Modify Your Jeep Rubicon for Off-Roading and Daily Driving

Congratulations on choosing the Jeep Rubicon – the ultimate off-road vehicle! Now, it’s time to take your Rubicon to the next level by making modifications that will enhance its off-roading capabilities while still keeping it practical and comfortable for daily driving.

If you want to conquer rugged trails without compromising everyday usability, this post will guide you through the best modifications for your Jeep Rubicon.

Lift Kit: A Mild Lift for Off-Road Capability

The Rubicon is already built for off-roading, but a mild lift kit can give you the extra ground clearance you need for tougher trails. For daily driving, it’s important to choose a lift kit that doesn’t sacrifice ride comfort. We recommend a 2-inch suspension lift that adds ground clearance without affecting your daily commute too much. Some great options for daily driving comfort are the Teraflex JL 4 dr: Alpine CT2 Short Arm Suspension System or AEV JL 2.5” DualSport RT Suspension Kit for the Jeep Wrangler.

Tires: Size and Off-Road Traction Without the Noise

Your Jeep Rubicon comes with 33-inch tires, but upgrading to larger tires is a common choice for those who want extra traction. While bigger tires look great, they can impact your daily drive if they’re too large. For a practical upgrade, your Rubicon can comfortably handle 35-inch tires without needing more extensive modifications, like gearing, steering or even axles. Costs can easily add up, not mentioning  downgraded road capabilities. Look for all-terrain tires like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 or Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac, which offer excellent grip off-road and provide a quieter ride on highways.

Wheels: Sturdy and Stylish

When upgrading your Jeep Rubicon’s wheels, aim for 17-inch or 18-inch wheels with a wider offset to improve off-road stance without negatively impacting daily driving. Aluminum alloy wheels are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable — perfect for both off-road adventures and everyday commuting. Choose wheels that combine style and functionality without going overboard.

Suspension: Smooth Ride for the Daily Commute

To maintain a smooth ride on both rocky trails and city streets, consider upgrading the Rubicon’s suspension system. A high-performance suspension, like the Falcon SP2 2.1 Monotube Shock, offers exceptional off-road control while keeping the ride comfortable for your daily commute. These shocks are adjustable, letting you dial in your suspension based on the terrain you’re tackling, ensuring optimal comfort for both off-roading and on-road driving.

Rock Sliders and Skid Plates: Protection Without Bulk

Rock sliders and skid plates are essential for protecting your Rubicon on rough trails. However, for daily driving, you’ll want to choose compact, high-clearance rock sliders and lightweight skid plates that offer maximum protection without adding unnecessary bulk. Poison Spyder Rocker Knockers offer sleek, durable options that balance protection and practicality.

Winch: Keep It Practical for Recovery

Even the most capable off-roader can get stuck. Adding a synthetic rope winch to your Rubicon is an excellent way to stay prepared for recovery situations. Synthetic rope is lighter, safer, and easier to handle than traditional steel cables. Choose a winch rated for your Rubicon’s weight (around 8,000 to 10,000 pounds), such as a Warn ZEON 10-S Winch – 89611, to provide a reliable recovery solution without interfering with your daily driving needs.

Interior Upgrades: Comfort Meets Function

When modifying your Jeep Rubicon for both off-roading and daily driving, consider upgrading the seats with additional lumbar support for long drives. Add all-weather floor mats to keep your interior clean after off-roading excursions, and consider a sound system upgrade for a more enjoyable daily commute.

LED Lighting: Increased Visibility, Day or Night

Upgrading your lighting system is essential for off-roading, but it’s also useful for everyday driving. LED light bars and spotlights provide excellent visibility when navigating night trails and are energy-efficient. For daily driving, opt for compact light bars or fog lights that enhance visibility without causing glare for other drivers.

Exterior Accessories: Functional and Stylish

To complete the look and functionality of your Rubicon, consider adding roof racks or swing-out tire carriers for extra cargo space on your adventures. Look for low-profile, aerodynamic roof racks that minimize wind noise and drag when driving at higher speeds on the highway.

Pro Tip: Finding the Right Balance

Remember: the more you modify your factory-built Jeep Rubicon, the more it may affect on-road comfort. While modifications like tires and suspension upgrades are great for off-roading, be mindful of the balance between off-road performance and daily driving comfort. Going “too big” can create new weak points in your vehicle that require regular maintenance and replacements.

Ultimately, the best Jeep Rubicon for your daily commute is the one that came from the factory. However, once you hit the trail, you’ll likely wish for everything to be modified for the ultimate off-roading experience. We’ve learned this lesson the hard way, and now we understand that the right modifications can make a world of difference.