Top 10 Jeep Wrangler Mods

One of the best parts of being a Wrangler owner is that you can customize your build however you want. Although some mods are more complex, there are quite a few easy Wrangler upgrades. You don’t have to spend loads of money or hours in the shop to give your rig some added utility and personality.

Here are a few easy Jeep Wrangler mods to get you started on your dream build:

• Lighting
• Wheels & Tires
• Lift Kits
• Grab Handles
• Entry Guards
• Hood Latches
• Seat Covers
• Floor Mats
• Bumpers
• Recovery Gear

Lighting Upgrades

When it comes to lighting, you’ve got a lot of options. You can swap out almost any of your Wrangler’s lights for better visibility and style.

Headlights & Taillights

Replacing the stock headlights and taillights on your Wrangler is easier than you might think. It usually just requires a screwdriver or Torx bit and unhooking a few clips. If you’ve got halogen headlights, upgrading to LEDs will provide you with much greater brightness and range. They’re also more efficient, lasting up to 30 times longer than halogens.

Don’t forget about your fog lights, either! Even though they’re small, they can significantly improve your field of vision in hazy conditions. The best fog lights have lenses that are tinted yellow to reflect the least amount of light.

Off-Road Lights

Off-road lights are perfect if you frequent the trails at night or just want to add an aggressive look to your Wrangler. LED light bars, rock lights, and cube lights can light up the trail all around your vehicle. If you add a light bar to your rig, remember to check the light bar laws in your state. You may need to cover them with a light bar cover when you’re on-road.

Wheels & Tires

New wheels and tires are one of the most popular Wrangler upgrades. Not only do they look great, but they also impact ride quality, handling, and the overall driving experience.

There are plenty of options when it comes to Wrangler tires. For the most traction and protection, you’ll want to go with an off-roading tire. All-terrains offer a good compromise between off-road capability and on-road comfort.

Keep in mind that you may need to make suspension adjustments or get new fender flares for more clearance if you upgrade to bigger tires.

Wheel Spacers

Wheel spacers can help you get the proper clearance needed to fit wider tires. They can also widen the wheelbase of your vehicle for a more aggressive look and better cornering. Wheel spacers can help correct offset to fix any wheel fitment issues as well.

Wheel spacers are safe as long as they’re installed properly. Be sure to choose quality wheel spacers, and avoid ones with too little thread. Wheel spacers are inexpensive and can be installed in no time.

Grab Handles

Climbing into your Wrangler isn’t always easy, especially if you’ve got a lift. There’s no need to struggle when a grab handle will help you pull yourself up into your Jeep. Even if jumping into your rig isn’t an issue, some of your passengers might appreciate a good grab handle if they aren’t used to the off-road experience.

Not only are grab handles an affordable Jeep mod, but they also come in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can use them to add accent colors or compliment the interior. Front and rear grab handles are available so that the driver and passengers can all enter the vehicle without any trouble. You can also install the grab bar handles in several locations, including the roll bar.

Entry Guards

Entry guards mount on the lower door sill where you step into your Jeep. They’ll protect the door frame from scuffs and everyday wear and tear. Entry guards are inexpensive and easy to install. They’re usually attached using 3M tape, so you won’t have to do any drilling.

Entry guards are made from different materials including plastic and stainless steel. Even though they’re meant for protection, they can also give your Wrangler a more armored appearance.

Hood Latches

One common issue Wrangler owners face is hood flutter. Because the factory hood latches aren’t the sturdiest, driving down the highway can cause unwanted hood movement.

Aftermarket hood latches are stronger than the factory ones to keep the hood securely in place. Most replacements use the factory mounting points for a simple bolt-on installation.

Lift Kits

Lift kits are an especially popular mod for off-roaders. Although they’re one of the more expensive mods on this list, they’re worth the cost.

Lift kits give you more ground clearance to overcome off-road obstacles. You’ll also get better articulation, which can give you more stability and traction on the trail. If you’re adding larger wheels and tires, a lift kit will give you plenty of room.

Installing a lift kit may seem daunting, but the process can be completed in a day. Lift kits include the shocks, hardware, and any other components you need.

Seat Covers

Seat covers are a quick and easy Jeep mod that add comfort and protection. They’re especially important if you go off-roading regularly as they protect the seats against dirt, mud, sand, and debris. Even if you just drive your Wrangler on the highway, it’s still easy to get the interior dirty. Whether you haul around kids, dogs, or your messy friends, an extra layer of protection never hurts.

Paying a few extra dollars upfront for seat covers saves you from having to clean or replace the upholstery in the event of an accident. If your Jeep has leather seats, seat covers can protect the leather so you can maintain them easier.

There are many different types of Wrangler seat covers. Neoprene seat covers are made from the same water-resistant material used in wetsuits. There are also less expensive cloth options if you don’t need as much protection. If you need some extra storage, some seat covers come with cargo compartments.

Floor Mats

Your Wrangler comes with floor mats from the factory, but they don’t do much to protect the interior. Aftermarket floor mats offer more protection and can add style to your cabin. Floor mats made of durable plastic can be sprayed off for easy cleaning. Some also have tread patterns to trap mud, water, and dirt.

Floor mats are available in complete sets as well as sets for just the front or rear. Some floor mat sets also include a cargo liner for added protection in the back.

Bumpers

Swapping out the front and rear bumpers is a common Wrangler upgrade. Aftermarket bumpers offer more capability, protection, and style. Choose full-width bumpers to cover your whole front end, or opt for skinnier stubby bumpers that sit in the center.

Aftermarket bumpers are usually made of stronger materials than the stock Wrangler bumper. If you want to add a winch, then you’ll need a winch-capable bumper. Many bumpers include integrated lights or mounts so you can add off-road lights as well. Bumpers with recovery points and D-ring shackles make recovery a breeze.

Recovery Gear

If you’re using your Wrangler for off-roading, then recovery gear is a must. You don’t want to get stuck on the trail with no way to pull yourself out. Recovery gear includes everything from winches to D-rings. Winches offer the most capability and can help you or a friend easily get out of a sticky situation. To add a winch, you’ll need a winch-capable bumper first.

Recovery straps and rope come in handy if you need to tow or pull. They have certain weight limits, so you’ll have to make sure you use a strong enough strap for the vehicle you’re rescuing. Tree saver straps can be used to pull your Jeep free without damaging the tree.

If you’re new to off-roading, check out our guide to learn how to use a winch for off-road recovery.

Other Wrangler Mods

Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list of all the Wrangler mods out there. These are our top 10, but there are tons of things you can do to customize your Jeep. Other popular mods include cold air intakes, snorkels, exhaust systems, and hard or soft tops.

The best thing about modding your Wrangler is that you can always add more. Whether you’re looking to build an off-roading beast or a unique daily driver, adding mods to your Wrangler will make it completely your own.