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 Post subject: Equipment Guide for the Wheeler
PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 6:34 pm 
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The Jeep Liberty ( KJ ) 4WD is a capable offroad vehicle straight from DC (DailmerChrysler ). The Command-Trac ( NV231 ) or Selec-Trac ( NV242 ) with the 2.72:1 reduction from the transfercase gives the KJ a decent crawl ratio for steep difficult terrain...but...

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Things you NEED before you go offroad:

Factory Skids- The factory skid package from DC has an Engine Skid, Transfercase Skid and Fuel Tank Skid. You can buy aftermarket Transfercase and Fuel Tank skids. Right now the Factory Engine Skid is the only one available for the KJ.

Aftermarket Transmission Skid- This is one area DC forgot to cover. The “tranny pan” is very easy to damage without a skid of some sort. You can buy aftermarket tranny skids from SkidRow, Rusty’s and BoulderBars.

Tow Hooks-The factory tow hooks are fine...they have two for the front and one for the rear. If you did not get the factory tow hooks, you might think about getting receiver style hitches and then slip in a “real shackle’ from Warn. Hidden Hitch makes a front receiver and there are many makers of a rear hitch for the KJ.

Tow Strap- You must have a tow strap that is rated for at least 20,000 pounds and is at least 20 feet in length...of course you must have tow points available to use your tow strap.

RockRails/Sliders- Your rocker panels ( the area under the front and rear doors that runs between the front and rear wheels/tires ) need protection before you attempt any moderate offroad trails. If you do not get them you will probably do some body damage that will cost as much or more than a good set of sliders.

Heavy Duty Gloves: You will want these for many reasons...If you get a Warn Recovery Kit, they will be included.

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Things you will WANT before you go offroad again:

Lift-After your first trip offroad you will know what I mean. Any lift from 1.5"-2.5" will make a huge difference.

Tires-Once you have decided to lift or not to lift ( that is the question ), then you might want to invest in some good All Terrain ( ATs ) or Mud Terrain ( Mts ). The stock tires that come with the “OffRoad Package” are not true offroad tires.

CB Radio- Once you start 4Wheelin’ with a group ( you should never go alone if at all possible ), a CB Radio is a must.

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Things you will WISH FOR after you wheel a few times:

Air Source- You should “air down” when you go offroad for better grip and a smoother ride. Even a small electric air pump will help.

High-Lift Jack- This can come in pretty handy and with a lift and bigger tires, your stock jack might not work in all situation. You can take the foot off the Hi-Lift Jack and it will slip under the rear seat ( Thanx Ted ). Be sure to read all safety precautions before using the Hi-lift Jack. Now that you have Sliders and Receiver Hitches front and rear, you have some points you can use your Hi-Lift Jack.

Warn Recovery Kit- Most people get these after they purchase a winch but I think they are a great idea to get even before you get a winch. They include Heavy Duty Gloves, a Tree Strap, a Shackle, a 6' Chain and a Pulley. If you go 4Wheelin’ with others, someone will probably have a winch in your group and these things will come in handy. You can also use these items with a Hi-Lift Jack or a big Come-A-Long to recover your KJ.

Saw/Axe-Can come in handy clearing away brush ect.

FlowMaster Series 50 SUV Muffler- I know this sounds funny, but by now you have destroyed your stock muffler and the FlowMaster is "tuff" and can be mounted closer to the rear axle. It will sound great and will not give out like the stock unit.

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Things you will YEARN for after you see all the other Jeeps:

Lockers/LSD- Upgrading to real lockers and/or limited slip units will really do wonders for your KJ. Check the Tech Articles for more information.

Real Metal Bumper(s)- ARB and TrailReady make heavy duty front bumpers that allow you to mount a winch to the front...TrailReady also makes a rear bumper.

Winch- You should get a winch that is rated at least 1.5 X the loaded weight of your KJ. A winch rated at 8,000# is the smallest you should mount since a KJ scales at about 4,200#-4,600# fully loaded. If you have a Hidden Hitch in the front and a Receive Hitch in the rear you can remote mount a winch ( Check out Clint’s KJ...aka...skrracing )

Lighting- Extra lighting is always a nice touch.

GPS Unit- Makes getting L.O.S.T. a thing of the past.

Roof Rack- To allow you to store and carry more “stuff” for longer trips.


This is meant to be a list of the most required things you will need to make your 4Wheelin’ fun and safe. You should get the “Things you NEED before you go offroad:” before you make your first trip. The other things listed will come as you wheel more difficult terrain. Make sure you always go with at least one other capable 4WD vehicle that meets the same basic requirements ( Tow Points and Recovery Gear ). Do not attempt anything that you are not comfortable with even if you feel pressure from others in your group. The REPAIR BILL will have your name on it.

Posted by Darby Walters

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 7:52 pm 
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I'd offer 1 item to that list

A well stocked first aid kit


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 2:52 am 
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And for that, I'd suggest going to Wal-Mart. On the aisle where the burn medicine, etc. is are first-aid kits. They have a GREAT kit for around 18 bucks that has, if memory serves (it's in my Jeep :P), 200+ items. Very compact, but very effective.


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 4:51 pm 
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Fire extinguisher!!

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 1:57 am 
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extra fluids (oil, coolant premixed,power steering, brake), basic hand tools, e-tool (small folding shovel, $5-$20 @ surplus stores), tire chains if snow is expected (make sure they fit and try them out before hitting the trail)

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3/8" Clevis lift
Rusty's 2.5 lift
255/70/R16 Fleet Farm All Terrain (yes they work)
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