Recommended First Mods ?

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Tue Jan 17, 2006 10:31 am

Finally, my extended warranty is set to expire in about 8,000 miles and so I want to begin improving my Liberty.

Is there a generated list of recommended first modifications / If not, can we generate one? I am looking for a slightly (1-1.5") lifted stance and then any other things that I can improve on my trusty little Liberty starting later this year. I know most, if not all, of this information exists on the site, but I would like some sort of compilation of a checklist to work from.

The only thing I have done is replace the front brakes on my Jeep. Everything else is still factory original.

SunDvl · **Posted:** Tue Jan 17, 2006 11:07 am

One issue/problem with this concept is everyone has an opinion. However, you could definitely make a least of desired mods/extras, such as:

CB - a great help when communicating on the trail and drive to it (not very expensive)
Skids - with limited ground clearence, very much needed, start at front, work to back if money is tight
Trail Kit - tow strap, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, etc
Lift - better to get first depending on your eventual tire size
Tires/Rims - more aggressive tread for better traction, better backspacing to eliminate rub
K & N air filter - supposed to improve mileage (personally can't vouch for, but will be trying)
Spark plugs - mulit electrode plugs such as Boch Platinum H-4's (burn fuel better for increased mileage/performance)
Exhaust - better performance (don't expect earth shattering gains)

and on, and on...

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Tue Jan 17, 2006 11:11 am

Yes, exactly what I am looking for! Keep it coming because I need all the help I can get.

Science_Guy · **Posted:** Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:31 pm

I would tend to agree with SunDvl's list.

My renny came with all skids but the tranny and I added that after my first trip off-road. Rock rails would also be a must IMO. My first install was the CB + antenna. I then added tranny skid and put on a cargo rooftop basket on this weekend. I would also suggest additional lights (front and rear) if you don't already have them. I would also add a flashlight to the trail kit (I mounted mine under the drivers seat). Others have added a GPS and satellite radios as well (but I would only consider these after tires and a lift). Off-road bumpers with tow hooks/winch is also nice addition.

Guyute1210 · **Posted:** Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:12 pm

SunDvl wrote:

Spark plugs - mulit electrode plugs such as Boch Platinum H-4's (burn fuel better for increased mileage/performance)

Snake Oil....

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:16 pm

BEFORE HITTING THE TRAIL:
1: get skids first.
2: then get a tow hooks and straps
3: CB/Antenna

AFTER HITTING THE TRAIL:
4: lift
5: tires
6: tools/fire extinguisher
7: lights
8: the dream stuff (aftermarket bumpers/lockers/air compressors)

I separated the list into before and after for a couple of reasons. The stuff before the trail is the stuff you need no matter what kind of wheeling you do. The after trail stuff are things you don't need but make the vehicle more capable and can increase your level of fun. I would suggest wheeling it stock for a couple of outings to see how capable it is before a lift and tires. You will really appreciated every part you add after you have wheeled stock. It gives you a better feeling of value for each part you install.

SunDvl · **Posted:** Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:23 pm

Based on a couple of obvious things Science Guy added (that I forgot...)

TOW HOOKS - front & back, a must
CB - a great help when communicating on the trail and drive to it (not very expensive)
Skids - with limited ground clearence, very much needed, start at front, work to back if money is tight
Trail Kit - tow strap, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, light, jumper cables, etc
Rock Rails - protection for the rockers
Lift - better to get first depending on your eventual tire size
Tires/Rims - more aggressive tread for better traction, better backspacing to eliminate rub
K & N air filter - supposed to improve mileage (personally can't vouch for, but will be trying)
Spark plugs - mulit electrode plugs such as Boch Platinum H-4's (burn fuel better for increased mileage/performance)
Exhaust - better performance (don't expect earth shattering gains)

again, this is a debatable topic, full of opinions...

Science_Guy · **Posted:** Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:50 pm

The only other thing I would like to add is this link - http://www.youngs.org/kjparts/

This is a great summary of specific information on where and what to get on your kj.

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:50 pm

I don't mind opinions.... That is why I am posting in our local forum. I want to learn from all of your experiences so I can better enjoy my Liberty. I will probably do 1 or 2 things every couple of months over the next few years to spread out the burden (Money isn't tight, but it doesn't grow on any trees near my house)

I have been off on a few two-tracks and played on some forrested property that we own with my Jeep and was impressed with what it could do, but I hated the sports car tires that came with it (they are still on there too!) I know what tires I will get next, I'm just waiting for these to go bald!

keep the information coming. I like the before / after list.... Also list brands you like, or don't because I want to know!

Renegade363 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 18, 2006 2:26 am

If you plan to take it off road, I would say get the skid plates

Those were my first mods

Guest · **Posted:** Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:44 am

Renegade363 wrote:

If you plan to take it off road, I would say get the skid plates

Those were my first mods

Ditto! When you look under your Jeep and see all the nice aluminum to destroy - tranny pan and tranny and transfer case - you get real motivated!

I also did tires right away since I could trade 4 of them in for $300 credit at only 588 miles on my ODO. There was also a $70 rebate going on for buying 4 Bridgestones, so the upgrade cost me about $130. Next was the front mount trailer hitch because I needed front tow hooks and it's just as much a P.I.T.A. to install the hooks as it is to install the hitch with the tow loops built in. When I had the front end off of a new Libby it was definitely and "OH... @*$&" moment and a point of no return.

Now I'm taking the lift VERY slow. Just ordered a Daystar 2.5"rear/1.5"front spacer kit. It's unknown territory with the CRD due to the stiff front springs - but one guy on this website reports 2.0" of lift front and back. We shall see. I know it will be 2.0" in back because the rear factory spring pad has to come out and it's about 0.5". But the front is a mystery to me. LibertyCRD did this and his rig looks great.

What I really want are the SuperRails that are talked about on this forum, but they are not available yet so I'm trying to wait for them before I go off road. Most guys on here are much more brave than I at wheeling their stock vehicles... :oops:

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 18, 2006 10:03 pm

Yeah, I won't be going over anything serious until the basics are taken care of. If anything, I would probalby benifit from riding shotgun a few times before I try anything with my car.

Oh and thanks for the link!

NU ARTY BOY · **Posted:** Fri Jan 20, 2006 10:01 am

To tell you the truth I would go for tires first. Those Goodyears are ABSOLUTELY horrible and both of us know how bad some of those commutes downtown for work are if the weather is bad - just think where I-696, I-275 and I-96 all meet...Do yourself a favor and get a decent All Terrain tire (something civilized enough to drive every day on the freeway) like the BFGoodrich All Terrain, Bridgestone Duller Revo, Firestone Destination A/T, Dunlop RVXT, Cooper Discoverer S/T...the list goes on and on. You can go with a bigger size than stock (most will recommend up to 245/70/16 with no lift) and that way you can get a lift kit a little later and not have to worry about traction on and off road.

LostRenegade · **Posted:** Sat Jan 21, 2006 10:45 pm

Check out my cardomain site for a list of my mods.

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 25, 2006 10:38 am

Thanks everyone! List of First Mods should be as follows:

Maditory Items:
1. Skids
2. Rock Rails
3. Tow Hooks (in front / I have a hitch in the back - what to do?)
4. Civilian Band radio (CB)
5. Trail Kit (First Aid / Tow Strap / Flashlight / Tool Kit / Fire extinguisher)
6. K&N Panel filter

Optional Items:
7. Tires (REVO's coming sometime this year for sure)
8. LSD or Locker
9. Lift
10. Exhaust
11. Bumpers
12. Platinum plugs

Using this link => http://www.youngs.org/kjparts/ to get all the reviews and opinions...

vxla · **Posted:** Wed Feb 01, 2006 11:50 am

I always tell people this, in this order.

1. Tow points on front and rear.
2. CB.
3. Underbelly armor.
4. Lift.
5. Tires.
6. Disco system.

Then start cutting fender flares.

Guest · **Posted:** Fri Feb 03, 2006 8:27 am

vxla wrote:

I always tell people this, in this order.

1. Tow points on front and rear.
2. CB.
3. Underbelly armor.
4. Lift.
5. Tires.
6. Disco system.

Then start cutting fender flares.

Yeah, my order was a little catty-wampus, but I did it due to money to be saved at the time:

1. Tires. ($300 trade in credit PLUS $75 Purchase Rebate)
2. Underbelly Armour & Rubber Floor Mats (Free Shipping saved $100)
3. Front Mount Trailer Hitch (Saved $100, on sale/closeout)
4. Rear Receiver Shackle/Front Shackle Hooks(Tractor Supply Sale)
5. 2.0" Daystar Lift/Alignment(Needed time to find a professional shop)
6. CB - (ordered - waiting to ship - Saved $60, on sale/closeout)
7. Rocker Protection - Waiting For Production Run To Start

Here are some rainy pics from yesterday showing the new lift:

vxla · **Posted:** Fri Feb 03, 2006 12:35 pm

i may go back to spacers in the back actually.

how much were your pucks?

Guest · **Posted:** Fri Feb 03, 2006 12:51 pm

vxla wrote:

i may go back to spacers in the back actually.

how much were your pucks?

I bought everything as a package offering from Rocky Mountain Suspensions and it included the Daystar 1.5" Front and 2.5" Rear spacers as well as new strut and shock dust boots, 4 zip ties, and 2 washers (to hold up the strut dust boots) for $171.

SunDvl · **Posted:** Fri Feb 03, 2006 1:27 pm

vxla - Do you have bigger springs in the back currently, and if so why would you want to replace them with pucks?

Recommended First Mods ?

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