Can You Offroad a Stock Jeep Wrangler?
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- čas přidán 24. 08. 2024
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Can you offroad a stock Jeep Wrangler? That's what we are answering in today's video where we took our BONE stock RENTAL offroading and showing you what it is capable of. Let us know what you are driving out on the trails and if it's stock or not.
#offroad #stock #offroadingstock
I wheel my bone stock 2dr Rubicon all the time. I am constantly getting…” when are you going to lift that”. I just did Hell Revenge in Moab.
^^ this. You see people running old MJs over crazy terrain. Now, a lot of that is aggression in addition to skill which isn't necessarily recommended...
EDIT: whoops meant MBs
Stock rubicon is the most capable 4x4 direct from factory. Wins all day.
Doesn’t a “stock” Rubicon come from the factory with a lift, upgraded shocks and ….. what’s that other thing? Oh yeah, a locker!
“I wheel my factory upgraded wrangler and it does perfectly fine”
Me: “No sh1t sherlock…”
I found the the stock Wrangler tires on our stock JK sport lasted longer, got better mileage, handled better and performed better on snow and ice than a fancy set of aggressive tires we had. We went back to the stock tires they are all season all terrain and actually do what they say. We have modified nothing at all. We are in the woods or on sketchy roads and it works just fine. What matters is how you drive. More clearance would be nice, a bit more height would be nice, but 99 percent of the time it is not needed, and we drive it daily anyway. I am not looking for a monster truck, just a very capable ride so we do not get stuck somewhere too stupid.
I shall keep my new Gladiator stock… drives great, looks great, off roads great… and I’m too old to be a show off!
I like this video because some might feel pressured to mod things out before wheeling, and this helps those people a lot. Especially the message about seat time. I was lucky enough to beat up an old XJ back in the day and it's easier to determine the limits in the much more expensive JL without denting the snot out of it
XJs are still badass! I have a jl but thinking of getting an xj too just for that reason
We rode the nemos tunnel with the trail built crew. Glad to see my wife drive by in the silver JL she is running 3.5 lift on 35x12.50r20s. I watch the bone stock jl go every we went and went through one part we didn’t. It was only the second time my wife had ever been wheelin and she loves it now They even spotted for her while I videoed. This guys were awesome. I will definitely be selling the 20s and going to 17s and headlocks in the future.Trailbuilt will be getting my business
Hey Robert! It was awesome to spend the day with you guys too! You're wife did awesome and it was great seeing her get more comfortable as the trail continued. When you're ready to make that move let me know and send me (Fred) and email at thurston@trailbuiltoffroad.com
Good call on selling the 20s.
I’ve been driving Jeeps since the 70’s and I’m on my 8th one, an “18 JLU Rubicon. Most of mine have been stock with only one lifted. The only mods that I made to this one are 2 sets of Eagle Eye off road lights, a TacTic steel front bumper with a warn winch, rock slider bars, and aftermarket wheels. I have 13 acres 2 miles into the woods on an unmaintained dirt road with a power line behind that and I’ve had no problems. I don’t air down because I haven’t had the need to. I’ve surfed fished and don’t have any problems driving on the beach either. Lifted Jeeps look great, but most of the guys I’ve talked to don’t even know where to take their Jeeps off road here in NY.
To anyone who doesn’t know where to off road in your state, google it and multiple locations are shown.
Have fun wheeling and stay safe.
I have a 2015 Sahara with 40k miles. Original owner. Would you recommend selling it and buying a JLU rubicon? I’ve never off roaded and want to, but after 7 years of not having to replace anything (except brakes) I’m concerned something on the vehicle might give out.
The question is... Do you wanna off-road something you paid off or a brand new $50k+ ride with a ton of extras you probably won't use under casual/non hardcore offroading
Our extended family's 4WD vehicles have included a Dodge Ramcharger, Mercury Mountaineer, GMC Suburban, two Isuzu Troopers, a base model Wrangler and two Grand Cherokees. My wife estimates that back country capability is 20% vehicle and 80% driver.
Most of the soldiers who drove jeeps (the word wasn't a brand name yet) during WWII had never even seen a 4WD truck before they joined the Army and they were dumbfounded at the capability of those mechanical mules! 4WD was an important part of that capability, of course but when 4WD is combined with high angles of attack (short front overhang), high breakover angles (short wheelbase) and high angles of departure (short rear overhang), the capability in the back country is truly astonishing, even without such upgrades as differential lockers. Add recovery hooks front and rear so drivers of 4WD rigs can more easily help each other (using tow straps) and there will still be some places you can't go - but those places are very few and far between.
Stock Jeeps have been offroading since WWII.
This applies to any 4X4 vehicle, with a average AT tire they can go most places with a good driver/spotter.
My 96 rwd explorer isn’t capable by any means but I still take it off road, skills and momentum is your best friend when driving a 2WD
YES, it is perfectly fine. Just go in a group of jeepers. I promise you'll be blown away with how capable it is stock. Like buying a sports car but not driving it fast before throwing $4K on performance mods.
'02 TJ Wrangler here, bone stock when I bought it. Here's the mods that I think are most cost effective on 2 Door TJs in order of importance:
- Off road tires, not necessarily bigger, maybe an inch or two more max. The stock 28" Wrangler AT tires were horrible. Strange, my speedo read ridiculously high but when I put on 31"s it reads right on the money.
- A decent 12v air compressor (Slime) and quality dial type air pressure gauge. A set of tire deflators.
- Armor. A gas tank skid plate (Kilby RIP) is critical as the stock skid plate is useless. Oil pan skid plate is also mandatory. Ditch the stock side steps as they'll get beat up and install rock rails, even simple angle iron ones will do.
- Front sway bar disconnects (TeraFlex), a bag of surgical throw away gloves and some sort of hammer.
- A 1-1.5" hockey puck spring lift, especially if you've gone up an inch or two in tire size. Do a suspension alignment after they settle.
- If you're running the three speed auto, a deep pan so you don't aerate the tranny on steep inclines which is dangerous. If you're a 115° desert rat, a transmission cooler.
- Some minor items. A good (yellow) tow strap and minimalist tool kit with a set of (metric?) spanners, pliers (including a Vice Grip) and regular/Torx head screwdrivers, enough stuff to fix wiring, fuses and a stock relay which is the same as half the relays in the relay box, some beefy zip ties and a tire plug kit. A 12"x12" piece of plywood for the stock scissor jack. A useful First Aid kit which includes a coupla quick clot packs, major compression bandages, Epi-Pens if you need them. Of course a fire extinguisher, road flares, pyro aerial flares and an orange space blanket and Bible.
My rig still looks relatively stock so doesn't attract attention. Since then I've spent some major bucks on preventative upgrades concerning the mechanics:
- Constant velocity (Cardan) rear drive shaft (Tom Woods). It requires the rear lower control arms be replaced with adjustable ones to properly align the rear diff. The stock TJ rear driveline angle is ridiculously steep, vibrates and with even a 1.5" lift becomes critical in the long run. A feature is you can remove a broken rear driveline shaft and the transfer case won't drain all its oil.
- Teardown of the rear axle assembly to replace the LSD clutches and, surprise, straighten the axle tubes which were bent 1" out of alignment. The shop (Mechanically Inclined
Technicians) said over 70% of rigs they service running stock Dana 35s on the inline 6 engine with 50,000+ miles of crawling/hard offroading are bent, even some straight from the factory.
- Switched to top of the line shocks ($1,000) to replace the cheap ones which seemed to blow out/leak every 5,000 miles. Much better on rough highways and doesn't go soft on washboard trails because of overheating.
- Replaced the radiator and hoses, waterpump, etc., just because they were factory & 20 years of desert runs old and a risk of failure on the trail. When they replaced the radiator they blew it out, weighed it and there was 10 pounds of crud in it, probably running at only 50% efficiency.
- The EGR/fuel line monitoring systems that are rubber/plastic have degraded and cracked here and there so I get the odd "check engine" light but it's easily diagnosed and fixed so my mechanic Gary Lundblade (former Baha 1000 Trophy truck racer) says don't worry, fuel systems are robust and you can limp back to town.
I guess my point is I've done 5,000 miles of offroading and 30,000 miles of highway travel to get there in a 20 year old Jeep without a single breakdown because I'm on top of vehicle maintenance, fingers crossed.
A $400-500 winch is cheap tow insurance, and pays for itself after a pull or two. I'd add that to the list.
Bone stock JL sport...Rousch creek..blue trails...
There are videos about people doing off roading in bone stock old beater honda civics and similar, so yeah, absolutely should be able to off road in stock Wrangler, no matter if it's rubicon or other trim level 😅
I agree, experience (and a level head) counts for a lot, especially the part about learning to off road and wheel placement while your vehicle is less capable , or in a less capable vehicle .. learning to off road in my 1978 L.U.V. with one wheel drive has done me very well over the years since :-)
We have an entire CZcams channel dedicated to that idea. Of course you can. People always think you need 40s to off road and that's just bull crap
Agreed. With a good driver, 4LOW and the right set of tires, you'd be surprised where your stock vehicle can take you. TFL took a stock TJ wrangler SE (4 Cylinder) and with a couple small mods, made it an off road beast in Moab.
A stock wrangler (or any jeep for that matter) is plenty capable for the majority of trails accessible to the general public. The only must have mods would be better tires (KO2's, Ridge Grapplers, etc.) and underbody protection (Panels, skidplates, etc.)
Yes, you can off road a stock jeep on most easy to moderate trails. Just make sure you upgrade the tires from the stock radials to at least All Terrain Tires.
Every trail guide made on my channel has been made with a stock wrangler. Now, I will be lightly modifying my JL for trails like Pritchett as I have stock TJ & KJ now to show people stock capabilities on most trails.
I put my WK on a used set of 31" KO2s and I keep up with the local jeep club. Sure I can't do rutted mud pits that make the 37" guys drag a diff. But it has done everything I asked it to do. I'll lift it when it's time to replace stock ball joints and control arms.
I’ve actually had a lot of luck with 31 inch KO2s. It’s a really good tire. I have them currently on my 2006 rubicon and she keeps up with the 35 inch rigs but I think that due to lockers. But I just bought a 4 inch long arm and 35 inch Patagonia’s to run with them. But the KO2s were a solid ass tire.
I got a stock 2011 jeep wrangler JK 2 door. Automatic trans. People keep telling me that i gotta put a lift on it and take off to do some off-roading.
The only thing I'd probably be doing with my jeep is two tracks and dirt roads. I dont have the money to mod it, lol.
But! At least now I know i can go lightly off roadat least without worry and stuff.
(Im adding skid plates and putting better suspension on it. As well a few other things to help it handle better on and off road)
I had a 2011 jeep wrangler. Fun for a while but then I thought about modding it. Where I live there is no reason to own a machine like that. Flat lands and the occasional mud trail that you have to hunt to find. I realised at that point that I was really after the asthetics of a modded wrangler. Tha's when I sold it and bought a Trans Am.
Stuck 33s in my stock JL 2D and is great off road. Take it mudding and to trails often and never had an issue. That’s being said, a winch would be great
I offroad an all stock wrangler YJ offroading is all about skill. I do have 31's but everything else is stock.
It’s like learning to shoot with a single shot.
Well shit if I would have known you guys needed to air down I could have helped you out!! I had my 4 tire deflation kit in the back!! Was awesome seeing you guys out there and was cool to see my jeep in the video! 🤙🏻
Haha we wanted to test it as stock as we could!
Just got a rental today so I’m bout to find out!
Have never had any problem getting my 2016 hard rock jku rubicon in places I want to go
Like the fact that the backdrop is Ice House reservoir.
Be nice to actually see and get an idea, rather than a bunch of stock 4wd drives on tracks that a stock Corolla could tackle
I've got a bone stock 2013 jeep wrangler sport 4x4 with the soft top and 2 door and 6speed trans and I love it. I'm getting ready to get me a set of 285 70 16 AT tires and a winch for it. I'm not in to all that hopped up junk for my jeep wrangler Jk.
Did plenty in my 2012 sport unlimited.
Yes. I do it every weekend. I've got my dickey bell and Gulches ORV badge
Stock Scout ssii 42 years old ......more capable than today's Rubicon.....
New Jeep Wrangler Xtreme Recon package adds factory 35" tires
Ordered a 2023 Willys, makes the most sense/balance becoming a new Jeep owner.
Should have waited one more year the new 24 willies come standard with rear lockers in a couple, extra features, including the 12.3 inch infotainment.
Well I bought a 2021 ford ranger fx4 and took it off riadi g with a buddy that has a 3.5 lift 34 inch wheeled tacoma. And to my surprise I followed him with ease. But I will still customize it though
If you want something seriously capable offroad you really need a Rubicon with 2" lift and 35" tires. That's what I consider the minimum. I personally wouldn't go bigger because it's simply too expensive for my budget.
If you can't then you were absolutely cheated when you got one.
It shouldn't need to be asked. A video shouldn't have to be made to answer such an unnecessary question.
I saw a brand new jeep with a busted front drivers side axel at the mall = it tried to go over a divider bump in a parking space and broke. Trail rated my busted axel = it’s not even mall rated.
'20 2 door JL sport s.
$100 for a brand new Rubicon Recon take-off suspension = 2.3" lift
$70 for the longer mopar LCA's to maintain good caster for drivability.
$150 for a pair of quick disconnects.
Sticking with the stock goodyear tires til they wear out - aired down to 19psi they hold their own in most situations - will then upgrade to 33's.
It's a really capable set up for not much $$$.
Choosing good lines and knowing your - and the vehicles - limits is the real difference maker though. If you have to debate more than 30 seconds about trying something, chances are you probably shouldn't...
Do the stock tires look weird with the lift?
Didn’t the 4 door come out in the 2007 model year as the JKU? But more importantly you say the open jeeps (precursor to the Wranglers have been around since the 50s. I think you mean the 40s. The military (MB) Jeeps started in 40/41 and the CJ versions after the war (47?) as the CJ 2a.
They are very capable to go have a lot of fun off road. You're not going to really be able to take it rock crawling. But I have taken stock jeeps through some crazy shit.
You can do whatever you want …
Love Nemo Tunnel, cool place!
The turtle always wins!
yes
And I am over here in an awd.
It's good enough to get you started but once you get started you will want to mod
Awesome Video. I just found your channel this weekend. I subscribed. Wish I knew about Nemo trail and tunnel 3 weeks ago. I was in Gatlinburg. I'm not in a jeep. I'm in a Toyota 4Runner. I'm trying to get into off-road/overlanding. I'm basically stock except all terrain tires. Thing is, I don't have a rear locker. How important is that for a trail like this?
Welcome aboard! Glad to have you on the team! For a trail like this one...lockers are not necessary at all.
Let us know when you are ready to throw some upgrades on your 4Runner! Shoot Fred an email at thurston@trailbuiltoffroad.com and he can get ya setup
Our family's 4WD vehicles have included a Dodge Ramcharger, Mercury Mountaineer, GMC Suburban, two Isuzu Troopers, a base model Wrangler and two Grand Cherokees. Our son's business partner had a Toyota Tacoma for a while and our son, who lives in Utah, says he is seeing more and more Tacomas in the Utah back country lately. If I lived in Utah and wanted the most back country capability for the money, I'd seriously consider a base model Wrangler (even if it didn't have any factory options) but, if you already have a Toyota, you would be well advised to do your homework before trading the Toyota for anything else.
Anybody know what the CTI is on a Wrangler sport with no sway bars disconnected?
100%. My trialhawk with a 2 inch lift is somewhere between a Wrangler sport and a Rubicon (because of the rear locker) and it will do insane insane stuff.
I would say make sure you have more guts than your vehicle before bothering to upgrade heavily (if your reason for the lift etc is for off road).
On a 4 door, fire road yes. Other than that, No. the wheelbase was killer with no lift and bigger tires. Jeeps appear to be taller than they really are.
I live in WI (Kenosha) and it seems like unless I wanna spend an entire weekend traveling there isn’t anywhere to go off-roading. Any suggestions near me?
Hey Erik! We are in Wisconsin too and feel the pain and struggle. Sometimes the best spots are places you find on your journey's to camp.
Badlands in Attica IN is about 3hrs from you. Cliffs in Utica IL is maybe about 2hrs. Open FSRs by Nicolet NF might be 2hrs from you. McCaslin Mountain Campground has trails up in northern Nicolet.
@@RKmndo thanks. I know of Badlands, but never heard of the others
@@erikstrieter4233 If you ride ATVs, dirtbikes, or dualsport motos, Richard Bong State Recreation Area has trails. You could also ride frozen lakes in winter.
Snowmobiles are popular around here in winter too.
Xj>jk
#StockStrong
Ehem.... 40's*
😅😂
Yeah just can’t do as fun obstacles
Stock = green trail... not saying you cant ride on harder stuff but I can guarantee you you're gonna start breaking stuff no matter how good of a driver you are.
Hmmmm, about 14 years of wheeling a stock rubicon on difficult trails and I have yet to break anything significantly. OEM stuff is usually built to higher spec than some aftermarket companies and the smaller tires put less stress on the drivetrain.
Did Mt. Antero and The Alpine Loop in a bone stock Wrangler Unlimited. Lowering the tire pressure and disconnecting sway bar makes it A LOT more comforable! czcams.com/video/pdxc49NU4M0/video.htmlsi=pP6PHqrfJs4J29nE
Awesome Jeep! Check out mine
Quick answer NO! You need at least a 6 inch lift, full armor aftermarket front and rear bumpers, roof rack, fridge, drawers and if you don't want to be a complete loser being teased you need the rooftop tent. ..... at least!!!
You seem sour
@@phillipconnolly5020 😜
JEEP should change thier name to JUNK..JEEPS only two year old and been in dealership 6 time for repairs...All under warranty thank god..Make monthly payments on a Jeep that sits in a service bay..
😂
Whats gone wrong so far with your Jeep? We have two JL 2 door jeeps. Ours have been ok so far at 20,000km and some off road but nothing crazy.