5 Upgrades to Mod Your Jeep First

Why update your Jeep? 

There are so many reasons. Preventing bear attacks, self-recovery from dangerous roads, or simply making you feel safe. NHTSA Estimates 39,345 Traffic Fatalities in 2024. (Resource: NHTSA) So these upgrades are not redundant. Please note that this article is written for Jeep drivers who often overland or off-road. Here are the five most cost-effective recommendations that you can start with.

1. All-terrain Tires

If your budget is limited, then the first pick should be all-terrain tires. The Jeep factory tires are designed for a safe highway ride and good fuel economy, not for conquering trails. However, a high-quality set of A/T tires will change the game. It can transform your Jeep’s grip off-road, in snow, and on wet pavement, all while maintaining decent on-road manners.

Hooke Road selected Radar tires because they perfectly balanced the aggressive tread and daily driving comfort. According to our experience, you can go slightly larger than factory tires without a lift. But it is essential to check for rubbing at full steering lock.

2. A Basic Recovery Kit

Getting stuck isn't a matter of if, but when. Capability means nothing if you're helplessly stranded. And the huge amount of towing fee will make everything worse. A basic recovery kit isn't just for hardcore off-roading; it's for that unexpectedly muddy campsite or a snowy ditch.

Your starter kit should include:

• Kinetic Recovery Rope: Safer and more effective than a static strap, as it stretches to pull vehicles out.
• D-Ring Shackles (2): The essential connectors.
• Tire Repair Kit & Portable Air Compressor: Airing down your tires dramatically improves off-road traction, and this kit lets you re-inflate to drive home safely.

3. Armor: Skid Plates & Rock Guards (Protection Before Performance)

Why protection comes first? Your Jeep’s vital organs—the engine oil pan, fuel tank, and transfer case—are vulnerable to rocks and stumps. Armor isn't about looking cool (though it does); it's about investing in peace of mind. As for the skid plates, you should start with an engine/oil pan, which is the most critical component to protect. As for the rock guards (or rock sliders), they are used to replace the factory side rails. They protect the expensive bodywork from damage and provide a sturdy point to jack up your Jeep. Avoid cheap, thin side steps—they can do more harm than good.

Skid Plate vs Splash Guard: Are They the Same and Necessary?

4. A 2-Inch Lift Kit

Now you have better tires and armor, a small lift is the next logical step. Here are the reasons. It provides the clearance needed to prevent tire rub when your suspension flexes off-road and improves your Jeep’s approach and departure angles. A 2-inch lift is the sweet spot, offering significant gains without the driveline complexity and high cost of a massive lift. A quality 2-2.5 inch suspension lift kit that includes new springs and shocks. This not only lifts your Jeep but can also dramatically improve ride quality both on and off the road.

5. A Winch

A winch is a hallmark of a well-prepared Jeep. Think of it as a portable, heavy-duty version of a fishing reel that can pull your 5,000+ lb Jeep out of a mud pit. It can also be used for pulling other vehicles out, clearing trails of fallen trees or debris, and controlled descents down very steep slopes.

How to Choose the Right Winch for Your Car?

Bonus "Weekend 1" Mod: Grab Handles!

Before you do any of the above, start here. Interior grab handles are inexpensive, take minutes to install, and make getting in or out of your Jeep - especially after a lift - safer and easier for everyone. It’s the quintessential first mod that every Jeeper appreciates.

The Golden Rule: The best advice is to go off-roading with your stock Jee. Drive it, learn its limits, and let the trail tell you what you need. You’ll be amazed at what a stock Jeep can do, and you’ll make smarter, more personalized upgrade choices based on your own experience.