How capable is my stock TJ?

[adventureboss]

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.

 

[lBasket]

Gotta go find out, man. Alot of it will also depend on driver ability. Probably more capable than you think so if you do it with a bit of prudence you'll probably be fine.

 

[BlueC]

Your stock TJ is pretty capable, but I'd suggest getting better tires before hitting much more than dirt roads. Personally, I suggest getting out there and trying, but plan on getting a good set of tires soon, maybe even a little bigger for that extra inch of clearance. One you start getting experience you'll see where you need to go with it.

 

[Ashim]

I think you'll find out that it's very capable. Make sure you have another Jeep with you to help you out if needed.

 

[macleanflood]

-Mac

 

[Gilaguy23]

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.

 

[DuckNut]

25,000,000 hunters take yo the woods every year deer hunting. Many in 4x2 and go through a lot of crap. Less go with 4x4 and go through more crap. Fewer yet go with hopped up trucks and go through a lot of crap. Your stock Jeep is more capable than a stock 4wd pu. You will never know until you go and have some seat time. Mac's driving is different than yours and I don't think he would back down from too many trails, whereas you probably would.

Go prepared to get stuck and learn how to drive.

 

[tr21triton]

there a plenty of members on here from AZ. I would see if you can get together with 1 or 2 of them and get a ride up. great way to make a few friends. I suggest getting some good all terrain or mud tires and you'll be surprised what your Jeep can do !

 

[KennethS]

What about the ones that are more "moderate", or labelled as blue on OnX?

I dunno what that means, but I guess it's some publication with generic ratings for trail difficulty.

As others have said, your stock TJ can do a lot more than you can at this point - you just need more seat time. Get some basic tools and recovery gear (tow strap) and go with another vehicle just in case - sometimes all you need is a tug to get unstuck.

 

[steelhd]

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.

Almost every trail was pioneered by flat fender Jeeps with open differentials. Stock up on recovery gear, go with another vehicle, and have fun.

 

[KennethS]

Stock up on recovery gear, go with another vehicle, and have fun.

Agreed. And remember, the best memories are not from the road you drove through without noticing it, they are from the ones where you encountered and overcame adversity.

 

[Rickyd]

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.

What gear ratio do you have? If it's 3.73,throw some 31" all terrains on it and go have fun!

I agree that recovery gear is important. Straps and a come along go a long way when starting out

 

[jjvw]

Traction keeps you from getting stuck. Start with tires.

 

[Moglocker]

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.

Don’t go alone the first times.

 

[Harold&Cat]

We rode trails for 10 years basically stock about one inch lift and 31.7 inch Cooper at3 tires . Carried a tow strap and a large come-a-long . Never had to use them .

 

[Danarch]

Very capable! My 87YJ wasn’t completely stock, but close. It had 3” lift with the t-case dropped about 1” and 31” tires and it made it over the Rubicon 3 times. I had to pound out the t-case skid place once, and bent a spring one time. It’s was a lot of work, but I took that jeep lots of places. Don’t underestimate (or overestimate) the capability of Jeep, overall great vehicles.

I doubt my YJ would make it now days, too many JK’s with 35”, 37” and 40” going over the trail so I am sure it has changed a lot over the years. Still I am strongly considering taking my LJR over it.

 

[zackcj7]

An experienced driver in a stock TJ can do amazing things. It's a very capable vehicle out of the box.

My advice is buy a winch first. When you come to an obstacle and try every line you can think of but still can't make it through, pull cable.

 

[inkedrose]

Good stories never come from good decisions! Don't be scared to get out and walk an obstacle before attempting, have a friend make sure nothing hits underneath. Airing down makes a massive difference. Go until you feel like you can't, then turn around. Driving a less built rig will force yoiu to learn better line choices.

 

[Danarch]

Driving a less built rig will force you to learn better line choices.

I think there is a lot of truth to this statement! Seen people with built rigs but having issues or breaking parts when it was avoidable.

 

[AndyG]

How capable it is is directly proportional to how unafraid you are to tear it up.