Even though Jeeps are some of the most capable off-road vehicles right out of the box, a few simple upgrades can easily turn them into all-terrain monsters capable of tackling just about anything.
When it comes to off-roading, power isn’t everything. Things like traction and ground clearance are far more important, as are ways of getting out of an unfortunate situation should you find yourself stuck out in the middle of nowhere. Here are some essential mods you should consider installing on your Jeep whether you’re a hardcore off-road enthusiast or you simply enjoy exploring the outdoors over the weekend.
Upgrading Wheels and Tires
Off-road surfaces such as loose dirt and rocks provide significantly less traction than tarmac or concrete. All the power in the world won’t help you if you don’t have the necessary traction to extract the most out of the surface beneath your truck. For that, you’ll need a decent set of wheels and tires.
Installing off-road tires is arguably the first upgrade you want to perform if you’re planning on exploring the wild outdoors with your Jeep. Offroad-specific tires have a much more aggressive tread pattern that is designed to dig deep into the surface, whether that’s loose rocks, sand, or dirt, and provide traction that will push your vehicle forward. There are various tire models to choose from, from well over a dozen manufacturers.
If you’re planning on doing more serious off-roading though, you might want to get a set of aftermarket wheels that are wider than your factory Jeep wheels which will enable you to fit a wider set of tires as a result. When ordering a new set of wheels and tires, make sure you don’t go overboard and order a set that won’t fit inside the fenders or one that requires a lift kit (assuming you don’t have a lift kit installed).
Easy Access Side Steps & Bars
Nerf bars and side steps are not only visual mods but also practical upgrades which will help you get in and out of your Jeep easier. They’re also great if you’ve got kids or shorter occupants that you frequently carry. Another bonus is the extra protection they provide from rock dents and chips to the truck body when you’re off-roading.
Tunable Suspension and Lift Kits
Last but by no means least, you should definitely consider upgrading your Jeep with a lift kit if you haven’t done so already. Although decent lift kits are usually quite costly, they’re well worth it if you need the added ground clearance and the improved damping performance most aftermarket shocks provide.
Lift kits come in various shapes and sizes, offering as little as a 1-Inch lift and going all the way up to 6 Inches of added ride height. The least expensive lift kits include lift blocks for the rear, effectively leveling out your truck and matching the front and the rear ride height. The more expensive lift kits also come with dampers and shocks which can be tuned and adjusted nearly infinitely.
Depending on the specific lift kit, installing it could take anywhere between an hour and a full day’s worth of work. Spacers and lift blocks are by far and away the easiest lift kits to install, while a full lift kit that includes shocks and springs might take an experienced mechanic several hours to perform the installation.
Most lift kits are designed to be bolt-on, meaning they don’t require any welding or cutting, so you can always revert your truck back to stock should you need to. This means that you don’t have to worry about ‘ruining’ your truck or its resale value, as you can always take the lift kit out and be left with a stock Jeep again. Lift kits typically have good resale value too, so you can even pass it along and recoup some of your initial investment.
It’s important to point out that some fender trimming might be needed with certain lift kits and wheel combinations, though that varies greatly on a case-by-case basis. More often than not, lift kits are plug-and-play though, and no irreversible modifications will be needed.
Other Good Upgrade Options
Bumper winches are often overlooked and most people don’t realize just how important they are until they need them. If you find yourself stuck in extremely muddy terrain or when going up a steep hill, a bumper winch will help you get out of a sticky situation with minimal hassle. Winches also come in handy if you need to help a stranded buddy out.
Snorkels are another great upgrade especially if you live in a colder climate or one where floods are more frequent. By moving the air intake significantly higher, a snorkel will allow you to wade through much deeper water without flooding your engine or bogging down.
If you’re looking to upgrade your Jeep and make it even more capable than it already is, Morris 4x4 is your one-stop shop for things like snorkels, lift kits, wheels, and much more.
