How capable is my stock TJ?

[TheBoogieman]

They have their limitations. Driver skill goes a long way.

 

[TJMexico]

Id though google up some pics of a stock CJ running the Rubi, but then a stock CJ is more capable than a TJ IMO. Dont ask how capable is a TJ, its how capable are you of driving it.

I agree 100%! I've always said, with nearly 40 years of rough roads behind me, that it's generally 80% the driver and 20% the vehicle. I've seen half-assed trucks cover bad road with experienced drivers and I've seen top-notch trucks get stuck with half-assed drivers.

 

[TJMexico]

So I have an X model TJ with the 4.0, but completely stock down to the 28" tires and no lift. There are a lot of trails here in AZ I want to try but I'm worried I'm going to break something or get stuck. I'm sure all the easy trails, I'll have no problem doing with my Jeep. What about the ones that are more "moderate", or labelled as blue on OnX? Does my stock TJ with open diffs and all seasons have a chance at any of those? Or will I run into clearance issues on majority of them?

Also, I know every trail is different and the trail ratings are not consistent. I'm just looking for a general idea of what I'm able to do. I don't think I've been on a trail yet where I've felt uncomfortable with my Jeep, but I also don't want to be in a situation where my stupidity gets me stranded or breaks something.

I know this is an older post, but I thought I'd chime in.

I'm running a stock X with 3" lift and 31" tires. When I purchased this one, there was a Rubicon offered, about the same year and mileage. The Rubicon was decked out; big front bumper, winch, might have had a slightly higher lift and slightly bigger tires than the black X. It was a pretty gold color, a well kept, very pretty vehicle. It was also about $2,500 more than the little black X.

I settled on the X for a couple of reasons.

One was the cost. I could have swung the extra $2,500, but didn't really want to.

Another was (maybe kind of silly) that I knew I'd be abusing my Jeep to some degree out of necessity and I thought it'd hurt less to scratch up the X than the Rubicon.

All in all, the X just seemed the option I wanted, so I went with it. I've thought on occasion that I should have gone with the Rubicon, but the thought has never crossed my mind while on the trail or because I felt like the X was not capable. It has met every challenge I've put it to.

As I said above, I believe that it's about 80% driver ability and 20% vehicle capability. I hope that, since January, you are enjoying it and it's serving you well.

 

[XCRN]

My $500 shitbox with 2-1/2 brakes, swiss chease frame, 28in tires that self airdown on a 4.0 with 260k miles gets around great! Its only weakness is deep mudholes.