7 Jeep Mods I'd Do Over

So You Don’t Make My Mistakes!

I learned the hard way. Two years of off-roading with a stock Jeep taught me a ton about wheeling, but also about what mods actually matter. Some upgrades I nailed the first time, others… let’s just say I wish I could go back and smack myself for waiting so long.

So today, I’m sharing the 7 Jeep mods I’d do over if I could start from scratch. These are the ones that make off-roading safer, easier, and way more fun.

1. Recovery Gear & Recovery Points — Your New Best Friends

Okay, let’s get real. You will get stuck. Maybe it’s mud, maybe it’s sand, maybe it’s just a rock that sneaks up on you. And when that happens… do you want to be that Jeeper waving for help? Nope.

• My must-haves: Recovery strap, soft shackle/D-rings, and solid recovery points.

• Optional but awesome: a winch.

• Lesson learned: The first time I got stuck, I panicked. With proper recovery gear, you stay safe, independent, and yes… way cooler in front of your Jeep friends.

2. Tires — The Foundation of Fun

Tires make ALL the difference. Stock tires are fine for the grocery store, but off-road? Not so much. 

• My pick: Nexen Roadian MTX 33” Read More → Jeep Momma Nexen Review

• Why: Better traction, more control, and they just feel right on a trail.

• Pro tip: Swap tires before you lift your Jeep. Seriously, you’ll thank me when you’re climbing rocks instead of spinning your wheels in mud.

Nexen Tires

3. Rock Sliders — Not Those Plastic Step Things!

If your Jeep came with those cute plastic steps, take them off the wish list for off-roading. They bend, crack, and just don’t survive on the trail, Jeep even says so.

• What I did: Barricade Off-Road Rock Sliders

  • Protects your Jeep’s body from rocks

  • Gives you a solid step into your lifted Jeep

  • Bonus: the sound of sliders clanging over rocks? Pure music to my Jeep-loving ears.

• Lesson learned: Strong sliders = happy Jeep + happy Jeep Momma.

Selfie with Jeep's Rock Sliders

4. Steering — Control Your Jeep, Don’t Let It Control You

Stock steering is okay… until it’s not. Bump steer, jitters, rocks knocking you sideways… it adds up.

• What I did: Yeti Steering from SteerSmarts  (Griffin steering attenuator for JKU owners)

• Why:

  • Smooths out bumps

  • Handles impacts from rocks

  • Makes you feel confident on tricky trails

• Lesson learned: Upgrade your steering before you get frustrated—or worse, before your Jeep gets hurt.

My Yeti Steering 

5. Driveshaft — Keep Things Moving Smoothly

When you lift your Jeep and throw on bigger tires, the stock driveshaft can’t always keep up.

• My upgrade: Tom Woods CustomDriveshaft

• Why:

  • Handles more torque and stress

  • Protects your Jeep from premature wear

• Lesson learned: Don’t wait until it snaps on the trail. Trust me.

My Tom Woods Driveshaft

6. Armor (and I Mean Real Armor, Not Plastic)

Your Jeep’s body is tough, but rocks don’t care. Skid plates, bumpers, and especially rock sliders make the difference between a scratch-free adventure and heartbreak.

• Lesson learned: Real armor protects your Jeep and your wallet. Plastic steps and unprotected parts. Not so much. My lower control arms in the rear really took a beating until I added solid skid plates. 

7. Electrical System — Keep Your Power in Check

Listen, adding lights, a winch, or a fridge sounds fun… until your stock wiring can’t handle it. Then it’s tears.

• My upgrade: Jeep Cables from Jeep Cables.com (veteran-owned and tough as nails)

• Why: Handles the extra load without burning out your alternator or wiring.

• Lesson learned: Start with strong electrical first. Trust me, nothing ruins a trail day faster than losing power at the worst moment.

Jeep Engine with Jeep Cables

Final Thoughts

If I could go back, I’d do these seven mods first, before worrying about lifts, fancy lights, or accessories that look cool but don’t make you safer. Gradual upgrades + trail experience = a Jeep Momma who’s confident, safe, and having way more fun.

💡 Trail Tip: Start with recovery gear, then tires, sliders, and armor. Everything else flows from there.