Off-road on stock suspension

How plausible is it to off-road with an off-roads stock suspension? I’m not looking to get into anything crazy like rock crawling since it’s my DD. Just not sure I want the mpg hit, cost and possible issues with a lift (vibes, bushings etc). Any input would be great! I’d plan on getting wildpeaks and some sliders FYI.

 

Fine.

With a slight improvement over OE tires and a driver with good sense and skills, the trucks are quite capable as is.

ANY off roading should include

- either knowing your path and that you are capable (having done it before)

- knowing how to recover if you have a problem, meaning gear and possibly travel partners

- having seasoned travel partners in more challenging or unknown areas.

I'd bet that 70% of the suspension changes discussed here are really just for looks, not to solve an off road funtional issue. 'Want to look like I could' and 'doing' are two very different things.

 

Thanks! I have a few friends in Colorado (moving there) that off-road quite a bit with their Jeeps. So I’ll have people to pull me out lol.

 

Like Billy said, these trucks are very capable stock. With rock sliders and aftermarket skid plates I've been able to do quite a bit. Many people unfortuantely think they have to spend thousands to make their truck off road capable.

Best suggestion is to just go out with another buddy with a 4x4 and learn what your limits are. If you're new to off roading then your experience is going to be the limiting factor, not the truck. Just use common sense and you'll be fine.

 

So it's better to go off roading with a group for first timers?

 

I have to agree with this. I had a ton of fun in my old Ford F-150 with a stock 300 and no lift. Its all in what you make of it. Tires will make the biggest difference.

 

It’s probably better to wheel your stock rig to start and then improve as you see fit.

Instead of throwing thousands of dollars are stuff you’ll never use

 

Just move slow - I went on a trail out in WV and it was just about slow speed, scouting the tough(er) stuff, and just being smart about placement. (2019 TRD OR)

 

100% fine. These trucks are amazingly capable going off-road 100% stock. I mean, that's not what the people down at Pro Comp will tell you, but trust me, these trucks can wheel 100% stock. The only thing I might recommend is ditching those stupid street tires they sell these trucks with and at least get some decent all-terrains (BFG KO2's for example).

Just go out and drive it. You may find that the type of driving you do doesn't require a lift, locker, bigger tires, or all that. Maybe it does, but only you'll be able to know that for sure after you get some serious seat time. Maybe you find that you never drag your axle or get high centered, in which case bigger tires and a lift are superfluous.

But as far as lifts go, the main reason people get vibes or other issues with a lift is because they do it wrong, or they cheap out and go with a crap Rough Country lift. There's a reason those cost half what all the other lift kits cost... There are other options besides a full on "lift kit" too. Like the Bilstein 5100s, where you can adjust the height of the front shocks to get your lift, and do an add-a-leaf in the back for a moderate lift, like 1-2". Do that and you don't need to worry about vibes or anything, just get it aligned when you're done.

There are several threads on this site about recovery/safety gear, so I'd read those as well. Just don't go all brolander and buy a hi-lift jack and all that stuff if you are still rocking the stock plastic bumpers (think about supporting the weight of your truck on those stock plastic bumpers, lol).

 

I went through a whole day's worth of off-roading trails with other Jeeps. I even hit the "intermediate" and "expert" bits. At the end of the day, just take it easy and pick the right line. Have at least one experienced person with you too.

I had Jeep owners with 37" tires baffled, at how I got through what they went through without a scratch.

The only things that I think are necessary, are body armor items. Skid plates and rock sliders never hurt. They're not cheap, but I'd suggest investing in them before anything else. (Unless you don't typically get into rocky situations that can damage your underbody or rocker panels.)