Off Roading for Dummies

[entropy]

I do agree the LSD comes in to play much quicker than the BLD up front.

Also I've yet to be in any position where the BLD had to come in to play in the rear. The only time I've had a wheel up in the air in the rear I was going downhill so it was all brake work.

It doesnt take as much as wheel up in the air for the rear LSD to not work. When the torque bias from one side to another is about 1:3, meaning one tire needs about 70% or more of available torque to keep moving, the LSD wont handle it. Think about one tire on very lose dirt, or with light ground contact due to high articulation. On this scenario a bit of steady throttle will turn the BLD and as soon as that BLD turns on the torque bias changes and LSD "locks". Only then will you notice a lag, and a need of throttle.

Everytime I experienced a rear wheel completely in the air going uphill through an obstacle the LSD+BLD were not enough to crawl the obstacle, I had to either play rock tetris or take the obstacle with the right amount of momentum. Until I got a front locker now I can crawl over pretty much anything until I run out of clearance.

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[ExpeditionBuilds]

Lot's of great advice posted here I would add, don't forget Hill Descent Control, super useful when coming down steeep, slippery obstacles and allows you to select descent speed by mph. The control will help build confidence on the trail.

Also, don't forget to modulate wheel spin by using the brake pedal. Practice using the brake effectively can be a huge aid in gaining traction. I'm still a noob at this, and sometimes when I'm facing a bigger more technical obstacle I forget this part. Remember it's necessary to control the application of power, especially if you're running the 2.0L Turbo.

Have fun, the capabilities of a stock Wrangler will surprise you.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[roaniecowpony]

I bought a Viair 440P for my truck. It's big, but can air up in a hurry. It still takes some time to do all 4. Get what you can afford, but remember, it has to be reliable.

 

[Sean L]

It doesnt take as much as wheel up in the air for the rear LSD to not work. When the torque bias from one side to another is about 1:3, meaning one tire needs about 70% or more of available torque to keep moving, the LSD wont handle it. Think about one tire on very lose dirt, or with light ground contact due to high articulation. On this scenario a bit of steady throttle will turn the BLD and as soon as that BLD turns on the torque bias changes and LSD "locks". Only then will you notice a lag, and a need of throttle.

Everytime I experienced a rear wheel completely in the air going uphill through an obstacle the LSD+BLD were not enough to crawl the obstacle, I had to either play rock tetris or take the obstacle with the right amount of momentum. Until I got a front locker now I can crawl over pretty much anything until I run out of clearance.

What front locker did you get? Personally I've always wanted to put TorSens in my Jeep but I haven't seen any on the market.

 

[Naylia]

Download the map of the area to your phone/tablet with GPS. Went on a large organized trail run and was with about a dozen vehicles and we lost the main group....and no one other than me had a map back to the campsite.

 

[GATORB8]

Download the map of the area to your phone/tablet with GPS. Went on a large organized trail run and was with about a dozen vehicles and we lost the main group....and no one other than me had a map back to the campsite.

There should be a free OnX membership with the OP's purchase. OnX works with CarPlay now and you can download areas for viewing off network.

 

[blnewt]

What front locker did you get? Personally I've always wanted to put TorSens in my Jeep but I haven't seen any on the market.

He's got the Torq Locker lunchbox type, that's going to be my next mod too, that's the most coin I want to drop into my Sport axles, and really seems to be impressive for the money spent. Here's a couple good clips on them. He has a JK in the clips so should be even better w/ 2wd on our JLs since we have the FAD.

 

[Sean L]

He's got the Torq Locker lunchbox type, that's going to be my next mod too, that's the most coin I want to drop into my Sport axles, and really seems to be impressive for the money spent. Here's a couple good clips on them. He has a JK in the clips so should be even better w/ 2wd on our JLs since we have the FAD.

Pretty cool. That's the first video I've seen of a lunchbox type in action.

 

[jim00]

Can anyone recommend a good compressor w/gauge to air up ?

This comparison was a bit of a surprise - ARB apparently didn't win.

 

[entropy]

What front locker did you get? Personally I've always wanted to put TorSens in my Jeep but I haven't seen any on the market.

TORQ locker. It is an "Aussie" style locker. A kind of lunchbox.

 

[blnewt]

Pretty cool. That's the first video I've seen of a lunchbox type in action.

Pretty impressive when he took it apart after 10k miles and still looked as new, seems like it's easy to justify spending $400 for the gains vs. putting anything more into the smaller Sport setup such as a regear or conventional locker (where you also have to pay to reset the ring & pinion). Nice to have a simple DIY install, and also nice that it seems to be stronger than running open w/ spider gears too, so a WIN WIN!

 

[Newbalewb]

All about budget and expectations. The entry level <$100 Viairs will work, but will take longer to air up. Not bad your first time, but gets old when you wheel regularly.

If you want to skip the entry level, I think the Viair 400 options, or the ARB single are good options. I use the ARB Single Portable kit. Smittybilt has an option in this range as well.

Most common top level would be an ARB dual.

If you can find it, there is a NAPA Maxi Trak that performs well for around $100 or so, but it's always out of stock.

It’s funny you mention the Napa compressor. I combined a few coupons last year and got it for like $65. Didn’t really have many reviews at the time but the stats on it were amazing! It’s really worked out well so far.

 

[wnorton]

Good stuff in this thread already, so I'll add mine:

1. Don't go overboard on "stuff". At a minimum, you should have:
   1. Tire pressure gauge with a release valve, so you can air down
   2. Portable air compressor so you can air back up (I have VIAIR 440p)
   3. Set of 18mm wrenches/sockets to disconnect your sway bar links (one should ratchet, if possible).
   4. Recovery kit (I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GK3F4GX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
   5. GMRS radio (Baofeng is a good one, or your classic Midlands)
   6. Zip ties (to hold your sway bar links up)

If you're in a group, you could probably get away without all but #1, 3, and 5, as someone else will likely have them, but you don't want to be always begging off others. Being your first time out will probably buy you a little grace, but you should have this basic kit by your 2nd time out. Total this should run you less than $500 - maybe closer to $300 if you shop it a bit.

Everything else will just make things easier, but won't really add anything to your abilities.

Rules of the Trail:

1. Never wheel alone (unless you're experienced/equipped/planned for it)
2. Always watch the guy behind you. If everyone in the group does this, then no one gets left behind or too far ahead.
3. Never feel lame or bad for asking for a spotter. If you ask for a spotter LISTEN TO THE SPOTTER. If you wind up with more than 1 "spotter", stop and ask for only a single spotter.
4. Only wheel what you're comfortable with. If you want to take the bypass, take the damn bypass. You might take some ribbing over it, but at the end of the day, it's your vehicle/expense, not theirs.
5. Stay off the radio. A little chatter here and there is fine - you're on an adventure together, after all. But make quips quick and short. Don't clog the line.
6. Like the Beastie Boys said, "slow and low, that is the tempo". Wheeling isn't a speed sport, so don't be afraid to take things slow, especially over obstacles.
7. If you don't understand, ask why. Every time you hit the trails you'll learn/experience something new, even if you've been wheeling for decades. I like to say that the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask.
8. HAVE FUN. Your Jeep, bone stock, is more capable than you probably realize. It ain't no Subaru, so let it stretch its legs a little.

Finally, my personal advice is to treat every outing as though you're planning to tackle the hardest trails you've ever done (even if you're not). Air down, disconnect your sway bar links, check your recovery kit, tune your radios to the same channel, etc. If you're ready for it, then you can handle it.

Manually disconnecting sway bar links suuuuuuuuuuuuuuucks. But I'd rather do it in the parking lot before I get to the trail than be in the middle of a trail or obstacle and realize I should've disconnected.

Two thumbs up. I’d offer advise but after reading this post it would be redundant. Nice post.

 

[Gaffer]

Don't be last in line..."tail gunner".
The difference between a trail leader and a tail gunner is one wrong turn.

 

[lmendham]

Thank you all for your wonderful advice, It was a very nerve racking experience at points but overall it was very very enjoyable and I look forward to building my jeep up and hitting the trails more!

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