No Lift Off-Roading People

[aldo98229]

The “experts” list the Top 3 must-haves for off-roading as:

1. Traction tires
2. A rear locker
3. A winch

This is based on opinions, so it varies. But these three items rise to the top over and over.

The fourth “must” is not an item but a best-practice: always wheel with at least one other vehicle.

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[Zandcwhite]

The “experts” list the Top 3 must-haves for off-roading as:

1. Traction tires
2. A rear locker
3. A winch

This is based on opinions, so it varies. But these three items rise to the top over and over.

The fourth “must” is not an item but a best-practice: always wheel with at least one other vehicle.

The "always wheel with another vehicle" is like telling people not to drive remote roads alone. A blow out in a corner, failed tire rod, etc. is just as likely to leave you stranded on road in the middle of no where. Harsh environments, like snow, definitely call for a 2nd vehicle. Basic survival skills, water, some emergency rations, there's not a trail I've been on that either the wife or I (if one of us were injured) couldn't walk out of. For some of us the jeep is a means of getting away from people. People backpack in remote locations and yet the "experts" tell you not to drive out into the woods alone? Go prepared (much easier to do in a vehicle as you aren't carrying all your gear), do what you are comfortable with, but feel like your enjoyment of the outdoors is dependent on someone else.

 

[aldo98229]

The "always wheel with another vehicle" is like telling people not to drive remote roads alone. A blow out in a corner, failed tire rod, etc. is just as likely to leave you stranded on road in the middle of no where. Harsh environments, like snow, definitely call for a 2nd vehicle. Basic survival skills, water, some emergency rations, there's not a trail I've been on that either the wife or I (if one of us were injured) couldn't walk out of. For some of us the jeep is a means of getting away from people. People backpack in remote locations and yet the "experts" tell you not to drive out into the woods alone? Go prepared (much easier to do in a vehicle as you aren't carrying all your gear), do what you are comfortable with, but feel like your enjoyment of the outdoors is dependent on someone else.

It goes beyond being with someone else. There are rare situations from which you simply cannot extricate yourself a winch, a shovel or a pair of portable tracks, and the only way to get moving again is by getting pulled out.

 

[Zandcwhite]

It goes beyond being with someone else. There are rare situations from which you simply cannot extricate yourself a winch, a shovel or a pair of portable tracks, and the only way to get moving again is by getting pulled out.

There are situations where a tractor and/or multiple other rigs will struggle to get you out. Then of course there are failed components that will make getting off the trail harder than going for replacement parts. I have changed a transmission on the side of a trail, doesn't mean I carry a spare one. I don't travel with a tow truck either, although I have needed one on occasion. In my 20 years of off roading I've learned you'll never have every spare part you could possibly need. Be prepared to deal with the unforseen. And be ready to hike out should it come to that.

 

[AnnDee4444]

If you get stuck, larger tires or a lift won't help. A winch will might.

 

[nostatic]

There are situations where a tractor and/or multiple other rigs will struggle to get you out. Then of course there are failed components that will make getting off the trail harder than going for replacement parts. I have changed a transmission on the side of a trail, doesn't mean I carry a spare one. I don't travel with a tow truck either, although I have needed one on occasion. In my 20 years of off roading I've learned you'll never have every spare part you could possibly need. Be prepared to deal with the unforseen. And be ready to hike out should it come to that.

Best to never go anywhere without a Blackhawk as wingman

 

[Zandcwhite]

If you get stuck, larger tires or a lift won't help. A winch will.

Definitely, and less work than stacking rocks and using the hi lift. But I've yet to find myself in a situation where those didn't work, WORK being the operative word.

 

[me109stock]

I installed a 1.5" spacer lift in front to compensate for the added weight of the winch and bumper mods, and then leveled it with a 3/4" rear spacer lift - so it's still relatively stock. I'll be raising it 3" and going to 37s next summer so I can run some more aggressive trails. I was only able to get about 1/4 mile into either end of Slick Rock in Bear Valley, CA on the stock suspension and even with that I was glad to have my Rock Slide Engineering Steps/Rock Rails. The pics are of the easier parts that I could get out of the vehicle and snap a picture.

 

[Doug Huse]

I installed a 1.5" spacer lift in front to compensate for the added weight of the winch and bumper mods, and then leveled it with a 3/4" rear spacer lift - so it's still relatively stock. I'll be raising it 3" and going to 37s next summer so I can run some more aggressive trails. I was only able to get about 1/4 mile into either end of Slick Rock in Bear Valley, CA on the stock suspension and even with that I was glad to have my Rock Slide Engineering Steps/Rock Rails. The pics are of the easier parts that I could get out of the vehicle and snap a picture.

Great pictures!

 

[Rla1022]

Im personally not interested in destroying my Jeep, but I do love forest service roads and moderate trails. Especially in Colorado. Stock Moab. A view from the top.

 

[Rla1022]

From the top of Poughkeepsie, that is.

It was an awesome view. We did the full Alpine Loop that also Tops out at 13kish. There were some tricky spots but was in 4Auto the whole time. The downward slope we slid a little but use the Downhill Assist and 4Lo.

 

[srt20]

Wife and I did Hell's Revenge in a stock suspension, wheel and tire JLUR. Scraped some, knocked some bedliner off the body mount Roam steps. But no damage. We also did Shaffers trail, and some other trail south of Moab. But those are pretty easy. Hell's is our first REAL off road trail thats not a mountain road.
Did the front side road up to Black Bear and down the switchbacks back to highway.
Did LuLu pass up and around the mountain then down Daisy pass in Cooke City MT.

As a guy who grew up and lives in southern WI with no trails harder than a gravel road, the stock JLUR is more capable than I am, for now.....

 

[Cypher]

I ran 100% stock for about a year between my 2019 and 2020 JLURs. then I did about 2 months with 35s and no lift. for the last month or so I have been running a hybrid Mopar 2" lift and 35s. while I went everywhere I wanted to go stock, it is night and day better with the lift and larger tires. I did not drag my belly skids anymore (or not as hard at least) and the ride etc. is actually better both on and offroad. I really learned a lot in the first year as far as to what the JL can do, and know all of the low hanging fruit etc. to help pick lines now. however, I do wish I did the lift sooner as it really does make a big difference. I as firm believer that you should build for your use case. if 100% stock works for you, roll with it. even a stock JL can do some wild stuff.

 

[txj2go]

Im personally not interested in destroying my Jeep, but I do love forest service roads and moderate trails. Especially in Colorado. Stock Moab. A view from the top.

We were on top of that loop many years ago in our stock WJ, plus I've been up there a few times in CJs rented in Silverton. The rental company wouldn't let us take their vehicle into Poughkeepsie and my wife wouldn't me take her WJ there either, or on Black Bear.

 

[ConqSoft]

I got a winch to fill the large void in my...... bumper.

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