I put supplemental fogs on the bumper of my first Wrangler, and they worked great in the Arizona desert. With my second, I mounted spots on my A pillars - to see into the North Carolina woods - which I regret. Too much reflection from the hood when the lights are aimed correctly. I'd mount...
I don't have a lightbar over my windshield, but I can suggest a switch location. I bought an A-pillar switch set. They're everywhere, including Amazon, Extreme Terrain, etc. easy to install and gives you four switches, pre-wired. Color-coded too...
I bought a spare tire mount back-up camera from Creative Audio. Adjusting the camera angle and on-screen parking guides was a breeze. https://creativeaudio.net/pcam-jp2n-kl/
Avoiding voltage spikes
When you connect jumper cables from a running vehicle to a dead battery, the alternator in the running vehicle instantly puts out maximum charging voltage. That can create a voltage spike of up to 15.5 volts in both vehicles. And it’s that voltage spike that can fry...
Have you put an OBD on to see if the engine is throwing any codes? Both of my post-catalytic convertor sensors had to be replaced, and the OBD spotted it easily. Maybe some Sea Foam will help clean up any deposits or other fuel system fouling, since the problem appears when you stress the engine.
I have bought Nilight spotlights and the quality was fine. I put Body Armor bumpers on my first Wrangler and Rugged Ridge on my second. No complaints about either, but after hitting a deer last year, I wish I had chosen a larger bumper/grill protector for better grill coverage.
We know all Jeeps leak, and they’ll drain if you let them. This Jeep with significant rust suggests a neglectful owner. No telling what else might have been neglected too. You’re buying “as is”. Keep looking.
A different mechanic/inspector might have let you skate on some of those items. Not advocating unsafe vehicles, but “loose” and “too loose” are different things. Glad the wife is happy with your final decision… maybe I can find that old Jeep of yours?
Just wanted to say thank for the tip about replacing the mirror switch. Mine went out on a trip to New Hampshire, and with my wife and I sharing the driving, that switch was needed!