Adventurers all know the feeling of drooling over the thought of the seemingly endless modifications and upgrades, like off road accessories, they could chuck on a 4×4 vehicle. However, the costs of off-roading upgrades can add up pretty quickly, and it’s easy to wind up spending unnecessary cash on parts that add aesthetic but no performance.
Instead of letting yourself get distracted by interesting but useless bling for your car, take some time to come up with a solid plan for the modifications you actually need and really want.
Not sure how to prioritize? Here are our top picks if you have a limited budget.
Ring and Pinion Gear Upgrades
A ring and pinion gear upgrade might not sound like the most exciting place to start, but these parts play a huge role in off-road performance. An optimized gear ratio will improve torque delivery to the wheels, allowing for better traction and control. The right gear can make all the difference and is worth the investment.
On top of this, you’ll be able to achieve better fuel efficiency, improved strength and durability, and even smoother towing when you’re carrying heavy gear on your next adventure.
Suspension Lift Kits
This next modification is more likely something you expected to see on a list like this – upgrading your suspension. While most trucks and SUVs will be built for a smooth city drive, most of them aren’t actually optimized for off-roading, no matter how rugged they look on the outside.
A suspension lift kit will help you by improving ground clearance and overall off-road performance. Aside from raising your suspension to accommodate a rough trail and bigger tires, you can also consider upgrading to a quality set of shocks and coil overs for even better off-road performance.
Off Road Tires
We’ve talked about ground clearance from a raised suspension, but we can’t forget that your tires are the biggest player in this department. Even if you skip the suspension upgrade, bigger and better rubbers are a must because stock tires are typically severely lacking.
In this case, it’s important not to skimp out and pick a well-known, high-quality tire. The exact type of tires you choose will depend on your off-roading preferences. For example, if you’re regularly out on muddy and technical terrains, then mud-terrain tires are a must. Otherwise, all-terrain tires will be fine, so long as you think about durability, traction, and the right tread.
Winch and Recovery Gear
When you’re off-roading, you’re probably going to get stuck. Recovery gear is essential for getting unstuck, which we’re sure you’re aware is pretty important. Recovery gear upgrades might not be a lot of fun, but they’re practical and functional, especially for those solo adventures.
Winches are expensive and heavy, but they’re also your best bet when it comes to off-roading recovery and should be prioritized. However, other gear like recovery point fittings, shackles, kinetic straps, and ropes should be brought on board as well. Another essential that’s not necessarily an upgrade but an investment is good-quality recovery boards.
Skid Plates
You want to make sure you’re taking care of every part of your vehicle – not just the parts that are obviously visible. Your undercarriage can take a phenomenal amount of damage on a tricky terrain, and you need to take responsibility for preventing that.
Oil pans, transmission fluid pans, transfer cases, and other parts are typically left exposed and unprotected under your 4×4. A steel or aluminum skid plate won’t do much for the aesthetics of your vehicle, but it’ll protect all those sensitive bits from getting scratched and dinged by rocks and gravel that might hit the underside as you pass over the terrain.
LED Light Bars
Finally, a mod that will look good on your 4×4 – LED light bars. While they can really ramp up the look of your off-roader, that’s not why they’ve made a spot on this list.
Better lighting is something you’ll always be grateful you installed when you’re on the move after the sun goes down, especially if you’re in the great outdoors. LED lighting, especially light bars, can provide an incredible amount of light without looking too clunky or overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
All in all, there’s a lot you can do to increase the performance, safety, and, yes, even the look of your 4×4. However, making sure you invest your time and money in the right areas is crucial. Focus on the high-impact enhancements and always go for quality parts made by brands you trust.
