Jumpstart Your Adventures With 4 Upgrades for Your Used Jeep

We live in a paradise for off-road enthusiasts and a playground for used Jeeps. Colorado Springs is a place where adventure meets the untamed wilderness that calls every off-roader. This area is an open invitation for Jeep enthusiasts to push their limits and see how far they can go. To reach this potential, Jeep owners can equip their vehicles with an assortment of upgrades that will allow them to go further than ever before. You don’t have to buy a brand-new Jeep to customize it the way you want, and these upgrades are proof.

Jeep has been the go-to brand for the adventurer at heart for some time now. Its sturdy and reliable models and rugged capability make the Jeep brand ideal for taking on some of the most adrenaline-fueled paths out there. Whether you are hitting the trails in an old Jeep Wrangler to kick up some mud or you are setting off on a proverbial walk-about in a modified Jeep Grand Cherokee, a Jeep can be fitted and customized to meet your needs, your way.

#1 – Locking Differentials

Anyone who frequents off-road trails knows the importance of traction. Some of the best trails around Colorado Springs will require you to traverse rocky mountain paths in order to reap the rewards. For instance, Yankee Hill will challenge you and your Jeep with rock-strewn paths and steep inclines as you climb your way to the top for an absolutely breathtaking view of St. Mary’s Glacier. Equipping your noble steed for the ride with locking differentials might be exactly what you need to unlock its full potential.

Automatic lockers and selectable lockers each offer distinct benefits, and understanding which one you should choose comes down to how often you use your Jeep, what kind you have, and what you use it for. Automatic lockers provide consistent traction without having to worry about flipping a switch. You get traction when you need it without thinking about it and a level of reliability that some argue you can’t get with selectable lockers. Selectable lockers, on the other hand, offer traction on demand, letting the driver choose when they kick it on and when they kick it off. This helps improve handling when cruising the streets of Colorado Springs.

Jeep is a brand that caters to all lifestyles, and buying a used model gives you more freedom to customize. Before upgrading your Jeep, consider what you use it for, and that will guide you in creating a ride that is just right for you. We recommend talking to the professionals in our parts department so that you can ensure whichever locker type you choose, your next adventure keeps on rolling.

#2 – Lift Kit

Lift kits are a great way to customize your used Jeep for the adverse terrain you may encounter off-road. Consider taking on the historic and gorgeous Alpine Loop, where a boosted suspension will help take you to new heights and new sights. The Alpine Loop is 65 miles of both rugged and not-so-rugged trails that will challenge your Jeep in ways that only a Jeep enthusiast will appreciate. Along this loop, you will have the rare opportunity to explore ghost towns that are more than a century old––an exciting journey made possible by Jeep.

Adding a couple of inches of ground clearance to your Jeep may be exactly what you need to become an honorary ghost hunter. Mopar is Jeep’s brand for factory parts and accessories, and we can help you find a Mopar lift kit that works for your pre-owned Jeep. We even help with installation services if DIY isn’t for you. Jeep has a way of bringing you closer to history, closer to nature, and maybe a bit further from the ground.

Lifting your Jeep also offers an aesthetic that some prefer, turning a sporty 4×4 into a somewhat aggressive-looking vehicle. The increased height and the ability to beef up the tires give a look you might enjoy whether you drive a Wrangler or a Cherokee. If the lift is more for performance and capability, then larger tires are still an advantage made possible by lifting your rig––which leads us to the next potential upgrade.

#3 – All-Terrain or Mud-Terrain Tires

Whether or not you choose to go big or go home is one thing to consider, but so is the type of tire you choose. There are two options that any off-roader should (and most likely does) know––the mud-terrain and the all-terrain. How you use your vehicle is one of the most important questions to consider. If your Jeep is a daily driver that takes the kids to school, runs errands, and also hits the trails, you will have different needs than if your Jeep is only used to explore off-road on the weekends.

Mud-terrain tires are a great option for the latter, offering the weekend warrior unmatched performance on the trails. Mud-terrain tires feature chunky tread blocks with large grooves separating them. The space between the tread blocks is vital for mudding since the larger space helps keep the tires clear, allowing them to dig through the mud with ease. If going off-road is the primary purpose of your Jeep, then mud tires are a fantastic option to conquer rocks, mud, and more. If you are up for a bit of a drive, the Grand Mesa National Forest is a great place to put your mud tires to the test.

If you have plans to use your Jeep for everyday driving in Colorado Springs, then forget the mud-terrain tires and go for the all-terrains. Mud terrains can tackle the roughest terrain, but they can be loud on the road, decrease fuel efficiency, and be less grippy on paved roads. In contrast, all-terrain tires can handle off-roading and still work for daily driving. If you are thinking of upgrading your tires, we can help you find the right fit for your used Jeep and your needs.

#4 – Off-Road Bumpers

If you want to add some muscle to your Jeep, then consider an off-road bumper. Off-road bumpers aren’t just for making your Jeep look cooler; they are also for increasing its capabilities. These bumpers come in a slew of options, allowing for even further customization of your Jeep. Some offer built-in winches, tow hooks, and so on, while others can be fitted with them later. If getting a whole new bumper isn’t for you, there are plenty of accessories that you can add.

Adding an off-road bumper can increase your vehicle’s approach angle and add additional protection against off-road obstacles. Heavy-duty steel bumpers are great for adding protection and look great. Some offer removable end caps to allow you to fit through some tight off-road spaces, while others have integrated tow hooks. If you aren’t sure which option is right for you, we are happy to help.

Level up Your Jeep to Level up Your Off-Road Adventures

There are so many great used Jeeps out there, and living in Colorado Springs, we are faced with unique obstacles and challenges that a Jeep is perfectly designed to handle. Thanks to aftermarket parts, you don’t need to buy a brand-new Jeep to get the Jeep of your dreams. Whether you are looking to climb Pikes Peak for a spectacular view of our city or you plan to take on Heart Attack Hill, upgrading your Jeep is one of the best ways to prepare your vehicle for the adventures ahead.