headRUSH

Ok now here are the basics. I've got the D35, 31" Tires, and a 3" Rough Country Lift. I understand the basics on how not to break my rig when wheeling, but I've really only just gone through mild mud and some snowy roads.

Can anyone give me advice on how to take some more serious trails and in the process how to best preserve the hardware I have?

I guess what I'm asking is from other people's experiences, what things should I watch out for when wheeling?

Atmos

best thing to do is bring a friend who is experienced as your passenger

and also bring a spare tire

read this for more info
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/co...heeling-11829/

headRUSH

Hey that article was a good read, I also read the one about water crossing but really I'm never gonna cross water with this thing lol. Thanks!

EvstaG

My best advice would be to join a club or group, if you can. There is generally a ton of experience and help if you wheel with a club, and most clubs always ensure good practices, such as Tread Lightly, plus already have knowledge of area's you'll be wheeling at.

Rogue4x4

Use your head. Don't go alone. Do have recovery gear. Have a good spotter. If you sense major pucker factor, don't do it. No need to be a hero. Common sense and knowing your abilities go a long way in my book.

Atmos

this is the whole fun part about wheeling! that adrenaline. and often times when you pucker, you're totally fine it's just in your head. try new things safely with a good spotter. if it feels scary then good you're having fun

if you start to roll, turn into it and hit the gas

headRUSH

I like the idea of a club, but really I think this forum should be a club. I've already been in contact with a few people around my area, and other than 1 ORV park I know of most of my wheeling will be country roads, and a few off-road places I know of around my hometown.

Since my XJ is my DD I think the don't be a hero mentality will be the best thing I can think of, because I can't really afford to replace any parts since I'm a college student but I definitely want to put my baby through her paces.

dwright98xj

Until you start pushing the envelope and getting the old adrenaline flowing....

Rogue4x4

I agree, but I think what I said is misconstrued...definitely try new obstacles and such, my point is if you have a bad feeling about something, then avoid it. Listen to your inner voice, LOL. I have had a few sphincter-tightening moments that have been avoided by either "when in doubt, throttle out" and just stopping and backing out of the situation. Have fun, but don't be stupid. Better to be around a campfire at the end of the day than on a flatbed tow truck or the hospital.

elkwagn

Its all about the seat time, experienced friends and spotters are a plus, but you gotta feel it in the seat of your pants! A little time and you'll be screwed like the rest of us.....one more mod to go steeper and deeper, and then another, break-fix-repeat!

headRUSH

Haha yes!!!
I can't wait until I'm in the swing of things. My exhaust is my next upgrade...

I used to have a 1968 AMC Ambassador that I souped up, it had dual exhaust with glass packs on it. Do glass packs sound good on jeeps? Or what could I do to get a deep throaty sound like that?

Atmos

no not at all. gonna have to be a flowmaster 40 or something

holycaveman

If you off road you risk breaking something. Goes with the territory.

Mine is my DD also. Doesn't keep me from anything. Know your jeep. Know what's good, what needs replaced and what is wearing. Make sure the jeep is 100 percent before you go.

I had a u-joint that squeaked just barely. Figured I could wheel just one day on it. Wrong! Had to cut the day short and hardly made it back.

Don't think you can just "get by" until its convenient.

headRUSH

So what does "40" Mean on Flomaster? I like the idea of going with Flomaster because I know they are one of the best brands, I just don't understand what the 40 means

4OHI6

I can hear a FM 40 two blocks from my house..a FM 50 one block away.

Personal preference on what you like. Both mellow out nicely above 45mph.

There are videos on youtube of examples.

In the vendor section, mudfrog at http://performance-curve.com/flowmaster.aspx is a good source.