Yet another upgrade question

[YBABRAT]

Alright... My 2019 Rubicon has every oem option but a winch. That, I will install soon. One option that I love is tan leather seats, because trim is base on the instrument panel. I plan on having a black cloth seat swap. I did obtain a Tazer JL Mini and cable, which are a mandatory upgrade. I like the stock wheels and lift even though they limit tire size. So with that said no changes in that direction. Also I got a bikini top and plan on ordering side window upgrade for utility. Has to be ordered from Europe, as nobody in the states make them.

2 other mandatory items that are for long term use. A mopar service replacement cast iron steering box to replace the aluminum one. Secondly, is the radiator. Since the stock mounting is too rigid for flex and jaring in climbs and sudden dips, failure is prone at the drivers side plastic tank seam. While doing the replacement I will upgrade the mounting to allow for better control while removing mechanical stress. Also I plan on having an open hood vent setup with custom rain and washing deluge trap.

Any way those are my upgades that I see as a personal need. Did I miss anything that some find a need for themselves?

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[Bill_BCNtoNY]

You’ll probably see this mentioned in a bunch of threads, and with good reason - one of my favorite/most practical mods are the redline tuning hood struts.

If you want go down the rabbit hole of aesthetics, check out Don’s @pixeldecals - high quality, a forum sponsor and he can make sth custom if you want, to.

Also, regarding the seats - check out high quality seat covers like PRP and Bartact before committing to a full swap, or even post in the marketplace here on the forums and see of anyone wants to trade.

From here on… mods really depend only on what you like and want to use your Jeep for! That’s the beauty of it.

Oh, and most importantly… drive the Jeep a lot and get it dirty as often as you can!

 

[YBABRAT]

You’ll probably see this mentioned in a bunch of threads, and with good reason - one of my favorite/most practical mods are the redline tuning hood struts.

If you want go down the rabbit hole of aesthetics, check out Don’s @pixeldecals - high quality, a forum sponsor and he can make sth custom if you want, to.

Also, regarding the seats - check out high quality seat covers like PRP and Bartact before committing to a full swap, or even post in the marketplace here on the forums and see of anyone wants to trade.

From here on… mods really depend only on what you like and want to use your Jeep for! That’s the beauty of it.

Oh, and most importantly… drive the Jeep a lot and get it dirty as often as you can!

Thanks! Oddly enough I dislike hood struts or any struts setup. Never fails they fail when you need them most... namely freezing weather. I went to hood rods in all my struted cars.

I never liked seat covers. They seem to migrate too much for me. I was thinking of recovering them for the most part.

Well I haven't yet got to really drive the Rubicon... it will come in July. Will be my daily driver... so it will become dirty more often than not. My main concern was dependability and annoyances. The tazer removes a lot of annoyances. During seasonal changes I probably will find an annoyance or two. Rain gutter seal and 2nd battery option removal are not an upgrade but a fix well noted from discussions.

Having a fully painted hard top and fenders, the Rubicon looks good on its own, or being stripped down of doors and panels. A tonneau cover may be another option for me when removing hard top.

 

[jadmt]

if you are going to offroad enough to damage your stock radiator then you will need to do suspension and at least 35's.......

 

[YBABRAT]

I really don't want to go that rout. It's more about the jostling going at speed on dirt roads and heat expansion. Plastic has a different heat expansion than aluminum. If pavement pounding 80% of the time radiator issues are probably not going to arise.

 

[Heimkehr]

I never liked seat covers. They seem to migrate too much for me.

The neoprene seat covers available for the JL-gen Wranglers are form-fitting and quite snug. I've not noticed any migration (movement) after prolonged use. Just something to keep in mind.

I hear you, re: wonky strut operation in cold weather. My tool chest has them, and I have to lift the lid open every time when the mercury drops below a certain point.

 

[YBABRAT]

The neoprene seat covers available for the JL-gen Wranglers are form-fitting and quite snug. I've not noticed any migration (movement) after prolonged use. Just something to keep in mind.

I hear you, re: wonky strut operation in cold weather. My tool chest has them, and I have to lift the lid open every time when the mercury drops below a certain point.

Not sure if I am willing to experiment with neoprene. I drive in all kinds of environments. My work days are 25 mile drives to work and back through mountains.

Cloth seats have never failed me.

 

[YBABRAT]

Just an fyi... I went from a Mopar winch kit to ordering a Warn winch kit. Mopar was made from a bare WARN kit... meaning the WARN kit has the Fairlead adapter plate with a license plate mount included. I really don't understand Mopar on not including it. Saved a few on going with a WARN kit.

 

[Man of Steel]

You should consider the Genesis Dual Battery system to solve the parasitic drain of the small battery and avoid the approximately $1100 dealer cost to replace the small battery that is under the large battery and fuse box. As soon as my 2024 Rubicon X came in after about 7 months of waiting, I removed the factory battery system due to the reputation of electrical problems and unpredictable dying due to poor engineering design. The Genesis System uses two large identical Amg batteries with a bracket to support them. Both batteries are easily accessible and servicible. If one battery dies, the other battery is able to start and run the Wrangler by simply pushing a button. It also has readily accessible accessory terminals for alot of extra electrical attachments you might desire down the road. It is spendy but well worth the price to me. The system is awesome and is not bothered by whether you use ESS stop start feature. I installed the system myself utilizing good installation instructions and really like it.

 

[YBABRAT]

You should consider the Genesis Dual Battery system to solve the parasitic drain of the small battery and avoid the approximately $1100 dealer cost to replace the small battery that is under the large battery and fuse box. As soon as my 2024 Rubicon X came in after about 7 months of waiting, I removed the factory battery system due to the reputation of electrical problems and unpredictable dying due to poor engineering design. The Genesis System uses two large identical Amg batteries with a bracket to support them. Both batteries are easily accessible and servicible. If one battery dies, the other battery is able to start and run the Wrangler by simply pushing a button. It also has readily accessible accessory terminals for alot of extra electrical attachments you might desire down the road. It is spendy but well worth the price to me. The system is awesome and is not bothered by whether you use ESS stop start feature. I installed the system myself utilizing good installation instructions and really like it.

Thank you... I knew about the dual battery issue. Removing the secondary battery and fuse will also remove stop start feature, which my JL has. Cant stand the feature. I use a Geeloo GT4000 as a backup and LiFePO4 battery for all my vehicles. It's more than what I would normally need but I am old and don't like dealing with being stranded. The GT4000 has a heater to warm up within a minute at or below 0.

 

[Heimkehr]

I use a Geeloo GT4000 as a backup... The GT4000 has a heater to warm up within a minute at or below 0.

Are you happy with its construction and functioning?

My years-old and dead reliable Antigravity lithium jump pack is slowly reaching the end of its practical service life. While I've no complaints, I also want to take the opportunity to cross-shop its replacement, if a strong case can be made for switching brands.

 

[YBABRAT]

Yep.... there are two versions. Both are good, but mine has the 1 minute warm up feature. Funny thing is they are priced the same.

Many reviewers online barely know what they are doing and it is obvious they are plugging for something else.

I had two issues. Both from early use and unaware of some functions... now those issues are nonexistent.

Had a friend cycle the starter too fast multiple times before I turned on boost. It went into safety mode, which took 10 to 15 minutes to kick out of.

The other is the battery needs to be depleated passed 80% from its stored unused state. It's a top charge that needs to be broken down for a good full charge. What happened was an exact recreation of a failed warm up test online. The frozen battery had not been fully charged and when heat up mode kicked in it failed to heat. Once the battery was fully charged it functioned exactly as stated without a pickup.

Also when fast charging from car or charger... mine will fast charge above it's rated charge rate. I attribute that to my slow charge break in. I brought the battery down to 70% a few times and recharged with a 2 amp charger for phone.

I was able to use most all the output connections simultaneously. When charging the usb3 port is required.

I like the fact that it will tell you the current and capacity in live time.

I have already saved a few at work when we had a cold snap. It has not been charged since and still above 90%

Will be picking up my JL soon and keep it packed as a nice backup and portable battery source. The flashlight is plenty bright and wide beam. Filled the engine bay without standing back.

If mine was never available Thore would be a good option if looking at an equivalent... near equivalent. Nobody packs so many options for it's capacity.

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