“Go Anywhere. Do Anything”. Jeep still holds the throne of the most capable off-roading vehicle lineup, remaining true to its rugged origins. The Wrangler is a fan favorite when hitting the trails, factory fitted with a real four-wheel drivetrain, low gearing, solid axles, skid plates and just about everything you’d want when the terrain gets tough. Size up to the Gladiator for higher towing capacity, longer wheelbase and extra seating for overlanding in comfort. Or go with the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk for the enhanced traction of a limited-slip diff, off-roading cruise control and superior performance of factory air suspension.
All models leave competitors in the dust. What’s more, you won’t be re-mortgaging your house for some serious off-roading thrills. And the good news gets better, with a huge selection of aftermarket Jeep parts to customize your rig, boost protection, improve handling on and off the tarmac, and throw in a few interior extras for added comfort and convenience. If you’re still wondering how your Jeep can be improved, here are a few subtle suggestions.
Enhanced Protection With Exterior Body Parts
Even in standard trim, Wranglers, Gladiators and the Cherokees are generously equipped. With a mix of aluminum and plastics, the stock bumpers are lightweight, look good and corrosion-resistant, but won’t last long in serious off-roading. If you want to keep the factory bumpers but need more in the way of affordable front-end protection, consider 2″ stainless steel add-on tube bars for a seamless fit and simple installation. These are bolt-on options, ensuring the bodywork and engine stay protected in light brushes against smaller stumps and rocks, and are affordable.
Move up to bumper replacements if improved protection is a priority. These come as full-width bumpers for more front-end coverage and are typically made of high-grade treated steel, or lighter and more compact mid-width bumpers in rust-resistant aluminum for light-duty trail tasks. Stubby bumpers are a good option for increased approach angles, with bigger off-road bias tires and the added realty space for an appointed winch cradle.
Lastly, full bull bars, in hooped or hoopless designs and 3/8″ to 1/4″ steel tube guard the radiator, lights and grille from trail-side obstacles and road debris. Choose bars with smooth welds and integrated, laser-cut skid plates for improved protection, and decide between black, powder-coated or polished finishes.
For a rugged, well-rounded, off-road-ready look, pair bumpers and front bull bars with thick-gauge powder-coated steel rear bumpers (with provisions for parking sensors); fender flare liners to prevent spraying rocks, and aftermarket skid plates to protect the diff, exhaust and underbody.
Suspension Upgrades for Unmatched Off-roading Performance
If money is no issue, then choose the Wrangler Rubicon and Gladiator Mojave for the best agility, control and composure with upgraded suspension setups straight from the factory. For all other trims, consider upgrading the already decent multi-link suspension, riding on solid axles and upper and lower control arms. Go with lift and levelling kits for more ground clearance, choose stiffer shocks for better rebound and compression rates and progressive-rate long travel springs to ease steering and handling. Front control and rear track arms with matching sway bars are other suspension parts for Jeep, offering more adjustability and added composure in tough terrain.
The few inches of added ground clearance provide the necessary space for bigger tires, with thicker-block treads for mudding, rock crawling and better all-around traction on uneven ground. Rounded benefits also include higher stability, more control, improved handling and a Jeep with a noticeably rugged and aggressive look. For the ultimate capability on any terrain, pair suspension Jeep parts with direct-fit front and rear performance axle assemblies in high-grade nickel chromoly and get increased durability and higher load-carrying capacity.
Better Handling with Wheel and Tire Upgrades
Apart from the Mojave and Rubicon Wrangler and Gladiator trims, the Sport, Sport S and other mid-tier models come with alloys and all-terrain tires. The road-focused Cherokee and Grand Cherokee are fitted with road-bias, highway tires. Consider handling and performance upgrades in vehicles off the tarmac with custom off-road wheel and tire upgrades.
Larger-diameter wheels allow for bigger tires while adding more clearance without spending a dime on the suspension. This is the cheaper alternative to lift kits or shock and spring upgrades for light trail work. For tougher terrain, pairing beadlock wheels (which allow tyres to be deflated to low pressures) with mud or rugged terrain tires boosts traction and grip on mud, rocks, and loose dirt, ensuring improved control, more stability and enhanced safety. This is down to the specific tread designs, with deeper, widely spaced block treads biting more into the ground. Tires are also more puncture-resistant with tougher sidewalls able to conform to different surfaces. For frequent mudding and technical terrain, also consider slapping on wider wheel flares and a set of decent mud flaps to keep the rest of the car clean.
Interior Inclusions for Comfort and Convenience
While Jeeps are all about ruggedness, they don’t lack refinement, especially in the cabin. The Grand Cherokee is luxuriously appointed with extras including electronically adjustable leather seats, high-end audio systems, a slew of safety tech, LED ambient lighting and more. For off-road-based Jeep models, consider interior upgrades such as weatherproof floor and cargo liners, entry guards in TPU plastic to prevent grime and increase grip when getting in and out (good with lift kits), powder-coated steel interior storage racks for all your trail essentials and portable and battery-powered fridges to keep beverages cold. Lastly, keep the factory fabric in pristine condition with custom-fit seat covers that also provide more comfort and improved safety with added padding and non-slip surfaces.
