5 Tips for Customizing Your Used Jeep Wrangler

There are many reasons to be looking for a used Jeep Wrangler for sale, but one of the top reasons is modification. The great thing about Wranglers is that they hold their value, they’re easy to fix up, and pretty much every part on a Wrangler is interchangeable. Rather than buying a brand new model, it’s fun to opt for a used one and spend money fixing it up over time.

Does this sound like you? If so, then stick around because we’ve got several tips on the best ways you can customize a used Wrangler. We’ve got everything from grille customization features all the way to lighting options and armor. Whether you want to head off the pavement or look cool driving through town at night, we’re here to help.

5. Grille Inserts

Some vehicles come with a few different grille options. Most only include their standard grille and then MAYBE a unique special edition grille. Jeep Wranglers are different, though. Whether you want different colors, a skull, a flag, or heck, even a butterfly hanging out in your grille, inserts have you covered. The best part about grille inserts for the Wrangler is that installation is a breeze. When you purchase pop-in inserts, they’ll come with built-in clips that make it easy to just pop them into place. Further, you don’t need to remove the grille or even use any special tools to get these installed.

When you purchase a solid printed grille insert, known as an “under-the-seal insert,” you do have to remove the grille. However, the process is still simple. All you need to do is remove your Jeep’s grille by unclipping its snap-on clips, slide the insert down to line up with the front grille, and re-clamp your grille back on. No matter which option you choose, this is an affordable and easy way to make your Wrangler stand out.

4. Lighting

There’s so much to say here. While all vehicles come with cool lighting add-on options, Wranglers take the lead here. First off, one of the best lighting features you can add to your Wrangler is color-changing headlights. You can get these LED lights in multiple different colors, or you can even make them change colors consistently, putting off a rainbow appeal. Pair these with matching underglow neon lighting, and you’re sure to stand out on the streets.

If you’re more of an off-roader than a town driver, you’ll want to add on some light bars. You can place these bars above the front windshield, on the hood below it, or even on the front bumper. Or if you’re feeling especially flashy, add on all three! These are designed to help you navigate dark backroads and trails safely. While new Wrangler models include standard LED lighting features, many used models do not, so this is a great way to achieve that modern lighting standard.

Finally, let’s not forget about the tire lighting feature. You can purchase a light ring to install in your spare tire to balance out those headlight rings and underglow lighting. Also known as a “third brake light,” this mod is affordable and easy to install.

3. Roof Rack Options

While all good SUVs come with roof rack railing, the Wrangler’s options take this a bit further. There are multiple roof rack options for the Wrangler. These include full-length roof racks, barricade roof racks that reach all the way behind the Wrangler, and rack trays. Some of these racks are even designed to work with the Jeep’s top fully removed.

Most of the installation process occurs separately from the Wrangler. You’ll bolt on all the necessary parts before actually bracing it onto the Jeep’s roof. Make sure to properly install the spaces. You don’t want scratches on your hardtop. Every Wrangler generation is different, though, and so is every rack option, so make sure to closely follow the instructions when you go to install a Wrangler roof rack on your own.

2. Body Armor

We’re not talking about the drink here. While some electrolytes are nice, your Wrangler gets everything it needs from the fuel tank. But when it comes to actual body armor, the Wrangler can use all the protection it can get, especially if you plan to head off-road. First off, if your Wrangler doesn’t already have skid plates, that’s something you’ll definitely want to add on. This helps to protect its underbody from rocks, logs, and other high-profile obstacles.

However, the armor doesn’t stop at just skid plates. You can purchase additional exterior body armor plates that go all around your model. For example, there are armor plates that are made specifically for the Jeep’s lower body, as well as cowl armor options that cover the left and right sections under the front window. You can even purchase fender armor options that replace your fender flares and cover the area above your tires. Not only do these look nice, but they help protect your paint from scratches and dents.

You can also purchase Body Armor-themed half doors. When your doors are off, these half doors add protection while matching your Jeep’s metal body armor aesthetic. Pair these with some tubular metal-colored rock sliders, and you’ll look unstoppable. If you’re looking for mods that make your Wrangler look even tougher, then body armor is the way to go.

1. Winches

Our top stop is reserved for a mod that improves the Jeep’s capabilities and looks cool while doing it. Even if you never plan to set tires on a trail, these front barricade winches make your Wrangler look tougher than ever. Plus, if you happen to find someone stuck in a ditch, you can easily help winch them out, thanks to this modification.

These winch kits are incredibly heavy-duty. They include strong cables that are capable of pulling up to 12,000 pounds. For reference, the Jeep’ Wrangler’s average tow capacity is only 3,500 pounds. So, when you winch from the front with these kits, you’re gaining tons of leverage. Just remember that if you’re going to invest the money into buying a winch mount, make sure it’s waterproof first. Wranglers can ford through over 30 inches of water in some cases, so it’s important that you look for that “waterproof” label.

To install a winch, the process differs depending on your Wrangler generation, and you’ll need tools to do so. These tools include ratchets, sockets, a swivel, pliers, and box wrenches. The winch kit should include all the required brackets and spacers. This one is one of the harder installations, so we recommend getting this installed professionally. However, if you want to give it a go yourself, carefully follow the instructions.

Which Jeep Wrangler Customization Options Are Best for Me?

The truth is that no matter what model year you choose, every Wrangler can benefit from some modifications. However, older used Wranglers might not include LED headlights like the new ones do. So, we definitely recommend investing in some LED light bars to increase your nighttime visibility if you need it.

We also believe that any serious off-roader needs a winch, body armor, and a suitable cargo rack. Aside from these accessory options, everything else is purely for aesthetics. Whether you want a hardcore off-roader, a fun and colorful tow cruiser, or both, these Jeep Wrangler accessories are great options for you. So, stop by the dealership today to find your used Jeep Wrangler, and then get to customizing it to your heart’s content.