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How to cross a ditch in a JKU

3K views 17 replies 14 participants last post by  onetraveller 
#1 ·
I was crossing a 3 foot wide, maybe 2 foot deep ditch recently. Assume it was generally dry. I approached straight on (both wheels into ditch at same time), but had the front diff hit the opposite side of the ditch. No issue getting out, just pushed ahead, and rubbed up the housing. But what is the right approach angle - flat, or one wheel at a time to keep diff out of contact path?

Feel free to point me to an existing thread. I did not find a title on point.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Each one is different and unfortunately you wont have the experience to easily manipulate it until after you need it. I like to go after the ditches at an angle. Some ditches ill have a hard time getting out because of the approach angle.

But you're more susceptible to roll overs. So each one is different
 
#4 ·
This was on generally flat ground, so roll over was not a concern. But good point for those more ambitious than me.
 
#8 ·
Yup. I knew that going in. The derm forum said the rash on my rear was idiopathic...sounds serious. Or, just a fancy way to say "no idea."
 
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#9 ·
I think he described the terrain and ditch enough for me to say I'd disconnect and cross at about 20-30 degrees to perpendicular. I wouldn't want to nose in, plow dirt, and lose a whole axle's traction -- or worse, high-center.
 
#10 ·
Thanks. That is about what I thought after I tried straight ahead. That, or buy a new skid plate.
 
#11 ·
i have always found that a vehicle will cross a ditch (or any obstacle) better one wheel at a time. when 2 wheels are pushing against an obstacle at the same time, it is tougher to move forward, and things brake. That said, I try to approach as 'straight' as I can. you don't usually need a huge approach angle..... just about a foot offset.
 
#12 ·
By crossing at an angle as has been said and ideally having one tire in the ditch at a time the tire on the front of the ditch will keep your diff up. As the tire in the ditch goes up and the second tire goes down, the climbing tire will lift your diff. At least that's the way I was taught, but each circumstance may be different.
 
#13 ·
#14 ·
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