Best of the Best
Air Filters/Intakes
Wix Filtration Products Wix Air Filter (42329) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Wix makes great filters.
Air/CO2/Deflators
ARB ARB E-Z Tire Deflator Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
"The unique, patented design of the E-Z deflator allows for removal of the valve core for rapid tire deflation, while also providing accurate tire reading via the simple movement of a sliding valve."
DV Innovations MasterFlow Air Compressor (MF-1050) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Apparently, same as SuperFlow MV50, but sold under this brand at Pep Boys retail stores.
DV Innovations SuperFlow Air Compressor (MV-50) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
"This sturdy air compressor is perfect for Trucks, SUVs, RVs and other full-size vehicles and is designed for everyday use, from blowing up your kids' soccer ball to filling up a flat tire."
See Moab Jeeper review above for more information.
Armor: Differential
Crane High Clearance Crane Differential Cover Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Bullet-proof replacement differential cover, available for the Chrysler 8.25.
Poison Spyder Customs Poison Spyder Rock Ring Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Very attractive and effective diff protection.
Armor: Rocker Guards
All-J Products Boulder Bars Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Arguably the best rocker panel protection available.
Armor: Skids
All-J Products Engine/Tranny Skid: Super Skid Plate Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Best engine/tranny skid available.
Kilby Enterprises Kilby Fuel Tank Skid Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Kilby doesn't list a KJ fuel tank skid on their website, but we got a group buy in 2004 for $150, and it's a great skid. You may be able to get one at their normal price of $225.
Rusty's Off-road Products Fuel Tank Skid Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Batteries/Electrical
Optima Optima Red Top Battery Size Group 75/25 (8022-091) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
"An OPTIMA RedTop battery is the only battery specifically designed to take abuse."
Can be installed in an '02 Liberty (and any other that uses Size Group 86) with no modifications to the tray. (You may need to bend the terminals a little.)
720 CCA (910 CA)
Bumpers/Brush Guards
ARB ARB Bull Bar (02-04) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Extremely stout bumper/bull bar with winch and light mounts. Very heavy.
Rock Lizard Fabrication KJ Komodo Dragon Rear Bumper Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
"It isn't called the Komodo Dragon for nothing. This beast is the ultimate in rear armor. The bumper itself is made of 3/16" formed plate steel for extra strength. Bumpers come standard with 3/4" thick shackle tabs tied directly into the frame mounting brackets, and an integrated hitch receiver that gains 4" of clearance over the factory hitch."
Rock Lizard Fabrication Monitor Lizard KJ Front Bumper Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
"Very much like our Jeep Cherokee Front Monitor Lizard, this model is Designed to fit 02-06 Jeep Liberty. Bumper body is made of 3/16" formed plate steel for extra strength. Bumpers come standard with 3/4" thick shackle mounting tabs, front recessed hitch, and pre drilled holes for lights. Brush guard can be added for additional charge."
Sundance Customs Sundance Customs Front Bumper Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
LOST member JSCRASH (Jason) has created a great new front bumper for '02-'04 and '05-'07 model KJs. Highlights:
  • No washer bottle relocation required.
  • Use stock turn signals.
  • Integrated fog/driving light mounts. They protect your lights and look really cool.
  • Stinger can have light tabs, too.
  • Fabricated mostly of 3/16" steel (some 1/8" in accents) - VERY strong.
  • Wicked cool power plug for winch, jumper cables, or whatever.
More info here.
Engine Parts
NGK NGK G-Power Platinum Spark Plug (7100) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Inexpensive platinum plug. According to a guy I know who is an excellent, knowledgeable mechanic, NGK is the most consistent manufacturer of spark plugs, and their platinum plugs are hard to beat.
Note: Some retailers (RockAuto.com included) specify Part #7094 for the Jeep Liberty, but NGK lists Part #7100. I'm inclined to believe NGK, but you may want to check.
First Aid/Emergency
Mag Instrument MagLite Rechargeable Flashlight (RX1019) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
40,000 peak beam candlepower. 5-Cell (1/2-D) Nickel-Cadmium battery pack. Rechargeable up to 1000 times. Adjustable light beam (Spot to Flood).
Gordon Rechargeable 13" Aluminum Flashlight Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Comes with 120V, 60 Hz AC charger, automotive charging cord, 2200 mAh NI-CAD battery pack; 5-7 hour charge time.
Hitches/Trailers/Racks
All-J Products All-J Interior Cargo Rack Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
This rack isn't on their website (as of 9/9/2005), but this link will take you to a thread on lostkjs.com that describes it in detail.
blackout-npgcable-com (eBay vendor) Welded Steel Safari Roof Rack Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
"Only weighs 30 pounds and supports 1280!"
This guy makes custom racks, and gets rave reviews, including from LOST members. You can send him an e-mail with custom specs.
Lifts Kits/Suspension
4Wheel Drive Hardware 4Wheel Drive Hardware 2" Lift Kit (493301) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
This lift looks almost identical to Rusty's coil lift, except that it's branded for 4WD Hardware. I'd give it 5 stars, but I only know of one person who has the lift, although he seems to like it just fine.
All-J Products Frankenlift I Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Provides the best all-around offroad performance of any lift. Excellent choice if you have to have THE best lift, but may be excessive in price for most.
This lift is not actually manufactured by All-J...it is a combination of various parts, largely designed by LOST KJ West members.
The Standard Frankenlift Kit uses Pre-Assembled Rancho 17505 Front Struts, OME927 H/D Front and Rear OME948 H/D Coil Springs, Rear Rancho 17004 Shocks, All J Products Proprietary Poly Parts, Left and Right Daystar Upper Strut Plates, All Hardware and stem cushions needed, Rear Bump Stops.
All-J Products Frankenlift II Premium Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Same as Frankenlift II, but uses OME NS131 Front Struts and Uses OME132L Long Travel Rear Shocks instead of the Rancho counterparts.
Rusty's Off-road Products Rusty's 2.5" Suspension Kit Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Excellent lift kit, especially for lowered KJs. No problems reported by owners. Includes struts and shocks!
All-J Products Frankenlift I Premium Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Same as Frankenlift I, but uses OME132L Long Travel Shocks and Rancho 17505 Struts.
All-J Products Frankenlift II Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Same as Frankenlift I, but uses OME NS131 front Struts instead of the Rancho struts - uses Rancho 17004 shocks.
Moog Chassis Parts Moog Lower Ball Joint (K3199) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
The OEM lower ball joints on all KJs are notorious for failing, sometimes in under 20K miles. The Moog LBJ is serviceable and designed to overcome the inherent design flaws of the OEM joint.
Click here for a great thread on this topic on LostKJs.com.
Rancho Rancho RSX Front Strut (17505) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
This strut can be used on both stock and lifted KJs.
Rancho Rancho RSX Rear Shock (17004) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
This shock will work on 2.5" lifted KJs.
Click here for an interesting thread on LostKJs.com.
Rocky Road Outfitters RRO Combo Lift Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Excellent choice for pre-lowered KJs. Maximum lift, minimal problems.
Rubicon Express Rubicon Express Superflex LCA (RE3715) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
"Super-Flex 2 adjustable lower control arms for TJ Wranglers and XJ/MJ/ZJ (front or rear) Cherokees. All Super-Flex Control Arms feature our rebuildable spherical bearing assembly. This assembly features a large 2.25" polymer race that encapsulates a 1.75" hard plated steel bearing. A threaded steel insert allows adjustable preload and easy maintenance. The unit is greasable and extremely quiet due to the non-metallic races. This bearing allows extra flex for off-road prowess, yet does not sacrifice on-road handling or long term durability."
(Also fits the KJ. Click here for a picture of it installed on CA Wally's Camo Edition.)
Lighting
Hella Hella Driving Light Kit Model 500 (76110) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Can be found on eBay as low as $50.00 + $9.95 S/H.
PIAA PIAA Extreme White Plus Headlamp Bulbs (19617) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
"The blue top coat on these bulbs add a slight blue tint to the lamp while still providing outstanding performance."
This bulbs come with a lifetime warranty against defects. Apparently, if a bulb ever goes out, you can return it and get a new one.
Sylvania Sylvania SilverStar Headlamp Bulbs (9007ST) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
"SilverStar® is whiter light, closer to the color of daylight. Whiter light helps you see better at night. And if your night vision is better, night driving is safer."
Be sure to shop around...some auto parts stores charge $50 or more for a pair.
NOTE: SilverStars will NOT last as long as OEM or standard aftermarket halogen bulbs! Most users report a life of 6 months to 2 years.
Lockers/Gears/Driveline
Gear Kit, Ring & Pinion: 4.10 for Dana 30a Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Switching from the 3.73 to 4.10 gears after you lift and put bigger tires on can help restore the original acceleration and fuel economy.
Richmond Powertrax No-Slip (92-0382-2905) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
This is the correct part number if you have an open differential (no LSD).
ARB ARB Air Locker (ARB-RD93) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Randy's Ring & Pinion Replacement Rear Axles (YA C52070350) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Replacement rear axles. I believe I read somewhere that these are 25% stronger than OEM axles.
Recovery Equipment
Hi-Lift Hi-Lift Jack - 48" All Cast Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
"The Original"
Mopar Mopar OEM Front Tow Hooks Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Required equipment for all but the easiest offroad trails (unless you have a front hitch w/ a receiver shackle).
Tires/Wheels
Bridgestone Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
"With its powerful grip and smooth ride, the Dueler A/T REVO with UNI-T AQ II is the light truck and SUV tire that's equipped for the best and worst of driving conditions. Thanks to the advanced technology, it lets you handle the wet, the dry, even the snow, as the tire wears. With its aggressive tread and sidewall design, even the look of the Dueler A/T REVO grabs attention wherever you go."
OEM replacement (16" wheel): 235/70SR16
2" lift (minimal rubbing): 245/75SR16 or 265/70SR16
2" lift (requires cutting): 265/75SR16
Rock Crawler Rock Crawler Series 51 Wheels (15") Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
Not all 15" wheels will fit on the Liberty without modification. This one will, as seen here and here.
Safety Seal Safety Seal Tire Repair Kit (100C) Stars5.gif (1046 bytes)
I understand that this is the premier offroad tire repair kit.