XJ_Atheist

How do the first generation, or any, Liberty models compare to XJ's as far as off road capabilities go?

Please no awful KJ bashing or Cherokee Worship Syndrome LOL
I'm just looking for factual answers

xer0

all i kno is the diesel you can un plug i want to say the map sensor and u will get a engine light but jump to 30 mpg.

builtnotbought89'

It doesn't compare!!! It might say "trail rated" but not on the trails we like to go on! Lol
Just cause it can get over a curb shouldn't make it trail rated!

xer0

i read a review a few years back saying the traction control did help some when offroading. You should really ask ppl that have owned them though so u get a less bios description. that way u dont get the "i love XJ" ppl trashing them.

Skreed

IFS is just never going to compare to solid axle flex is not the same.

_StationWagon_

EvilBlackXJ

pass that popcorn over here!

dude in an xj

sorry brother, but KJs are respectable IMO. i wheeled with one that was in front of me and the only issues he had was a flat tire. both of us on 31s.

BLKXJ 96

I wheel with a few KJ's, they do just fine. One is stock and one is lifted.

XJ_Atheist

so stock, as capable as an XJ?

obviously they arent as buildable, theres so many freakin cherokee mods out there

and does anybody know anything about jeeps new 3.7?

honestly I think the XJ is the better truck, but im just curious

XJ_Atheist

LOL yea, i heard the trail rating emblem means the model was tested and got through the rubicon trail...but it says NOTHING about this on jeeps website...


bunch of hype perhaps? lol

FlyingLow

I had a 96 XJ (AW4 auto) which I would wheel on fire roads and take through mud (6 to 8 inches) It was a sagged as hell stock suspension, and 225/75/15 (stock size) Cooper Discover ATR on stock rims. I had lights, a hi-lift, trimmed bumpers and fenders, and a doorless mod. It did respectable and I only got stuck once (long embarrassing story). Well, it was gotten rid of via cash for clunkers by my mom, so I got stuck with a 07 KJ 6-speed. I was a Liberty basher/ All-Mighty Cherokee worshipper prior. I've had it on the same fire roads and the same mud, and it doesn't do half bad. Yes it has slightly less ground, but it has some advantages. The unibody rails are just as wide, but almost twice as tall, making it very stiff. The abs is a god send for steep hill descents. The traction control is a ***** off road. It allows zero wheel spin and cuts down the power in the engine. However there is a button on the steering column that disables it, allowing all the wheel spin your heart desires, but allows the limited slip to remain active. The IFS is a blessing and a hinderance. It allows the wheels to remain planted under heavy flex, but limits ground clearance and the amount you can lift it. For those who say it's "weaker", it's the same HPD30 as is in the XJ, just a independent variation. I admit my mud traction is horrible compared to the XJ, but the tires are the stock Goodyear wrangler highway tires so to blame it solely on the KJ isn't fair or accurate. I've only had my KJ for 1350 miles (about 1000 of the commuting to school/ work via highway) and it barley has 21k on the od. But the engine seems pretty strong. I'm unsure if it has more/ less guts than the 4.0, as mine had about 140k and had a fully enclosed ram air kit, and straight pipes (still had stock cat, I'm not that stupid), but it will pass willingly, and do 100+ without hesitation or complaint, and rides at that speed like the XJ did at 50. There is slightly more body roll, but the body of the vehicle is physically higher, and I believe the track width is narrower. I plan on getting a aggressive set of A/T's in the next year or so before I lift it and throw the muds on, so I will update then. Overall: The Liberty is just as capable/ vulnerable as a Cherokee when operated by a skilled driver. The KJ has it's pro's and cons as does the XJ. Each will shine in different areas, as do all 4x4 vehicles. Build and wheel what YOU like, and if it handles the stuff YOU want it to, what right does someone else have to belittle you and your rig.

builtnotbought89'

Idk about how well they do off road cause I never see them out there, but I'm sure that there is a ton of options mostly homebrewed!
I know a ton of people said the same thing about the xj & its proved its self time & time again!!!
I just think it looks like a girls jeep or mall krawler!