Wondering about fulltime and parttime 4 wd and offroading?

Jeephead1977 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 20, 2006 9:30 pm

I am driving a 04 KJ and I only have the option for 2 wd, 4 wd part time, and 4 low.

I am wondering if not having the option of full time 4wd on my liberty is going to be an issue with off roading?

And if so what would I need to do to remedy this?

Jeger · **Posted:** Wed Dec 20, 2006 9:32 pm

Shouldnt be an issue for offroading at all, part time is what you would want to use anyhow.

And Wecome to the lost crew!

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Wed Dec 20, 2006 9:43 pm

You have the 231 Transfer case and it's great off-road
the optional 242 transfer case adds the Full time which is for running on paved roads (even in dry weather) - and has a Part time for off-road

(Jeep's definition of Full-time and Part time are not descriptions of the transfer case action - as much as they are instructions to the driver - Full time can be used all the time - because there's slip between the front and back wheels, Part time can only be used off-road because the front and rear are locked together)

And welcome to LOST.

jason thompson · **Posted:** Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:00 pm

Jeephead1977 wrote:

I am driving a 04 KJ and I only have the option for 2 wd, 4 wd part time, and 4 low.

I am wondering if not having the option of full time 4wd on my liberty is going to be an issue with off roading?

And if so what would I need to do to remedy this?

Unless you are running on "dirt 2 tracks" most of the time you will be in 4lo any way
all the shifting from 4hi to 4lo on a trail will wear you out and the last thing you want to do is forget and over heat the engine or trans
save your self the headaches if you are running "trails" of any rating I would run 4lo it is all I do and I have run in south LA in june with the ac on and neveer over heated the KJ

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:06 pm

I use the "full time" option for rainy roads, snowy roads and icy roads. Sometimes if I am lucky, I drive in all 3 conditions at the same time (Hey, I live in Michigan) and this is when having the 242 tranfercase really shines. Any other time, when I am off paved roads, I use part time...

Jeephead1977 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:12 pm

Thanks for the quick response guys since buying my first jeep/kj about a month ago I have become and absolute addict so you welcome me now but you will be seeing a lot of me lol. My cousin has a trailer baby 86 wrangler and has been bugging me to go out with him to the jeep park so now I have to get my rig set up.

I want to get my KJ ready for some spring action and was wondering what you guys recommend for a plan of attack for what things are most important to get and in what order. I am looking at getting a rocky road rockfatherII 2.5 inch lift and 1.25 spacers for suspension changes. I have read about new CV axles being designed for bigger lifts but the guys from rocky road never answered my e-mail about when the new one was going to be released so I am sticking with the 2.5" lift kit. Obviously tires is important and from everything I have read 245/75 R16 bfgoodrich all terrain TA/KO would be good for tires. My stepfather has an amazing steel shop in the garage with tube bender welding equipment all that stuff so I was going to build my own rock sliders and bumpers. I also read something about ALs jeeping A arms is this something that should be a must for off roaders to add to their list? Arb lockers and axles I don't have a clue about still learning so any suggestions would be much appreciated. If there is anything that I missed feel free educate me

Jeger · **Posted:** Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:30 pm

Sounds like you have one heck of a list started as it is. I would start with protection, and recovery gear first. And worry about tires, lifts, lockers and such after you find a need for them.----go get stuck a few times :lol:

Rock Lizard is making some pretty slick bumpers and Sliders, and carries a nice diff cover as well. Where are you located?

DaveKJ02 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:56 pm

Jeephead1977 wrote:

I have read about new CV axles being designed for bigger lifts but the guys from rocky road never answered my e-mail about when the new one was going to be released

"Coming Soon" :lol:

Jeephead1977 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 20, 2006 11:49 pm

I have been going through some of the old posts and see some of the sliders and bumpers from rock lizard very kewl stuff. I am actually really looking forward to designing and making my own stuff bumper and slider wise but I agree that getting recovery gear is always a good idea

. I have a lot of ideas and plans for my KJ as you could tell by my list but its nice to see all the feedback from people who have allready done a lot of this stuff. I am located in madison wisconsin BTW

RespectMyLibertay · **Posted:** Thu Dec 21, 2006 12:17 am

If I could do it all over again, I'd get my Al's A-arms and MOOG H.D. LBJs in before ANYTHING. I've said it before, and will say it again: CRAP STOCK COMPONENTS. Not every KJ is defective but we all know that their ball joints high and low are poo without a grease-zerk at least!

After that, get armor, meaning skids and rock sliders. If you didn't get any from the dealership, you will need a front diff skid, an engine/tranny skid, a transfer-case skid, and a gas tank skid. Expensive, but all worthy investments. The beefier the better, though, especially if you come across rocks. Let's just say I originally bought a Rusty's E/T skid :oops:

and in the next month or so I'm getting All-J's SuperSkid. What a waste of money that Rusty's E/T skid is! Their gas tank and t/c skids are fine though. As far as rock sliders, All-J made the original "tried and true" 'Boulder Bars' for the KJ. Carolina Rock shop does something comparable, and Rock Lizard Fab has 3 different models. I'm getting Rock Lizard's Super Skink Sliders, they are super beefy :twisted:

. Armor really all depends on your expected terrain. Out here in Colorado we see mostly rocks and I learned my lessons: I have to replace my Rusty's E/T skid after it bent into my oil pain; I still have to repaint my rocker panel after an incident with a rock or two and I definitely need my sliders!

Once you've been 'beefed', get a lift and then a good set of 245/75 mudders or all-terrains. A lift is a huge decision, choose wisely and use your LOST resources to find what works for you. You then might want new rims or spacers. My Destination M/Ts (very aggressive tread) rub when I am in a full-lock turn, and I like my stock aluminum Limited rims, so I got spacers. I love the stance now, and I can finally u-turn again!

After you have all those mods, you should have a dependable and capable Jeep. These mods just bring it up to par with the huge world of offroading Jeeps. Mod your Jeep to fit you. I go camping and hiking a lot in the summer and spring, so now that I can finally through the rough trails and backroads of my local National Forest, I got a full-size roof rack so I can carry everyone's gear and free up room for more passengers/fellow campers. Have fun!

Wondering about fulltime and parttime 4 wd and offroading?

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