What are some of the things that you think a jeep should have for rock crawling? You can list anything from specifics like 4 link suspension to belly pans, hi-lifts... Just would like to hear what you are running that makes you reassured and safe (you and the rig) out on the trail.

 

tcase skid and sliders...last thing you wanna do is lose 4wd and sliders work great when you need pivot points or a spot to jack up a stuck xj to get it unstuck...recovery points are good too and a full size spare

 

First. CB and safety equipment ( first aid kit, fire extinguisher, shovel, axe )
2nd. always would be recovery points & recovery straps 30 ft
3rd. Lockers
4th. low enough gears.
5th. sliders and skid plates
6th. someone to spot you that knows the trail and how to wheel
7th. highlift and at least one jackstand
8th. lift that will work for the tires you will be running.
9th. tools and spares. ( axle shafts, driveshaft, u joints, and fluids )
10th. tires (I always try to run a tire with three ply sidewalls in the rocks.)
11th. a winch if you can afford one


These are some of the things everyone wheeling should have in their rigs, but for rocks I would say these are a must have.
More stuff can be carried, and will be useful like paper towels and hand cleaner for clean up after trail repairs. Enough water and snacks if you break and are out longer than you planned.

 

I disagree with Lockers I've ran trials that require lockers and 35's and i madeit thru open and on 33's. A good long travel suspension and good spotting will do wonders oh and sway bar disconnects

 

Two simple things: Knowledge of you vehicles capabilities and a good spotter. I have seen a seasoned driver go places in a stock YJ that guys with tube buggies and 42's where having problems with.

Anything above that makes your life easier.

 

Ok I have been at this for a few yrs.. and everything ppl listed above about knowing your vehicle, and a good spotter is so TRUE.

Besides what I call basics...
tow hooks front and rear, tow strap, a basic set of tools, especially if you drive to the trail...
A good understanding of your rig, and how it works, and what it takes to do a trail repair.
To me before a lift or anything some sort of roll cage needs to be installed, especially if you are new to the hobby. Bad things can and do happen. This past weekend we had a person flop her rig cause she paniced and it was her first time out. Did I mention that she all ready had a lift and a locker, but she had no clue when it cam e to listening and driving off road.


I am also a huge fan of armor. start with LCA skids, t-case skid, and then a g-tank skid.. try and find them used. Rocker slides would follow next. Once you have your jeep reasonably armored then pick and install a quality LA kit... skip the Short arms... a la kit isnt that much more. Also shop for used parts.. bushing and replacement joints are reasonable, nd buying new the only diffference is.. it might not be scratched and the paint is shiney.