offroad ride quality KJ vs TJ, with mods, which one is best?

fasthid · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 12:19 pm

I'm listening to you guys, and I'm getting the idea NOT to screw around modifying our KJ and then getting disappointed in it's ride. guess my plan at this point is to take the TJ when there's going to be serious terrain, and the KJ when we are exploring, sightseeing offroad, and enjoy each for what it does best.

I was thinking of the Frankenlift II for the KJ to improve the ride offraod, but if you're saying the KJ mods take it away from being a plush ride, then no way I want to do that

AZScout · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 5:42 pm

I think what is being said is if you want plush, even off-road, the KJ wins hands down. With the Frankenlift you will also double/triple your off-roadability. If you are strictly looking off-road, the TJ will be able to go places that the KJ can't, but with modifications up to a long arm, the onroad behaviour gets worse or costs more money to correct. I've heard however with a long-arm, the TJ becomes as comfortable onroad as a KJ.

Hope this helps.

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 5:55 pm

I'm shooting for the best of both worlds..... SFA KJ w/ long arm TJ style lift. 4 doors (removable if I chose), 33's, SFA, SRA, Coil overs front & coil springs rear w/ long arm lift & Wheelbase to boot. I have seen them work as well or better off road than a comparable long arm lifted TJ due to the wheelbase advantage and from what I have experienced and heard they perform great on road in ride and handling. The difference between building one over the other is small if similar parts are used.

I honestly think that my Frankenlifted 04 rides better than stock as it firms up the ride just enough for it to feel like the SUV that it is and not some plush minivan. I know it certainly rides a hell of a lot nicer than my XJ on rough roads or washboard.

kj in a tight spot · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 9:31 pm

JJsKJ wrote:

I have seen them work as well or better off road than a comparable long arm lifted TJ due to the wheelbase advantage

Seen what work? SFA KJs? How many are out there, thougth there was only a handful...yea the KJ has a slight edge on wheelbase, but the TJ beats it hands down as far as approach, departure, breakover, off camber, etc...these are what would sell me on an offroad vehicle not wheelbase

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 10:24 pm

kj in a tight spot wrote:

JJsKJ wrote:

I have seen them work as well or better off road than a comparable long arm lifted TJ due to the wheelbase advantage

Seen what work? SFA KJs? How many are out there, thougth there was only a handful...yea the KJ has a slight edge on wheelbase, but the TJ beats it hands down as far as approach, departure, breakover, off camber, etc...these are what would sell me on an offroad vehicle not wheelbase

There Are a few and I saw a pair of them work in Moab last year plus many trips w/ allyrands here in So-Cal . Come check out his approach and departure angles and his Awesome breakover and you will see what I mean. Ask Seth about dragging other long arm vehicles off rocks during his Rubicon trip where he Had no hang ups or problems. (IIRC)
Oh and why is it that Some TJ's are streatching their wheelbase and tummy tucking their bellys anyhow??

:wink:

Not looking for a an argument, just pointing out the +'s of an SFA KJ.

kj in a tight spot · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 10:30 pm

JJsKJ wrote:

kj in a tight spot wrote:

JJsKJ wrote:

I have seen them work as well or better off road than a comparable long arm lifted TJ due to the wheelbase advantage

Seen what work? SFA KJs? How many are out there, thougth there was only a handful...yea the KJ has a slight edge on wheelbase, but the TJ beats it hands down as far as approach, departure, breakover, off camber, etc...these are what would sell me on an offroad vehicle not wheelbase

There Are a few and I saw a pair of them work in Moab last year plus many trips w/ allyrands here in So-Cal . Come check out his approach and departure angles and his Awesome breakover and you will see what I mean. Ask Seth about dragging other long arm vehicles off rocks during his Rubicon trip where he Had no hang ups or problems. (IIRC)
Oh and why is it that Some TJ's are streatching their wheelbase and tummy tucking their bellys anyhow??

:wink:

Not looking for a an argument, just pointing out the +'s of an SFA KJ.

I aint lookin for an argument either :wink:

Not sayin the SFA KJ aint a cool thing and Im sure it does real good offroad, BUT I was just statin that as far as angles go its gotta be given to the TJ, I dont see how this is debatable personally. Yea TTs and stretches are popular on TJs true

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 10:40 pm

So Brian, WTH are ya coming down to wheel w/ us anyhow??! Whatcha got up in the Bakersfield area to wheel? Meet us in January for Nightmare Gulch! :wink:

kj in a tight spot · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 10:49 pm

JJsKJ wrote:

So Brian, WTH are ya coming down to wheel w/ us anyhow??! Whatcha got up in the Bakersfield area to wheel? Meet us in January for Nightmare Gulch! :wink:

Might just have to do that. Wally gonna have that SFA KJ there?? Aint too much in Bako obviously, but east into the Sierras we got some nice trails. My favorite is called Freeway Ridge, KJ could prolly make it thru, there are a few sketchy spots that need a BUNCH of articulation to keep the tippiness down

Wheres Nightmare Gulch at JJ?

EDIT: I scrounged up some pics for yall of Freeway Ridge

This first obstacle is bout 50 yards from the trail head and might make it difficult for a KJ, this TJ was on a 4" lift and 33s...

Here is the stupid end of my buddys LJ gettin up one of the areas that would be a "slickrock" hill climb I figure...there are many many spots like this on this trail and they only get more fun

AZScout · **Posted:** Fri Oct 05, 2007 1:50 am

I think it's kind of funny that TJ'ers are making it more like KJ's and KJ'ers are making it more like TJ's. The JK is the perfect compromise IMHO, maybe a bit long but what killed it for me was the 1980's style interior. I mean why does off-road capability have to mean utilitarian in JEEP's eyes? They can take a lesson from the interior of the H3 or even the Grand. I'll take a SFA Liberty and have the best of both worlds and then be happy to wheel with anyone anywhere.

kj in a tight spot · **Posted:** Fri Oct 05, 2007 10:50 am

AZScout wrote:

I think it's kind of funny that TJ'ers are making it more like KJ's and KJ'ers are making it more like TJ's. The JK is the perfect compromise IMHO, maybe a bit long but what killed it for me was the 1980's style interior. I mean why does off-road capability have to mean utilitarian in JEEP's eyes? They can take a lesson from the interior of the H3 or even the Grand. I'll take a SFA Liberty and have the best of both worlds and then be happy to wheel with anyone anywhere.

I dont get it, "I think it's kind of funny that TJ'ers are making it more like KJ's and KJ'ers are making it more like TJ's" making what more like KJs and TJs??? Ummm the utilitarian style of CJs, YJs, and TJs is what makes them jeeps, not leather heated seats, power windows, leather wrapped steerin wheels, A/C, all that other creature comfort bull$hit :roll:

That is what makes a jeep a jeep, bare bones, no nonsense, offroadin machines...all these other things are just a waste of money and cause more problems in the long run for those who actually like to wheel em hard and heavy

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Fri Oct 05, 2007 10:50 am

Quote:

Wheres Nightmare Gulch at JJ?

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... hp?t=25000

check that link for NG info. If we can find Wally I am sure he will go.

kj in a tight spot · **Posted:** Fri Oct 05, 2007 10:51 am

JJsKJ wrote:

Quote:

Wheres Nightmare Gulch at JJ?

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... hp?t=25000

check that link for NG info. If we can find Wally I am sure he will go.

Thanks

AZScout · **Posted:** Fri Oct 05, 2007 12:38 pm

I subscribe to the theory that you can have both and should not be limited by old perceptions. I don't have the money to end up having a trailer rig and that is where we will end up using the old perceptions of how things should be. Why can't we wheel in comfort with a good sound system or even having a satellite link to watch game 5 of the NBA finals while camping out, which has been done. I think of possibilities, not limitations.

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Fri Oct 05, 2007 12:55 pm

AZScout wrote:

I subscribe to the theory that you can have both and should not be limited by old perceptions. I don't have the money to end up having a trailer rig and that is where we will end up using the old perceptions of how things should be. Why can't we wheel in comfort with a good sound system or even having a satellite link to watch game 5 of the NBA finals while camping out, which has been done. I think of possibilities, not limitations.

Yeah what he said...

I watched DVD's on the Rubicon on a big screen (white sheet) w/ surround sound (from 4 JK's) Twice! You couldn't wipe the grin off my face.

We are kinda straying here aren't we..... :?:

kj in a tight spot · **Posted:** Fri Oct 05, 2007 3:01 pm

JJsKJ wrote:

AZScout wrote:

I subscribe to the theory that you can have both and should not be limited by old perceptions. I don't have the money to end up having a trailer rig and that is where we will end up using the old perceptions of how things should be. Why can't we wheel in comfort with a good sound system or even having a satellite link to watch game 5 of the NBA finals while camping out, which has been done. I think of possibilities, not limitations.

Yeah what he said...

I watched DVD's on the Rubicon on a big screen (white sheet) w/ surround sound (from 4 JK's) Twice! You couldn't wipe the grin off my face.

We are kinda straying here aren't we..... :?:

I think we are...and dont get me wrong technology is great and it has its place...I just dont think that it belongs in a jeep IMO, DVDs and movies and stinky poo while campin aint the way its done IMO but to each their own

I guess Im just old school...

offroad ride quality KJ vs TJ, with mods, which one is best?

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