Capablity vs. Protection

[Sethdavis580]

Obviously both are important, but what do you guys think is best starting out? Looking to do some upgrade to my stock sport, but can't decide if I should go ahead and invest in skids and armor, or buy some fun stuff to make it more trail capable.

[jd30005]

My vote would be skids and armor first.

[tcdawg]

My thought is also a little protection first then lift.

1.  Oil pan skid.  You have a stock trans/transfer case/gas tank skid that work well.
2.  Rocker guards/sliders - very important IMO
3.  then lift/tires, etc.

[Blue J]

I agree with Tony and wished I'd have followed his advice. I did the reverse order.
I highly recommend an oil pan/transmission skid, evap skid, diff covers, and sliders, then lift/tires/ then bumpers

it'll all get done eventually if you want it to. enjoy the ride!

[DOUG]

That's a great short list. 

I would do rockers before the oil skid.  I've known a lot of folks to bend the body and very few to ever bend the oil pan.  You shouldn't be on the harder trails until you have a lift and tires (goes with gears too and lockers too)

As always, have the end in mind before you start.  Saves you money.

[Jango]

My vote is definitely sliders as absolute first. Then try to look into skids for the oil pan/transfer case. The stock ones are pretty decent for the other stuff. I wheeled on 33s w/ no lift for two years and learned really quickly on the best lines to take through obstacles.

[tcdawg]

Oil pan skid and rocker protection are really 1 and 1a on the list.

My thoughts thought....
you bash a hole in your oil pan, you are not getting home and you may Fubar your motor
You dent up your rocker area, you are pissed, but you are getting home.

[DOUG]

We all agree on that... one is much worse if it happens than the other.

[tcdawg]

We all agree on that... one is much worse if it happens than the other.

I have never seen anyone actually pierce there oil pan, but it could happen for sure.

I have seen more than one damage their rocker area, some with the rubi sliders, they were unhappy.

I gave Hayden this same advice when he first got his WJ...he dropped hard earned money on some very solid Iron Rock Offroad sliders.  Stout and they offer a hi lift jack point.  He has been to two offroad parks now and both trips he has needed to hi-lift that darn thing to deal with an issue.  Chocco, a front spring popped out(added retainers won't happen again) and at AOP he busted a bead, had to hi lift up to re-seat.

[DOUG]

Ben had the stick on oil pan skid for awhile.  Is it still holding? @Krawler00

[Krawler00]

That stivk on came of at tellico while climbing up schoolbus I remember looking back and wondering what it was! I would go with a bolt on. This is still on my to do list. My oil pan has taken some hits over the years but it comes with doing bigger things. I would put that up on top of the list.

Off Grid Post

[ranier1315]

Not sure of the Willys model but even if your JKU does have a factory EVAP skid it has to be replaced immediately. The factory skid is very thin and weak. The EVAP tank is in a very vulnerable location and if it is damaged they are expensive to replace. As above ARMOR first then get some more seat time.