(This was also posted in Wayalife, sorry if it is a duplicate for some of you.) Hello All! So I am new to the Jeeping world with my recent purchase of a new 2016 Renegade Sport 4x4 (Artoo), and am excited about the modification possibilities. I have built a few vehicles in the past, but none of them have been my primary form of transportation, and none had a warranty to worry about. So I am looking for advice on what modifications I should prioritize. It would be great if I had an additional $5k to do everything at once, but that isn't the case. So I will have to take my time. Initially, I am focusing on things that will cosmetically extend the life of the vehicle. I have added Jeep slush mats (which have already saved me from snow melt, juice, food, and chocolate milk soaking into the carpet). Next I will be adding seat covers, then probably tint the windows, and add some stripes for some personalization. But then what? I would like to do the turbo diverter valve upgrade, a Daystar lift kit and rock sliders, upgrade the tires, and I have an idea for a swing out tire carrier that I would like to build. Besides the cost and warranty considerations, I also have a couple of other points to consider. I live in Iowa, so I won't be doing a lot of hard core off-roading. I do plan on taking some trips, but will most likely just be doing easier trails and low maintenance roads. My main obstacles that I will deal with on a more regular basis will be mud, snow, and ice. Also, I am relatively certian I can make all the modifications listed above (other than welding the tire carrier, I will leave that to a professional welder). So I am looking for some advice on what order should I do things? Is there any other modifications I should consider? I am sure some of you have modified a brand new Jeep (not just Renegades), what issues did you have with warranty things? I spoke with the dealership I bought it from (Deery of Ames Iowa) and they are pretty easy to work with. Unless a modification is the cause of a break it shouldn't affect the Warranty. I really appreciate your input! Thanks
The lift kit should not void your warranty, but the sliders likely will if anything was to ever happen in that area(very unlikely I realize). The thing with other wheels/tires is that a lot of the offerings will require than you trim the (metal)pinch seam behind the wheelwell, and use heat to form the plastic fender liners to clear the more aggressive tires. I am very hesitant to do the pinch seam mod, as I have the 5 yr warranty and don't want to risk anything happening with that. There are lots of people that have already cut them up and went bigger tires, so I see no issue with doing it if warranty isn't a concern. I realize that there is nothing that could really go wrong in the area where the seam is trimmed, but IMO to be properly repaired it should be welded shut which poses a small fire risk. EDIT to add: the BF Goodrich KO2s are a nice tire that shouldn't require trimming anything, and is likely what I will go to when my current tires need replacement.
I spoke to my dealer about the diverter valve upgrade, the tech guy told me that if something goes wrong with the turbo, and they see a non-OEM diverter valve, then good bye warranty on the turbo ONLY. They are not legally allowed to wholesale void a warranty unless you do something really dumb (racing for example). He did hint to me that if I brought it to the dealer, and the dealer installed it and I kept all the documentation, then the warranty would be fine because everything was installed by a trained, licensed, insured professional. Don't know if I fully believe him on that. Either way, I have a spare OEM diverter valve i can just swap out if something goes wrong. I had my exhaust upgraded because turbo's love unrestricted things, and I smooshed the exhaust. As it was done by a licensed shop, I was told it would not void anything. I guess if you really want to be safe, order everything through the dealer and have them install it.
