Cheap Upgrades For The Jeep Wrangler

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Jeep, Wrangler,

Last Updated on March 12, 2023 by Paul S.

Upgrades to your Jeep Wrangler are one of the many reasons why you purchased it.  There are so many things you can do to your wrangler to make it stand out, be a lot more fun to drive, and most importantly tackle any trail out there.

One thing you will find in your upgrade search is that sometimes they can get expensive!  But not all upgrades need to break the bank.  This article will review some of the cheaper yet cool options that we have discovered from our research on the web.

If you are on a quick lunch break or don’t have time for the entire article, our favorite cheap upgrade is the Alien Sunshade which comes in an assortment of colors.  This sunshade enhances the experience of taking the top off your Wrangler by not allowing all the harmful UV rays in so you can keep your top off longer!  Check it out!

If you want to learn about more cheap upgrades for your Jeep Wrangler then continue below!  

Reviews of Cheap Upgrades for the Wrangler!

Rydonair Antenna

This antenna by Rydonair replaces your giant factory steel antenna with a short antenna that gives your Jeep a more modern look.  Here are some cool features about it:

  • Replaces your 31 inch metal antenna with a 13 inch rubber antenna
  • Easy installation.  Some upgrades can be very difficult to install on your Wrangler but this is definitely not one of them.  Anyone can do it!
  • This has a ton of great reviews on Amazon.  Click the link below to review them.

Cons

  • Reviewers that lived in rural areas mentioned there were some difficulties with reception.  There were plenty of reviews that mentioned it was better than the stock antenna but perhaps they were in the City and close to radio station antennas.
  • Is not car wash proof and you will have to take it off during every wash.  We have provided a link to their smaller one that is car wash proof below.

Here are the Generations of the Wrangler it is compatible with:

  • JK
  • JKU
  • JL
  • JLU
  • JT (Gladiator)

Here is the car wash proof antenna. It is 7 inches which is shorter and has the potential to have less reception than the longer one mentioned above but it is a lot sleeker. 

It appears that most reviewers didn’t have an issue in the car wash but there were some that mentioned the car wash bent the antenna.  Make sure you do not go to aggressive car washes!

Ronin Factory Bullet Antenna

This antenna is even cooler than the one by Rydonair because it’s shaped like a bullet!  Here are some things that make this antenna stand out besides the cool looking design:

  • The antenna comes with a thread locking compound that deters people from stealing it. 
  • It is carwash safe
  • At just over 5 inches long this antenna is one of the shorter ones you can find on the market.

Cons

  • Because this antenna is so cool looking it could be a target of people wanting to take it.  But I guess that is why there is a thread locking compound to keep it secure.
  • Because it is so short the company mentions that AM/FM reception might not work as well in rural areas.  In cities, there shouldn’t be an issue.

Here are the Generations of the Wrangler it is compatible with:

  • JK
  • JKU
  • JL
  • JLU
  • JT (Gladiator)

Jusstop Mirrors

When you take off your doors and if you are driving on public roads you may need side mirrors so you don’t get pulled over. 

These side mirrors by Juststop are great because they fit into your door hinges and two are provided for each side.

Here are some other benefits:

  • They have vibration reduction rubber washers and nylon nuts.
  • Easy to install for those of us less mechanically inclined.

Cons

  • There were mentions that the mirrors vibrated, moved, and made some whistling sounds at high speeds. Some people mentioned buying better rubber washers to help with the vibrations and to ensure that you tighten them down.

These side mirrors work for the following generations of the Wrangler:

  • CY
  • YJ
  • TJ
  • JK
  • JL
  • JT (Gladiator)

With these side mirrors, one has to remember that these are not going to be an exact replacement for your stock side mirrors.  Especially at these low prices, expectations should be kept low.  That is not to say that they don’t work because they are a great option for making your jeep street legal and not having to worry about them getting banged up on the trail. For more information on if you need side mirrors in your state see our article on that here: Jeep Door Laws By State

Easy Install Adventure Mirrors

These side mirrors are by Freeform.  These are provided as an alternative to the mirrors mentioned above and from our research appear to be very similar to the Juststop mirrors.  This design only requires one nut to install it making it an even easier process.

These side mirrors work for the following generations of the Wrangler:

  • CY
  • YJ
  • TJ
  • JK
  • JL
  • JT (Gladiator)

JeCar Mesh Sunshade

The JeCar sunshade is the perfect upgrade so you can keep your top off for longer and not worry about the suns UV rays causing you or your jeep damage.   This sunshade still allows you to be able to see the sky or mountains and feel the wind but will block a majority of the sun’s rays.  The sunshade easily installs onto your Jeep’s sports bars with bungee cords. 

Cons:

  • Taking the freedom panels off and on will add one more step of working around the sunshade.
  • There will be wind noise with this item but that is unfortunately unavoidable when you take the top off.

The JeCar sunshade works with the following Wranglers:

  • JK/JKU 2007-2018

Below is the link for the sunshade that fits the JL.

Alien Sunshade

Another option for a sunshade that is very similar to the JeCar shade.  One cool feature about the Alien Sunshade is that you can choose from many different colors!  Some of these colors will really make your Wrangler pop!   

The Alien Sunshade works with the following Wranglers:

  • JK/JKU 2007-2018 and all trims.

Here is the sunshade for the JL (this one comes with front and back panels so it is a little more expensive):

Savadicar Grab Tray JK

Due to its ability to kick butt on the trail the Jeep is smaller than most SUVs.  This makes storage space upgrades very important.  This is one of the cheapest items on the list and it allows the front grab bar in front of the passenger seat to become a storage area.  This is great to place your phone, keys, or wallet!

This tray is suitable for the JK/JKUs from 2011 to 2018. The option for the JL is available below.

Here is the option for the JL/JLU.  It even fits the Gladiator JT as well.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this list has provided you with a couple of cheap upgrades to get your Jeep Wrangler game up to par!  You don’t always have to break the bank to make your jeep more efficient and to get more out of it! 

Here is our top pick on the list.  The Alien Sunshade.  It allows you to enhance the coolest thing about the jeep.  Taking the top off is probably the biggest reason people purchase it and the Alien Sunshade allows you to enjoy that feature even more.  Harmful UV rays will be reduced but you will still experience driving down the street or trail with no top!

Jeep on!

Looking for a little more something for your Wrangler? Check out this post!