Mala-Suerte

I purchased a '95 Jeep Cherokee Country earlier this year and I'm pretty sure it's not a 4x4. I want to make some upgrades (lift, tires, etc.) And eventually take it on a trail. Is a 2x4 going to hinder my offroad experience? I took it out today on a little back trail that had some mud and it seemed to do fine, although it wasn't a lot. This is the first vehicle I've bought and I don't know anything to do with mechanics and I've never really been off road before, so any help is appreciated. I'd like to learn everything there is to know if possible.

Turbo X_J

Does it have one of these on the rear quarter panel?


How about one of these next to the shifter?


Sure if not you can still wheel it.
Regardless if 4x4 or not never go alone and make sure you have some help for when you get it stuck.

Mala-Suerte

Unfortunately, it doesn't have either of those. Thanks for the advice, I'll try to keep that in mind. Additionally, someone told me to keep a shovel, towel/blanket, kitty litter handy in case I get stuck. Is that true?

Martlor13

Yikes

nujeepguy

good

EatonXJ

Throw a Lokka or the like locker in the rear and I bet it will hold its own with open diff 4x4 XJs.

Mala-Suerte

What's a locker?

_StationWagon_

Then I guess you underestimate the power of 4 lo. Up or down a really steep grade , there's no substitute for 4 lo.

mschi772

Yes, 2wd is going to "hinder your offroad experience."

Advice? Never go alone. I don't mean bring a passenger, I mean make sure there's at least one other vehicle with you, and make sure one of you has the equipment necessary to recover a stuck vehicle.

More advice? Keep reading and learning everything you can about your vehicle on sites like this cuz it will save you money in the long run and will keep you safer on and off the road.

fijicorey25

Yes, you can offroad your 2WD with decent tires. Mines a 2WD (open diff) and I go all the time. Like others have said, don't go alone. I joined a local jeep club here and they've been extremely nice to show me trails and teach me the basics of offroading.

Test the limits of it and see what you can do. I'm honestly surprised on the stuff mine can do with just 2WD.

Avoid deep water and keep your speed up.

Jeepin'_Aint_EZ

Really depends on what your idea of off-roading is. If you stick to dirt trails and easier trails you should be fine but anything else is going to be tough. A locker will certainly help you since you'll be driving both tires instead of one but there's no replacement for 4wd.

fijicorey25

I should clarify what I mean by offroading, of course. I stick to mainly dirt and mud trails without much incline. Since I'm in Florida, it's all sand and mud. I avoid any inclines because it's difficult to climb hills made of sand in 2WD. Of course 4WD is going to rule but for my needs 2WD suffices.

hillbilly slim

I use to take my Baja bug everywhere, and i do mean everywhere!!! Got stuck few times, ok a little more than just a few... But it was sure a hell of lot of fun. In the Jeep and back when i had my Dodge, with 4x4 never got stuck and there aint much they can't climb. Its all about that far right pedal and how you use it!!! Super soft sand and mud can get any vehicle stuck, its all about the route you take and your driving skills that follow...

Happy trails and venture on...

moparado

I'll relate to my ATV when plowing snow.
In 2WD it ain't worth a crap even with a small amount of snow.
When i switch it into 4WD, i can easily plow 12+ inches with it.
The rear diff. is open best i can tell.

If you go off roading in deep sand and mud at least make sure you've the tires to do it.
Tow hooks, a tow strap and having a buddy with a capable 4WD follow along wouldn't be a bad idea either.

bad_idea

Good luck. I guess wheeling in 2WD is better than not wheeling. I would have to equate it to drag racing a stock Escort vs a built Mustang. Yeah, you're still running down the track having a good time. But 1/4 mile is much more fun in 10 seconds than 16 seconds.

I vacation in the Outer Banks of NC every year with the family. There is plenty of soft sand down there. I used to take my 2WD Nissan pick up down there, got it stuck in the driveway of the beach house. Not kidding, had to rock it out. Had my FIL in the pass seat, he got a good laugh. On the other hand, I have taken my 90 XJ down there and have a great time roaming the sand. Haven't gotten it stuck yet.