(Part 2) Top products from r/Wrangler

I'm going to assume this will be a generic mall crawler and not leave the pavement very often. If you plan to take it wheeling, reply back and I will add a few more suggestions.

Things to think about

1. The hardtop takes up a lot of room. Either plan on putting in some sort of hoist to store it up high or giving up a lot of garage space.
   
   
2. Until you have the previously mentioned hoist in place, the hardtop is a pain in the ass to put on and take off without help. Not because its heavy, but because its awkward. It also means that you can't just drop the top if the day is nicer than expected. On my old jeep, I eventually sold the hardtop and went soft top only. On my new Jeep, I skipped the hard top entirely.
   
   If you plan on storing instruments in the vehicle and need the secure storage, great. If not, then the soft top is the way to go in my opinion.
   
   
3. For long haul trips, the back seats suck. The angle of the backrest on the rear seats is a bit steep and becomes uncomfortable after awhile. Also, there is no support under the center of the back seat. If the person in the middle is heavy, the seat could sag and become even more uncomfortable. There are a few aftermarket products to address both seat sagging and the recline issue but I've never tested them.
   
   
   Options to consider:
   
   
4. 3.73 gears will cost you ~$600 or so. If you ever plan on putting on bigger tires or towing, you want the 3.73 gears. The 3.21 gears will give you an extra mile or so per gallon but at the expense of quite a bit of power.
   
   
5. Don't buy either of the tow packages. The basic tow package costs around $350 and is just a hitch and wiring harness. You can buy the same receiver hitch on its own for $75. The wiring harness just clips in and its a quick and easy 4 bolt install.
   
   The Max tow package is almost as bad a deal. That's $900 and gives you the $3.73 gears ($600 above) and the hitch in one package. Still better to buy the gears on their own and use your own hitch.
   
   
   
6. Spiderweb Shade This is a must have if you plan on going topless very often. The best part is that once its installed, you never have to remove it. It fits right under the factory tops.
   
   
7. Unless you plan on putting in an aftermarket sound system, spend the money for the alpine upgrade. Without it you can't hear the music over the sound of the wind if you have the top down.
   
   
8. Hood latches - There are several options, both with and without keys. If you live in a zero crime area, great...but for the rest of us, a set of keyed hood latches will help keep your battery from getting stolen. Also, the hood flutters at high speed with the stock latches. That makes me nervous.
   
   
9. Door hinge locks are also a good idea. Jeep doors are easy to take off, expensive to replace, and are stolen more often than you would think. While not foolproof, they are better than nothing...especially if you don't keep the key to them in the jeep itself.
   
   
   
   

I am not a fan of LED headlights by any means. Most people do not know how to aim them correctly, thus blinding everyone they come across.

If you have your heart set on LED lights, I highly suggest looking at this website:

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/tech.html

The guy's name is Daniel Stern and he is THE guru on lights. He gives an extremely detailed how-to on aiming LED lights. He also gives tutorials on how to correctly aim normal bulb headlights. They are extremely detailed, but rest assured, he will give the best advice

Alternatively, you can go the route I took and purchase Cibie (pronounced cee-BEE-ay). It is a brand made in France or Belgium, I believe and are european code lights. I have run them in my RX-7s, Miatas, and other cars to which I have received no complaints from cops or anyone else. They give an amazing light pattern, and give plenty of light (feathering) on the sides of the road which really come in handy when deer and the like are out.

The link to them are here from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Cibie-082440-82440-Light-Unit/dp/B008DQV88Q

Make sure to buy the bulbs (DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS WHEN INSTALLING!). I purchased the 60/55W bulbs, also at this link:

https://www.amazon.com/HELLA-H4-12V-Halogen-Bulb/dp/B00IKM61MQ/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_263_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=SB7X6P6WF88JCBDYYMJD

Let me know if I can answer any other questions!

I have a 2DR with the rear seat out and absolutely love it. Light, nimble, feels like a toy. Excellent city car actually due to parallel parking capabilities. I would only go 4DR if you have hauling needs or anything more than a significant other & dog. If you do go 2DR i'd suggest grabbing one of these: https://www.amazon.com/CURT-18153-Basket-Style-Cargo-Carrier/dp/B00JF5LRN0/ref=zg_bs_15735311_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HR7SDTG5WGZZ1GKJCX0J

In fact I just drove across the country camping with both of them in the car and it was workable with that additional cargo space

​

Edit: Hard top is pretty easy to move on and off 2DR w/ 2 people, so I went hard

Also, the 2 door has several advantages, like a very tight turning circle - helpful on anything from trails to mall parking lots.

I assume the Sport S comes with the 32" tires? That and the 3.73 ratio and pretty much the only things I'd consider essential. (Well, AC too, if you're not going topless all the time, but maybe I'm just a wimp.) But I don't think you can get locking rear diffs on it from the factory...I thought they only came with lockers on Rubicons, and there was just the option for limited slip? Personally, I didn't bother with limited slip. The BLD system is pretty good, so I don't know if I'll ever put lockers in.

I'd suggest going to a dealership and taking a look. The rear seat folds up in a weird way. There's probably enough room, but I'd want to check to see if there's enough room for your gear.

For other stuff that's less sensitive to the elements, you can bolt on a hitch pretty easily and get a cargo carrier. That's the one I've got...notably, the lip is low enough for rear door to open without taking off the cargo carrier.

Hey Sevnfold,

So the Kicker upgrade are two sets of these (known as 77Kick10):
https://www.amazon.com/Jeep-Wrangler-Kicker-Speaker-Upgrade/dp/B0091EPN94/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486479358&sr=8-1&keywords=kicker+upgrade+jeep

And two of sets of these (77kick25ab):
https://www.amazon.com/Dodge-Kicker-Speaker-Upgrade-77KICK25AB/dp/B008I2UYPI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486479517&sr=8-1&keywords=77kick25

The hardest part are the two front speakers under the dash.

I used this video from youtube to help me figure it out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQt_gmPIl-w

The other 6 speakers are pretty much plug and play and shouldn't take longer than an hour or so to get them done.

I used polyfill to give it nice deep bass tone in all the spots.

The amp was:
https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-KTP-445U-4-channel-Power-Amplifier/dp/B003VVYL46

I didn't want to install that myself so paid a place to do it. Took them about 3 hours to get it done.

I didn't want to get anything that didn't look stock so this is why I went this way. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

GPC Image 10 Pack Compatible Ink... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SKGHL6W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Sorry for the late reply, it’s a great bumper and really cheap. Came in perfect condition, all hardware was there, paint looked good. Took about an hour to take the stock off, 20-30 min to put the new one on

I think KC, Hella, and Rampage are the most common ones. I've heard rampage ones are cheap so it'll be safer to go with the other brands

https://www.amazon.com/Hella-Halogen-Replacement-Headlight-Standard/dp/B000FKIURK


I bought these cibies which have great reviews on the Jeep fourms and amazon. You just have to buy the bulbs later

Is it sticky? If not, it's highly likely that it "stained" because it's actually conditioning the plastic, which is technically good for it. Go buy yourself a can of plastic conditioner and do all of your faded plastic. Your Jeep will shine and look newer, and you'll never be able to tell you were egged.

Edit: like this stuff. You can get it pretty much anywhere with an auto section.


(8000 edits later because I forgot how to link format...more coffee, please.)

This stuff is amazing. I purchased my Jeep used and the flares and bumpers looked like the previous owner smeared sunscreen all over everything. This product dyes it back to black. Make sure to wipe it down after an hour or 2. It will come off on your clothes. I did not wipe it off after and ruined a pair of pants after trying to get out of the jeep. It's been 5 months and they still look new. I wish I took before photos.

https://www.amazon.com/Solution-Finish-Black-Plastic-Restorer/dp/B006NZRAFE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1549331548&sr=8-2-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=solution+finish&psc=1

So do you need remote start and power locks?

If you just want a remote start that works off your lock button on your key fob, I used this on my jk and it works off pressing the key fob 3 times.. It is plug and play so it's pretty easy if you watch the YouTube video

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NDZM52A/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499139918&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=jeep+remote+start&dpPl=1&dpID=41LmsbTu6rL&ref=plSrch

Surco Safari!

Some days I love it, some days I think it's weird looking. You don't see many jeeps with a rear rack and a deflector, so I guess it makes mine a little different than the herd.

Rack:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C5T2BPG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cross Bars: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SLHQYE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1



I found that if you don't have a wind deflector, at 65mph+ your fucking ears will bleed from the train whistle that you strapped to the top of your Jeep. It was seriously the loudest thing I've ever heard, I get headaches thinking about it. Consider a deflector if you get a rack, especially this one.

Bumpers are a personal taste, but as far as the winch goes, I would take that money and buy a Warn winch. They have been market leaders forever, and for good reason. Dont want your winch failing when you need it.

This is a great winch. I have one on the front of my JKU Rubicon. It currently has a $75 mail in rebate as well, so if you order online with no tax, it costs less than the smittybilt

Here is the rebate form.

EAG 07-17 Jeep Wrangler JK Stubby Front Bumper with OE Fog Light Housing (51-0357)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SKGHL6W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.tKBzb85YDJDP

That's it! And as far as winching goes I think I am going to place a 1/8" steel plate underneath the winch mount to make it a bit more stout.

Yes:
First swap your speakers out with something like these:
Kicker 77KICK10 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SUO5QS

• get 2 sets (front and back)
  Also swap the little speakers in the dash and rollbar with 77KICK25
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008I2UYPI
  
• again get 2 sets.
  
  Then get you a decent amp. I prefer DD Audio D4.90 amp but any quality 4-channel amp at 75w per channel is fine. The D4.90 can take line-level inputs from your 130 head unit.

Welcome to AZ! https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Arizona-Backroads-4-Wheel-Drive-Trails/dp/1934838195/ref=tmm_other_meta_binding_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Don't know about the hard top, but why not just get a hitch cargo carrier?

Something like this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JF5LRN0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hUV1DbDVPTE9F

Easy to load everything on and off

Plus, once you're done, just unhitch it and store in the garage

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B00NDZM52A/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=new. That's the one, tutorial online, really easy.

https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge-11210-11-Black-Aluminum/dp/B00EDWF1BE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1505443693&sr=8-4&keywords=jk+hood+latch

I got mine 3 years ago, for like half this much, so amazon might be overpriced atm, but even at $100 they are worth every penny.

This is under seat lockbox there are many different options for trunk and over head boxs depending on preference. Tuffy is a good brand to my knowledge.

I just found this. Seems to be different brands for the same looking bumpers. If it is the same it's a good price
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IS93VKG/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1450699043&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX220_SY330_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=e-autogrilles+jeep+jk&dpPl=1&dpID=51o8PJSjSlL&ref=plSrch

As a general starting point I recommend this book: Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails 2nd Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1934838195/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1Ad2Cb53V8G9T

Thanks.
Took awhile to find.
It’s a rampage products black euro front grill guard for 97-06 Jeep TJ
RAMPAGE PRODUCTS 7659 Black Euro Front Grille Guard for 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler YJ & TJ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EBO1AK/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_tai_ieyyCbDFC1MKJ

I bought mine from amazon..
I’ll probably get the warn winch eventually

They look like the rugged ridge ones to me. The set on Amazon have the silver hardware.

I have used this to great effect on all my GM plastics.

Solution Finish Black Plastic & Vinyl Plastic Trim Restorer - Car and Truck Polish - 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006NZRAFE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ieRSBb21N90DM

Both on Amazon

Grill:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019PR5ZXK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Headlights:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07539CDCS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017MUVFPY/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?qid=1463110571&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=alaska+decal&dpPl=1&dpID=31ZRv4MPOvL&ref=plSrch

This seller on Amazon has the most detailed state decals. I just purchased FL for the fender.

We had the same issue and just made sure two of the vents were always pointed towards the back seat. We considered getting one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Noggle-Backseat-Conditioning-Comfortable-Traveling/dp/B00LXT23RU

but did not.

You could get some kind of flexible tubing (like a vacuum cleaner tube) and attach it to one of the vents then attach the other end in a way that it points at your child.


Edit: apprently this exists already.

Here ya go

I bought grab bars for my front seats - https://www.amazon.com/Opar-Front-Handle-2007-2017-Wrangler/dp/B01328OJAI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481819293&sr=8-1&keywords=opar+grab+bars

And these for my back ones - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0013REXSO/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just got these tail lights too - https://www.amazon.com/Snake-Style-Reversing-Brake-Signal/dp/B01J9W781S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481819365&sr=8-1&keywords=opar+snake

Have this on our '05 LJ for now, gets the job done.

https://www.amazon.com/Rampage-7659-Black-Front-Grille/dp/B000EBO1AK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496472531&sr=8-3&keywords=jeep+grille+guard

Yea it is bolted down.

http://www.amazon.com/Bestop-42641-01-Under-97-06-Wrangler/dp/B004P1WNBE/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t/187-0510540-1960845

Here is the mobile version of your link

Here is the desktop version of your link

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019PR5ZXK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thoughts on the 8000lb Warn vs the 10000lb smitty?

https://www.amazon.com/WARN-26502-M8000-8000-lb-Winch/dp/B000182DYM

I read somewhere that I should go for 10k. Is 8k enough? I'm thinking it'll be pulling me out of mud, and other cars out of snow.

If worried about the trying the heatgun option (which does work, see vids on youtube), you might start with Meguiar's Ultimate Black or Mother's Back to Black.

It's damned near impossible to find a cheap hardtop mounting system, and 400 bucks is on the cheapest end. Not sure if they're still around, but there used to be a front gutter-rear strap system (maybe by Surco? Don't remember the brand) that the full kit with crossbars was around 350. Still not super cheap, but it didn't need vehicle alterations to install. It didn't include any type of rack.

Most of that stuff is stupidly overpriced for what is essentially cheap, clunky junk.

[edit] Looks like there is a Surco J600 with front and rear mounts on Amazon for 180. You'll need crossbars of some sort, additionally. https://www.amazon.com/Surco-J600-Roof-Rack-Adapter/dp/B00C5T2BPG

I got one of these, they self key. I also got one of these, which need tumblers installed.

For the gas cap, stay the hell away from dealerships to key it. One wouldn't do it unless I ordered the cap through them, and the other wanted $80 and said they couldn't guarantee they could key it correctly. I went to a reputable locksmith and it took 20 minutes and cost $15. I'd also recommend this, and I used silicone lube in the gas cap tumbler since it would stick at first. Haven't had an issue since.

edit: I linked to the wrong locking gas cap.