Reasonable expectations for my kJ off-road

[AJ9P]

Hi all, so as I am getting ready for the trails to open up. I had a serious thought, how much is too much for my kj? I have a 3 inch lift and 30.5 tires. Yes I have a winch but I don’t want to get in over my head. Lockers, lsd, regearing, and new bumpers are in my future, but still, what is reasonable to expect my kJ to make it through? Thanks

 

[tommudd]

KJs will do way more than you think with proper equipment
Do you have tow points on it yet, one thing we always request when going off road

 

[LibertyTC]

Also do you have a full set of skid plates ?
If you may experience any water crossings, move your diff breathers up higher.
Don't go too deep, Let someone else have first go lol..

 

[AJ9P]

KJs will do way more than you think with proper equipment
Do you have tow points on it yet, one thing we always request when going off road

I have the shackle tow hitch for the rear, I have hitch points in the front, but those are on my list to upgrade this summer now I have a welder to make my bumpers.

 

[AJ9P]

Also do you have a full set of skid plates ?
If you may experience any water crossings, move your diff breathers up higher.
Don't go too deep, Let someone else have first go lol..

I have the oem skid plates. I was planning on upgrading them once I finished regearing the kj

 

[LibertyTC]

Do you have the Transmission Skid?

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[AJ9P]

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

I crawled under the Jeep, I see that I have a transmission skid plate, but nothing over the drive shaft.

 

[tommudd]

There is nothing over the driveshaft, you have ( stock ) under engine, transmission and transfer case
There are also gas tank skids
Aftermarket there was of course more choices and heavier duty ones

Also never go out 4 wheeling alone, always go with at least one other vehicle that has tow points etc
Found several folks over the last 45 plus years that went out alone, got stuck and some sat for several hours and couple of cases overnight

 

[Doing10to20]

So the kj does well, the Ifs is always the limiting factor..just gotta learn to pick your lines well..rear bump stops are gonna save you alot of head aches nothing like pinning the traction tire up in the wheel with an open diff...I've taken my kj everywhere in Az and Moab ,parts of mexico..everything they are suggesting is good stuff..but ifs is what you gotta deal with if you get good at picking lines and keep your traction tires always on contact with something if you do ,you'll be surprised on where you can take the liberty...hell I surprise myself just about every wknd lol..I got some videos up of some of the trails I've been on

 

[LibertyTC]

The fuel tank is plastic.
Without the steel tank skid plate, it wouldn't take much to crack or puncture it.

You must be registered for see images attach

I upgraded to a much heavier/stronger cast iron rear Riddler diff cover.
One hit on the OEM stamped steel diff cover could break the seal easily.

 

[AJ9P]

The fuel tank is plastic.
Without the steel tank skid plate, it wouldn't take much to crack or puncture it.

You must be registered for see images attach

I upgraded to a much heavier/stronger cast iron rear Riddler diff cover.
One hit on the OEM stamped steel diff cover could break the seal easily.

I have the Oem fuel tank skid plate, the diff cover is my next upgrade after my rockers and sliders

 

[tommudd]

I have or run two Crane diff covers, do a great job
Also run Kilby gas tank skids on the 03 and 04 , very heavy duty