what is a stock 04.5 4x4 capable of doing ofroad?
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#5
We were at Moab, UT a couple years ago. We took my Ram up to Arches National Park and ended up taking it down the Salt Valley 4x4 trail (not just the improved road). It's a "moderate" trail, a little over 9 miles long, recommended for high clearance 4wd vehicles only. Unfortunately, that sign was NOT posted at the end of the trail we started on.
Got about 2 miles in and went down a set of "steps" about 18" high. After I got to that point, I started think I was going to end up having to have my truck hauled out by a helicopter, as there was NO WAY it would crawl back up those steps! Between the deep sandy washes, slick-rock out-croppings, the steep hills and blind peaks, it took nearly 4 hours to get to the end. Don't get me wrong, it was a blast, but we were about as nervous as a blind *** at a weenie roast! There were sections where 4-low, granny gear, and 4.10 axle gears were still too fast.
The slick-rock literally shredded the tread lugs from the stock BFG's as they struggled to pull the truck's bulk over it, and the skid-plates, rear diff and nerf bars made some cool bumping and scraping sounds.
We eventually made it through, the only damage was a light trail-side pin-stripe down the passenger side. I don't believe I would try that trail with my truck again. It's just too long, too wide and too heavy.
Here at the house, if I get it even close to mud, it sinks straight to the axles and stays there. In snow or loose gravel, it wheel-hops so much, I have to get out and **** blood and the "un-limited slip" differential is a joke at best.
I love my truck, but it definitely ain't an off-roader in stock trim. That's why I'm working on building my 4-BT S-10!
Got about 2 miles in and went down a set of "steps" about 18" high. After I got to that point, I started think I was going to end up having to have my truck hauled out by a helicopter, as there was NO WAY it would crawl back up those steps! Between the deep sandy washes, slick-rock out-croppings, the steep hills and blind peaks, it took nearly 4 hours to get to the end. Don't get me wrong, it was a blast, but we were about as nervous as a blind *** at a weenie roast! There were sections where 4-low, granny gear, and 4.10 axle gears were still too fast.
The slick-rock literally shredded the tread lugs from the stock BFG's as they struggled to pull the truck's bulk over it, and the skid-plates, rear diff and nerf bars made some cool bumping and scraping sounds.
We eventually made it through, the only damage was a light trail-side pin-stripe down the passenger side. I don't believe I would try that trail with my truck again. It's just too long, too wide and too heavy.
Here at the house, if I get it even close to mud, it sinks straight to the axles and stays there. In snow or loose gravel, it wheel-hops so much, I have to get out and **** blood and the "un-limited slip" differential is a joke at best.
I love my truck, but it definitely ain't an off-roader in stock trim. That's why I'm working on building my 4-BT S-10!
The following 3 users liked this post by dieseldude03:
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The following users liked this post:
LOGANSTANFORTH (04-02-2009)
#7
wanna do some wheelin, outside tower city pa, a place called Roush Creek. i have never been there ( i only wheel on the old coal trails), but a bunch of buddies have, and they love it. as far as a stock CR wheelin, not sure, never took mine out. i don't want to scratch the paint just yet
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well its up I 81 north of the 78 split. ummmm from harrisburg maybe 45 min, hour if there is traffic. i wanna say its exit 107. i found this web site, don't know if it will help you out.
Rausch Creek Off Road Park
Rausch Creek Off Road Park
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so far, i haven't tested the lmits of mine, but i'm sure the limits aren't far from the pavement! of course i wheel a well built xj that does almost everyting so it's hard to compare.
i think the truck is just too wide, long and heavy to do much.
now, with front and rear lockers, some skid plates and rock rails, and a willingness to scratch it up or worse, it would do ok in some terrain. not on the tight tree lined trails i have here though.
i think the truck is just too wide, long and heavy to do much.
now, with front and rear lockers, some skid plates and rock rails, and a willingness to scratch it up or worse, it would do ok in some terrain. not on the tight tree lined trails i have here though.
#10
If you throw a decent set of tires on it you'll go a lot farther than a stocker... Problem is, the Cummins is so heavy the front end sinks in the mud. With a set of lockers, good tires, and a small lift (plus proper trail armor), these trucks will hold there own with the best of em. My truck with the 35's will go anywhere a stock Jeep will go (not a Rubicon). Its not a great truck in the mud, but the big footprint goes a long way.