Photos: Courtesy of the manufacturers
Regardless of if you just purchased a used 2007 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK, have a highly modified JK, or if you’ve had a stock JK forever and you’re finally ready to pull the trigger on a few aftermarket upgrades, we can help you make the right decisions. Fortunately, with 2.1 million produced over the 12-year lifespan, the Jeep Wrangler JK is one of the most popular Jeep models ever built, so you know there is an absolute abundance of aftermarket support still available for it. Let us walk you through some of the upgrades to consider.
Tera Flex Heavy-Duty Jeep JK Wrangler Ball Joints
It’s pretty well known that the factory JK ball joints are not up to the task of controlling 35-inch tires and larger. The OE ball joints can wear out in as little as 12,000 miles. The good news is that Tera Flex offers heavy-duty replacement ball joints for all Dana 30 and Dana 44 Jeep JK Wrangler front axles. They feature a 1045 carbon steel housing and a 4140 chromoly ball/stud. Both components are protected from corrosion with a magnesium phosphate coating. A CR black neoprene boot protects the internals from contaminants. Tera Flex JK ball joints are available with and without knurling, which helps provide a tight fit in worn knuckles that have had the ball joints replaced one too many times.
Rubicon Express Jeep Wrangler JK Neutral Force Steering Stabilizer
If you’ve added larger than stock tires to your Jeep Wrangler JK, then you probably should consider a more powerful steering stabilizer. The all new Rubicon Express Neutral Force steering stabilizer can help reduce steering vibration, wear and tear of your steering components and provide improved steering control on your JK Wrangler. The Rubicon Express Neutral Force stabilizer features an internal metering rod to provide 13 stages of adjustability. The compact and lightweight stabilizer also features a piggyback reservoir for more fluid capacity, machined 6061 aluminum ends, Teflon-lined spherical rod ends and a clear coat zinc body finish to protect it from the elements. The stabilizer comes with all necessary hardware for installation including a two-piece tie rod mount with a billet cover.
ARB Roller Drawer Jeep Wrangler JK Storage
It’s no secret that storage space in a Jeep Wrangler JK is limited, especially when heading out on multi-day excursions. That’s when great gear organization and access are key. The ARB Roller Drawer can help you maximize the little storage space you have, while keeping your gear from becoming impossible to access. The ARB Roller Drawer is made from aluminum and ruggedized plastics and features an integrated subwoofer. The drawer and roller floor lock when fully open to prevent unwanted movement and an anti-rattle system is incorporated in the locking mechanism to prevent unwanted interior noise when closed. An integrated divider helps organize your cargo.
Smittybilt Pivot Jeep Wrangler JK Heavy-Duty Spare Tire Carrier
The factory Jeep JK Wrangler spare tire carrier can damage your tailgate when a 35-inch or larger spare tire is installed. The Smittybilt Pivot Jeep Wrangler JK heavy-duty spare tire carrier helps distribute that load directly to the hinges and body tub to prevent tailgate damage. The Smittybilt Pivot Jeep Wrangler JK spare tire carrier maintains the easy single-action of opening and closing the tailgate. No drilling is required and you can retain the OE rear bumper. It features a monocoque aluminum construction with an adjustable tire mount for up to a 37-inch tire. The forged mounting brackets are 30-percent stronger than steel. EPDM gaskets are included to protect the factory finish. Optional brackets are available to mount a trail jack.
Superchips FlashCal F5 for Jeep Wrangler JK
Adding larger than stock tires to your Jeep Wrangler JK means you’ll need to correct the speedometer to optimize engine and transmission performance. The Superchips FlashCal F5 is allows for speedometer correction for both aftermarket tires and axle gears. It also gives you the ability to adjust the TPMS system to the proper tire pressure for the new tires. Other features include real time idle adjustment to run accessories, ability to lock the Rubicon lockers in 4-HI, HI and LO transfer case options and more. You can even read and clear diagnostic trouble codes. The Superchips FlashCal F5 features a high-definition, 2.8-inch color screen and it’s internet updateable via USB.
Poison Spyder Jeep Wrangler JK Brawler Rocker Guards
One of the most vulnerable and expensive body areas to repair on the Jeep Wrangler JK is the rocker area. If you go off-road, or simply need to fend off shopping carts and door dings in the parking lot, the Poison Spyder Brawler Rockers are just what you need. They are available for two- and four-door JK models in both 3/16-inch steel for ultimate strength or 3/16-inch aluminum to save weight. The boatside design will allow the Jeep to slide off of rocks and back onto the center of the trail, while the angled facets allow up to 40-inch tires. All fastener holes are countersunk for a snag-free sliding surface. The rockers are available with a black powdercoat or in bare metal so they can be painted to match your Jeep.
Rugged Ridge Jeep Wrangler JK Hood Catch Kit
Hood flutter has been a bane of all Jeep Wrangler JK owners’ existence. The fluttering of the hood is exacerbated when a leveling kit is installed, at higher speeds, in a headwind and when a big rig or motorhome passes heading the other way. The Rugged Ridge JK hood catch kit replaces the factory rubber straps and plastic ends with more mechanical catches. Rugged Ridge hood catches are fully adjustable for proper fitment and keep the hood from dancing in the wind.
Bestop Supertop Ultra Soft Top For Jeep Wrangler JK
It’s only a matter of time until the OE soft top of your Jeep Wrangler JK degrades. Fortunately, Bestop now offers the most advanced soft top ever available for the Jeep JK four-door. The Bestop Supertop Ultra is four different tops all in one. It can be run fully-enclosed, Sunrider open, as a safari-style bikini top or fully open. A lift assist and guide track system make it easier than ever for one person to operate the top. The complete soft top includes all of the necessary hardware to mount the top onto the Jeep. The combination of zippers and zipperless channels make window install and removal seamless and when the top is retracted it smoothly and neatly folds behind rear seats.
Fab Fours Jeep Wrangler JK Stubby Front Bumper With Guard
For more ground clearance, a better approach angle in front of the tires and winch-ready capability you might want to check out the Fab Fours Jeep Wrangler JK Stubby Front Bumper. It was engineered with the Jeep purist in mind. The ultra-narrow design allows for maximum tire clearance and integrated D-rings and tow hooks ensure you always have solid tow points. The integrated fog light housings allow for 3×3 pod lights or the factory fog lamps. Each bumper is manufactured from all 3/16-inch steel and is fully welded inside and out. It comes in a bare finish and is available with or without the grille guard.
Warn Jeep Wrangler JK Epic Series Jackhammer Wheel
Bigger tires require aftermarket wheels. That’s where Warn comes in. The company now offers rolling stock in the form of Epic Series wheels for the Jeep Wrangler JK. The Jackhammer is a 17×8.5 aluminum wheel with the proper 5-on-5 JK lug pattern. It features 4.72 inches of backspacing and is available in either black or gunmetal flavor. There are two unique Warn hub-style center caps to choose from. Several other Warn Epic Series wheel designs are also available for the Jeep Wrangler JK.
Rock Slide Engineering Jeep Wrangler JK Step Sliders
Let’s face it, lifted Jeeps can be difficult to get into and out of, and if you care about off-road capability you certainly don’t want a low hanging step to get caught in the terrain. Enter the Rock Slide Engineering Jeep Wrangler JK Step Sliders. The Step sliders offer the best of both worlds. They provide a smooth snag free surface for off-road driving, but when you open your door a hidden electric step is automatically deployed. Each Step Slider is made from 3/16-inch steel, comes with all necessary hardware and features a complete stand-alone wiring harness with magnetic door sensors.
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