So, you've got a lift, 33" tires, and a cage, and have a CB, rock sliders, diff covers and steering protection on the way.
Pretty good start. From there, the rest is kind of a slippery slope. If you want a locker, you should think about upgrading the axles, and changing the gear to accomodate the larger tires. That $800 locker quickly becomes a $2000 locker...per Axle!
I think the advice above is really good. Focus a bit more on armor, gas tank, oil pan, etc.. Then start looking at bumpers. I would choose a good rear bumper (RockHard makes a nice one) and then a front, in that order.
You should also think about learning to drive the rig you have to the best of its ablity. A good training course, like something from http://www.4x4training.com/ will likely save you a lot of money in bent steel and broken parts, and will help you defer the major cost of upgrades by compensating with skillfull driving.
As for tires, you can get used one's pretty cheap. Buddy of mine got six 33" KM2's off Craigslist for $40 each. Only 60% tread, but good enough for a year or so of wheeling. There are deals out there. KM2, MTR, MTZ, XTerrians, Baja Claws, all decent tires (KM2 is my favorite though).
How are you set up for real life in addition to mechanical life? What's in your gear bag? Do you have a good recovery kit? tools? Maps, GPS? camera? SPOT tracker? desert clothing, etc? These are all important and neccessary items because they will save your butt even without lockers :-)
And of course, never forget what JEEP stands for:
Just Empty Every Pocket
Pretty good start. From there, the rest is kind of a slippery slope. If you want a locker, you should think about upgrading the axles, and changing the gear to accomodate the larger tires. That $800 locker quickly becomes a $2000 locker...per Axle!
I think the advice above is really good. Focus a bit more on armor, gas tank, oil pan, etc.. Then start looking at bumpers. I would choose a good rear bumper (RockHard makes a nice one) and then a front, in that order.
You should also think about learning to drive the rig you have to the best of its ablity. A good training course, like something from http://www.4x4training.com/ will likely save you a lot of money in bent steel and broken parts, and will help you defer the major cost of upgrades by compensating with skillfull driving.
As for tires, you can get used one's pretty cheap. Buddy of mine got six 33" KM2's off Craigslist for $40 each. Only 60% tread, but good enough for a year or so of wheeling. There are deals out there. KM2, MTR, MTZ, XTerrians, Baja Claws, all decent tires (KM2 is my favorite though).
How are you set up for real life in addition to mechanical life? What's in your gear bag? Do you have a good recovery kit? tools? Maps, GPS? camera? SPOT tracker? desert clothing, etc? These are all important and neccessary items because they will save your butt even without lockers :-)
And of course, never forget what JEEP stands for:
Just Empty Every Pocket
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