JK Buyer's Guide: How to Find the Right Wrangler
Everything you need to know before buying a Jeep Wrangler JK. Model years, trim levels, what to look for, common problems, and how to spot a good deal from a money pit.
31 guides, reviews, and how-tos for your JK build.
Everything you need to know before buying a Jeep Wrangler JK. Model years, trim levels, what to look for, common problems, and how to spot a good deal from a money pit.
We analyzed 12 model years of Jeep Wrangler JK. The verdict: 2013-2014 offers the best value, while 2007-2008 should be avoided. Here's why - plus the build date trick that matters.
Don't buy a JK without this checklist. Covers frame inspection, death wobble testing, drivetrain checks, and every critical area. Printable format included.
Complete breakdown of every Jeep Wrangler JK model year from 2007-2018. See exactly what changed, what was added, and which years to target.
The Rubicon costs $8-12K more than a Sport. Is it worth it? We do the math on building a Sport vs buying a Rubicon - the answer surprised us.
JK vs JL: the JL is better, but is it $15,000 better? We compare price, capability, and real-world costs. The answer depends on your budget and use case.
Every known JK problem, organized by year. From death wobble to TIPM failures - what to check before buying and how much fixes cost. Updated with current repair prices.
Buying a used Jeep Wrangler JK? We break down every model year, trim level, and common problem - plus the inspection checklist that's saved readers thousands. Updated January 2026.
The definitive guide to lifting your Jeep Wrangler JK. Learn about lift types, heights, costs, what components you need, and how to choose the right setup for your build goals.
Best Of
We've tested dozens of JK lift kits. Here's what actually works - from $400 budget lifts to $4,500 long-arm setups. Plus the hidden costs nobody mentions.
Find the best 3.5-4 inch lift kits for your JK Wrangler. We cover Teraflex, Rock Krawler, Rubicon Express, and AEV options for running 35 inch tires.
Complete guide to installing a lift kit on your Jeep JK Wrangler. Tools needed, time estimates, step-by-step process, and mistakes to avoid.
Complete JK gear ratio guide. Find the right gears for your tire size. Covers 33s, 35s, 37s with manual and auto recommendations plus cost estimates.
The complete maintenance guide for your Jeep Wrangler JK. Service intervals, fluid specs, common problems, and preventive maintenance to keep your JK reliable for years.
Complete guide to upgrading your Jeep JK brakes. Learn why larger tires need better brakes, plus rotor, pad, and big brake kit recommendations.
Complete Jeep JK fluid specifications guide. Engine oil, transmission, transfer case, differential, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering specs with capacities.
Experienced the terrifying JK death wobble? Here's exactly how to diagnose and fix it - plus the one component that's the culprit 70% of the time.
Everything you need to know about armoring your Jeep Wrangler JK. From bumpers to skid plates to rock sliders - learn what protection you actually need and what's overkill.
Find the best JK rear bumper for your Wrangler. Compare tire carrier bumpers, stubby designs, and full-width options from top brands.
Protect your JK's undercarriage with the right skid plates. Compare oil pan, transmission, transfer case, and gas tank protection options.
Understand the difference between JK rock sliders and rocker guards. Learn which side protection is right for your Wrangler build.
Compare the best JK Wrangler front bumpers. Steel, stubby, and full-width options with winch mounts. Top picks from ARB, AEV, Smittybilt & more.
The complete guide to wheels and tires for your Jeep Wrangler JK. Learn about sizing, backspacing, offset, tire types, and what actually fits without rubbing.
Find the best all-terrain tires for your Jeep JK. We compare BFG KO2, Falken Wildpeak, Toyo AT3 & more for tread life, noise, and off-road capability.
Find the best mud-terrain tires for your Jeep JK. Compare BFG KM3, Mickey Thompson Baja Boss, Nitto Trail Grappler & more. Plus when M/T actually makes sense.
Understand JK wheel offset and backspacing. Learn what specs work for stock vs lifted JKs, how offset affects handling, and popular wheel specs for different builds.
Everything you need to know about electrical upgrades for your Jeep Wrangler JK. From LED headlights to dual batteries to winch wiring - a complete guide to powering your build.
Find the best light bars for your Jeep JK Wrangler. Compare 50-inch roof mounts, 20-inch bumper bars, and pillar pods from Rigid, KC, and Baja Designs.
Learn how to install a dual battery system in your Jeep JK Wrangler. Covers isolator types, battery trays, wiring, and top battery picks for overlanding.
Complete guide to JK winch installation. Learn winch sizing, compare Warn vs Smittybilt vs budget options, and understand wiring requirements for your Jeep.
Find the best LED headlights for your JK Wrangler. Compare JW Speaker, Truck-Lite, KC HiLiTES & budget options. DOT approved with install tips.