If I had to pick a single thing I get asked about more than anything, it’s where to start.

Obviously, a lot of this is budget dependent and budgets change over time but at its core it boils down to one thing….planning. Get an idea of what your “dream Jeep” would be for your use case and start making a list of the parts you want.

They’ll change over time but at least get them on paper (I use Excel – but I’m a nerd 🤓).

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Quality parts save you in the long run.

Once you get that done, start with the things that will last you through the other mods. Pay attention to what people install and then replace with something better, I’d start with that better something they just installed. Every building starts with a foundation, build yours right the first time.

If you want coilovers, save up and buy them.

Don’t buy a cheap lift and slap it on there and then sell it two years later for 1/4 of what you paid for it, do it right the first time.

I know you want to get that thing lifted and cruising around to show it off but I promise you, those coilovers will turn more heads than a basic lift anyway. If you just want the conventional spring lift and that’s all you ever plan to do, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, just get a good one! Remember, you don’t just want it to look good – it has to drive good. Trust me, driving a flighty Jeep is scary as hell!!

Pay extra for good parts!

Wheeling? You need to plan more.

If you are planning to wheel it, plan even harder. Read up on gear ratios, tire sizes, skid plates, drive shafts, lockers, disconnects, etc. those will all be very important and may even take precedence over that lift you want.

My next segment will be about axles so we’ll dig into those there as I know many of you have questions about them.