One of my friend thinks that an '04 ford f-250 with 6" lift would be able to out do a jeep cherokee with a 6" lift in trail riding and mudding. what is your vote on this, my vote is the jeep would do better.

 

Uneven weight distribution on the ford would give the jeep the upper hand in mudding, climbing would be close

 

The vehicle with the shortest wheelbase would do better on the rocks.
I think that's the Jeep.

 

Unless he's got weight in the box, no real big traction back there. Long wheelbase is a distinct disadvantage. Not much more ground clearance, not much flex. I'd put folding money on the XJ.

 

X2

 

I think 90% of it depends on the driver. I've seen bone-stock rigs with crap tires go places where a $50K, highly-modded rig with an inexperienced driver couldn't go...

 

out here you can't fit the ford between the trees

 

I would say that mostly it would depend on what trail they were running. Some trails that are real tight the XJ would have a large advantage, but if the trail was large rocks and steep side hills maybe the width of the full size 4x4 would be an advantage.
In the mud it depends on the tire size. The F250 has more fender clearance and could run much larger tires than the Cherokee and so the F250 would have an advantage.
A lot of this depends on how modified the two vehicles are as in lockers, tires, steering, engines, etc.

 

Went to Brazos Valley Off Road Ranch two weeks ago. Six Cherokees, 1 4runner, and one F350.

The F350 had a 6" lift, and a V10 with 500HP (claimed).

The F350 did OK. He could not fit on the trails. Trees on either side and overhead. He broke a ubolt strap on the first run. Then was completly winched up two hill climbs by a Cherokee so he could get to the campground.

Fixed the strap - 5 minute job - then he decided 4 wheeling with Cherokees was too much for him.

Hauling/towing: Any F truck
Wheeling: Cherokee

 

my vote is this is not tech. moved to chat.