Muddin' in the Tropics - Lessons Learned

[JW-UK]

1. This is a great example of the benefits of 40s over 37s and 37s over 35s. As the ruts get deeper the sidewall height becomes more critical. Chassis height is key also, but sidewall height is a key contributor in mud in this video, in my opinion.

What it does show is the benefit of having bigger tires than the vehicles that drove there before you. They made the ruts and shaped the terrain for everyone that has to follow.

If everyone else had 40" tires the ruts would be dug out to the axle clearance on those vehicles. It would be difficult to get through with smaller tires and you'd have to go even bigger to regain any advantage.

Where does it end though? Everyone will NEED to have 40s, just because a few thought it was a good idea.

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[donmontalvo]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t upgrading to 40s (or anything bigger than 35s) mean upgrading to axles that are stronger than Dana 44s, bigger brakes, steering parts, fenders that cover, upgrading a slew of other part, trailering your highly modified Jeep, etc.?

Not to mention that of your Jeep is under warranty that’s now dead in the water, and your gas mileage that’s already low will be lower, and on and on…

To each his or her own. I wish I had it like that. For me, lines are drawn, since this is my daily driver.

 

[tozalazz]

thanks for sharing!

 

[Wabujitsu]

Nope, not missing anything. If you shift a manual transmission in the middle of that you risk losing momentum.

With an automatic you need to enable off road+, disable traction control, and manually shift it. Having it shift to the next gear too soon is also bad.

John, doesn’t Off Road+ automatically disable traction control? I don’t use it, but I understand that’s one of its functions. I prefer to change my settings manually.

 

[Ratbert]

John, doesn’t Off Road+ automatically disable traction control? I don’t use it, but I understand that’s one of its functions. I prefer to change my settings manually.

It reduces traction control. To disable it you hold the traction control button for five seconds.

 

[Capt. Don]

Awesome video, and that looks like it was a lot of fun. I hate driving in mud though, honestly! Makes such a mess of everything, and if you ever have to get out and winch you almost always have to step down into 2 feet of mud. No thanks. You guys can rightfully call me a sissy if you'd like

Was that an XJ that was out there (@ 15:46)? Looked absolutely badass, like a freakin monster truck.

Yes, that is some Cherokee XJ, isn’t it.

 

[Capt. Don]

CPT, this is the place I was writing about, the Ocala Hard Rock Off Road park. It I had to guess, I would say it was formerly an old phosphate mine. Here’s a couple of videos, many more available on YouTube. When it’s wet, it’s the stickiest and snottiest clay possible.

I know that there are many great Jeep builds in Florida but I had no idea that you could have that much wheelin’ fun in Florida with them. Looks like a great spot for a club event.

 

[Capt. Don]

What it does show is the benefit of having bigger tires than the vehicles that drove there before you. They made the ruts and shaped the terrain for everyone that has to follow.

If everyone else had 40" tires the ruts would be dug out to the axle clearance on those vehicles. It would be difficult to get through with smaller tires and you'd have to go even bigger to regain any advantage.

Where does it end though? Everyone will NEED to have 40s, just because a few thought it was a good idea.

Point well taken. I admit that 35s are my sweet spot. Sidewall flex on the pavement and 35s are about all I can take with a Jeep that sees quite a bit of pavement during the week. Still, I understand the application of 37s and 40s to this trail watching the video. Before, I kind of thought it was just one upsmanship. Now I see what they are doing.
Good point on big tires = big ruts. Something to consider.

 

[Wabujitsu]

It reduces traction control. To disable it you hold the traction control button for five seconds.

Roger that sir; I use the long press often. Thanks!

 

[J0E]

HaHa! I liked your word, "probably."

Now I remember why I insist on my winch having a wireless remote, so I can roll up the windows in the mud.

We never let folks get that close to the road when we're gunning it up hill.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t upgrading to 40s (or anything bigger than 35s) mean upgrading to axles that are stronger than Dana 44s, bigger brakes, steering parts, fenders that cover, upgrading a slew of other part, trailering your highly modified Jeep, etc.?

Not to mention that of your Jeep is under warranty that’s now dead in the water, and your gas mileage that’s already low will be lower, and on and on…

To each his or her own. I wish I had it like that. For me, lines are drawn, since this is my daily driver.

If you're rock crawling you need 40's. If you limit yourself to slick mud and snow, D44s would hold up.

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