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Here are some of the thoughts that went through my head....and I think my head works fairly well...so maybe its a good road map for you:
1.) How much will I be going offroad? - Not a whole hell of a lot. I've got land with trails...but I've also got a few ATV's and a Polaris Ranger. That said, I do have an urge to take my Jeep where no Jeep has gone before.
2.) Where will I be offroading? - Look, if you are going offroad in a field, who needs 4" lift, 33" tires, and heavy duty skid plates? If you live in Utah....well, that's a different story.
3.) Do I have a practical use for the lift/locker/tires/etc, etc? - Yes! I go to my camp almost weekly. In the winter, just getting there often requires 4WD, and sometimes that doesn't cut it. A little more clearance, a little more traction, and a mean looking vehicle that makes me feel good is enough to validate the cost of aftermarket items.
4.) Am I a novice, intermediate, or expert Jeeper? - This is my second Jeep, and my first venture into the aftermarket. I had no idea what to expect in terms of how these items would affect my brand new vehicle. What I did know is that I wanted to have know degradation to my vehicle or ride quality. Thus, more expensive (hopefully equating to higher quality) and less extreme seemed like a good beginner's path.
5.) How much gas mileage am I willing to sacrifice? - Sure, the gearheads on here will say, "If you are worried about gas mileage you shouldn't have bought a Jeep." I'm more moderate in thinking....I knew my gas mileage wouldn't be great and that didn't bother me, however I would be bothered by dropping to horrible. By all accounts adding weight and extremely larger tires = horrible gas mileage. Again, less extreme looked good to me.
6.) How much am I willing to spend? - This question is generally either the starting point or the ending point depending upon whether you want to dream a little first or face reality right away. Sometimes you can rationalize things for yourself: "I spent $X on the Liberty and adding Y parts will cost $Y. $X + $Y (plus tax and labor?) = $Z. $Z is still < a fully loaded H3....so what the hell?" Bottom line is, this question should be your bottom line!
I think these are the questions everyone considering tinkering with their stock vehicle should ask themselves. Make a flow chart and answer them honestly....it should lead anybody to the right answer. A guy with a junk load of money, is an avid offroader, and no care for gas mileage will end up with an extreme rig that cost some cash. A guy who simply wants to improve the aesthetics of his vehicle will probably end up doing a clevis lift and changing his stock tires to A/T's without going up in size.
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Hey...thanks for having me here. - unclejjg
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I dont want a 42'' plasma tv as much as a 4'' lift and 33'' tires
