Better tires too handle the mud, snow, etc. of New Jersey weather; cannot go wrong with the BFG A/T's. 32" are the biggest you can do with no form of lift, be it body or suspension.

Then if you want to do the PML (Poor Man's Lift), which since you are college, is right up your alley. You can get a set of rear shackles for around $50, which will give you about 1.5" of lift in the back. To compensate for the front, you can/will need to crank up your front torsion bars 1.5".

Once you have more $$$$ and confidence in your ability, you can get what are called sliders. They are metal protection for you rocker panels. They basically cover from the front door to the back door from rocks, debris, etc.

The Pine Barrens is a perfect place to learn with minimal damage, other than scratches.

S.