Factory or Aftermarket

[Aj58]

I’m sorry if there’s something like this but I looked around and didn’t see anything.

I’m curious to get everyone’s opinions on if you could build any Jeep you want, what upgrades are you going to get from the factory and what upgrades are you going to get after market.

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[aFatBird]

I’m sorry if there’s something like this but I looked around and didn’t see anything.

I’m curious to get everyone’s opinions on if you could build any Jeep you want, what upgrades are you going to get from the factory and what upgrades are you going to get after market.

If I could get my dream JT, I would probably start with a sport with creature comfort things like ACC, 8.4" infotainment, proximity doors, and some other options that are just better installed from the factory. Everything else would just be aftermarket ie suspension, axles, wheels, tires, driveshafts, etc. It depends on how much you want to change from factory and what your end goal is. If you want some crazy build might as well start with a sport since everything is getting ripped off anyways.

 

[jimcasada]

My 2023 $39k Sport was about as basic as you can get, but still came with full/strong AC, 3 piece hard top convertible top, 3.6L V6 24V VVT, high/low range 4WD, Android based sound system with apps for my Pandora & Google GPS built in, rear backup camera, a computer compatible for the Jscan app, bluetooth wireless phone connectivity, steering wheel mounted audio controls, cruse control, trailer hitch hookup wiring (but no receiver), push button start, sliding rear window, front fog lights, delay-off headlights, GPS tracker, wireless tire pressure monitors, rear window defrost, etc. Whatever else I need, I can get from after market suppliers.

 

[Readely]

I’ve got a 23’ Mojave. I’d add power seats (6’5”, 245lbs) and add front locker.
sound system could be better too.
Parents have a new compass and the new screen and infotainment set up is very nice but assuming that will show up in the 24’ jt

 

[Sandevino]

I've got a 2023 Rubicon. Only options I didn't select were blind spot monitoring, ACC and AUX switches. I'll be adding the AUX switches with factory parts for about $400. Blind Spot Monitoring can be added for about $800 with the Tazer. I have no interest in Adaptive Cruise Control.

 

[RodRecket]

Much of this depends on what you want to use the JT for. Rock crawling, desert bombing, overlanding, pavement driving...etc.

For what its worth I ordered my first one and didn't get the aux switches and the ended up installing them after the fact, which was a pain in the ass.

 

[Viper501]

I want to find the button that allows me to select a 392 from the factory. Stupid Stellantis.

 

[RodRecket]

So it’s safe to say aux switches are one of the things that should be a definite from the factory.

What’s everyone’s thoughts on factory tonneau covers and headlines.

Go aftermarket on tonneau and headliners. There's better quality out there.

 

[cranbiz]

I would also say go aftermarket on the switches. A lot of good choices out there that are far easier to add and with more switches and options. My 2021 had ACC and blind spot monitoring but no switches. For $250 I added in the 6 switch VOSwitch. OK, doesn't have the silver trim ring but I can live with that.

I wasn't initially a fan of the safety group or the ACC and wouldn't have ordered one with those but I have to admit, they are growing on me, especially the ACC.

 

[Pescatoral Pursuit]

I’m sorry if there’s something like this but I looked around and didn’t see anything.

I’m curious to get everyone’s opinions on if you could build any Jeep you want, what upgrades are you going to get from the factory and what upgrades are you going to get after market.

Good question.
I may have gone with aftermarket fake leather instead of factory fake leather, and save myself $500-600 at the cost of the fold down center section of the rear seat.

Factory wheel upgrades are a complete rip off and you may as well set fire to 2/3 of the upgrade cost.

The factory LEDs are quality, and I don't think the aftermarket has any value unless you want some fancy bills and whistles.

The front camera is a deal.

Full-time four-wheel drive is a deal.

Tow package is a deal.

Anything you are likely not to change, or that aftermarket costs are exponential should be had as an option.

I'd be interested in the cost comparison between sport/ overland to Rubicon, and aftermarket locker/regear upgrades.

 

[Gvsukids]

I'd be interested in the cost comparison between sport/ overland to Rubicon, and aftermarket locker/regear upgrades.

Start with a Max Tow.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/cost-for-regearing.24331/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-save-money-by-starting-with-a-sport-s.41697/

 

[Mr._Bill]

I’m sorry if there’s something like this but I looked around and didn’t see anything.

I’m curious to get everyone’s opinions on if you could build any Jeep you want, what upgrades are you going to get from the factory and what upgrades are you going to get after market.

I get as much as possible factory installed. It's less work for me, and reduces potential issues with the dealer if warranty work needs done. But, it all depends on what you want. Some items are factory install only, and some are better aftermarket. Plan out what you want to add, research what is available and where, and then order the truck with what needs to be factory installed.

 

[bd100]

I wouldn't mind factory options for even more stuff, if only to save time. Imagine factory options for steeper gear ratios, diff covers, more skid plates, bigger tires and wheels, better fog lights, load carrying springs, improved shocks, bed cap, etc. Kind of an aftermarket parts install service, selectable on order, installed before delivery. They could even branch out into things like overlanding gear, GMRS radio and antenna, a wide selection of graphics, and so on. Anyone who values their time might be tempted to pay extra for this stuff if they could get it all done at once before delivery.

I found a truck on a dealership lot in the next state which for some reason they ordered with almost exactly the options I would have chosen. Not the usual stuff, either; this was a Sport S with manual trans, added limited slip, tow, Mopar performance rails/steps, heated seats, retro graphics, aux switches, head liner, Alpine audio, black wheels, and the bluetooth speaker. And they had two colors to choose from with these options. It's like someone ordered up some trucks special just for the fun of it. Mine was on the lot half a year before I finally went and got it.

 

[Jefe1018]

I struggled with this question.

I settled on getting the aux switches, 8.4 infotainment, and the hard top. Otherwise, all aftermarket or Mopar performance products.

 

[Max-t]

Factory is best for what factory is intended.
Aftermarket companies are a crap shoot. And with Jeep stuff a set of step rails can cost you 200 lbs. a bumper will weigh 100 to three times that unless you go stubby or aluminum. Most of the aftermarket is junk. Which was fine when things cost less. But now I see that they’re doing brand marketing. There’s more than one Jeep around here with stickers all over it from their favorite brand… jacking prices up 100%

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