Newbie Jeep questions
10-07-2003, 03:51 PM
#31
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Jeep questions
Travis, you're on the right path and you're asking good questions. I was
going to recommend Jim Allens "4x4 Performance Handbook" but it looks like
you already ordered it. I think you will get a LOT of great info in there.
Read it cover to cover at least twice!
There's nothing wrong with wanting to build a rock crawler type vehicle
right from the start (37" tires, 4:1 transfer case, Dana 60's, etc...).
After all, it's your money. Myself and a few friends are building ours step
by step a little each year and sometimes I wish I had just decided all the
things I wanted to do from the start and dumped the $$ in right away.
Making and remaking changes/upgrades will start nickle and diming you to
death. I'm getting ready to have my driveshafts remade for the 2nd time!
I will caution you a bit. If you want to drive this thing on the road "when
the weather is too nasty" you need to make careful choices about tire size,
gearing and lockers. A locker won't do you ANY good in bad weather (snow,
rain). It will most likely make the vehicle drive much worse. Sounds like
you need to be in the market for a selectable locker (ARB, Detroit Electrac,
OX). Keep in mind that the more "Extreme" this vehicle becomes, the more
likely it will drive like crap on the road. They steer funny (bump steer),
the center of gravity is raised (no sharp maneuvers), may stop slower (stock
brakes trying to stop 37" tires), etc..... I think you get my point. I
would not personally drivea vehicle back and forth to work that had over
about 33" tires, but that's just me. OK my CJ has 35's, but I only drive it
once a week or so, and I work like 3 miles from my house ;-)
Keep asking questions and don't be afraid to ask some "dumb" ones. I know I
did a couple years ago when I bought my CJ, and I'm glad I did. Most people
here are great and will give you a lot of valuable information.
Also keep in mind that not all answers will be 100% serious. Don't take
offense if someone makes a few smarta$$ remarks. Just shrug it off, it's
gonna happen. It's a public forum afterall.
In closing I also recommend buying/wheeling/driving the vehicle to work for
a while before I start making too many decisions about what you do and don't
need. Don't be in so much of a hurry that you make rash decisions.
Creating a good on road/off road vehicle takes time, patience and trial and
error.
Kevin
(stepping off my soapbox)
"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:a146ovoqmidtnnemahqp15j5tnao3rr2j5@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>
> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>
> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>
> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
> baja to Jeep.
>
> > I
> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it
for
> >a while.
>
> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>
> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>
> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
> soon.
>
> > You
> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you
need
> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen
good
> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>
> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>
> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>
> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
> which I hope will help:
> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>
>
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
>
> :wq!
going to recommend Jim Allens "4x4 Performance Handbook" but it looks like
you already ordered it. I think you will get a LOT of great info in there.
Read it cover to cover at least twice!
There's nothing wrong with wanting to build a rock crawler type vehicle
right from the start (37" tires, 4:1 transfer case, Dana 60's, etc...).
After all, it's your money. Myself and a few friends are building ours step
by step a little each year and sometimes I wish I had just decided all the
things I wanted to do from the start and dumped the $$ in right away.
Making and remaking changes/upgrades will start nickle and diming you to
death. I'm getting ready to have my driveshafts remade for the 2nd time!
I will caution you a bit. If you want to drive this thing on the road "when
the weather is too nasty" you need to make careful choices about tire size,
gearing and lockers. A locker won't do you ANY good in bad weather (snow,
rain). It will most likely make the vehicle drive much worse. Sounds like
you need to be in the market for a selectable locker (ARB, Detroit Electrac,
OX). Keep in mind that the more "Extreme" this vehicle becomes, the more
likely it will drive like crap on the road. They steer funny (bump steer),
the center of gravity is raised (no sharp maneuvers), may stop slower (stock
brakes trying to stop 37" tires), etc..... I think you get my point. I
would not personally drivea vehicle back and forth to work that had over
about 33" tires, but that's just me. OK my CJ has 35's, but I only drive it
once a week or so, and I work like 3 miles from my house ;-)
Keep asking questions and don't be afraid to ask some "dumb" ones. I know I
did a couple years ago when I bought my CJ, and I'm glad I did. Most people
here are great and will give you a lot of valuable information.
Also keep in mind that not all answers will be 100% serious. Don't take
offense if someone makes a few smarta$$ remarks. Just shrug it off, it's
gonna happen. It's a public forum afterall.
In closing I also recommend buying/wheeling/driving the vehicle to work for
a while before I start making too many decisions about what you do and don't
need. Don't be in so much of a hurry that you make rash decisions.
Creating a good on road/off road vehicle takes time, patience and trial and
error.
Kevin
(stepping off my soapbox)
"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:a146ovoqmidtnnemahqp15j5tnao3rr2j5@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>
> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>
> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>
> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
> baja to Jeep.
>
> > I
> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it
for
> >a while.
>
> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>
> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>
> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
> soon.
>
> > You
> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you
need
> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen
good
> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>
> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>
> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>
> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
> which I hope will help:
> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>
>
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
>
> :wq!
10-07-2003, 03:56 PM
#32
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Jeep questions
I find 33's are a sweet all round off road and daily driver tire.
When I built up my CJ7, I went with a 2.5" spring and 1/2" shackle (YJ
shackles are 1" longer than CJ ones) lift. My body does sit about an
inch higher than stock and I have tons of room for the 33's.
When you start going monster tires, you turn it into a 'trailer queen'
fast, the on road performance and handling start dropping radically
fast.
I also am a firm believer that 'tall skinny rules!' for tires. I leave
folks with fat tires in the dust with their jaws hanging open as they
try and try and try to get up to where I am sitting taking photos of
them trying to get to me.
My CJ7 has 3.31 gears and open diffs....
The skinny tires leave tread marks up sand pit walls and through mud.
The fat tires don't have near the psi on the footprint, so they leave
rooster tail marks up as far as they can get.
Just go look at any logger's or anyone else's truck that actually works
in the bush. You won't see fat tires, you will see tall skinny.
That goes triple for on road and snow or ice...
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
travis wrote:
>
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>
> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>
> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>
> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
> baja to Jeep.
>
> > I
> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it for
> >a while.
>
> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>
> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>
> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
> soon.
>
> > You
> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you need
> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen good
> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>
> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>
> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>
> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
> which I hope will help:
> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
> :wq!
When I built up my CJ7, I went with a 2.5" spring and 1/2" shackle (YJ
shackles are 1" longer than CJ ones) lift. My body does sit about an
inch higher than stock and I have tons of room for the 33's.
When you start going monster tires, you turn it into a 'trailer queen'
fast, the on road performance and handling start dropping radically
fast.
I also am a firm believer that 'tall skinny rules!' for tires. I leave
folks with fat tires in the dust with their jaws hanging open as they
try and try and try to get up to where I am sitting taking photos of
them trying to get to me.
My CJ7 has 3.31 gears and open diffs....
The skinny tires leave tread marks up sand pit walls and through mud.
The fat tires don't have near the psi on the footprint, so they leave
rooster tail marks up as far as they can get.
Just go look at any logger's or anyone else's truck that actually works
in the bush. You won't see fat tires, you will see tall skinny.
That goes triple for on road and snow or ice...
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
travis wrote:
>
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>
> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>
> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>
> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
> baja to Jeep.
>
> > I
> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it for
> >a while.
>
> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>
> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>
> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
> soon.
>
> > You
> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you need
> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen good
> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>
> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>
> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>
> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
> which I hope will help:
> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
> :wq!
10-07-2003, 03:56 PM
#33
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Jeep questions
I find 33's are a sweet all round off road and daily driver tire.
When I built up my CJ7, I went with a 2.5" spring and 1/2" shackle (YJ
shackles are 1" longer than CJ ones) lift. My body does sit about an
inch higher than stock and I have tons of room for the 33's.
When you start going monster tires, you turn it into a 'trailer queen'
fast, the on road performance and handling start dropping radically
fast.
I also am a firm believer that 'tall skinny rules!' for tires. I leave
folks with fat tires in the dust with their jaws hanging open as they
try and try and try to get up to where I am sitting taking photos of
them trying to get to me.
My CJ7 has 3.31 gears and open diffs....
The skinny tires leave tread marks up sand pit walls and through mud.
The fat tires don't have near the psi on the footprint, so they leave
rooster tail marks up as far as they can get.
Just go look at any logger's or anyone else's truck that actually works
in the bush. You won't see fat tires, you will see tall skinny.
That goes triple for on road and snow or ice...
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
travis wrote:
>
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>
> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>
> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>
> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
> baja to Jeep.
>
> > I
> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it for
> >a while.
>
> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>
> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>
> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
> soon.
>
> > You
> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you need
> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen good
> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>
> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>
> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>
> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
> which I hope will help:
> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
> :wq!
When I built up my CJ7, I went with a 2.5" spring and 1/2" shackle (YJ
shackles are 1" longer than CJ ones) lift. My body does sit about an
inch higher than stock and I have tons of room for the 33's.
When you start going monster tires, you turn it into a 'trailer queen'
fast, the on road performance and handling start dropping radically
fast.
I also am a firm believer that 'tall skinny rules!' for tires. I leave
folks with fat tires in the dust with their jaws hanging open as they
try and try and try to get up to where I am sitting taking photos of
them trying to get to me.
My CJ7 has 3.31 gears and open diffs....
The skinny tires leave tread marks up sand pit walls and through mud.
The fat tires don't have near the psi on the footprint, so they leave
rooster tail marks up as far as they can get.
Just go look at any logger's or anyone else's truck that actually works
in the bush. You won't see fat tires, you will see tall skinny.
That goes triple for on road and snow or ice...
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
travis wrote:
>
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>
> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>
> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>
> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
> baja to Jeep.
>
> > I
> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it for
> >a while.
>
> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>
> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>
> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
> soon.
>
> > You
> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you need
> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen good
> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>
> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>
> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>
> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
> which I hope will help:
> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
> :wq!
10-07-2003, 03:56 PM
#34
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Jeep questions
I find 33's are a sweet all round off road and daily driver tire.
When I built up my CJ7, I went with a 2.5" spring and 1/2" shackle (YJ
shackles are 1" longer than CJ ones) lift. My body does sit about an
inch higher than stock and I have tons of room for the 33's.
When you start going monster tires, you turn it into a 'trailer queen'
fast, the on road performance and handling start dropping radically
fast.
I also am a firm believer that 'tall skinny rules!' for tires. I leave
folks with fat tires in the dust with their jaws hanging open as they
try and try and try to get up to where I am sitting taking photos of
them trying to get to me.
My CJ7 has 3.31 gears and open diffs....
The skinny tires leave tread marks up sand pit walls and through mud.
The fat tires don't have near the psi on the footprint, so they leave
rooster tail marks up as far as they can get.
Just go look at any logger's or anyone else's truck that actually works
in the bush. You won't see fat tires, you will see tall skinny.
That goes triple for on road and snow or ice...
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
travis wrote:
>
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>
> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>
> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>
> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
> baja to Jeep.
>
> > I
> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it for
> >a while.
>
> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>
> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>
> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
> soon.
>
> > You
> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you need
> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen good
> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>
> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>
> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>
> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
> which I hope will help:
> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
> :wq!
When I built up my CJ7, I went with a 2.5" spring and 1/2" shackle (YJ
shackles are 1" longer than CJ ones) lift. My body does sit about an
inch higher than stock and I have tons of room for the 33's.
When you start going monster tires, you turn it into a 'trailer queen'
fast, the on road performance and handling start dropping radically
fast.
I also am a firm believer that 'tall skinny rules!' for tires. I leave
folks with fat tires in the dust with their jaws hanging open as they
try and try and try to get up to where I am sitting taking photos of
them trying to get to me.
My CJ7 has 3.31 gears and open diffs....
The skinny tires leave tread marks up sand pit walls and through mud.
The fat tires don't have near the psi on the footprint, so they leave
rooster tail marks up as far as they can get.
Just go look at any logger's or anyone else's truck that actually works
in the bush. You won't see fat tires, you will see tall skinny.
That goes triple for on road and snow or ice...
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
travis wrote:
>
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>
> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>
> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>
> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
> baja to Jeep.
>
> > I
> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it for
> >a while.
>
> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>
> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>
> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
> soon.
>
> > You
> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you need
> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen good
> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>
> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>
> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>
> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
> which I hope will help:
> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
> :wq!
10-07-2003, 04:04 PM
#35
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Jeep questions
LOL!
I had a 68 'baja' Bug with G78x15's on the rear, Mallory coil and dual
point distributor, header and a hydraulic 3 speed semi automatic
tranny. Put your hand on the shifter and a switch popped it into
neutral, let off and it was like popping the clutch and would just smoke
the G78's. Damn it was fun, but well, a Jeep is just sooo much
nicer.... Though a jeep don't float... ;-)
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
travis wrote:
>
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:40:21 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >All three good books. The Jeep 4x4 Performance Handbook will teach you a
> >*lot* if you're starting off. Read it first.
> >The most important thing to remember, if you're transitioning from a Baja
> >Bug to a Jeep is that you don't drive them the same way. Baja Bug = fast,
>
> You know it! :-) Yeah, the idea with a baja is to *charge* the big
> mud puddles and for that matter, even the hills. The momentum and
> light weight is what gets a baja to go where it goes. I have stock
> gearing in my baja with 31" truck tires so I'm constantly slipping the
> clutch and trying to get up enough speed while offroad to get my revs
> up to a point where I have a little useable torque.
>
> >Jeep = slow! With a Jeep, you crawl over obstacles (except for mud and sand
> >and even then, you're going considerably slower than you're probably used
> >to).
>
> Yeah, that'll take some getting used to for me, but I'm looking
> forward to learning. I have mud in my blood. ;-)
>
> > If you try to drive your Jeep the way you would drive a Baja Bug, you
> >will break things and probably flip your Jeep. (Not that driving slowly is
> >any guarantee, right, Jenn?)
>
> Sounds like an inside story. heh heh
>
> > More often than not, you will be in 1st gear,
> >4wd low range, engine at idle (or just enough throttle to keep it running)
> >unless you're trying to clean mud out of your tires, float on top of loose
> >sand, or step up onto that big rock ledge in front of you.
> >Another thing. Don't use 4wd on pavement. Reserve it for off road uses
> >unless you're on hard packed or deep snow or some other *very* slippery
> >surface.
>
> Yeah, better gas mileage that way too, right? I used to get almost
> insulted when my Jeep friend would join me offroading and not switch
> into 4WD. I would be like "Oh, you think you can hang with the baja
> when you're only in 2WD!?!?" He would be like "Yes." And then he
> would. grrr... Hey, I'm sold on the Jeep idea! :-D
>
> >
> >--
> >Jim
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
> :wq!
I had a 68 'baja' Bug with G78x15's on the rear, Mallory coil and dual
point distributor, header and a hydraulic 3 speed semi automatic
tranny. Put your hand on the shifter and a switch popped it into
neutral, let off and it was like popping the clutch and would just smoke
the G78's. Damn it was fun, but well, a Jeep is just sooo much
nicer.... Though a jeep don't float... ;-)
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
travis wrote:
>
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:40:21 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >All three good books. The Jeep 4x4 Performance Handbook will teach you a
> >*lot* if you're starting off. Read it first.
> >The most important thing to remember, if you're transitioning from a Baja
> >Bug to a Jeep is that you don't drive them the same way. Baja Bug = fast,
>
> You know it! :-) Yeah, the idea with a baja is to *charge* the big
> mud puddles and for that matter, even the hills. The momentum and
> light weight is what gets a baja to go where it goes. I have stock
> gearing in my baja with 31" truck tires so I'm constantly slipping the
> clutch and trying to get up enough speed while offroad to get my revs
> up to a point where I have a little useable torque.
>
> >Jeep = slow! With a Jeep, you crawl over obstacles (except for mud and sand
> >and even then, you're going considerably slower than you're probably used
> >to).
>
> Yeah, that'll take some getting used to for me, but I'm looking
> forward to learning. I have mud in my blood. ;-)
>
> > If you try to drive your Jeep the way you would drive a Baja Bug, you
> >will break things and probably flip your Jeep. (Not that driving slowly is
> >any guarantee, right, Jenn?)
>
> Sounds like an inside story. heh heh
>
> > More often than not, you will be in 1st gear,
> >4wd low range, engine at idle (or just enough throttle to keep it running)
> >unless you're trying to clean mud out of your tires, float on top of loose
> >sand, or step up onto that big rock ledge in front of you.
> >Another thing. Don't use 4wd on pavement. Reserve it for off road uses
> >unless you're on hard packed or deep snow or some other *very* slippery
> >surface.
>
> Yeah, better gas mileage that way too, right? I used to get almost
> insulted when my Jeep friend would join me offroading and not switch
> into 4WD. I would be like "Oh, you think you can hang with the baja
> when you're only in 2WD!?!?" He would be like "Yes." And then he
> would. grrr... Hey, I'm sold on the Jeep idea! :-D
>
> >
> >--
> >Jim
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
> :wq!
10-07-2003, 04:04 PM
#36
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Jeep questions
LOL!
I had a 68 'baja' Bug with G78x15's on the rear, Mallory coil and dual
point distributor, header and a hydraulic 3 speed semi automatic
tranny. Put your hand on the shifter and a switch popped it into
neutral, let off and it was like popping the clutch and would just smoke
the G78's. Damn it was fun, but well, a Jeep is just sooo much
nicer.... Though a jeep don't float... ;-)
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
travis wrote:
>
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:40:21 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >All three good books. The Jeep 4x4 Performance Handbook will teach you a
> >*lot* if you're starting off. Read it first.
> >The most important thing to remember, if you're transitioning from a Baja
> >Bug to a Jeep is that you don't drive them the same way. Baja Bug = fast,
>
> You know it! :-) Yeah, the idea with a baja is to *charge* the big
> mud puddles and for that matter, even the hills. The momentum and
> light weight is what gets a baja to go where it goes. I have stock
> gearing in my baja with 31" truck tires so I'm constantly slipping the
> clutch and trying to get up enough speed while offroad to get my revs
> up to a point where I have a little useable torque.
>
> >Jeep = slow! With a Jeep, you crawl over obstacles (except for mud and sand
> >and even then, you're going considerably slower than you're probably used
> >to).
>
> Yeah, that'll take some getting used to for me, but I'm looking
> forward to learning. I have mud in my blood. ;-)
>
> > If you try to drive your Jeep the way you would drive a Baja Bug, you
> >will break things and probably flip your Jeep. (Not that driving slowly is
> >any guarantee, right, Jenn?)
>
> Sounds like an inside story. heh heh
>
> > More often than not, you will be in 1st gear,
> >4wd low range, engine at idle (or just enough throttle to keep it running)
> >unless you're trying to clean mud out of your tires, float on top of loose
> >sand, or step up onto that big rock ledge in front of you.
> >Another thing. Don't use 4wd on pavement. Reserve it for off road uses
> >unless you're on hard packed or deep snow or some other *very* slippery
> >surface.
>
> Yeah, better gas mileage that way too, right? I used to get almost
> insulted when my Jeep friend would join me offroading and not switch
> into 4WD. I would be like "Oh, you think you can hang with the baja
> when you're only in 2WD!?!?" He would be like "Yes." And then he
> would. grrr... Hey, I'm sold on the Jeep idea! :-D
>
> >
> >--
> >Jim
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
> :wq!
I had a 68 'baja' Bug with G78x15's on the rear, Mallory coil and dual
point distributor, header and a hydraulic 3 speed semi automatic
tranny. Put your hand on the shifter and a switch popped it into
neutral, let off and it was like popping the clutch and would just smoke
the G78's. Damn it was fun, but well, a Jeep is just sooo much
nicer.... Though a jeep don't float... ;-)
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
travis wrote:
>
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:40:21 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >All three good books. The Jeep 4x4 Performance Handbook will teach you a
> >*lot* if you're starting off. Read it first.
> >The most important thing to remember, if you're transitioning from a Baja
> >Bug to a Jeep is that you don't drive them the same way. Baja Bug = fast,
>
> You know it! :-) Yeah, the idea with a baja is to *charge* the big
> mud puddles and for that matter, even the hills. The momentum and
> light weight is what gets a baja to go where it goes. I have stock
> gearing in my baja with 31" truck tires so I'm constantly slipping the
> clutch and trying to get up enough speed while offroad to get my revs
> up to a point where I have a little useable torque.
>
> >Jeep = slow! With a Jeep, you crawl over obstacles (except for mud and sand
> >and even then, you're going considerably slower than you're probably used
> >to).
>
> Yeah, that'll take some getting used to for me, but I'm looking
> forward to learning. I have mud in my blood. ;-)
>
> > If you try to drive your Jeep the way you would drive a Baja Bug, you
> >will break things and probably flip your Jeep. (Not that driving slowly is
> >any guarantee, right, Jenn?)
>
> Sounds like an inside story. heh heh
>
> > More often than not, you will be in 1st gear,
> >4wd low range, engine at idle (or just enough throttle to keep it running)
> >unless you're trying to clean mud out of your tires, float on top of loose
> >sand, or step up onto that big rock ledge in front of you.
> >Another thing. Don't use 4wd on pavement. Reserve it for off road uses
> >unless you're on hard packed or deep snow or some other *very* slippery
> >surface.
>
> Yeah, better gas mileage that way too, right? I used to get almost
> insulted when my Jeep friend would join me offroading and not switch
> into 4WD. I would be like "Oh, you think you can hang with the baja
> when you're only in 2WD!?!?" He would be like "Yes." And then he
> would. grrr... Hey, I'm sold on the Jeep idea! :-D
>
> >
> >--
> >Jim
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
> :wq!
10-07-2003, 04:04 PM
#37
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Jeep questions
LOL!
I had a 68 'baja' Bug with G78x15's on the rear, Mallory coil and dual
point distributor, header and a hydraulic 3 speed semi automatic
tranny. Put your hand on the shifter and a switch popped it into
neutral, let off and it was like popping the clutch and would just smoke
the G78's. Damn it was fun, but well, a Jeep is just sooo much
nicer.... Though a jeep don't float... ;-)
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
travis wrote:
>
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:40:21 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >All three good books. The Jeep 4x4 Performance Handbook will teach you a
> >*lot* if you're starting off. Read it first.
> >The most important thing to remember, if you're transitioning from a Baja
> >Bug to a Jeep is that you don't drive them the same way. Baja Bug = fast,
>
> You know it! :-) Yeah, the idea with a baja is to *charge* the big
> mud puddles and for that matter, even the hills. The momentum and
> light weight is what gets a baja to go where it goes. I have stock
> gearing in my baja with 31" truck tires so I'm constantly slipping the
> clutch and trying to get up enough speed while offroad to get my revs
> up to a point where I have a little useable torque.
>
> >Jeep = slow! With a Jeep, you crawl over obstacles (except for mud and sand
> >and even then, you're going considerably slower than you're probably used
> >to).
>
> Yeah, that'll take some getting used to for me, but I'm looking
> forward to learning. I have mud in my blood. ;-)
>
> > If you try to drive your Jeep the way you would drive a Baja Bug, you
> >will break things and probably flip your Jeep. (Not that driving slowly is
> >any guarantee, right, Jenn?)
>
> Sounds like an inside story. heh heh
>
> > More often than not, you will be in 1st gear,
> >4wd low range, engine at idle (or just enough throttle to keep it running)
> >unless you're trying to clean mud out of your tires, float on top of loose
> >sand, or step up onto that big rock ledge in front of you.
> >Another thing. Don't use 4wd on pavement. Reserve it for off road uses
> >unless you're on hard packed or deep snow or some other *very* slippery
> >surface.
>
> Yeah, better gas mileage that way too, right? I used to get almost
> insulted when my Jeep friend would join me offroading and not switch
> into 4WD. I would be like "Oh, you think you can hang with the baja
> when you're only in 2WD!?!?" He would be like "Yes." And then he
> would. grrr... Hey, I'm sold on the Jeep idea! :-D
>
> >
> >--
> >Jim
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
> :wq!
I had a 68 'baja' Bug with G78x15's on the rear, Mallory coil and dual
point distributor, header and a hydraulic 3 speed semi automatic
tranny. Put your hand on the shifter and a switch popped it into
neutral, let off and it was like popping the clutch and would just smoke
the G78's. Damn it was fun, but well, a Jeep is just sooo much
nicer.... Though a jeep don't float... ;-)
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
travis wrote:
>
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:40:21 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
> shared the following:
>
> >All three good books. The Jeep 4x4 Performance Handbook will teach you a
> >*lot* if you're starting off. Read it first.
> >The most important thing to remember, if you're transitioning from a Baja
> >Bug to a Jeep is that you don't drive them the same way. Baja Bug = fast,
>
> You know it! :-) Yeah, the idea with a baja is to *charge* the big
> mud puddles and for that matter, even the hills. The momentum and
> light weight is what gets a baja to go where it goes. I have stock
> gearing in my baja with 31" truck tires so I'm constantly slipping the
> clutch and trying to get up enough speed while offroad to get my revs
> up to a point where I have a little useable torque.
>
> >Jeep = slow! With a Jeep, you crawl over obstacles (except for mud and sand
> >and even then, you're going considerably slower than you're probably used
> >to).
>
> Yeah, that'll take some getting used to for me, but I'm looking
> forward to learning. I have mud in my blood. ;-)
>
> > If you try to drive your Jeep the way you would drive a Baja Bug, you
> >will break things and probably flip your Jeep. (Not that driving slowly is
> >any guarantee, right, Jenn?)
>
> Sounds like an inside story. heh heh
>
> > More often than not, you will be in 1st gear,
> >4wd low range, engine at idle (or just enough throttle to keep it running)
> >unless you're trying to clean mud out of your tires, float on top of loose
> >sand, or step up onto that big rock ledge in front of you.
> >Another thing. Don't use 4wd on pavement. Reserve it for off road uses
> >unless you're on hard packed or deep snow or some other *very* slippery
> >surface.
>
> Yeah, better gas mileage that way too, right? I used to get almost
> insulted when my Jeep friend would join me offroading and not switch
> into 4WD. I would be like "Oh, you think you can hang with the baja
> when you're only in 2WD!?!?" He would be like "Yes." And then he
> would. grrr... Hey, I'm sold on the Jeep idea! :-D
>
> >
> >--
> >Jim
>
> --
> Travis
> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>
> :wq!
10-07-2003, 04:10 PM
#38
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Jeep questions
On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 13:51:10 -0600, "Kevin Sperle"
<ksperle@nospam.hotmail.com> shared the following:
>Travis, you're on the right path and you're asking good questions. I was
>going to recommend Jim Allens "4x4 Performance Handbook" but it looks like
>you already ordered it. I think you will get a LOT of great info in there.
>Read it cover to cover at least twice!
>
>There's nothing wrong with wanting to build a rock crawler type vehicle
>right from the start (37" tires, 4:1 transfer case, Dana 60's, etc...).
>After all, it's your money. Myself and a few friends are building ours step
>by step a little each year and sometimes I wish I had just decided all the
>things I wanted to do from the start and dumped the $$ in right away.
>Making and remaking changes/upgrades will start nickle and diming you to
>death. I'm getting ready to have my driveshafts remade for the 2nd time!
>
>I will caution you a bit. If you want to drive this thing on the road "when
>the weather is too nasty" you need to make careful choices about tire size,
>gearing and lockers. A locker won't do you ANY good in bad weather (snow,
>rain). It will most likely make the vehicle drive much worse. Sounds like
>you need to be in the market for a selectable locker (ARB, Detroit Electrac,
>OX). Keep in mind that the more "Extreme" this vehicle becomes, the more
>likely it will drive like crap on the road. They steer funny (bump steer),
>the center of gravity is raised (no sharp maneuvers), may stop slower (stock
>brakes trying to stop 37" tires), etc..... I think you get my point. I
>would not personally drivea vehicle back and forth to work that had over
>about 33" tires, but that's just me. OK my CJ has 35's, but I only drive it
>once a week or so, and I work like 3 miles from my house ;-)
Do as you say, not as you do? ;-)
Yeah, I'll see what the Jeep I wind up in has when I get it and drive
it like that until I feel like I've decided I need to go up/down a
step in tire size or up/down a step in gear ratio or put a body lift
on or.... All that stuff. Since I don't have the Jeep yet all I can
do is dream about it so I might as well start dreaming about some 44"
tires, huh? :-D
>
>Keep asking questions and don't be afraid to ask some "dumb" ones.
I promise. heh heh
Thanks for the response.
Travis
> I know I
>did a couple years ago when I bought my CJ, and I'm glad I did. Most people
>here are great and will give you a lot of valuable information.
>
>Also keep in mind that not all answers will be 100% serious. Don't take
>offense if someone makes a few smarta$$ remarks. Just shrug it off, it's
>gonna happen. It's a public forum afterall.
>
>In closing I also recommend buying/wheeling/driving the vehicle to work for
>a while before I start making too many decisions about what you do and don't
>need. Don't be in so much of a hurry that you make rash decisions.
>Creating a good on road/off road vehicle takes time, patience and trial and
>error.
>
>Kevin
>(stepping off my soapbox)
>
>
>"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:a146ovoqmidtnnemahqp15j5tnao3rr2j5@4ax.com.. .
>> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
>> shared the following:
>>
>> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>>
>> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
>> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
>> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
>> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
>> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
>> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>>
>> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>>
>> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
>> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
>> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
>> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
>> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
>> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
>> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
>> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
>> baja to Jeep.
>>
>> > I
>> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it
>for
>> >a while.
>>
>> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
>> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
>> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
>> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>>
>> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
>> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>>
>> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
>> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
>> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
>> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
>> soon.
>>
>> > You
>> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you
>need
>> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
>> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen
>good
>> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
>> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>>
>> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
>> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
>> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
>> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
>> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
>> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>>
>> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>>
>> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
>> which I hope will help:
>> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
>> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
>> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Travis
>> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
>> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
>> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
>> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>>
>>
>> :wq!
>
--
Travis
FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
:wq!
<ksperle@nospam.hotmail.com> shared the following:
>Travis, you're on the right path and you're asking good questions. I was
>going to recommend Jim Allens "4x4 Performance Handbook" but it looks like
>you already ordered it. I think you will get a LOT of great info in there.
>Read it cover to cover at least twice!
>
>There's nothing wrong with wanting to build a rock crawler type vehicle
>right from the start (37" tires, 4:1 transfer case, Dana 60's, etc...).
>After all, it's your money. Myself and a few friends are building ours step
>by step a little each year and sometimes I wish I had just decided all the
>things I wanted to do from the start and dumped the $$ in right away.
>Making and remaking changes/upgrades will start nickle and diming you to
>death. I'm getting ready to have my driveshafts remade for the 2nd time!
>
>I will caution you a bit. If you want to drive this thing on the road "when
>the weather is too nasty" you need to make careful choices about tire size,
>gearing and lockers. A locker won't do you ANY good in bad weather (snow,
>rain). It will most likely make the vehicle drive much worse. Sounds like
>you need to be in the market for a selectable locker (ARB, Detroit Electrac,
>OX). Keep in mind that the more "Extreme" this vehicle becomes, the more
>likely it will drive like crap on the road. They steer funny (bump steer),
>the center of gravity is raised (no sharp maneuvers), may stop slower (stock
>brakes trying to stop 37" tires), etc..... I think you get my point. I
>would not personally drivea vehicle back and forth to work that had over
>about 33" tires, but that's just me. OK my CJ has 35's, but I only drive it
>once a week or so, and I work like 3 miles from my house ;-)
Do as you say, not as you do? ;-)
Yeah, I'll see what the Jeep I wind up in has when I get it and drive
it like that until I feel like I've decided I need to go up/down a
step in tire size or up/down a step in gear ratio or put a body lift
on or.... All that stuff. Since I don't have the Jeep yet all I can
do is dream about it so I might as well start dreaming about some 44"
tires, huh? :-D
>
>Keep asking questions and don't be afraid to ask some "dumb" ones.
I promise. heh heh
Thanks for the response.
Travis
> I know I
>did a couple years ago when I bought my CJ, and I'm glad I did. Most people
>here are great and will give you a lot of valuable information.
>
>Also keep in mind that not all answers will be 100% serious. Don't take
>offense if someone makes a few smarta$$ remarks. Just shrug it off, it's
>gonna happen. It's a public forum afterall.
>
>In closing I also recommend buying/wheeling/driving the vehicle to work for
>a while before I start making too many decisions about what you do and don't
>need. Don't be in so much of a hurry that you make rash decisions.
>Creating a good on road/off road vehicle takes time, patience and trial and
>error.
>
>Kevin
>(stepping off my soapbox)
>
>
>"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:a146ovoqmidtnnemahqp15j5tnao3rr2j5@4ax.com.. .
>> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
>> shared the following:
>>
>> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>>
>> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
>> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
>> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
>> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
>> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
>> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>>
>> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>>
>> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
>> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
>> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
>> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
>> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
>> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
>> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
>> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
>> baja to Jeep.
>>
>> > I
>> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it
>for
>> >a while.
>>
>> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
>> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
>> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
>> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>>
>> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
>> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>>
>> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
>> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
>> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
>> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
>> soon.
>>
>> > You
>> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you
>need
>> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
>> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen
>good
>> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
>> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>>
>> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
>> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
>> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
>> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
>> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
>> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>>
>> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>>
>> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
>> which I hope will help:
>> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
>> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
>> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Travis
>> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
>> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
>> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
>> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>>
>>
>> :wq!
>
--
Travis
FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
:wq!
10-07-2003, 04:10 PM
#39
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Jeep questions
On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 13:51:10 -0600, "Kevin Sperle"
<ksperle@nospam.hotmail.com> shared the following:
>Travis, you're on the right path and you're asking good questions. I was
>going to recommend Jim Allens "4x4 Performance Handbook" but it looks like
>you already ordered it. I think you will get a LOT of great info in there.
>Read it cover to cover at least twice!
>
>There's nothing wrong with wanting to build a rock crawler type vehicle
>right from the start (37" tires, 4:1 transfer case, Dana 60's, etc...).
>After all, it's your money. Myself and a few friends are building ours step
>by step a little each year and sometimes I wish I had just decided all the
>things I wanted to do from the start and dumped the $$ in right away.
>Making and remaking changes/upgrades will start nickle and diming you to
>death. I'm getting ready to have my driveshafts remade for the 2nd time!
>
>I will caution you a bit. If you want to drive this thing on the road "when
>the weather is too nasty" you need to make careful choices about tire size,
>gearing and lockers. A locker won't do you ANY good in bad weather (snow,
>rain). It will most likely make the vehicle drive much worse. Sounds like
>you need to be in the market for a selectable locker (ARB, Detroit Electrac,
>OX). Keep in mind that the more "Extreme" this vehicle becomes, the more
>likely it will drive like crap on the road. They steer funny (bump steer),
>the center of gravity is raised (no sharp maneuvers), may stop slower (stock
>brakes trying to stop 37" tires), etc..... I think you get my point. I
>would not personally drivea vehicle back and forth to work that had over
>about 33" tires, but that's just me. OK my CJ has 35's, but I only drive it
>once a week or so, and I work like 3 miles from my house ;-)
Do as you say, not as you do? ;-)
Yeah, I'll see what the Jeep I wind up in has when I get it and drive
it like that until I feel like I've decided I need to go up/down a
step in tire size or up/down a step in gear ratio or put a body lift
on or.... All that stuff. Since I don't have the Jeep yet all I can
do is dream about it so I might as well start dreaming about some 44"
tires, huh? :-D
>
>Keep asking questions and don't be afraid to ask some "dumb" ones.
I promise. heh heh
Thanks for the response.
Travis
> I know I
>did a couple years ago when I bought my CJ, and I'm glad I did. Most people
>here are great and will give you a lot of valuable information.
>
>Also keep in mind that not all answers will be 100% serious. Don't take
>offense if someone makes a few smarta$$ remarks. Just shrug it off, it's
>gonna happen. It's a public forum afterall.
>
>In closing I also recommend buying/wheeling/driving the vehicle to work for
>a while before I start making too many decisions about what you do and don't
>need. Don't be in so much of a hurry that you make rash decisions.
>Creating a good on road/off road vehicle takes time, patience and trial and
>error.
>
>Kevin
>(stepping off my soapbox)
>
>
>"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:a146ovoqmidtnnemahqp15j5tnao3rr2j5@4ax.com.. .
>> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
>> shared the following:
>>
>> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>>
>> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
>> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
>> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
>> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
>> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
>> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>>
>> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>>
>> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
>> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
>> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
>> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
>> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
>> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
>> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
>> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
>> baja to Jeep.
>>
>> > I
>> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it
>for
>> >a while.
>>
>> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
>> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
>> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
>> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>>
>> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
>> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>>
>> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
>> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
>> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
>> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
>> soon.
>>
>> > You
>> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you
>need
>> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
>> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen
>good
>> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
>> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>>
>> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
>> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
>> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
>> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
>> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
>> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>>
>> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>>
>> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
>> which I hope will help:
>> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
>> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
>> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Travis
>> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
>> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
>> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
>> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>>
>>
>> :wq!
>
--
Travis
FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
:wq!
<ksperle@nospam.hotmail.com> shared the following:
>Travis, you're on the right path and you're asking good questions. I was
>going to recommend Jim Allens "4x4 Performance Handbook" but it looks like
>you already ordered it. I think you will get a LOT of great info in there.
>Read it cover to cover at least twice!
>
>There's nothing wrong with wanting to build a rock crawler type vehicle
>right from the start (37" tires, 4:1 transfer case, Dana 60's, etc...).
>After all, it's your money. Myself and a few friends are building ours step
>by step a little each year and sometimes I wish I had just decided all the
>things I wanted to do from the start and dumped the $$ in right away.
>Making and remaking changes/upgrades will start nickle and diming you to
>death. I'm getting ready to have my driveshafts remade for the 2nd time!
>
>I will caution you a bit. If you want to drive this thing on the road "when
>the weather is too nasty" you need to make careful choices about tire size,
>gearing and lockers. A locker won't do you ANY good in bad weather (snow,
>rain). It will most likely make the vehicle drive much worse. Sounds like
>you need to be in the market for a selectable locker (ARB, Detroit Electrac,
>OX). Keep in mind that the more "Extreme" this vehicle becomes, the more
>likely it will drive like crap on the road. They steer funny (bump steer),
>the center of gravity is raised (no sharp maneuvers), may stop slower (stock
>brakes trying to stop 37" tires), etc..... I think you get my point. I
>would not personally drivea vehicle back and forth to work that had over
>about 33" tires, but that's just me. OK my CJ has 35's, but I only drive it
>once a week or so, and I work like 3 miles from my house ;-)
Do as you say, not as you do? ;-)
Yeah, I'll see what the Jeep I wind up in has when I get it and drive
it like that until I feel like I've decided I need to go up/down a
step in tire size or up/down a step in gear ratio or put a body lift
on or.... All that stuff. Since I don't have the Jeep yet all I can
do is dream about it so I might as well start dreaming about some 44"
tires, huh? :-D
>
>Keep asking questions and don't be afraid to ask some "dumb" ones.
I promise. heh heh
Thanks for the response.
Travis
> I know I
>did a couple years ago when I bought my CJ, and I'm glad I did. Most people
>here are great and will give you a lot of valuable information.
>
>Also keep in mind that not all answers will be 100% serious. Don't take
>offense if someone makes a few smarta$$ remarks. Just shrug it off, it's
>gonna happen. It's a public forum afterall.
>
>In closing I also recommend buying/wheeling/driving the vehicle to work for
>a while before I start making too many decisions about what you do and don't
>need. Don't be in so much of a hurry that you make rash decisions.
>Creating a good on road/off road vehicle takes time, patience and trial and
>error.
>
>Kevin
>(stepping off my soapbox)
>
>
>"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:a146ovoqmidtnnemahqp15j5tnao3rr2j5@4ax.com.. .
>> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
>> shared the following:
>>
>> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>>
>> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
>> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
>> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
>> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
>> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
>> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>>
>> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>>
>> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
>> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
>> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
>> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
>> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
>> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
>> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
>> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
>> baja to Jeep.
>>
>> > I
>> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it
>for
>> >a while.
>>
>> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
>> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
>> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
>> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>>
>> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
>> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>>
>> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
>> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
>> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
>> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
>> soon.
>>
>> > You
>> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you
>need
>> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
>> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen
>good
>> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
>> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>>
>> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
>> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
>> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
>> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
>> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
>> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>>
>> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>>
>> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
>> which I hope will help:
>> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
>> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
>> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Travis
>> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
>> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
>> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
>> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>>
>>
>> :wq!
>
--
Travis
FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
:wq!
10-07-2003, 04:10 PM
#40
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Jeep questions
On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 13:51:10 -0600, "Kevin Sperle"
<ksperle@nospam.hotmail.com> shared the following:
>Travis, you're on the right path and you're asking good questions. I was
>going to recommend Jim Allens "4x4 Performance Handbook" but it looks like
>you already ordered it. I think you will get a LOT of great info in there.
>Read it cover to cover at least twice!
>
>There's nothing wrong with wanting to build a rock crawler type vehicle
>right from the start (37" tires, 4:1 transfer case, Dana 60's, etc...).
>After all, it's your money. Myself and a few friends are building ours step
>by step a little each year and sometimes I wish I had just decided all the
>things I wanted to do from the start and dumped the $$ in right away.
>Making and remaking changes/upgrades will start nickle and diming you to
>death. I'm getting ready to have my driveshafts remade for the 2nd time!
>
>I will caution you a bit. If you want to drive this thing on the road "when
>the weather is too nasty" you need to make careful choices about tire size,
>gearing and lockers. A locker won't do you ANY good in bad weather (snow,
>rain). It will most likely make the vehicle drive much worse. Sounds like
>you need to be in the market for a selectable locker (ARB, Detroit Electrac,
>OX). Keep in mind that the more "Extreme" this vehicle becomes, the more
>likely it will drive like crap on the road. They steer funny (bump steer),
>the center of gravity is raised (no sharp maneuvers), may stop slower (stock
>brakes trying to stop 37" tires), etc..... I think you get my point. I
>would not personally drivea vehicle back and forth to work that had over
>about 33" tires, but that's just me. OK my CJ has 35's, but I only drive it
>once a week or so, and I work like 3 miles from my house ;-)
Do as you say, not as you do? ;-)
Yeah, I'll see what the Jeep I wind up in has when I get it and drive
it like that until I feel like I've decided I need to go up/down a
step in tire size or up/down a step in gear ratio or put a body lift
on or.... All that stuff. Since I don't have the Jeep yet all I can
do is dream about it so I might as well start dreaming about some 44"
tires, huh? :-D
>
>Keep asking questions and don't be afraid to ask some "dumb" ones.
I promise. heh heh
Thanks for the response.
Travis
> I know I
>did a couple years ago when I bought my CJ, and I'm glad I did. Most people
>here are great and will give you a lot of valuable information.
>
>Also keep in mind that not all answers will be 100% serious. Don't take
>offense if someone makes a few smarta$$ remarks. Just shrug it off, it's
>gonna happen. It's a public forum afterall.
>
>In closing I also recommend buying/wheeling/driving the vehicle to work for
>a while before I start making too many decisions about what you do and don't
>need. Don't be in so much of a hurry that you make rash decisions.
>Creating a good on road/off road vehicle takes time, patience and trial and
>error.
>
>Kevin
>(stepping off my soapbox)
>
>
>"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:a146ovoqmidtnnemahqp15j5tnao3rr2j5@4ax.com.. .
>> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
>> shared the following:
>>
>> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>>
>> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
>> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
>> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
>> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
>> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
>> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>>
>> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>>
>> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
>> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
>> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
>> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
>> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
>> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
>> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
>> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
>> baja to Jeep.
>>
>> > I
>> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it
>for
>> >a while.
>>
>> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
>> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
>> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
>> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>>
>> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
>> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>>
>> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
>> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
>> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
>> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
>> soon.
>>
>> > You
>> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you
>need
>> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
>> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen
>good
>> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
>> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>>
>> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
>> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
>> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
>> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
>> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
>> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>>
>> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>>
>> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
>> which I hope will help:
>> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
>> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
>> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Travis
>> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
>> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
>> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
>> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>>
>>
>> :wq!
>
--
Travis
FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
:wq!
<ksperle@nospam.hotmail.com> shared the following:
>Travis, you're on the right path and you're asking good questions. I was
>going to recommend Jim Allens "4x4 Performance Handbook" but it looks like
>you already ordered it. I think you will get a LOT of great info in there.
>Read it cover to cover at least twice!
>
>There's nothing wrong with wanting to build a rock crawler type vehicle
>right from the start (37" tires, 4:1 transfer case, Dana 60's, etc...).
>After all, it's your money. Myself and a few friends are building ours step
>by step a little each year and sometimes I wish I had just decided all the
>things I wanted to do from the start and dumped the $$ in right away.
>Making and remaking changes/upgrades will start nickle and diming you to
>death. I'm getting ready to have my driveshafts remade for the 2nd time!
>
>I will caution you a bit. If you want to drive this thing on the road "when
>the weather is too nasty" you need to make careful choices about tire size,
>gearing and lockers. A locker won't do you ANY good in bad weather (snow,
>rain). It will most likely make the vehicle drive much worse. Sounds like
>you need to be in the market for a selectable locker (ARB, Detroit Electrac,
>OX). Keep in mind that the more "Extreme" this vehicle becomes, the more
>likely it will drive like crap on the road. They steer funny (bump steer),
>the center of gravity is raised (no sharp maneuvers), may stop slower (stock
>brakes trying to stop 37" tires), etc..... I think you get my point. I
>would not personally drivea vehicle back and forth to work that had over
>about 33" tires, but that's just me. OK my CJ has 35's, but I only drive it
>once a week or so, and I work like 3 miles from my house ;-)
Do as you say, not as you do? ;-)
Yeah, I'll see what the Jeep I wind up in has when I get it and drive
it like that until I feel like I've decided I need to go up/down a
step in tire size or up/down a step in gear ratio or put a body lift
on or.... All that stuff. Since I don't have the Jeep yet all I can
do is dream about it so I might as well start dreaming about some 44"
tires, huh? :-D
>
>Keep asking questions and don't be afraid to ask some "dumb" ones.
I promise. heh heh
Thanks for the response.
Travis
> I know I
>did a couple years ago when I bought my CJ, and I'm glad I did. Most people
>here are great and will give you a lot of valuable information.
>
>Also keep in mind that not all answers will be 100% serious. Don't take
>offense if someone makes a few smarta$$ remarks. Just shrug it off, it's
>gonna happen. It's a public forum afterall.
>
>In closing I also recommend buying/wheeling/driving the vehicle to work for
>a while before I start making too many decisions about what you do and don't
>need. Don't be in so much of a hurry that you make rash decisions.
>Creating a good on road/off road vehicle takes time, patience and trial and
>error.
>
>Kevin
>(stepping off my soapbox)
>
>
>"travis" <travist34removethis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:a146ovoqmidtnnemahqp15j5tnao3rr2j5@4ax.com.. .
>> On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 15:09:54 -0400, "TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com>
>> shared the following:
>>
>> >Why do you want 37" tires?
>>
>> No good reason, really. That's part of why I'm asking questions out
>> here. To get good, reasonable answers from people like yourself who
>> have "been there." Maybe I should start with something like 33"
>> tires? I run 31" truck tires on the back of a baja and they just don't
>> seem that big. I wasn't thinking that a step up to 37" tires would be
>> all that much, but like I said I'm really new to this.
>>
>> > What do you plan to do with this vehicle?
>>
>> I plan on using it to get to work when the weather is too nasty to
>> ride my motorcycle, and I plan to go offroading with it at least 2-3
>> times a month like I currently do with my baja. I know some decently
>> challenging trails in the area, places I haven't even attempted to go
>> all the way through with my baja. Lots of good mud around here and
>> some decent rocky hills. I'd try to say something like "On a scale of
>> 1-10 for difficulty I'd rate the trails a 6" or something like that,
>> but I think my scale will need some serious adjusting when going from
>> baja to Jeep.
>>
>> > I
>> >would suggest you start out with something closer to stock and drive it
>for
>> >a while.
>>
>> I probably will if for no other reason that for the expense. It would
>> be hard for me to get a Jeep with 33" tires in good shape and try to
>> convince my wife it would be a good idea to stack them up and put over
>> $1,000 into tires. ;-)
>>
>> > If you wanted to learn all about flying, you wouldn't go out and
>> >buy a older rag wing and immediately start modifying it, would you?
>>
>> No, of course not. You're right and I realize that. I'm just trying
>> to think ahead, I guess. I *think* I'd like to wind up with 37" or
>> larger tires eventually so I was just knocking around ideas about how
>> to get to that level. I don't even own a Jeep yet. :-) Hopefully
>> soon.
>>
>> > You
>> >need to get to know your vehicle and, then, make the modifications you
>need
>> >in order for your vehicle to perform the way you want it to. 90% of off
>> >roading is in the driver ("the nut that holds the wheel"). I have seen
>good
>> >drivers with near stock jeeps do things that highly modified jeeps with
>> >inexperienced drivers shouldn't even attempt.
>>
>> I agree. I've gotten pretty good at using the vehicle I have now to
>> get through some stuff that surprises people all the time. I'm not
>> trying to promote my website, but it's in my URL. Take a look at some
>> of the stuff I've been through. I know you're right, though. I'm
>> just excited about getting a Jeep. I'm gonna wind up not modifying it
>> at all for probably at least 6 months until I get to know it some.
>>
>> >Take it slow and do your homework...
>>
>> Good advice. I'll try to follow it. I just ordered 3 books today
>> which I hope will help:
>> JEEP 4X4 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK , JEEP OWNERS BIBLE (BOOK) ,
>> HAYNES CJ MANUAL 1949-86
>> Wish me luck and thanks for the response, Jim!
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Travis
>> FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
>> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
>> http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
>> Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
>>
>>
>> :wq!
>
--
Travis
FOR SALE: '63 VW Camo Baja... $1000 *FIRM*
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436447561
http://bugadventures.dyndns.org
Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
:wq!
