PUBLIC FORUMS => Introductions => Topic started by: Raddadd on March 11, 2011, 01:17:26 PM
Title: getting started...?
Post by: Raddadd on March 11, 2011, 01:17:26 PM
Hello All, Another future off roader is looking to join the ranks.I have done alot of minor off roading in the years from our hunting adventures and trianing my dogs. Not a pro by any means. I recently got a 2011 Wrangler Unlimited that I want to learn how to use to its max abilities. Right now its very clean and needs some \"scars\" and mud. I\'m not sure what I need or how to set it up for good off roadin....I need to learn from you guys/gals. Any thoughts where to start ? I will attend the meeting on the 29th so maybe I can meet some of you and learn more. Please feel free to share your thoughts ! Thanks all....!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Title: Re: what do I need to get started...?
Post by: Wingman on March 11, 2011, 07:20:56 PM
Welcome!
Title: Re: what do I need to get started...?
Post by: etk300ex on March 12, 2011, 09:45:09 AM
Welcome!
All depends on what type of off roading you want to get into and how much do you want to spend??? Lift, tires, and lockers is always a good place to start :)
Title: Re: what do I need to get started...?
Post by: Raddadd on March 12, 2011, 04:13:55 PM
I\'d like to try it all..I\'m really drawn to crawling..at least what the Jeep is capaple of and go from there. Tires are on top of the list. I\'m currently looking for a back up set to what I have. I heard and read a bit about lockers. What works best... electric lockers or pneumatic ? Any brands a fav amongst the club? So much stuff one can read but it\'s always a plus to hear from real experience. Attached r a couple photos of my new toy. Got her in \"first mud\" at the farm on Friday night...not much though....whimpy tires didn\'t allow for much. Should be fun to watch her grow in the next years. Thanks for the response...I appreciate the feedback.
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: MrMindless on March 13, 2011, 12:02:18 PM
Selectable lockers are nice, but many of us (myself included) have stuck with the simple automatic lockers or welding diffs.
A favorite automatic type locker is the Aussie Locker. I honestly think it\'s the best out there, and that has nothing to do with the owner being in the club, it has to do with their track record of stunning reliability!
www.aussielocker.com
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Raddadd on March 14, 2011, 05:28:33 PM
Mike- Should I go both front and back or just front?? Do you think they will work well with more on road than off road use? Any concerns with them in your \"every day vehicle\"? It would be real nice to have something like that and not worry when you hit the trails.....no switchs ,cables and such thats cool.
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Wingman on March 14, 2011, 08:01:55 PM
Different schools of thought on front vs. rear. I opted for the rear in previous Jeeps because I was leary of the effect of a front locker in the snow without lockout hubs. Some here have done it and report no issues.
Lockers will be a great advantage off road but they will also get you farther into \"stuck\" where cables, straps, and winchs will become necessary. It all comes in due time. That\'s why you wheel with friends! ;-)
The automatic locker is nice because you don\'t have to worry about wires and cables. There are times when I like my selectable because I can unlock it and pretend to keep things from binding up and breaking.
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Raddadd on March 15, 2011, 04:18:02 PM
I like the idea of avoiding problems by using a selectable locker....if its less wear and worry for my (currently) limited use that sounds like a safe call.
Wow a lot to do !
Any thoughts out there on a \"good\" yet inexpensive lift/suspension kit ? Seems I have to get that straight BEFORE I invest money in tires.
Thanks again!
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: etk300ex on March 16, 2011, 09:41:28 AM
what you really need to do is take it out and wheel it a couple times and figure out where you want to head from there :-D
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Raddadd on March 16, 2011, 05:56:12 PM
Your right and I have....after years of running through corn fields ( setting decoys and working dogs),through the woods on logging trails (hunting ) and getting muddy when possible (light off-roading I call it) I have desired a 4x4 that had the abilites to \"take it to the next level\" and do what you guys are in to. The way the rigs work the rocks and tuff terrian is awesome. And I always wanted to \"play\" but not many options then. The Dodge was getting old and I have always loved Jeeps....so here I am and now I\'d like to build this thing and have some fun......call it my mid-life crisis.
I know I want a lift kit to run 35\'s, a suspension/shocks (looked at a Krawlwer RKJK35El Entry Level, for starters )Lockers, new bumpers and winch. ( that will put me in debt for awhile ).
I DONT know is what brands are proven and what set ups work best for a \"every day\" Jeep. So I hope that I can get some education and feedback / input to help me make good desions.( I\'d like it to last) Then you guys won\'t have bust my chops for having some cheap set up but can bust on me for the rookie drivin skills.
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Wingman on March 17, 2011, 09:10:44 AM
Winch and bumpers can come later. As long as your wheeling with friends, someone will be there to haul your stuck pile out. Concentrate on the lift, tires, and one locker. You don\'t need much lift to fit 35s on a JK. I think that\'ll give you the most bang for your buck.
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Raddadd on March 17, 2011, 10:14:51 AM
.....that sounds like the best plan !
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: jACeL86 on March 17, 2011, 12:16:05 PM
If you\'re set on doing fenders and bumpers quickly and wanna avoid the lift now (low center of gravity) Metal Cloak and a few other companies make high clearance fenders and corner guards. A tj can fit 35\'s at stock height with these fenders, not quite sure what jk\'s could stuff, but that\'s another option for you. When you start checking for tires, drop me a line. I may be able to save you a few bucks!
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Wingman on March 17, 2011, 08:15:29 PM
My personal vote is auto-locker in the rear, selectable in the front (if/when you can afford it). I drove a CJ and a TJ with an auto-locker in the rear for years. They both did a great job! If you are going selectable for the front, you might as well do both, if they are air-activated like ARB. But start with your lift and tires. A serious set of tires will be a vast improvement.
Have a build plan and stick to it.
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Raddadd on March 18, 2011, 08:08:34 PM
Yes I agree...I\'m gonna stay focused on lift and tires.
That 3.5\" Krawler I mentioned before seems like a good start.....any thoughts on thier kits? Seems I can upgrade as needed with it. I would need shocks but not too sure.
I like the BFG tires...they seem to give you the most \"bang for your buck\".
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Dragon on March 21, 2011, 01:50:32 PM
I\'m currently running a TeraFlex 2.5\" spacer lift in my 2007 2-door JK. The JK style can handle 33\" tires stock (with a little rubbing at full flex) or 35\" with a small lift.
My lift only cost me approx. $350, and that is because I added the 4-door hardtop/trailer package springs to give an additional .5\" (so total about 3\" lift). This easily clears my 33\" Coopers, and I could go up to 35\" without a problem.
If you\'re looking for a tire that can get you through the daily grind, and still perform offroad, I would recommend the Cooper Discoverer STT. I\'ve been VERY impressed by their capabilities, and the only downside I\'ve read is that they chunk on hot dry rock crawling (which we don\'t get much of in NY).
If you want info on JK mods, I highly recommend perusing jkowners.com. There are a lot of friendly and helpful people over there.
i also have an Aussie Locker in the front diff. It has drastically improved the offroad capabilities of the stock JK, and I have not noticed any issues with handling in the winter. in 4x4, there might be a slight hint of understeer, but I\'m aware of the possibility and compensate for it.
I\'d put the selectable in the rear as that diff is running all the time.
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Raddadd on March 22, 2011, 09:32:28 PM
Wow ...your right, that website for JK owners is awesome...alot of info.
Just got good news that some of you might have known....I can lift the JK without voiding the warranty ! And there is a list of other things also.....yea!
Anyone interested in helping a newbee with a project??? haha....I hear it takes about 4-5 hours to set up .....is this true???
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Dragon on March 25, 2011, 09:00:35 AM
it took my friend and I about 4 hours to lift my Jeep, and that was on jack stands in my driveway. These JKs are real easy to work on. :)
Don\'t forget to straighten out your steering wheel when you are done lifting. the anti-skid crap will go crazy if the steering wheel is off center.
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Raddadd on March 25, 2011, 01:00:40 PM
Nice...thats what I\'ve been hearing.....very easy to work on. Well sometime this year spring will come to Rochester and I can get outside and get this done.....with no garage or driveway I\'ll be at my brothers house. Looks like beer and pizza Saturday!
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Raddadd on March 26, 2011, 05:21:28 PM
well maybe mudding will be something we should look at also!!!!!....sure did have fun on the field roads at the farm! Tires are a must for this ...as I had to be sure to keep moving at all times.....got a lttle thick.
You all have a GREAT sport/hobby here and too bad many are missing out on it! I feel like a junkie who wants more!
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Raddadd on March 26, 2011, 05:38:58 PM
and....... an important \"JEEP\" lesson in the woods.....
tryin to back up over a log....engine was boggin and I realized I was in 4 Hi ( I know now I should have entered the woods in low gear )...couldn\'t get to low so I had to change the line to make a little run at it....and you know it ! Wola....first (baby) scar ! didnt see that 50\' hemlock standing there.....ahh the lessons learned.
Is that pine bark still on the bumper???...we bounced right of it... there was a nice plastic plate holder that quickly went into about 6 pieces.Dented in the corner and chipped paint...the bumper has a little wrinkle in it..No other damage.
.....and yea those tubular side steps gotta go! if it was a rock instead of a old tree I was crawlin over they would have been ripped right off!!!
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Dragon on April 15, 2011, 07:43:24 AM
Wow. Any pics of the damage? I\'ve dented my skidplate going over a submerged log, and scuffed my windshield frame on tree branches, but no major damage (yet). I plan on a few changes once the money rolls in. Riverraider crusher corners in the back: (http://www.riverraider.com/store/image/cache/data/products/crushercorner-500x500.jpg)
Rugged Ridge rock sliders: (http://www.omix-ada.com/images/item/normal/11504.21.jpg)
ANd possibly the addition of the pre-runner for my XHD front bumper: (http://www.omix-ada.com/images/item/normal/11540.18.jpg)
Or I can just save my money for gas. :(
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Raddadd on April 24, 2011, 10:11:14 AM
yea I\'m still waiting to get the lift kit....gonna go with Skyjacker 2.5\" w/shocks.Wanna grab the sway disco also. I\'m going with Black Rock Steel 16X8 (4.25 BS)Do you see a problem with going to a 16\" wheel ? I know without the tire package it comes with 16\" but not sure if there will be any problems with that. Found a good price on BFG KM2 285/75R16 @ Vividracing, $1130 for 5 tires....plus ....plus ofcourse.
Photo of the Jeep and its customized rear corner. Got a new plate holder and the dealer is gonna give me a \"freebee\" fix er up on the paint chip.The bumper will keep the wrinkle...untill I replace it someday.
If I don\'t get the lift and tires in time for 4x4 101 how will it do at Whispering Pines ? Am I in for a surprise?
Look forward to meeting you all Tuesday night!
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Dragon on April 29, 2011, 08:24:12 AM
I don\'t know of any JK with less than 16\'s from the factory. Some people have put 15\'s on them, but it usually requires grinding the calipers a bit.
the 16x8 with 4.25\" bs should fit just fine.
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Raddadd on May 03, 2011, 01:08:15 PM
yea! Just ordered my BFG KM2\'s...should have em by Monday. I got some Pro Comps series 7089 wheels also. Tonight we order the Tera Flex 2.5 lift w/ shocks and need to get a locker from Aussie. Looks like stage one of my work will be done in time for Whispering Pines. Sweet ! I get to play with new gear!!!!
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Dragon on May 05, 2011, 08:08:45 AM
i can tell you from experience, you are going to have a FUN ride!
Title: Re: getting started...?
Post by: Raddadd on May 05, 2011, 01:08:36 PM
wow...I\'m stoked ! cant wait to get at it..............
