Many new(er) Jeepers often post about “What mods should I start with?” Following is my listing of the Top 5 Jeep (JK) mods I believe that all JK Owners can and should do. These mods apply to the Mall Crawlers, as well as the Trail Kings, any type of JK; Sport, Sport S, Sahara, or Rubicon.
1 – Replace the OEM lug nuts
The stamped cap lug nut will eventually cause you an issue. These types of lug nuts are prone to corrosion between that actual lug nut and the cap, causing the cap to bulge, loosen, and eventually fall off. The lug nut will be a different size than that of your lug wrench, and very difficult to remove when necessary.
Replacing the OE lug nut with a quality 1-piece lug nut, will alleviate these concerns, as well as make your wheels look a little bit better.
2 – Install JL Hood Latches
Any JK owner that has driven over 52 MPH knows about the Jeep JK “hood flutter”, and Jeep fixed this issue with the JL latch.
JL hood latches are easily installed onto the JK and are available for under a $100.00 from Mopar Parts Direct – https://moparonlineparts.com/jeep-wrangler-hood-latch-upgrade-p-8715.html
3 – Upgrade to LED Headlamps
It’s well known and well documented that the Jeep Wrangler comes from the factory with poor headlamps. The Insurance Institue for Highway Safety gives the Wrangler a rating of POOR –
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/jeep/wrangler-2-door-suv/2017#headlights
You may be one of the later model JK Owner’s that got LED headlamps from the factory, however, there are thousands of JK’s on the road that need LED headlamps!
4 – Replace those sagging door nets
Any 2011 – 2018 JK Wrangler Owner knows that the door nets were worthless about 6-months after the Jeep was new. The factory door netting is basically useless.
Replace your front door netting with New Holland Overland LLC‘s Jeep JK Front Door MOLLE Panel.
Made from 1/8″ aluminum, these panels are rock solid, attached with (5) screws/spacers, these MOLLE panels offer near-infinite MOLLE –based storage options.
5 – Upgrade the Front Track Bar
If you take a look at your JK’s track bar while you have someone turn the wheel side-to-side while parked, you can see the bar deflecting, even on a completely stock JK. If you have lifted your JK, and/or added larger than stock tires, the deflection can be even worse.
I chose STEER SMARTS Yeti XD JK Adjustable Track Bar and it GREATLY improved my Jeep’s handling!!!
I believe that the front track bar is a commonly overlooked cause of death wobble, either in stock, or lifted JK Wrangler.
These (JK) mods won’t make your Jeep necessarily more capable, however, you’ll appreciate these over time more than an angry eyes grill, hi-lift jack or Rhino-lined door hinges!!!