It usually doesn’t take the new Jeep owner long after getting their first Jeep to start thinking about making jeep modifications. Owning a Jeep and self-modifying it seem to go hand in hand like owning a hot tub and soaking. You see other jeeps tooling down the road and they look so much more,…..well, Jeep-like. You know the look “Rough and ready to rock on!” A lot of first time owners may wonder, “What do I need to do to get that look?” Well you can give your vehicle that look with 4 modification
Jeep Modifications – The top 4 Ways to Customize Your Jeep
Jeep Modifications
First, Jeep modification is tires and wheels are a good place to start. Those stock tires are pretty wimpy looking and spicing up the tires and wheels goes a long way to making your Jeep take on a new appearance. You’ll want to consider if you’ll be installing a lift and how much of one before you jump on the tires. The bigger the lift the larger the tires you’ll be able to run. Tires and wheels might be a simple way to change the look of your rig, but they won’t be an inexpensive way to go. They can be downright costly! You’ll need to consider your Jeep use before investing. Is it a daily driver, purely an offroad vehicle, or a mix of the two? You’ll also want to consider how your Jeep is powered and geared. A number of folks place way too much rubber under their rig and then wonder why it doesn’t respond or have any pick-up! Hello, you just added a few hundred pounds of rubber; do you think that it will have an effect? If you go with large tires, you might need to upgrade your gears. There is a cause and effect at work here. How your Jeep is powered and how you use it should ultimately determine what wheel and tire package you select. Consult with your local offroad performance shop if you’re not sure or you need help. They should be able to steer you in the right direction.
Jeep Modifications using Stock Bumpers
Second, those stock bumpers really do need to go. Not only are they unimpressive, they simply will not stand up to an offroad beating! There are a ton of options out there from tube units to the rock crawler bombproof heavy-gauge block units. The finishes are wide and varied as well; stainless steel, black powder coated, titanium finish (the latest craze), etc. Bumpers seem to be made by everyone these days from small shops making custom units to major manufacturers like Warn, Warrior and ARB producing lines of them. So you have a ton of options! For me I’d stick with a well-known company that offers a warranty on its products. You know their bumpers have been tested, passed DOT regulations, and the company stands behind them for defects. You won’t get any of that from a local shop, and even if you do, who knows how long they’ll be around to support it? Warrior makes a good basic steel bumper along with tube units. Warn makes a nice Rock Crawler Bumper with an optional grille guard. And ARB makes a tube bumper they call a Bull Bar. All three companies are recognized for well-made products and they all have a very good reputation. I don’t think you can go wrong with one of their bumpers.
Modifying your Jeep using Lifts
Third, lift that Jeep. Raising your Jeep gives it a better, hardier profile. It really makes a difference. You can lift it with a simple lift system like coil spacers or lift shackles. Or you can go with a body lift or, even bigger and better, a suspension lift. There are tons of options from style, manufacturer, and price to select from. So, do your research and be thorough before making a final decision.
Jeep Customization – The Tires
Fourth, you’ve lifted your Jeep and have bigger tires, now it’ll look a whole lot better with bigger fender flares. The higher vehicle and larger tires scream for wider and more pronounced fender flares! The most popular these days seem to be the Bushwacker 6 inch extended fender flares. Their flares are made of a tough Dura-Flex material so they take a beating and are easy to maintain. They bolt on using existing factory drilled holes and come in a black matte finish that is easy to custom paint. Bushwacker backs them up with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Xenon and Bestop also make very good extended fender flares for your Jeep. Whichever flare you choose, your Jeep will look better with the extended type, and they’ll offer better protection against the flying debris from those larger tires.
With these four jeep modification upgrades your Jeep will take on that rugged rock ready look. Don’t hesitate to contact a local performance offroad shop or a couple of them to ask questions and get input. The people at these shops are heavily involved in the sport of wheeling and they can offer some valuable insight into your options.
Jeep Wrangler – How to Identify between the JK, TJ and the YJ
If you have ever wondered how to quickly distinguish visually between the three different Jeep Wrangler models YJ, TJ, and JK, then this article is for you.
Jeep Wrangler YJ: Square Headlights
The Jeep Wrangler YJ (1987-1995), the first of the Wrangler lineup, was produced in 1987 to replace the Civilian jeep (CJ), and rolled off the production line in Ohio where the original Willys were created for WWll. The most distinguishing visual attribute about the YJs is the shape of their headlights. Jeeps, from the start (dating all the way back to WWII), had up to this point always used round headlights, until AMC changed that by designing rectangular headlights for the YJ Wrangler. Since the TJ and JK Wrangler models, in contrast, both use round headlamps, the YJ is easy to identify by this feature… Special models offered for the YJ include the Laredo, Sahara, Islander, along with the Renegade.
Jeep Wrangler TJ: Round Headlights
The Jeep Wrangler TJ (1996 – 2006) is the second generation Jeep Wrangler model. The TJ regained it’s Willys Jeep heritage with the reintroduction of round headlamps. The look of the new TJ Wrangler did not really offer many modifications to the body style other than small changes like wider seats, turn signals on the front fenders, and a factory hardtop option, so the best way to compare the two models is still by the headlight shape. Special models offered for the TJ include the Sport and the Sahara.
Jeep Wrangler JK: Just Bigger
Jeep Wrangler JK
The Jeep Wrangler JK (2007 – 2010) is the one member of the Jeep Wrangler family that really visually stands on its own. The JK is a much larger jeep in height, weight, length and overall bulk. Like the TJ, the JK model does use round headlamps, but also includes a Four Door version, 18″ tires, 6 speed transmission and a new transfer case, among other distinguishing features. Overall, the simplest way to tell a JK apart is by the sheer road space it occupies. If you still aren’t sure, then take look at the turn signals – on the JK, the turn signals are on the side, as opposed to the TJ Wrangler’s, which are forward-facing. Special models offered for the JK include the Sahara, Rubicon and X.
Whether it’s the rectangular headlights of the YJ’s, the round headlamps of the TJ, or the sheer size of the JK, you know you are looking at some of the toughest (and most fun to drive) vehicles in driveways and offroad trails across America. When in doubt, use this very short and simple explanation to quickly distinguish between the Jeep Wrangler YJ, TJ, and JK. Now you can really annoy your wife (or husband) by constantly pointing them out on road trips!
When most people think of the history or Jeeps, they tend to think of the more current vehicles and tend to forget the older models. The Jeep history is quite rich and actually intertwined with North America’s military history quite deeply. If it hadn’t been for the Jeep line of vehicles many people would have died in WW2 and the following wars. Yes it was that important.
Jeeps First Mission
Jeeps were first designed for use for the U.S. Military. The Army needed a reliable vehicle to move soldiers and other things. The Jeep was favored because of its high torque and ruggedness and thus, it became the workhorse of the U.S. Military. Additionally, many versions were outfitted with heavy machine guns and used as reconnaissance vehicles.
Some Jeeps were used as medical transports, supply vehicles, and were so adaptable that they could accommodate any role needed. Their versatile abilities served it well in WW2 as well as the Korean, and Vietnam wars. Several soldiers during these wars exclaimed often that you could not kill the Jeeps. Frequently they had to be pretty battered to not work at all. As you can see, it is evident that the history of Jeeps is very deep. This vehicle is thought of as the best example of well-organized design, and service.
Jeeps History Outside of the Military
The Jeep history is not just restricted to military uses however. It has been one of the most preferential 4 wheeled off road vehicles ever built. Many civilian organizations use Jeeps in mountainous places. The U.S. Postal Service even has used Jeeps. Civilians most use Jeeps for the outdoors. Offroading. When camping, they can get to places that are not easily accessible by other vehicles and Jeeps have much storage space.
Jeeps Used in Recreation
Most campers will only use Jeeps specifically for their ruggedness and capability of going where other vehicles cannot. The Jeep has even been used in fire fighting services, as well as forest services. The Jeep is so multifaceted that there is not a role it cannot be used in.
As time has passed many makes and models of vehicles have gotten cheaper in their quality and reliability. Many companies try to cut corners with plastics in place of metals. However Jeep has not done this and the quality of its vehicles speaks for itself.
The Jeep name has changed many owners over the years since the vehicle was built for the military. At present, the owner of Jeep is Chrysler, although Ford has played a role in making Jeeps for the military as well. The replacement for the Jeep is called the Hummer and was created to make all the aspects of the Jeep better. The Jeep is still used all through the world for military and civilian purposes.
Will this illegal simply be deported smuggling illegal immigrants nearly runs over Upland police officer?
A man hauling eight illegal immigrants in a car tried to run over a police officer and led officers on a chase into Montclair on Saturday.
Police arrested Erick Espinoza, 20, who is a Mexican national. He was booked into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.
An Upland police officer was investigating a theft in the 700 block of Central Avenue at 11:20 a.m. when he encountered two people. The people got into a car and accelerated toward the officer.
The officer jumped back into his vehicle to avoid being struck.
The driver sped away south on Central Avenue, driving into oncoming traffic and running other vehiclesoff the road, police said.
He jumped out of the vehicle while it was still moving. The car crashed into a tree in a parking lot near the corner of Richton Street and Central Avenue. Officers had to use a Taser gun on the driver while taking him into custody because he fought with police.
Police found eight illegal immigrants lying down in the vehicle. The immigrants were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE officials said they had been previously deported back to Mexico within the last two weeks.
There were no reported injuries.
http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_12288883
Jeep Mods answers:
I hope he stays in jail for a very long time. And the ones who was sent back two weeks ago need to go along with him.
Helen asks…
Would a custom amphibious vehicle need a boating license and appropriate gear?
I posted this question in the boating related section of Yahoo Answers and was suggested to ask this in the Law & Ethics section:
I just saw this truck on CMT that looks like a custom Dodge Ram convertible with a Chevy Corvetty rear end. The bed was converted into an engine compartment. Looked nothing like a boat but he drove down the road and straight into a lake and took off. Would he technically be illegal to drive his “truck” on the water without a boating license or would his license plates be good enough since it’s arguably enough a truck? Would he need enough life vests for all of his passengers?
Jeep Mods answers:
Yes, it he is using it as a boat, it needs a boating license, life vests, proper running lights, etc.
Carol asks…
Solid front axle for 2001 dakota?
Due to recent ifs suspension issues, and lift kit availability, I am kicking around the idea of converting the front end of my truck to a solid front axle set up. I was wondering where I should start looking, what doner vehicles I should start looking at, different steering set ups, etc. I want something that will be strong offroad as well as something good for medium towing (6000 lbs) I Started looking into custom 609s, but the cost is just to high for me right now. Any suggestions?
Jeep Mods answers:
The only donor vehicle you could even consider would be a ram truck ,and its to wide for a Dakota,and the cost of swapping this one out would be more than you want to deal with right now,i have seen it done but once done all the truck is good for is off road,not counting all the cutting and welding that has to be done you,d have a small fortune in the truck once your done with it,you,d also have to modify the current suspension you have on it,id think it through real good because i know someone who has done it before and if you could ask them about they,d tell you don’t do it,once done the truck is basically ruined,and only good for off road use,good luck
I’m asking because I drive a ’98 Wrangler with the 4.0L engine and a 5 speed manual transmission which now has 118,000 miles on it (bought it 2 years ago with 77,000 miles) plus it’s lifted on 33″ tires. While I have had no trouble with the engine at all as expected with the legendary 4.0L, I have had numerous problems with other drive train components including the original transmission completely failing at 106,000 miles and the rear 3.73 ring and pinion breaking apart at 117,000 miles.
My brother is now looking at buying a ’99 Wrangler with 121,000 miles on it and it, too, has the 4.0L engine and a 5 speed manual transmission. It is also lifted on 33″ tires just like mine is. Does it sound like perhaps I’ve just had bad luck with my Wrangler or should my brother expect the same sort of problems if he buys this Wrangler that’s forsale?
Jeep Mods answers:
The engines are stout. Many ppl have 4.0L pushing beyond 300k. Its all in maintenance really. As long as the previous owner followed a good maintenance schedule should be no problem. As for your axle and transmission failing that is not a common issue.
33s on 3.73s is kinda bad but its not the end of the world. The dana 30/40/35 are all capable of running 33s no problem. Its when you get lockers you run into trouble or are running 35s+.
As for the tranny failing not many issues except negligence such as not changing fluids in the axles or tranny.
I have a 2000 Wrangler with 150k miles and it runs like a champ no issues. Keep the fluids changed on a regular basis and other routine maintenance and you will be fine.
Wranglers are very simple and straight forward so not much stuff to actually go wrong.
Betty asks…
will wrangler wheels fit xj?
i have a 2001 jeep xj with a 2” lift.i have seen 06 wrangler rubicon tire and wheel sets forsale and i am trying to see if they will fit my xj with the 2” lift.
Jeep Mods answers:
Yes. The XJ and TJ both have 5 x 4.5″ bolt pattern.
Paul asks…
Is $4000 for a 1999 jeep cherokee too much, 140k miles?
Title says it all – I’m looking at a used Jeep Grand Cherokee, it has 140k miles, but is in cherry shape. One owner, took to dealer service every 4000 miles, carfax and DEALER confirmed work history.
Had car on lift, its spotless, fairly good tires, no signs of leak. Test drove and it was like floating on air. The mileage worries me, but I pulled the tranny fluid and it was nice and pink. Mechanic verifies its sound.
Original sale price was 5k, but he went to 4k, will not go lower.
Thoughts?
Edit: Its a 4 door, and definitely 4×4.
Jeep Mods answers:
That price is a bit to high, you should only be paying $3000 especially with that amount of mileage on it. .
1999 jeep grand cherokee opions and cool mods i can do for pretty cheap?
i have just perchused a 1999 jeep grand cherokee a big upgrade from a 1990 z24 cav and want to know what enginemods that i could do even exterior mods would be apressated thanks in advance
Jeep Mods answers:
Sell it it’s a Jeep!
Michael asks…
what is the best mod for jeep 2.5l engine? I want more power without doing an engine swap?
Jeep Mods answers:
Get a cool air intake.. And a gearing switch. Those are the best mods.
Ken asks…
jeep engine swap. will it work?
i have a 97 2.5L jeep. it is fuel injected. its blown up. i found a used 2.5L engine but its the older model the carburetor one. the cylinder walls are jacked up in Mine so the block is all i need. are these 2 blocks the same? can i replace my 97 block with the older one without any problems or mods?
Jeep Mods answers:
The used engine you found should not be a problem at all. You need to be sure you re-install the intake manifolds.
How do I do a 2 inch front end lift on a 1994 Jeep Cherokee Country?
I know how I’m planning to lift the rear with Add a Leafs, but now I need some advice on what to do with the front end. I don’t have a ton of money to throw at this project, so the cheaper the better. I have shock absorbers by Gabriel that are enabled for a two inch lift all around the jeep, so those won’t have to be replaced. But anything else, I would appreciate advice on!
Jeep Mods answers:
4WD.com has a 2″ economy suspension for your Jeep. It is part # KIT493208N and sells for $143.97
It uses a coil spring spacer up front and an add a leaf in the back.
Susan asks…
So my Jeep officially hit 100,000 miles last week..?
I have a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It needs some work..shocks, new tires, it overheats when sitting still for too long, no air conditioning, only the driver’s side heat works and possibly a new transmission because it has a hard time getting into gears and when it does the whole car jumps.
I personally don’t see the point in investing this kind of money into a Jeep that’s at 100,000 miles. My mom tells me I should run it to the ground since I have no car payments, but I don’t know how much longer I can run it without fixing these things. I work 33 hrs a week as of right now and have credit card bills, utilities and car insurance bills that I pay monthly.. Do you guys think it’s worth putting money into this Jeep or getting something else but having a car payment?
If I get something else it’s going to be something practical that will last a long time and is cheap to fix, like a Toyota or Honda.. Those are not my dream cars but at this point that’s not what I’m looking for..
Ohh and another good reason to keep the Jeep is that I live in New England and it has 4Wheel drive.. But it guzzles gas like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I’ve always driven a Jeep (this is my 2nd one) and I don’t know if I’ll be regretting getting the car once it snows again..
Thanks for any input, sorry it’s such a long question but it’s a huge decision for me!
Another note.. I did change the transmission fluid earlier this year. The mechanic said it was filthy, but it still wasn’t working right after that and now it’s even worse..
If anyone knows how much these repairs might cost please let me know!
Jeep Mods answers:
If your tight on budget then I reccomend leasing a kia sportage, or a ford escape 4cylinder, your car need to hit the junkyard. I HATE CHRYLSER CARS!, And alot of ppl say there reliability is garbage. Japenese cars are expensive but is worth the money in the long run. If you want to purchase an suv then hyundai tucson is an excellent choice.
Richard asks…
Jeep wrecked. Will they total it?
I got hit in the front passenger side of my Jeep. The axle is bent, power steering leaks, drag link and tie-rod are bent, shock and coil are shot, wheel and tire are bad too. From what I can tell, the frame is still good. The engine seems to run fine also. I’m thinking with all of that damage, they will just total it. If so, what are my options? Can I just buy it back from them? Can I buy it and still recieve money along with it. I would like to get it back if possible.I can fix it up cheaper than they say with junkyard parts and make it right again. Pocket a little money also. Just wondering what ya’ll think they will do, and what my options are at that point. Thanks…
Jeep Mods answers:
If it is drivable, and will pass inspection, you have options, I would get the money from the estimate, and go to a used parts yard and get parts I need, and let it go. Or if the damages are more than what it is worth, you can get it totalled out and buy it back, and keep the money. You will want the car drivable is the end result. We use Kelly Blue book in the us
I’m hoping to lift my 1994 Jeep Cherokee Country two inches so I can fit 30 inch or 31 inch tires on it, but I’m wondering if I do an add a leaflift to the rear, and a coil spring spacer lift to the front springs, would I have to modify anything else in my front end/rear end, or have to mess with my brake lines or anything similar? (I already have my new shocks in that can handle the 2″ lift.) All advice is appreciated.
The tires and trimming aren’t a problem, I’m just wondering if the 2 inch lift will require me to change control arms, rods, brake lines and things along that line.
Jeep Mods answers:
The Grand Cherokee ZJ/WJ is a lot different then the Cheroeke XJ. 30′s will fit stock with a smidge of rubbing on the lower control arms at full lock. Also, ther Cherokee Country came with a better suspension that sits about 1″ higher then the sport or SE models. You will certainly be able to fit even 33′s stock with trimming, but must consider the width of the tires as well. The wider the tires (on stock wheels) the more rubbing inside on the LCA’s and outside on the fender flares when the wheels are turned. Stock wheels on most cherokees (after 92?? Not quite sure) have 5.5″ backspacing. The wider the tire, the less backspacing you will need. If you do not offroad often, consider a set of wheel spacer’s which will do the trick, but many believe they are not safe. You can do your own research on that and form your own opinion.
Additionally, you can keep your stock control arms, rods and brake lines, the lift isn’t large enough to require after market parts like that. The higher you go over 3″ you will need things like a TCASE drop and an SYE, LCA’s, brake lines, etc etc etc. You will likely get away with only the spacer’s and AAL’s. If you are on a budget, this is the way to go. Also consider the condition of your current lift. Is the rear sagging a lot (like most cherokees do after awhile?) if so, be aware that the AAL’s will only give you +2″ over what it is now, whereas full leaves will give you +2″ over stock. If you are sagging in the rear, and you add 2 inch spacers up front and 2″ AAL’s in the back, your back will still be saggy.
Good luck, and whatever you do, DONT GET BLOCKS IN THE REAR!!!!
Charles asks…
How high can i lift my ’92 Jeep Cherokee XJ without having to change out other parts?
Planning on lifting it 4.5 inches w/RoughCountry w/ Leafsprings. Also how big of tires can i put on it with 4.5in lift?
Jeep Mods answers:
Can’t do a body lift on the uni-body XJ. You can go 4.5 without replacing anything but springs, although the articulation of the suspension is not going to be all that great. Try 32×11.5 r15 tires with a slight spacer. At that height spacing between the body and the tire isn’t much of an issue, with that tire size, but spacing between the tire and the suspension could be.
James asks…
Jeep Xj Lift?
I have a 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ that has a 2 inch lift on it. The front lift is a coil spring spacer and the rear is a leaf spring shackle. The rear seems to not be as high as it once was and I was wondering if it would be ok to add a lift block under the leafsprings nothing big maybe 1 inch to 1 1/2 inch just to raise it back to where it used to be. Low on money does this sound like a alright idea?
Jeep Mods answers:
No. It’s not a good idea. Your spring pack is weak and sagging. Adding a lift block will cause it to increase axle wrap and worsen the stress on the springs. Maybe causing one to break. Or at least sag farther faster. The best bet is a new spring pack. Depending on the lift you want and where you order them from prices will vary. I got a set of 4.5 lift springs to replace my sagging springs from Rusty’s for $240 for the pair.
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