Off-road tips?

[billiebob]

What is the lowest danger area that I need to go measure and make sure I stay under it?

If the pumpkin is splashing thru the water you are almost guaranteed water will find its way into something with oil. And if you hear the exhaust bubbling under water. yeah water is coming in. But the easy solution is to change fluids, diffs, tranny, transfer case, after every water excursion. If there is water in it it will be obvious. If not, just put the oil back in.

Off roading is not cheap.

 

[Xposure]

Thats what they say. Im putting 33s on it tomorrow ill test it with 33's and take a picture.

Did you get those 33’s on using the oem bottle jack? I wonder if it goes up higher than most cars oem bottle jacks? It’s easier to find a general used bottle jack than a Jeep Wrangler specific jack so it’s no different than any other jack I’ll just get one from some other kind of car. At the top where your Jeep rests on it, is it just flat where the frame just sits on it, or does it have a U that the frame can rest inside of?

 

[billiebob]

the oem jack will lift high enough to change 35s

 

[Boinked]

Did you get those 33’s on using the oem bottle jack? I wonder if it goes up higher than most cars oem bottle jacks? It’s easier to find a general used bottle jack than a Jeep Wrangler specific jack so it’s no different than any other jack I’ll just get one from some other kind of car. At the top where your Jeep rests on it, is it just flat where the frame just sits on it, or does it have a U that the frame can rest inside of?

I apologize I have not tried it yet. Its been hotter than hell.

 

[Stockli]

I apologize I have not tried it yet. Its been hotter than hell.

This. I’ve been down in PHX since Tuesday and I swear I saw the devil sitting in the middle of the 101 on Tuesday afternoon.

 

[Jorge Bolivar]

Thanks for the pics! I looked under the seat and didn’t see a jack. I see the little tabs that it tightens up between but no jack or tool.

Will that bottle jack really get up high enough to put on a 35” tire??

Yes! if you use the suggested piece of wood work even better.

 

[Boinked]

This. I’ve been down in PHX since Tuesday and I swear I saw the devil sitting in the middle of the 101 on Tuesday afternoon.

Yeah you had to come down on the hottest week this year.

 

[Stockli]

Not to hijack but I cannot believe how hot it gets in PHX. It feels face melting hot. My wife and I love it here though and hopefully we will relocate here within the next few years

 

[Jorge Bolivar]

So I’ve read that TJ have some lower points that are easy for water to get into and damage. I know about the vent hole on the bell housing of the trans. I found out there are vent on the axles as well. What is the lowest danger point for water/mud? We will be doing trails and I know we will come across some mud holes as well as creek crossings.

What is the lowest danger area that I need to go measure and make sure I stay under it? I know the axles have vent lines on them that run up to the bottom of the body of the Jeep. Taking that into consideration what is the lowest point I need to be concerned with?

So far the lowest point to consider to make water damage to the TJ and let it permanent un operable is the headlight. At that height is the air intake entrance.
I will said that if you no want water inside the cab, side rails is the lowest point.

If you get stuck on a water hole that pass over your bumper height, be sure to keep the jeep idling over the 1200 rpm until is out. Exhaust may get water inside creating other issues.

No worry much about water going in to the Jeep or water crossings but worry about what is on the water that may damage your jeep.
Mud is tricky especially if no MT tires equipped.

 

[Jorge Bolivar]

If the pumpkin is splashing thru the water you are almost guaranteed water will find its way into something with oil. And if you hear the exhaust bubbling under water. yeah water is coming in. But the easy solution is to change fluids, diffs, tranny, transfer case, after every water excursion. If there is water in it it will be obvious. If not, just put the oil back in.

Off roading is not cheap.

Differentials, Transfercase and Transmission has breathers with and extended hose that reach over the air intake level. If they are in proper working order is noting to fear.

Edit; Fix typo and correct term

 

[billiebob]

xtended hose that reach over the air intake

you have a very special TJ, I have not seen that since the military CJs

 

[Jerry Bransford]

View attachment 48487
The good old days when this was the jack the factory put in cars.

There are good reasons why the factories stopped including them. I grew up with them in the 60's and they sucked just as badly then as they do today.

 

[Jorge Bolivar]

My tip for you is, Use your common sense. Study and know your Jeep, Play with it even around Home so you have the feeling of it. Don't be afraid of being a first timer but does not try to be an experimented fella either. Follow and Study ALL the suggestions above and execute them as better you think are going to work when you encounter any situation. Trails are full of non sensed jeepers but it also full of ones that are willing to help, suggest and share on any situation.
I do start wheeling by my own and sometimes with my girlfriend until start knowing other Jeepers. Be alone on the trails is a risk, mental toll and not fun so if you go with others you will feel more comfortable.

Good Luck!

 

[billiebob]

go with others you will feel more comfortable

gotta say I disagree. I almost always go alone. Way more comfortable going at my own pace than following or copying a bunch of yahoos. I actually wheel for peace, solitude and to enjoy nature.

 

[Jorge Bolivar]

you have a very special TJ, I have not seen that since the military CJs

Most of the time I do talk using my 04 LJ as reference, but pretty sure my 98 Sport has the same breathers.

Front diff end by the radiator left side
Tranny and transfercase end by firewall close to the hood seal
Rear diff end by the gas filler neck.

Do your TJ is not equipped with the same?

 

[Boinked]

Most of the time I do talk using my 04 LJ as reference, but pretty sure my 98 Sport has the same breathers.

Front diff end by the radiator left side
Tranny and transfercase end by firewall close to the hood seal
Rear diff end by the gas filler neck.

Do your TJ is not equipped with the same?

If you go over your center hub you have the possibility of getting water in you front or rear axle. It really depends on what shape your seals are in. You could get it in the dif.
Im not saying that you will get it in there. But it is possible. I know a few people who change gear oil if the run deep. But i know others that don't. There is no consensus. For me it doesn't cost that much for piece of mind. I would do it all the time in my truck.

 

[billiebob]

your TJ is not equipped with the same?

no, never seen that, might be a regional thing. Ours come with block heaters tho.

 

[JMT]

no, never seen that, might be a regional thing. Ours come with block heaters tho.

I’ve got breathers and extended breather tubes

 

[jjvw]

I’ve got breathers and extended breather tubes

Mine too. I'm pretty sure the top of the transmission is my lowest breather. Everything else is about as high as the air intake.

 

[Xposure]

Doesn’t the automatic trans inspection plate allow water in? If so, will that contaminate the fluid through the torque converter if it gets as high as the input shaft? Or is the torque converter sealed and water tight? It has to be sealed doesn’t it...if not it would leak fluid.