If you drive an older Jeep Wrangler JL, it may be time for some upgrading. Parts do not last forever, and certain circumstances call for new off-market accessories to improve your ride. If you are unsure of what you need, there are some signs to be aware of.
1. Strange Vibrations
If you notice strange vibrations, and you have installed a lift kit, it may be time to upgrade your driveshaft. The factory one often does not have the capacity to handle certain upgrades, such as larger tires and lift kits. If you feel vibrations and notice a clunking sound, there is a good chance the driveshaft is the culprit.
2. Engine Problems
Trouble with the engine of your Jeep Gladiator JT is a sure sign that something is wrong. Your engine light may be on, or perhaps it seems to be more sluggish than normal. There are various components of your Jeep that may be affecting the engine’s performance, so bring it into a body shop to figure out what the cause of the problem is.
3. You Have Difficulty Driving on Certain Terrain
One of the replacement parts that is commonly upgraded is tires. These wear down over time, so you know that at some point you will need to replace them. If you plan to do a lot of off-roading, you will need to upgrade your tires to handle the various situations you will encounter.
The all-season tires that get you around in the city with no issues are not enough for off-roading. You will need to upgrade to all-terrain tires or ones, such as mud, snow, or rock, that are more specific to the conditions.
4. Your Off-Roading is Advancing
If your off-roading thus far has been pretty tame, and you are ready to take it to the next level, there are some upgrades you should consider. Perhaps you need higher clearance to make it over rocks. In this case, a lift kit and bigger tires are good upgrades. To protect the important components of your undercarriage, consider installing a skid plate or other armor.
If you have been experiencing more debris than normal, you may need to upgrade your grille. Bumpers also help to protect the Jeep’s exterior from collisions.
Another upgrade to consider if your off-roading takes you out into the wilderness is recovery gear. If you get stuck, you can get yourself out if you have a winch, snatch strap, tow strap, and associated accessories.
5. Dark Night Rides
If you find that it is harder to see than normal, or if you are doing more night rides, you may need to upgrade your lights. LED lights are good options, as they improve illumination and require minimum power. You can add lights to a variety of places, rather than just your headlights. Consider adding them to the roof or out to the side to increase visibility in the wilderness.
Upgrading your Jeep can be fun. Not only do upgrades improve function, but they can also enhance the look of your vehicle.
