Hey Gang,
Thanks for the great advice! Still not totally sure where to start, but you've given me a bunch to think about. As I said, I'm new to all this (mods and non-atv wheeling) so I think I'll start out pretty slow/small and work up from there. Just like Cheever3 said in his intro post, this is my daily driver so I'm not looking to go too crazy... yet!
Happy New Year everyone!
I drive a JKU and have wheeled it on several moderate Class VI roads throughout NH. Not once did my crossmember get crumpled nor have I had an issue with the factory gas tank, evap canister or transfer skids. I upgraded the crossmember and transfer skid only because I got a great deal on Rock Hard skids and Poison Spyder crossmember.
If you have no intention of playing in the rocks then there is no reason to spend money upgrading the factory skids. Use the money to invest in other areas such as adding an oil plan/transmission skid, lower control arm skids, and some new shoes that are more aggressive than the stock tire. The JK sits higher than previous Jeep models so you can tuck a 33" or smaller tire in the wheel well without needing a lift.
With my JKU, I opted to lift it for additional belly clearance and looks. I still rub once in a while, but with added protection underneath I'm a little more relaxed. Plus my JKU likes to have its belly rubbed.
