Rookie Question about Lift

I have a '13 JKU, got it completely stock and have done all the work myself gradually over the last two years. I can tell you what I did, it's been a little expensive, but a lot of fun.

0th - almost forgot - Soft top, got the Bestop Twil top, very nice top, still can't get a great fit on rear side windows... top part just won't fit in track, but no leaks....

1st - lift kit. 2.5" AEV kit. Easy to install, new springs and shocks, track bar, brake brackets, etc... Look it up on their site, I've been pleased with it, actually drove better IMO after, better ride than stock.

2nd - 35" tires/wheels - lots of options here, lots of personal preferences in wheel choice

3rd - Recover bumpers with front wench and rear tire carrier - as well as 3rd brake light extension

4th - Lights - LED light bar across top of windshield, 2 on bull bar on front bumper

5th - replaced stock stereo - I love music and even thou it was suppose to be the premium unit, it sucked, upgrade speakers, amp and head unit. Got rid of rear OEM sub, replaced with under passenger seat unit. Worlds of difference, I mean, worlds.

6th - Most expensive single upgrade - half doors - pain in the ass, have to build them from parts, kits include wrong wiring harness for '13 JKU with power mirrors - found full door wiring harness, worked best. Put power mirrors and locks on it, so that caused a bit of a price increase. Paint was pricey, and never could get a good color match on the PW7 white.... But awesome to have half doors in summer.

7th and last (for a while) - Tube fenders, went with Metalcloak, they are really well made, easy to install. Very pleased.

I'm sure other small stuff, but these are the big ticket, most impactful upgrades. Also got the Tuffy security cover for rear, a bit of security when carrying valuable with no top and half doors, folks can't just grab stuff and walk off, have to work for it.

Wish list - eyeing the AEV hood, when it gets more miles on it, and no longer my daily driver, will put a more serious suspension for serious rock crawling, but that's much later on. For now, it's casual off roading (no serious mudding or rock crawling, but I have taken places others wish they could go :) )

All this comes with a serious MPG hit, was getting 23 hwy 18 city, now down to about 14 hwy, 13 city...

Most fun I've had in a long time though. Hope this was helpful.

/r/Jeep Thread