Modifying your off-road rig doesn’t have to break the bank. A few simple upgrades can easily give it a new look and even add some performance. Most of these mods are simple enough to tackle in one day, with many taking less than an hour to complete.  Although they may not be “big dollar” upgrades, we think they hold their own when it comes to adding personalized style to any 4x4 on a budget. From added safety to raw horsepower, these modifications are sure to take your off-road vehicle to the next level.

TIRES
You’re probably already thinking, “What, $100 off-road tires? Yeah, right!” Off-Road tires can make a huge difference both in traction and durability when dealing with dirt, rocks, snow or rough terrain. Most vehicles today roll off the assembly line with tires designed primarily for on-road use. Although rubber is expensive and most off-road tires tip the $100 mark, it’s worth mentioning that alternatives do exist, like buying a set of used takeoff tires. You can find them on eBay, Craigslist or even your local off-road shop. They run about half the price of a new tire yet still have plenty of tread and life. Another option is retread tires. Companies like Tread Wright have been around for decades doing this work and have in recent years concentrated their efforts to off-road tire designs. They offer tires that start at under $100 bucks each, in both all-terrain and mud-terrain tread patterns.

We installed a set on a Jeep JK over a year ago and they are still in good working order, even after logging over 12k miles!

Check out related story TreadWright's Affordable Recycled Mud-Terrain Tire

AIR INTAKE FILTER
More driving time off-road means more dirt being sucked up by the engine. Thankfully the air filter stops particles from entering the intake and causing engine damage. Although factory filters do a good job at stopping dirt, aftermarket air filters specifically made for off-road driving conditions use oiled or dry media filtration technology and are designed to stop dirt while continuing to flow clean air. Performance replacement filters drop right into the factory air box and are a great upgrade. Some filters may even provide a slight increase in power via improved airflow. An added benefit to performance replacement filters is that they can be cleaned and re-used, many for the lifetime of the vehicle. Some aftermarket air filter companies to look for are K&N Filters, AEM, Volant, Air Aid, and Rugged Ridge.

TIP: Check your air filter after every big off-road trip. If the trail was dusty, chances are good the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced to maximize good airflow.

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