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How much off-roading can I do in a JKU Sport?

11K views 39 replies 27 participants last post by  ohioviper 
#1 ·
So my JKU is the Sport stock, with only a few changes on the interior (automatic transmission) and some purely cosmetic exterior mods (running boards, etc.) Thus, it has the stock Sport tires, engine, etc.

With that, can I expect do any serious off-roading, or am I limited mainly to just a few dirt trails? If not, what is required for off-roading? Larger tires, additional engine mods, etc? I'm new to all this so I'm not too familiar with these things yet.
 
#2 ·
Your biggest limitation is you. Your Jeep will go farther than you think. Take it off road with a local club or other forum members and they will help you out. If there was something that every single Jeep needed to have before going off road it would probably be included from the factory. Your Jeep will tell you how to build it to suit your needs. The best advice I heard was to drive it for a year before starting on the major mods.
 
#3 ·
So my JKU is the Sport stock, with only a few changes on the interior (automatic transmission) and some purely cosmetic exterior mods (running boards, etc.) Thus, it has the stock Sport tires, engine, etc. With that, can I expect do any serious off-roading, or am I limited mainly to just a few dirt trails? If not, what is required for off-roading? Larger tires, additional engine mods, etc? I'm new to all this so I'm not too familiar with these things yet.
Depends on what you want to do with it, pick your poison...

Stock = Easier Trails

Few Mods $ (Small lift, bigger tires, etc) = Moderate Trails

Many Mods $$$ (Long arm kit, gears, axels, armor, etc) = Advanced Rock Crawling Trails
 
#5 ·
That's pretty much what I figured. When I had my Liberty, I was taking it off-road for academic purposes every now and again. 20+ mile dirt roads with fairly large rocks, over mud pits that had frozen over, things like that. Nothing difficult but still things that most cars probably wouldn't have been able to handle.

I'll definitely consider going to a Jeep club or something like that, so I can start out on something easy and get a feel for real off-roading.
 
#10 ·
My jeep is pretty much stock and I've done things in it that amaze me. I know it can do much more than I'm willing to try while it is still in stock form.

After being off road about 10 times on some easy to difficult trails my best advice would be keep it stock until you get an idea of what types of trails you want to do.

That said, ditch the running boards and get some rock sliders... That was my mistake. Had the running boards on and they damaged the rocker panel when a rock got in the way. If I had sliders on, there would not have been any damage

Now that I know that I want to get into more serious trails I know the upgrade path I need to take.
 
#11 ·
Stock Jeeps can get through most moderate trails and easy trails are a walk in the park. The only issue typically on some moderates is ground clearance.
 
#12 ·
I just put the running boards on, too. I'll leave them on for a while and maybe later on consider rock sliders, since they may prove to be unnecessary if I stick largely to fairly moderate off-roading. Some of the Wranglers I looked at at the dealership were already lifted, but mine is not. Something else to consider, I guess.
 
#13 ·
Yeah, lifts are a consideration once you get a good feel for what you want to do. A non-lifted wrangler will breeze through easy trails and on moderate trails you may need to just pick good lines to avoid dragging (that's what skids are for though). Driving stock and learning to pick lines is, IMO, the best way to learn how to drive off road. That way when you're lifted someday you already have the skills to be safe. Like I said, I'm still stock and I've had my jeep on some pretty intense trails.

View attachment 2203905


View attachment 2203913

Another thing. Get quick disconnects for the sway bar to more easily avoid the above. ;)
 
#23 ·
#14 ·
For the trails in my area the number 1 upgrade are tires suited for our thick and sticky mud.
It all depends on what you want to do. Bone stock it'll outperform just about any other stock 4x4.
For me mud tires were the most important upgrade. I didn't even go that big only 32's. And I'm yet to come across anything that has made me wish I went bigger. I also put in a 2" lift, but it really wasent needed
I'd suggest getting out there first and see what it is you want to do with your jeep.


 
#15 ·
A stock Wrangler, will take you places that you never dreamed of.
It's main limitation, is the Driver and the off road experience of said Driver!!!!!!!!!!!
 
#16 ·
First check out the Califroina forum section, lots of runs in SoCal to meet up with other and learn. In fact there are a few this weekend up in Big Bear with a number of folks with stock to lightly modded Jeeps.

Other than experience level the biggest limiting factor with your JKU is the running boards. Either you remove them or a trail will. Replace them with at least stock Rubicon rails. These are easy to find cheap $100-$150 as "take offs" on Craigslist especially in SoCal. The next thing are your RSA tries, it is also easy to find a set of Rubicon "take off" KMs cheap. Not saying these are great just that for the price they can be had, it is hard to beat them as a learning tire.

Look forward to seeing you on the trail.
 
#17 · (Edited)
Wranglers are very capable right off the showroom

Here's proof of what totally stock Sports, street tires and all, are capable of doing.

This was at a wheeling outing organized by my local Jeep dealer in Long Beach, Calif.





Aldo
 
#18 ·
The biggest limitations on a stock JK like the Sport are the tire tread (not tire size or clearance) and the driver . Once you add some good AT/MT tires traction increases significantly. Aftermarket parts for Jeeps are abundant and cheap as is the knowledge to install them, so a lot of off roaders never need to become highly skilled at driving off road. The best rarely even need a spotter. They just build bigger and more capable Jeeps to power over obstacle and technical terrain.

Some time find a really challenging part of popular trail and pick a good vantage point. Sit there and watch how some drivers usually old timers driving less than stellar Jeeps fineness almost effortlessly through the obstacles while most of the owners driving big flashy Jeeps just churn and burn through. BTW, I don't claim to be one of those drivers but I always keep an eye out for them.
 
#29 ·
The biggest limitations on a stock JK like the Sport are the tire tread (not tire size or clearance) and the driver . Once you add some good AT/MT tires traction increases significantly. Aftermarket parts for Jeeps are abundant and cheap as is the knowledge to install them, so a lot of off roaders never need to become highly skilled at driving off road. The best rarely even need a spotter. They just build bigger and more capable Jeeps to power over obstacle and technical terrain. Some time find a really challenging part of popular trail and pick a good vantage point. Sit there and watch how some drivers usually old timers driving less than stellar Jeeps fineness almost effortlessly through the obstacles while most of the owners driving big flashy Jeeps just churn and burn through. BTW, I don't claim to be one of those drivers but I always keep an eye out for them.
absolutely! I've never listened to my spotters as they don't use the same line through the trail that I would hahah
 
#19 ·
Hey Aldo, is that John Bull Trail in Big Bear? Also, It really is impressive where these things will take you in stock form. You can actually find videos of Jeep Jamboree doing the Rubicon in the 50s with old style Jeeps. They were way less capable then your Jeep. Also your style Jeep has been over the Rubicon in stock form.
 
#22 · (Edited)
Hey Dave,

You were close: these pix are at Gold Mountain, Big Bear.

Those are not mine; they were some stock Jeeps that came along to an event organized by my dealer. But, yes, you are correct: current Jeeps in stock form are very capable, even over older ones.

This is my 2009 Rubicon, in stock form, crossing Doran Canyon, Calico.


Aldo
 
#20 ·
I've had several Jeeps including a 90's YJ (yea I know). None of them have been very good off-road in stock configurations.

I took my stock Sport Unlimited (had Rubicon tires but that was it) off-road in CO and it was by far the best, most capable 4x4 I had ever driven. I had driven these same trails with other rigs in year past and the stock Wrangler just owned them.

One free "upgrade". Take a wrench and disconnect your front sway bar. This will greatly increase front suspension travel and help keep you moving smoothly forward.
 
#21 ·
Get out there and drive it BEFORE you spend your hard earned money on mods, stock Jeeps are very capable off road vehicles.
 
#27 ·
Great info! I'm in the same boat as the OP. Thanks for sharing.

Not to derail the thread, but since quick disconnects have been mentioned ... I have seen several pictures on here with the sway bar supports being held on by pins (pulled from the http://www.wranglerforum.com/f282/cheap-easy-fun-creative-mods-102868-23.html#post1581315)
Auto part Brake


I want to do the same. Is this safe to run for a DD and should we disconnect the rear sway bar or will the front be sufficient?

Thanks.
 
#31 ·
Great info! I'm in the same boat as the OP. Thanks for sharing.

Not to derail the thread, but since quick disconnects have been mentioned ... I have seen several pictures on here with the sway bar supports being held on by pins (pulled from the http://www.wranglerforum.com/f282/cheap-easy-fun-creative-mods-102868-23.html#post1581315)
View attachment 2225450

I want to do the same. Is this safe to run for a DD and should we disconnect the rear sway bar or will the front be sufficient?

Thanks.
Yes they are safe and cost about $15 in parts from Lowes. Just be sure to check them monthly and expect them to only have a 6-9 month life span. The pins are a soft metal and the heads will wear through. You can buy a couple sets up front and change them before they get too bad.

Just disco the front. Leave the rear alone.

Mike
 
#30 ·
A stock Jeep will go many places but adding running boards is going to hinder your travels. I'd recommend joining a local 4x4 Club and take it from there. Until you start exploring no one can give you meaningful advice.
 
#34 ·
Got a 2012 JKU with the Wrangler 255/75/17's SRA's...I'm going to put the Wrangler Duratracs , 255/75/17's with my stock wheels. Will this be an improvement till I do some mods with lifts and stuff a couple years from now? Got thru the last 3 winters fine, but thinking of throwing some Duratracs on at the end of the summer. Good choice for snow and minor off road??
 
#36 ·
I have the durtracs in that size and I noticed a significant improvement both on road (snow, ice, rain) and off road (mud, dirt, loose stones, rocks).

I think you'll find them to be an improvement in both function and form.
 
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