Best Jeep Aftermarket Brands?

[HNTR]

I’m a newbie Jeep owner and I’m not educated on which brands are iconic aftermarket brands for Jeep. I’m wondering which brands are the most respected as OEM+, and overall embedded as the clear leaders in Jeep aftermarket. For example, I heard of Smittybilt and seen their parts on a lot of Jeeps well before I purchased one, but what other brands are truly made for the Jeep enthusiast and well respected?

If I was basing future purchasing decisions off of internet photos and content, I would think Rough Country has some quality stuff. But I’ve never seen it in person, not have I seen any of the other brands that come up in the top 10 on Google. I’m looking for opinions and feedback on which brands are the absolute leaders for Jeep- best of the best!

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[RangerG]

Rock Hard off road has been good for me. Bumpers and skid plates. Family owned, always gotten good deals from them at the shows they go to.

 

[Erievon]

Best of the best for door off mirrors...CMM Offroad. Great people to deal with, and high end product. Price can be a shock, but once you have a set you'll understand.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Lots of good stuff out there. But it's kind of hard to list them without also knowing what type of part we are talking about. Currie (RockJock) makes really nice stuff, but they do not make headlights, soft tops, etc.

Not much good stuff from Rough Country or Smittybuilt.

 

[HorneyBadger]

What a loaded question! Depends on what parts as to who is the leader or best quality. We cant pin this down to just one company. Each person has their preferences(opinions/experiences) as one may say Rough Country while someone else will say Teraflex or AEV. You want something OK and priced good then Smittybilt(i.e. winch) or you can go for the top of the line Warn. (and thats just my opinion). Hell, I have even had a Quadratec Q-performance Stealth winch and no complaints. So the question is what are you going to get and how often are you going to use it. (i.e a winch...maybe never!)

 

[QuintusMaximus]

Depends on what kind of parts you're looking for? Are you looking to build a hard core trail rig, mall crawler, something that off roads a bit but also is a daily driver, etc?

 

[bakobobby]

Congrats on joining the Jeep family.

Really depends on what you plan to do. How much you can spend, how much elbow grease you have to spare, and of course one persons trash is another's treasure ?‍

Rough country is considered a value brand especially in Jeep world. Smittybilt can be hit or miss in my experience had a RTT and some other bits, no w of it I would call premium.

Rockjock and Teraflex would be premium brands that build suspensions for hard off roading. For hard parts Motobilt, rock hard, Artec, FabFours. Lighting KC and Rigid. Gearing ARB, Eaton, Yukon. These are just brands I have experience with there are many others that build great products depending on your needs.

I suggest that you find parts you are interested in, search the forum and ask questions. If there is not already a thread make and start a discussion likely some folks come out of the woodwork

 

[RangerG]

This is my opinion on suspension: get the best components. Two recommendations. For a 2.5” lift, Icon Vehicle Dynamics stage 8. Better than factory, handles like a sports car. Perfect for 35” tires. If you want 37” -38” tires I really like Metal Cloak. 4.5 “ top end kit. Nether one of these is cheap. Buy the best you won’t have to spend money twice

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

AEV makes for a capable mall crawler.

 

[loganjeeps]

Generalized reccomendation not specific to a brand name. Buy from a company that you are sure is manufacturing and servicing their products in America. Majority of real dissappointments / product failures you'll hear about are from amazon buys sourced by an offshore manufacturer that isn't trying to make a quality product but riding the wave of Jeep enthusiasim for customization and personalization to people's rides. Often times these companies copy cat an American design so they look comparable but definitely are not.

Welcome to the family. Remember Jeep = Just Empty Every Pocket.

 

[HNTR]

Congrats on joining the Jeep family.

Really depends on what you plan to do. How much you can spend, how much elbow grease you have to spare, and of course one persons trash is another's treasure ?‍

Rough country is considered a value brand especially in Jeep world. Smittybilt can be hit or miss in my experience had a RTT and some other bits, no w of it I would call premium.

Rockjock and Teraflex would be premium brands that build suspensions for hard off roading. For hard parts Motobilt, rock hard, Artec, FabFours. Lighting KC and Rigid. Gearing ARB, Eaton, Yukon. These are just brands I have experience with there are many others that build great products depending on your needs.

I suggest that you find parts you are interested in, search the forum and ask questions. If there is not already a thread make and start a discussion likely some folks come out of the woodwork

This is great and exactly what I was looking for. When I look at price and online presentation, Rough Country looks stellar, but as we all know, websites and marketing can be a bit deceiving. I’m super familiar with BMW, Audi and VW, plus know a little when it comes to domestic muscle, but definitely know nothing when it comes to Jeep culture, brands, performance and off roading.

I live in Pacific Northwest neighborhood that sits at the base of the mountains, just east of Seattle. We get snow. I have a couple classic Bimmers for summer, but had a Durango that I traded in for this new Glad Mojave. I will be using it as my winter driver, and I don’t commute (WFH). My wife has a Range Rover, so we had the SUV covered. I got this Glad to haul some MX, explore some trails and do a little overlanding. Wanted a rig that could get my dogs in the bed (just ordered a WildTop cap), and get us into the wilderness with a little confidence. Absolutely always had a Jeep on the bucket list and thought the Gladiator was the best of both Worlds (Jeep + Truck).

Here’s a list of items I have been currently considering. If y’all think I’ve got something in the list that is straight crap or can suggest something better, I’m all ears:

&N Cold Air Intake

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/knn-63-1576/make/jeep/model/gladiator/year/2023

$299.99





Curt 13434 Trailer Receiver

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-13434-T...mzn1.fos.18630bbb-fcbb-42f8-9767-857e17e03685

$105.99





Tazer

https://www.amazon.com/Automotive-T...&pd_rd_r=849a1bd7-6902-402c-ad9a-adeccbc518f9

$326





WildTop Truck Cap

https://www.wild-top.com/collection...tor-built-2020-current?variant=41885742235845

$1123



KC HiLites FLEX ERA® 4 - 2-Light System - Ditch Light Kit - Combo Beam - for Jeep 392/Mojave

Can I still open my hood without issue with these lights? Does the hood open like normal when the lights are mounted with this kit. Also, I have a 2003 Jeep Gladiator Mojave. Seems this is the correct kit, but just want to confirm. https://www.kchilites.com/kc-flex-era-4-light-combo-pair-pack-jeep-392-mojave-97165.html

$699



AEV 2” Spacer Lift Kit for Jeep Gladiator Mojave w/ stock Fox Shocks

https://www.aev-conversions.com/product/mojave-spacer-lift/

$589





Rain/summer cover

https://www.pveoffroad.com/products...oQnaPLnpfsAJ0fZPpRivu8nRkUnpcjosaAiXUEALw_wcB

 

[HNTR]

Generalized reccomendation not specific to a brand name. Buy from a company that you are sure is manufacturing and servicing their products in America. Majority of real dissappointments / product failures you'll hear about are from amazon buys sourced by an offshore manufacturer that isn't trying to make a quality product but riding the wave of Jeep enthusiasim for customization and personalization to people's rides. Often times these companies copy cat an American design so they look comparable but definitely are not.

Welcome to the family. Remember Jeep = Just Empty Every Pocket.

This is exactly why I am asking the question. Can you recommend some solid brands from North America? In addition to the United States, I find Canada, Australia, and several other countries make some great products. That said, damn near every major manufacturer out there is making products in China and Taiwan, but with U.S. engineering and brand oversight. The straight up Chinese copycats are quite a bit different. They copy a design and cheap out in the quality of steel/alloy/magnesium, etc. There welds are often terrible and their fasteners are garbage. I want to avoid supporting these brands, hence why I am asking for specific brand recommendations. I want to work with aftermarket brands that have been embedded in Jeep culture for years. If and when I sell my Jeep down the road, I want someone to see the upgrades I have done and be impressed with the appropriate choices. I support quality and want products that will perform well and hold up.

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

I’ve got Metal Cloak control arms and track bars. They’re great and made in the US. That being said, I have limited experience with Jeep aftermarket parts.

However, Clayton, Rock Jock, Teraflex, and Synergy seem to all have great feedback too. As a Jeep newbie but frequent forum lurker, I can definitely say that those are the 5 brands I read great things about often. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy from any of them.

 

[Alaska-HWY JK]

You’re very close to Northridge 4x4 in Seattle. I’ve bought most of my Jeep stuff from them since 2009. I’d go check their shop out.

 

[HNTR]

You’re very close to Northridge 4x4 in Seattle. I’ve bought most of my Jeep stuff from them since 2009. I’d go check their shop out.

Great tip. I’ll check them out. Anyone familiar with Mule Expeditions? I’m even closer to them.

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