You're going to hit HEAVY traffic the whole way down and on Rt12 leaving at that time. I would highly suggest you leave earlier (like 6am from the border station).
The past few years I've organized a trip and we would always leave at 7am from Battlefield Blvd and still hit some decently heavy traffic.

 

i had an issue with traffic the year before last. Last year i didn't really have that issue but it is a high traffic area for sure,

Redwolf

 

Go there when it is not summer and you will have an incredible time. No traffic, no one on the beach, no one on the trails, much more terrain available, better weather, no tourists, no yuppie horse tours. Just fun wheeling.

 

For summer wheeling and hanging out on the beach, try Hatteras Island. There may be 12 trucks on the beach, versus 1,200 and more that would be on the Carova beaches.
Sure there is a permit required, and some of the beaches are closed to driving, but the more peaceful experience is the reward. And there are jumps at low tide! I call them camel humps.

But the same traffic rule applies on Saturdays, start early from Hampton Roads. If you wait until 7am to leave, forget it, stay home because it could take over five hours to make the 2.5 hour drive.

 

I just want my XJ on the road. Couple more weeks Ill have it right.. I need some play money. Bills are in the way!!

 

looks like ya caught some air lol

Redwolf

 

The camel humps are spaced evenly, can jump over two dozen in one direction then turn around and hit them again. Only need to be going 15 mph.

 

Stumbled across this thread looking for info about swapping from manual to power windows. Go figure. Anyways.

I bought a 90 4 door two months ago. Never been wheeling before. But I plan to. So far I have lifted it approx 4" and thrown 33s on it. Put a 8.8 axle out of an Explorer w/ 4.10 gears and a SYE (shaft replacement) with front shaft in the back. Currently I am looking for a HP D30 out of a 96-99 (297 u joints) w/ 4.10 gears. Anyone got one? I know the 4.10s are a long shot. I would be happy to find one w/ 3.55s and regear it.

Steve,
I plan to go down to the Outer Banks when I get this thing sorted out. That looks like fun. I will have to pick your brain on where all is best to go wheeling down that way.

 

I have a buddy in Smithfield who might have one for sale. I'll check with him and let you know.

 

Scratch that, another friend already bought the hp30/8.25 combo. Sorry man.

 

Thanks for looking out. I just pulled one out of a 99 at PnP yesterday. The jeep I yanked it out of was clean and original. I start tearing into it this up coming week. If you guys know anyone w/ 4.10 gears and a carrier though, let me know.

 

Sorry I'm a bit late and by reading the past posts completely off topic but you fellas look like you know your stuff. I'm in Hampton over near fox hill. Is there anywhere to go trailing or off roaming besides hatteras/OBX , just bought a 92 and I'm fixing it up for some good times. Kinda want to find a trail where you can camp too.

 

Hey y'all. Still haven't had an opportunity to pick up an XJ but still very much interested. Wanted to reconnect with the forum and continue my research.

How's everyone been?

 

In that area there's not many places I know of where you can camp too, unless you know somebody with some property. Other than that about the only legal wheeling you've got in that area that I know of is Starr in Suffolk.

 

Ok thanks. Ive heard things about trails near the mountains but i can never find enough information about them. Im new to the jeep world so i wouldn't know where to go for off roading.