Mods I

Modifications I

The basics

Jeep improvements Phase I:

CB - Midland 77-104XL

The CB is one of the very first extras that I bought. More discussion on CBs.
CB is strongly recommended. You can run without one, but why run blind.

First shot at installing
an antenna. This worked
pretty good until I
upgraded and replaced
the rear bumper.
Advantage, no drilling.

After I replaced the rear
bumper, I needed to find
another location for my
antenna. Out came the drill,
and I finished up with this.

CB Bracket.
It is very
easy and quick to
disconnect the CB,
leaving just the bracket
and antenna and
power cables.

'Nerfbars' - Smitybuilt

Heard good things about these (good solid effective) and bad things (rust out, esp in snowbelt). I picked up a set, again very early on to protect my rockers at stock height. These attach to the frame, not the body. Although the bolts are self taping, you may want to consider drilling all the way through and putting your own bolts in. My nerfs are now getting a bit beat up, scratched, dented and the like - the penalties of driving over rocks. I may replace them with another set or put something else in.
Another con argument with nerfbars is that you loose another 3" of clearance under your rocker panels. Something to consider - although I figured the trade off was worth it. These also double as a step to get in and they stick out far enough to offer protection from door dings, and to keep the body away from trees and stumps!

Good side protection.

Tow Hooks - Iron Horse

Instead of spending $45 on jeep tow hooks, rated at about 7000#, I paid $20 and got some jeep towhooks rated at 10000#. You could possibly get the $5 from your local parts store, however you may need to re-drill the holes. Mine are 'XJ' hooks with three holes. The end two line up perfectly, but the result is that the hooks stick out in front of the bumper - like a set of fangs.
Some sort of tow hooks highly recommended.

Tow Hooks. While they are a direct bolt
on, they sort of dont fit quite right (stick out)
and the metal clip rusted right away.
The hooks themselves are quite good and sturdy.

Rear bumper - Conferr lobo

One of the necessary points missing from all stock wranglers is a good rear tow point. I removed the stock rear bumper and replaced it with a confer lobo with an integrated hitch. While this is only rated at 3500#, it is very convenient, and should handle most of not all stucks that require it. I'm contemplating adding another tow hook back there just in case. The confer lobo is very good with departure angle, I think I gained a couple degrees. Unfortunately is does not come with a rear tire holder option as do many TJ rear bumpers. I avoided the trailer hitch due to the loss of departure angle.
Rear towpoint highly recommended. Not necessarily this bumper.

Confer Lobo bumper

Excellent departure angle

Swaybar disconnects - Rubicon Express

I picked these up pretty early on too. Amazing what they do for articulation. Catch with the stock 30"tires, I detected a fair amount of rubbing in the front wheel well. Seems that the offset on these tires is a bit too much when you start really articulating that front axle. I dont think its a serious problem, just something to think about.
These suckers were a royal b*tch to take off and put on. But they were quiet (unlike reports I've heard from some other brands).
Definitely get some sort of swaybar disconnect if you are leaving pavement.

RE swaybar disconnects. They
work great, BUT are a royal
PITA to get off and put on.