Hey guys,
So, I'm new to the community. My parents bought an 06 Libby brand new. I'm considering taking over the payments next Spring and using it for a daily / trail rider. It's a Limited. It's got basically every option except the tow-package and the off-road package. But it's got everything else. Up to now, it's always been a daily driver. One trip to SC, lots of runs around town, and a good blizzard last winter. It's been fine overall. The tires that were on it during the blizzard, however, were terrible. So we'll see how these new guys are.. But it's an 06, so it's the "revised" style with the grille mounted fogs.
My main wanting of this Jeep is for the obvious usage. Off-road and being able to get around in any condition. All while remaining comfortable. I'm talking, snow and ice in the winter, and sand at the beach in the summer. All with trail rides scattered in-between. I've never been to any out of the area, but trails are big around us. I'm not planning on doing any mud / water pits or anything, however just some fun trails. My girlfriends family lives in the deep woods, so they have acres and acres of land that is regularly used for quads and such. My girlfriends brother has an old Samurai that he takes back there, but I want to show him how to do it up right in a Jeep..
So, with all of that underway, let's get to the questions. These are mostly basic questions, but I figured it'd be best to ask them all in one place vs making a ton of single posts.. Feel free to answer them all, or one, or whatever. Links, basic explanations, etc would be great. Just looking for some simple answers..
1) What is the benefit of the factory "heavy-duty cooling kit" that comes in the off-road package? How does it differ from the standard cooling? Do either include a tranny cooler? Is it worth it to upgrade to this HD cooling?
2) I've got the 17x7 chrome wheels. It's also at the stock height. It's always had stock size tires, but what are the biggest ones I can run at stock height on the 17's?
3) What is the best "budget" lift, and what about does it cost? I'm not talking some huge 4 foot lift or anything, but springs, struts, etc. A piece together even..
4) Am I better off keeping my 17's as-is, or get some type of 16's for the lift / off-road tire application?
5) Is it hard to add the OEM top-light bar? Sorry, but I love that. lol
6) How hard is it to add front and rear tow hooks? OEM locations. And would you recommend getting the OEM hooks, or some type of aftermarket?
7) Any reccomended engine mods to spruce the 3.7 up a bit? This would be mainly intake and exhaust, but anything else too. For intake and exhaust, likely something that will also add to the off-roadability.. The intake is already the high-mount, but still.
Is any type of brake upgrade suggested for off-road? It's got front and rear discs, but I figured I'd ask about lines, pads, etc.9) What are some strongly suggested front and rear bumper replacements to increase clearance? Or do you suggest simply trimming the stock ones? Specifically the front.. Also, side skirts? It's got them, but should I do anything to them?
10) Dumb question, but WTF does "Type 35" mean on the gauges?? lol
11) Can you / should you disable the airbags during off-roading? I'd imaging that if you could it;d be suggested incase you "mess up"..
12) What is needed to convert to the "trailer tow package" so that the Libby can tow to 5,000 pounds? Or can they all do that and you essentially need to just add the tow bar?
13) Should I look into adding OEM skid-plates or some type of aftermarket variation?
14) How hard is it to remove and swap out the front grille and side door guard slats? I've got the chrome ones, and I want to convert to the black plastic sides and a gloss black painted front grille to match the rest of the vehicle..
15) How hard to swap interior components? I've got all of the brushed silver stuff inside, and I may possibly look into going with some of the black stuff instead..
16) How are the KJ's overall for off-roading / trails? They seem pretty good, and over time, more companies seem to be making stuff for them.. I mainly like the stock short wheel-base for great agility on the trails..
Thank you guys very much for reading, and I look forward to hearing the answers. I don't "have" this Jeep to modify yet, however these will surely help me when I do..
