Winter Driving

I just got a 2007 2WD KJ and I am wondering what modifications I should look into to make it the best it can be for winter driving! I am from Maine and will be returning there hopefully before Christmas! I'm assuming I will need tires at least!

Real dedicated winter tires would be a good start.
Make sure the engine coolant is clean and fresh and all other fluids are topped up.
vehicle service up to date.

A good size Rubbermaid tote filled with emergency gear such as a sleeping bag, high energy food, hot chocolate mix/ instant soup mix.
Water, Sterno stove, small pot to heat up water.
Candles, wind up flashlight/radio (Or just a flashlight and radio with extra batteries)
Extra clothing-toque, gloves, socks, winter boots, etc.
Shovel, bag of sand, recovery strap/tow rope.

Truthfully?

Trade in 2wd KJ for 4wd KJ,then put good tires on it.

x2
The 4x4 KJ with good winter tires is awesome in snow.
I can not speak for 4x2, but if it is anything like my RWD sedan forget it!!

Ry' N Jen said:

Real dedicated winter tires would be a good start.
Make sure the engine coolant is clean and fresh and all other fluids are topped up.
vehicle service up to date.

A good size Rubbermaid tote filled with emergency gear such as a sleeping bag, high energy food, hot chocolate mix/ instant soup mix.
Water, Sterno stove, small pot to heat up water.
Candles, wind up flashlight/radio (Or just a flashlight and radio with extra batteries)
Extra clothing-toque, gloves, socks, winter boots, etc.
Shovel, bag of sand, recovery strap/tow rope.

Click to expand...

x2
Drive carefully under speed limit, don't drive in poor weather conditions. Last winter we had couple of dozens drivers stuck in the middle of highway for 24 hours because of the snow storm, in such conditions even 4x4 will not help.

With a good set of winter tires, your 2wd should be ok for the snow. Not great, but ok.

Slava said:

x2
Drive carefully under speed limit, don't drive in poor weather conditions. Last winter we had couple of dozens drivers stuck in the middle of highway for 24 hours because of the snow storm, in such conditions even 4x4 will not help.

Click to expand...

I grew up in snow and ice and drive in it like a mad man in it.The only times I've ever had a issue was when I had a vehicle with ABS.Could show you my collection of "overdriving the road conditions" tickets,got close to a 100:manos:.Used to road trip during major blizzards with my buddies,never once was stranded.

I lived in Red Deer, Alberta for 3.5 years and lived through 3 very very cold -46 degree Celsius / -50.8 degree Fahrenheit winters.
Also lots and lots of snow. I drove rear wheel drive Chevy Dis-Astro vans long distances between job sites, ya a 4X4 would of been nice.
But not at all necessary!

Good snow tires, maybe a limited slip rear end, add ballast or weight in the back of the vehicle, and if your the old school kind of guy, get some iron, aka tire chains if they allow them up there.

Good snow tires, weight, and dont drive like a dink. Rwd will work in snow. It is not ideal but it will work. I personally would be looking at other 4wd options though.

Ry' N Jen said:

I lived in Red Deer, Alberta for 3.5 years and lived through 3 very very cold -46 degree Celsius / -50.8 degree Fahrenheit winters.
Also lots and lots of snow. I drove rear wheel drive Chevy Dis-Astro vans long distances between job sites, ya a 4X4 would of been nice.
But not at all necessary!

Click to expand...

I had an Astro van as a work van before. Those things were great. Nice pickup and go plus it can take a beaten

being that the jeep is the first vehicle that i've ever owned in 20+ years that WASN'T front wheel drive I can tell you that what always worked for me was tires. GOOD dedicated or at least geared more towards snow/foul weather tires will make a ton of difference in any vehicle when it comes to going and STOPPING (people seem to forget that one) in the nasty stuff. you wouldn't wheel without the right tires on your rig. why would you want to drive in foul weather with underwhelming tires?

and regardless of if you're 2,4 or 10 wheel drive... it's always a good idea to keep some supplies in the back when the weather is bad. better have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Both of our KJ's are 4 wd and they get around great in 2 wd in the snow and ice. My 07 did awesome this winter even with the stock, almost bald goodyear SR A's. I like to drive in 2 wd to test my driving skills because I know what it will do in 4 wd. You should be ok with a good set of snow tires. It's more in how you drive.