They are, indeed.
Having wheeled in beater xj's, any stock jeep is capable. If you are willing to accept body damage and dragging the jeep over obstacles you'd be amazed what you can do on open diffs and stock components. When we decided to buy and wheel a JLU, there is a whole different set of factors involved. It is the wife's daily, so broken parts and body damage are to be avoided. We kept the JLUR stock for the first year, but still ran some difficult rated trails. Dragging the undercarriage, a few scrapes on the rock rails, etc were the norm. When we decided to make our first ever moab trip, a 2.5" spacer lift and 37's went on soley for the clearance they provide. Never once needed more capability than the stock jeep had, but the clearance was mandatory. There were ledges on top of the world that are simply too tall for a stock jeep. Not intrested in stacking rocks or damaging bumpers and fenders. I have no doubt the jeep would make it through the toughest trails, Fordyce or Pritchett canyon come to mind, but we aren't ready to risk the likely trail damage just yet. As satisfying as it is to get an under built rig through a tough trail, at my age I'll stick with the peace of mind of being over built.
All good points... It really depends on the level of trail you're attempting. My next jeep will probably be able to handle more difficult trails but as it stand now, it's more capable then I am :DHaving wheeled in beater xj's, any stock jeep is capable. If you are willing to accept body damage and dragging the jeep over obstacles you'd be amazed what you can do on open diffs and stock components. When we decided to buy and wheel a JLU, there is a whole different set of factors involved. It is the wife's daily, so broken parts and body damage are to be avoided. We kept the JLUR stock for the first year, but still ran some difficult rated trails. Dragging the undercarriage, a few scrapes on the rock rails, etc were the norm. When we decided to make our first ever moab trip, a 2.5" spacer lift and 37's went on soley for the clearance they provide. Never once needed more capability than the stock jeep had, but the clearance was mandatory. There were ledges on top of the world that are simply too tall for a stock jeep. Not intrested in stacking rocks or damaging bumpers and fenders. I have no doubt the jeep would make it through the toughest trails, Fordyce or Pritchett canyon come to mind, but we aren't ready to risk the likely trail damage just yet. As satisfying as it is to get an under built rig through a tough trail, at my age I'll stick with the peace of mind of being over built.
Totally agree. I will be testing the Rubi this Saturday (hitting trail just less than a week from leaving the dealer). I am betting it will do most of the things my TJ could. This time, I am building bottom up. Skids, bumpers, winch...but I know myself. I will be on 37s pretty soon. Thinking of a budget boost while I research what I want in a lift.
I've become a big fan of SSRs. Always loved the look of Thornbirds but they turned out to be awful tires. Running 38x15.5 SSRs on my old Ram and it drives better than it ever has
I definitely wouldn't argue with your off-road experience. I'm happy to report that the SSRs have great road manners for those who, for whatever reason, mainly DD their Jeeps
What psi gives you the best balance of ride/wear on those? E rated right?
Yes, they are E-rated. I keep them at the recommended 36 PSI; the Jeep rides smoothly.
Fox 2.5s are an expensive investment. If you decide you want a lift later, the shocks you buy now won't be long enough/have enough travel to take full advantage of the lift. So make sure this is really something you want to do.
Great photos! Can almost smell that air!
