What first?

[One from the north]

Where to start on making KJ from a capable offroader into a great offroader, that's the question! So what are your opinions, based on the enviroment and terrain you are driving. In what order one should build a KJ? Mine goes:
1 winch
2 diff locks
3 skid plates
4 lift kit
My greatest challences are snow and soft ground, not so much rocks or sand.
So, what do you way more experienced offroaders think?

 

[klc]

Have you measured the height yet? It should be 19”(48.2 cm) from center of wheel hub to underside of the fender flare. Less than that, you need new springs and shocks. If you want a steel front bumper and winch you’ll need to upgrade the front springs for the extra weight, anyways.

 

[u2slow]

I did lift and front locker early on. Already had the factory trac-lock rear. Very capable. Got skid plates off a parts Liberty - still have not installed. No winch.

Locker had to come out though, as the np242 swap (for AWD) didn't cooperate well. Will go to a True-Trac when i go into the diff next.

 

[Luke]

3-4-1-2

Congrats!

 

[Deb'nKJ]

4-3-2-1, but this is one of those areas where the answers/opinions will exceed the number of people asked.

 

[derekj]

A good set of tires and lockers will get you far - especially if you are not rock crawling.

 

[One from the north]

Thanks for your insight! As I thought, opinions vary a lot. As they should, there is a difference between you who are driving in Arizona desert or me trying to get through 3 feet of snow in eastern Finland. Hmm, maybe the most important off road gear is a good shovel!

 

[lfhoward]

Not listed, but should go on at the same time as the skid plates (first!):

Recovery points! If you are stuck and someone needs to pull you out, they need something to hook to.

 

[u2slow]

Recovery points! If you are stuck and someone needs to pull you out, they need something to hook to.

I put a shackle 'dongle' in the trailer hitch for that.

Amazon.ca

 

[lfhoward]

I put a shackle 'dongle' in the trailer hitch for that.

Amazon.ca

I have one of those in my Jeep too.

 

[Deb'nKJ]

but don't forget OP's in Europe