Metcalf
Expedition Leader
I definitely think that a lot of people need to get some good old fashion seat time, get stuck, get broke, and learn to recover. I can say that some of the best times I ever had off-road where in an almost bone stock TJ. The only additions it had where a set of disconnects in front, tool bag behind the seat, tow strap, shovel, axe, and a hi-lift. I went more places in that thing! I lucked out and had a great factory combo. This was before the Rubicon editions, but I loved the 3spd auto,trac-loc, and 3.73 gears with 30" tires. I took that thing all over the place and back. I swear I spent at least 3-4 evenings and most weekends doing something off-road or driving somewhere. I was lucky that I lived in an area where quality trails where literately only 10 minutes away.
I would also suggest that people stay away from the bolt-on jeep catalogs till they get a good deal of seat time first.
I had someone really wise tell me once that the FIRST thing you should do is bolt on a winch. This old codger had been 'wheeling since the 50s uranium booms. He said, and I quote 'All that stuff will only get you stuck farther from home, what you need is a winch on the front of that thing'. He had a very valid point. The more and more you build up the capability of a vehicle it has to be balanced out with your recovery skills, ability, and mechanical knowledge. Those locking differentials, bigger tires, alloy axles, fancy suspensions, etc all let you press you vehicle farther into the back country and farther from other people. You may be able to 'go anywhere' but your going to get stuck someday.....
I would also suggest that people stay away from the bolt-on jeep catalogs till they get a good deal of seat time first.
I had someone really wise tell me once that the FIRST thing you should do is bolt on a winch. This old codger had been 'wheeling since the 50s uranium booms. He said, and I quote 'All that stuff will only get you stuck farther from home, what you need is a winch on the front of that thing'. He had a very valid point. The more and more you build up the capability of a vehicle it has to be balanced out with your recovery skills, ability, and mechanical knowledge. Those locking differentials, bigger tires, alloy axles, fancy suspensions, etc all let you press you vehicle farther into the back country and farther from other people. You may be able to 'go anywhere' but your going to get stuck someday.....
