Ever since I got the 97 ZJ I've been itching to have it earn it's Jeep name under my care.

Today, it did just that. I managed not to get stuck at all, and hit some pretty nice trails. Here are just a few photos and vids. Both Jeeps are 2wd, we had a Friend come with us that had a Dodge Ram Diesel 4x4 but a pin hole leak in his radiator ended his fun at the start of the trail.

I will say, with low tread front tires, basically new rear tires (used) the Jeep exceed my expectations. Once it made it through one area I would go further in to see how far she could go. But what really got me, I started the jeep around 11 o clock, and did not turn it off til after 4 after traveling 20 miles there and back, then playing around for 3-4 hours and I barely used any fuel. I started with 3/4 tank and now just lil close to the half way mark.

Showing off that stock flex!

End Report

Present left by jeep in waffle house parking lot.

For what it is worth, I realize the trails were not that hardcore, but was what I considered beyond a Stock Jeeps limits atleast a 2WD at that. For those wondering, Jeep did not have fog lights factory, or Front recovery tow hooks. I am one foglight and Autoheadlamp sw away from having them.

Fun...I haven't taken my WJ offroading in a while...

Edited February 12, 201213 yr by Cubical-aka-Moltar

Threads like these are bad for my Heep fever. I'll never manage to cure it with all of these muddin' pics.

Seriously, though, nice ZJ. I'm not suprised it did well off road, two-wheeler Jeeps are underrated.

No crap about it, I need another XJ in my life.

Looks like Heeps of fun and a nice view from the top there, Jeeagle.

Looks like a lot of fun but with all that pretty scenery I just wana go deer hunting.

I myself udnerrated the capabilites of the 2wd jeep. I found and installed the front Tow/recovery hooks in case I ever got stuck so I would have proper areas to be pulled out with. I didn't even get to use them to my surprise. The 2wd Xj I was with did a good job as well. I expected it to do better due to being lighter than my Grand Cherokee.

Thinking a locker or limited slip in the rear, better tires and a minor lift would improve it enough to my liking. The only bad thing is, the Jeep has good paint. And I afriad constant wood use will ruin it. But, now I know it is able to do it I want to go more.

Makes me miss my Avalanche

I myself udnerrated the capabilites of the 2wd jeep. I found and installed the front Tow/recovery hooks in case I ever got stuck so I would have proper areas to be pulled out with. I didn't even get to use them to my surprise. The 2wd Xj I was with did a good job as well. I expected it to do better due to being lighter than my Grand Cherokee.

Thinking a locker or limited slip in the rear, better tires and a minor lift would improve it enough to my liking. The only bad thing is, the Jeep has good paint. And I afriad constant wood use will ruin it. But, now I know it is able to do it I want to go more.

A two-wheel drive Jeep with a locking rear diff, meaty rubber, and a small lift really is all you'd need for light to mild off-roading. I'd go that route myself for my next Jeep, but knowing how I am I'd eventually start bitching about not having a transfer case and talk about needlessly expensive things like a four-wheel drive conversion.

Mud will run paint, but that's why you wash it. A dirty Jeep may be a happy Jeep, but a well taken care of Jeep is a loving Jeep (or something corny like that).

Changed out the real Diff Fluid today. I have always had the inkling that after any useage in deep-ish water/Mud lower end fluids should be changed. Was not entirely dirty but looked to be old fluid for sure.

Waiting for the RTV to set before adding new fluid in.