rubicon? Thanks

Rubicons have front and rear lockers. Which tazer allows various modes that are locked out without it. Sway bar disconnect feature... some models have it but not the S and Sport. there may be another feature or two but those are the two I use that are on my Tazer settings.

 

[AndySpill]

In my opinion, any JL owner with a configuration that features dual factory AGM batteries, who has made the decision to not partake in engine start stop events (ESS), should disconnect the smaller Aux battery from the main battery by removing its ground from the main battery's negative post and taping it up, yanking Fuse 42, and turning ESS off at the button or with tech to effect same.

Keeping that Aux battery connected, for those not wishing ESS functionality, is IMHO like "not ridding the youngest child of their tonsils in a family of 10 kids, were every older sibling needed them removed due to genetic propensity for tonsillitis."

Or to rephrase, whatever limited useful purpose that Aux battery's additional power (those tonsils) may provide, it's ability to go bad, and in its parallel connection to the main battery, ruin it as well, is far outweighed by its disconnection, eliminating that possibility.

Worried about warranty coverage...? Much that it seems few have been denied coverage on unrelated things, prior to a service visit charge that Aux battery by putting a charger's negative on the unwrapped lose cable and the positive on the main battery's positive post, and rehook up the cable and Fuse 42.

 

[Wrango]

Imo the redline tuning hood struts are a must have. I also really enjoy having the turn signal extender. I'd also look to add a screen protector to the head unit. Lastly a stop/start eliminator from Amazon. To me these are four must have day 1 mods (that you dont already have listed).

Can you post a screen protector you recommend?

 

[Boatbuilder88]

I've posted this in other threads... This is probably my favorite FREE mod.

 

[Blues Fan 30]

Can you post a screen protector you recommend?

This is the one we have on both our Jeeps. Fits really nice and honestly cant even tell its there. https://www.amazon.com/XXCIWP-Wrang...x=jl+wrangler+screen+protector,aps,133&sr=8-3

 

[Chowbaby]

Can you post a screen protector you recommend?

honestly most of the ones you find on amazon are comparable imo...I bought one for ~$10 and it was good

 

[WillysMeow]

Just search for aux delete... the is plenty of info. I chose to do a complete removal of cables and battery. One nice thing about a complete removal is the Aux battery box and under battery tray area is a great place for mounting some things... custom storage box for off road recovery or emergency tools. Sort of like conceal and carry. Ha! I am wondering why big names are not making an all in one lock box metal fender liner for the passenger side, and instructions to remove all that Aux stuff. There are a tonn of fastener locations in that area. I removed a lot of long cap screws at the battery tray that had no function. JL battery trays are way, way over done for securing to body. I also went further by shortening the fuse box stand that protrudes against the battery. In doing so my jeep has an H8 battery for max capacity without having things complicated.
The JL engine compartment is tight as it is in space. I just worked with what space I can muster out of it. It is surprising how much you can cram and still have a mostly stock appearance. Jeezo, another brain storm.... I may invest in a metal fender liner and have fab at work modify for a secure lock box. With a Rubicon, you need not remove a wheel to get at the inner fender area. Once you remove a fender liner, you'll see how much more usable space is hidden.

Sounds great, can't stand ESS! Would love to see this, do you have a thread with pictures of what you did?

Awesome, can't stand stupid warning stickers either!

Been meaning to buy one of those touch screen protectors preferably a non-glare type.

Several people mention shocks, I've got 2025 WIllys 4 door, any particular non-reservoir shocks that would be good?

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