Four-wheel drive vehicles are some of the best trucks and SUVs around. They're safe in the snow and fun to take off-roading. While most off-road vehicles come with great tires and a lifted suspension, it's important to choose the right replacement parts to maximize your off-road vehicle's performance. Fortunately, Morris 4x4 Center is here to help with three replacement parts to buy and three to avoid.

 

Trusted Off-Roading Upgrades 

Trusted off-roading upgrades will help you maximize traction, improve handling, and prevent you from getting stuck. The three trusted off-roading upgrades you should consider include tires, tow hooks, and skid plates. 

While these three are the recommended upgrades, suspension and lighting upgrades are also helpful depending on where you plan on driving.

 

Tires 

With a good set of tires, your off-road vehicle will make it across almost any terrain. For off-roading, make sure you look into mud tires, grappler tires, and swamp tires. Ultimately, the type of tire you need depends on where you'll be off-roading. 

Make sure you shop for tires with strong sidewalls, thick tire sipes, and a strong core. When it comes to tires, brands like BF Goodrich and Nitto are the best options. Their mud terrain and all-terrain tires are durable and long-lasting.

 

Tow Hooks 

The next upgrade to consider is a tow hook. If you plan on taking your Jeep or Bronco off-roading, having a tow hook will prevent you from getting stuck. Tow hooks help by giving other vehicles a way to remove your vehicle from mud or holes. In fact, a tow hook may save your vehicle and prevent further damage from occurring if you were to leave it behind.

If you're looking for a new tow hook, Morris has you covered with great brands like Rockjock and Warrior. With these brands, you'll find tow hooks and many other types of towing components like hooks and winches.

 

Skid Plates 

Lastly, if you plan on going off-road you need skid plates. Skid plates protect essential components from rocks, dust, and hazardous terrain. Vehicles that off-road sometimes go airborne or don't land properly. Without skid plates protecting the gas tank and transmission, your off-road vehicle is vulnerable. Plus, skid plates protect expensive components that are challenging to replace. 

When considering skid plates, make sure you choose the best brands. If you end up with the wrong parts, the protection won't be worth the investment. The best brands for skid plates are Dorman and ARB.

 

Unnecessary Upgrades

Many off-roading upgrades help your vehicle survive harsh terrain. However, some upgrades aren't necessary and end up being a waste of money. Some examples of unnecessary upgrades include removing the catalytic converter, installing an off-roading spoiler, and selecting universal suspension systems.

 

Removing the Catalytic Converter 

When upgrading your off-road vehicle, removing the catalytic converter and replacing it with a test pipe or straight pipe is one of the worst things you can do. While removing this component will net you more horsepower, you'll add more pollution to the environment and it's against the law. Therefore, your vehicle won't pass inspection.

Instead of removing the catalytic converter, it's better to upgrade. There are several aftermarket exhaust systems for you to choose from and some have upgraded catalytic converters.

 

Off-Roading Spoilers

An off-roading spoiler may look nice but unnecessary. Spoilers are designed to help racing vehicles with traction by adding downforce. Downforce makes it easier to turn and corner without slipping or having the vehicle flip. While it sounds helpful for off-roading, most off-road vehicles have innovative designs that provide enough downforce. And unless you’re competing in a Baja race, you won’t be going fast enough for the spoiler to make a difference. Therefore, the spoiler is an unnecessary upgrade.

Instead of upgrading the spoiler, you're better off selecting a new suspension or more body armor for your vehicle. It's even a good idea to invest in larger tires before adding a spoiler.

 

Universal Suspension Systems

It's always a good idea to upgrade your off-road vehicle's suspension system. To do so, you'll need shocks, struts, and some other components. That said, many people purchase universal system systems because they're easier to find and install, plus they're cheaper. Unfortunately, cheaper isn't always better and this applies to universal suspension systems.

Instead, it's always better to invest in vehicle-specific suspension upgrades. When shopping for suspension upgrades, use Morris' filter tool to sort by year, make, model, and engine size to get the right fit.

 

How to Choose What's Right for You!  

Choosing the right upgrades for your off-road vehicle isn't always straightforward. This is because the upgrades you need vary based on where you plan on driving. For example, people who off-road on the ice need different upgrades than people who climb rocks with their off-road vehicle. So, it's always important to evaluate your situation before upgrading.

The best way to choose what's right for you is to evaluate what you don't have. First, evaluate the tires and suspension of your vehicle and ensure it's prepared for the terrain you'll be driving on. Some examples include choosing mud tires for driving in the mud or grabbing tire chains for the snow/ice.

Once you have the basics taken care of, it's time to consider prevention and protection. Make sure you have a tow hook to get you out of holes and other places you get stuck. Also, add protection to the undercarriage with skid plates to prevent unnecessary wear on your transmission or fuel tank. And if you have the budget for something else, a winch can help get your vehicle out of a sticky spot, or you can use it to come to another driver’s rescue.

When it comes to getting the right upgrades, always shop with Morris 4x4. You'll find some of the best brands around for every off-road component and plenty of great upgrades. It's also easy to get your parts with convenient shipping and pickup options. Finally, use the filter tab to sort by year, make and model to get the right parts for your special off-road vehicle.