How to make your Jeep Last while enjoying it off road
Jeeps are huge fun to play with. And the best place to enjoy a Jeep is in the dirt mud and rocks. However use in these environments can take a toll on the Jeep if it is not properly prepared and maintained.
Proper preparation is essential to making a Jeep last off road. While Trail rated Jeep vehicles like the XJ Cherokee and Wrangler are very capable off roaders in stock form, there are some simple modifications that will help them last even longer.
One of the most important preparations is to have the proper tires for the environment. It you are going to be in mud, rocks or dirt, you need a strong tire with deep tread. Having a tie with high void area like a Mud Terrain tire helps get even more traction in all off road conditions.
By having good tires, you will be able to approach obstacles with less momentum and reduce stress on the suspension and body work. Having the right tire and not getting stuck go a long way to improving the overall reliability of the Jeep.
Using lower air pressure in the tires when off road will also improve reliability and longevity. Reduced air pressure will allow the tire to conform to the terrain aiding in traction. Lower air pressure will also allow the tire to flex more over obstacles that might otherwise puncture the tire.
The next area to consider is the armor. Rocker rail protection is critical on Jeep Cherokees. The pinch seam on the bottom of the Cherokee is easily susceptible to damage by rocks and other off road obstacles. If the pink seam is damaged, the overall body structure can be weakened. Rocker protection can be simple or elaborate. There are many styles available for sale or they can be easily fabricated with minimal welding skills.
Protecting the under carriage is helpful as well. Factory skid plates were available and provide adequate protection for most off roading. There are also many versions of skid plates available in the aftermarket as well as self fabricated options.
Lifting the vehicle will also allow more clearance between obstacles and the bottom of the Jeep. Lifting also allows larger tires to be fitted so that both traction and clearance are enhanced at the same time. Being able to drive over more obstacles will help your Jeep last longer in off road service.
Even when your Jeep is properly prepared, proper maintenance is important to its long life. The front suspension and steering joints are fitted with grease points so that dirt and water can be flushed out after off road adventures. Use a standard automotive grease gun to force fresh grease in to the joints and to flush out contaminants that may have collected there after each trip off road.
Also, if there is a chance that water could have contaminated the differential fluid or transmission fluid, change these fluids as well. At minimum, follow the recommended change intervals in the owner’s manual.
Keeping the seals in good shape will help keep vital fluids in and water and dust out. Replace oil and grease seals when there is any evidence of leakage.
Despite your beset efforts to keep parts lubricated, moving parts such as universal joints and tire rod ends will wear out. Inspect these parts frequently and replace them when they show signs of wear. If these parts fail, they can take out other expensive parts or leave you in a very dangerous position off road. Inspect and maintain these joints before and after each off road trip.
Dirt is very abrasive and will be the most damaging element of off roading. Therefore after each trip off road, thoroughly clean the Jeep including the under carriage. Remove dirt and mud that accumulates on the suspension parts to keep them moving freely. Keeping the parts clean will also aid in inspection so that wear can be noticed more easily.
Driving style is also a factor in how long a Jeep will last off road. Knowing how and when to use momentum to get over obstacles is critical to safe and damage free off road driving. Learning from more experienced drivers and practicing on smaller obstacles will help you gain the skills needed to safely drive your Jeep through any conditions.