Newbie Jeep basic questions

[ParadigmDawg]

Hello,

I have some basic questions I could use help with. I have always had sport cars and never really went wheeling until I purchased the TRX 1 year ago and got hooked. I have learned a lot about wheeling a giant truck but neither my wife and or I have ever owned a Jeep or really even hung out with any Jeep owners.

1. What are you running your tires at? We have the stock 35" KO2s and they were at 39 psi when we purchased it. I run my 37'' Ridge Grapplers at 31/30 cold, on the street. If I go above that the truck is all over the road. 18psi seems perfect offroad. I am familiar with the chalk test but just curious what most are running. I have the KO2s at 32 right now.

2. Do the hooks in the stock bumper hold soft shackles well when you need them? I use the clevis mounts on the TRX and I can imagine that the open hooks could slip if you lose tension on the rope.

3. Does anyone have a high pitch sound coming out of the AC when it is on high? It seems like a 50-60 hz sound and I am very sensitive to the frequency. I would turn it down if it wasn't for the fact that it's been 105-109 degrees here in Texas forever. This is a 2024 Wrangler Rubicon X.

I am sure I will have a lot more questions as we drive it more, especially when we actually get it on the trails.

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[shane h.]

1. 19 & 21 JLURs on stock 33" KO2s. We run them at 32 to 34 cold.
2. Yes, they will slip if you lose tension.
3. No high frequency hum at high on either Jeep.

 

[Reinen]

1. What are you running your tires at? We have the stock 35" KO2s and they were at 39 psi when we purchased it. I run my 37'' Ridge Grapplers at 31/30 cold, on the street. If I go above that the truck is all over the road. 18psi seems perfect offroad. I am familiar with the chalk test but just curious what most are running. I have the KO2s at 32 right now.

2. Do the hooks in the stock bumper hold soft shackles well when you need them? I use the clevis mounts on the TRX and I can imagine that the open hooks could slip if you lose tension on the rope.

3. Does anyone have a high pitch sound coming out of the AC when it is on high? It seems like a 50-60 hz sound and I am very sensitive to the frequency. I would turn it down if it wasn't for the fact that it's been 105-109 degrees here in Texas forever. This is a 2024 Wrangler Rubicon X.

1. The tires on new Jeeps are overinflated to prevent flat-spotting during post manufacture storage and transport. A chalk test will determine the best PSI for on-road (just google it), but it will likely be somewhere in the low 30's.
2. Yes, they can and do slip off. Which is why many replace them.
3. There shouldn't be a high pitch sound coming out of the AC. Maybe you could be hearing the radiator fan? At 105-109F the radiator fan will go into "jet mode" fairly often and is quite loud (and normal).

 

[rcadden]

As others have mentioned...

1. Run a chalk test with your rig weighted as you'll normally drive it. I keep my 33" KO2s at 34 cold, but I do a lot of highway
2. It depends on how/what you're pulling. If you're pulling an an angle (up/down, side, etc) then yeah, they could slip. If you're pulling properly, straight on, then they might slip, but they'll slip down in no tension (they'll just drop). I've not had any issues. Most aftermarket bumpers will have a shackle mount anyways if you prefer.
3. I don't get a whine *inside* the vehicle, but I do get the jet fighter sound, especially in the Texas heat. Check all of the vents to make sure one's not like, slightly closed/open and causing a whistle.

Also, for local groups, depending on where in Fort Worth you are, I'd recommend Lone Star Jeep Club. Great group, well-organized, no drama. They organize lots of rides throughout the year. You can pretty much always show up at Bridgeport on a random Saturday/Sunday morning and jump in with a group.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Thanks everyone.

1. As stated in the original post, I am familiar with the chalk test. I am just curious what everyone is running to make sure I am not way off since I am not doing a chalk test in the 109 Texas heat right now. I figured 32 was close but on the high end since I run my TRX at 30/31 and it weighs 2,000 more lbs.

2. I guess an aftermarket bumper is the best way to change the hooks? I am trying to avoid that right now since I just purchased ADD front and back bumpers for the TRX, a Jeep, an ARB dual and a winch setup for the Jeep. Hopefully I want need to use the tow hooks but you never know.

3. I am very used to the sonic jet on the radiator fan since the TRX hardly every slows down the fan speed. The Jeep fan isn't nearly as bad. This is a higher pitch and only when the AC is on high. I don't see any vents closed off and it sounds like it is coming more from under the dash. I tend to stay away from dealers because not much good comes from them.

On local groups, we are only familiar with NTJC. My wife isn't a fan of Bridgeport "because it is ugly". We are lucky enough to have a place in the Ouachitas to stay and we go there about every 5-6 weeks for several days at a time. I also like Crossbar but she think it's ugly too...lol...We live in Benbrook. I will check out Lone Star Jeep Club too. Actually, I just joined LSJC.

Thanks for all the comments and help. I am excited to more and everyone on here has been great.

 

[rohdawg]

That’s a nice looking new Jeep! Congrats!

 

[Old Jeeper]

Hello,

I have some basic questions I could use help with. I have always had sport cars and never really went wheeling until I purchased the TRX 1 year ago and got hooked. I have learned a lot about wheeling a giant truck but neither my wife and or I have ever owned a Jeep or really even hung out with any Jeep owners.

1. What are you running your tires at? We have the stock 35" KO2s and they were at 39 psi when we purchased it. I run my 37'' Ridge Grapplers at 31/30 cold, on the street. If I go above that the truck is all over the road. 18psi seems perfect offroad. I am familiar with the chalk test but just curious what most are running. I have the KO2s at 32 right now.

2. Do the hooks in the stock bumper hold soft shackles well when you need them? I use the clevis mounts on the TRX and I can imagine that the open hooks could slip if you lose tension on the rope.

3. Does anyone have a high pitch sound coming out of the AC when it is on high? It seems like a 50-60 hz sound and I am very sensitive to the frequency. I would turn it down if it wasn't for the fact that it's been 105-109 degrees here in Texas forever. This is a 2024 Wrangler Rubicon X.

I am sure I will have a lot more questions as we drive it more, especially when we actually get it on the trails.

Well, Cowboy if you are going to wheel it somewhere around Texas then I would invest in a fresh set of shoes. Remember Football players wear specific shoes, so do Track runners and Baseball players. IMO the KOs are a good street tire but a little more.

For more, I go with Goodyear Duratracs, the best combo street trail tire I have ever used in decades of Jeeping. They were the first thing I did on my 2023 JLR and next Thurs I pick up my 2024 JLR-X and will put them on my new one...NOTE I put them on 9.5 wide in rims 35 x 12 :50 x 17 is good all around tire until you start chasing the 6+ trails and want 37s.

I run my psi on my Durtracs at 32, off-road depending up terrain from 18 to 24.

I retired back in '94 to Colleyville and was there till 2001 and moved to Scottsdale Az to WHEEL.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Well, Cowboy if you are going to wheel it somewhere around Texas then I would invest in a fresh set of shoes. Remember Football players wear specific shoes, so do Track runners and Baseball players. IMO the KOs are a good street tire but a little more.

For more, I go with Goodyear Duratracs, the best combo street trail tire I have ever used in decades of Jeeping. They were the first thing I did on my 2023 JLR and next Thurs I pick up my 2024 JLR-X and will put them on my new one...NOTE I put them on 9.5 wide in rims 35 x 12 :50 x 17 is good all around tire until you start chasing the 6+ trails and want 37s.

I run my psi on my Durtracs at 32, off-road depending up terrain from 18 to 24.

I retired back in '94 to Colleyville and was there till 2001 and moved to Scottsdale Az to WHEEL.

Thanks for the recommendation. I love the Nittos 37x12.5 Ridge Grapplers on my TRX and they have done a great job on the trails I have done so far. I have a couple of TRX buddies that swear by the KO2s but they are more into Baja. We are probably going to be more 2-3 rated trails since the Jeep is kinda Her's and the TRX is kinda mine...lol...

 

[Old Jeeper]

Thanks for the recommendation. I love the Nittos 37x12.5 Ridge Grapplers on my TRX and they have done a great job on the trails I have done so far. I have a couple of TRX buddies that swear by the KO2s but they are more into Baja. We are probably going to be more 2-3 rated trails since the Jeep is kinda Her's and the TRX is kinda mine...lol...

When I ply its at the 7++ level and the best tires I have very run were BFG KM2s and I will say this: I led trails on 7++ in Moab for years and I sold so many KM2s I should have worked for BFG. As the trail leader I had to get there and get there first and I did I owe much to those 37 BFG KM2s.

Hows is this: Trail run in AZ in a dry wash creek. 7 Jeeps. Dry Creek was SHALE, I was the only one who did not have a flat or tires that were sliced. 2 of the Jeeps had gotten some to take them back down for tires they were sliced to hell.

If you have not done it, go to Palo Duro Canyon and beautiful and worth the experience.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

When I ply its at the 7++ level and the best tires I have very run were BFG KM2s and I will say this: I led trails on 7++ in Moab for years and I sold so many KM2s I should have worked for BFG. As the trail leader I had to get there and get there first and I did I owe much to those 37 BFG KM2s.

Hows is this: Trail run in AZ in a dry wash creek. 7 Jeeps. Dry Creek was SHALE, I was the only one who did not have a flat or tires that were sliced. 2 of the Jeeps had gotten some to take them back down for tires they were sliced to hell.

If you have not done it, go to Palo Duro Canyon and beautiful and worth the experience.

We go up to the Ouachitas every 6 weeks so nothing too bad. We will likely start going a few mores places but we love the are we go to and will start including the Ozarks now that we won't be in a giant truck.

I haven't done Palo Duro Canyon. Being from West Texas, I can't imagine it is beautiful but it must be since I hear that a lot. We prefer to be in the trees.

 

[BDinTX]

Hey Greg,
Welcome! We're not too far from you down 287. I run our 35" KO2 at 30psi on road and 15 off.

If you haven't tried Barnwell Mountain out in Gilmer you'd probably enjoy it.

I changed out the cabin air filters and started getting a noise that sounds sort of like electric humming at higher fan speeds. Pretty sure I need to reseat them and it might be worth taking yours out for a minute to see if it continues.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Hey Greg,
Welcome! We're not too far from you down 287. I run our 35" KO2 at 30psi on road and 15 off.

If you haven't tried Barnwell Mountain out in Gilmer you'd probably enjoy it.

I changed out the cabin air filters and started getting a noise that sounds sort of like electric humming at higher fan speeds. Pretty sure I need to reseat them and it might be worth taking yours out for a minute to see if it continues.

Thanks, I will try the cabin filter and Barnwell.

 

[Chrisbayridge1]

Hello,

I have some basic questions I could use help with. I have always had sport cars and never really went wheeling until I purchased the TRX 1 year ago and got hooked. I have learned a lot about wheeling a giant truck but neither my wife and or I have ever owned a Jeep or really even hung out with any Jeep owners.

1. What are you running your tires at? We have the stock 35" KO2s and they were at 39 psi when we purchased it. I run my 37'' Ridge Grapplers at 31/30 cold, on the street. If I go above that the truck is all over the road. 18psi seems perfect offroad. I am familiar with the chalk test but just curious what most are running. I have the KO2s at 32 right now.

2. Do the hooks in the stock bumper hold soft shackles well when you need them? I use the clevis mounts on the TRX and I can imagine that the open hooks could slip if you lose tension on the rope.

3. Does anyone have a high pitch sound coming out of the AC when it is on high? It seems like a 50-60 hz sound and I am very sensitive to the frequency. I would turn it down if it wasn't for the fact that it's been 105-109 degrees here in Texas forever. This is a 2024 Wrangler Rubicon X.

I am sure I will have a lot more questions as we drive it more, especially when we actually get it on the trails.

Nice Jeep!

 

[SWVA JLUR]

Thanks everyone.

1. As stated in the original post, I am familiar with the chalk test. I am just curious what everyone is running to make sure I am not way off since I am not doing a chalk test in the 109 Texas heat right now. I figured 32 was close but on the high end since I run my TRX at 30/31 and it weighs 2,000 more lbs.

2. I guess an aftermarket bumper is the best way to change the hooks? I am trying to avoid that right now since I just purchased ADD front and back bumpers for the TRX, a Jeep, an ARB dual and a winch setup for the Jeep. Hopefully I want need to use the tow hooks but you never know.

3. I am very used to the sonic jet on the radiator fan since the TRX hardly every slows down the fan speed. The Jeep fan isn't nearly as bad. This is a higher pitch and only when the AC is on high. I don't see any vents closed off and it sounds like it is coming more from under the dash. I tend to stay away from dealers because not much good comes from them.

On local groups, we are only familiar with NTJC. My wife isn't a fan of Bridgeport "because it is ugly". We are lucky enough to have a place in the Ouachitas to stay and we go there about every 5-6 weeks for several days at a time. I also like Crossbar but she think it's ugly too...lol...We live in Benbrook. I will check out Lone Star Jeep Club too. Actually, I just joined LSJC.

Thanks for all the comments and help. I am excited to more and everyone on here has been great.

If you want to keep OEM bumpers, Maximus-3 has these for the steel bumpers that allow for D-rings. They are pricey but what I’m thinking about. They have them for the rear as well.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

If you want to keep OEM bumpers, Maximus-3 has these for the steel bumpers that allow for D-rings. They are pricey but what I’m thinking about. They have them for the rear as well.

Thanks for that. Had I known about those I would have added them when I did the winch but I am not pulling the bumper back off for now to add them. I will likely go with an aftermarket bumper at some point so I will probably hold off.

I do like the rear hooks to even it out. I don't like the 1 hook look back there.

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