nate,
Welcome. The advice from the Sierra Chapter guys is great and right on target. Jes states that he ran stock for awhile and that was possible because Jeeps are built that way, one just needs to know the vehicles and drivers limitations and he's done well. I can't hang with most of these guys as they are all built and my XJ is still pretty stock.
I went out with the Sierra guys one week after driving off the show room floor bone stock and they were all welcoming, knowledgeable and a big help. Unfortunately, time and lack of money keep me from participating with them as much as I would like. That's why after 1 and half years I'm still collecting pieces to modify the XJ with and taking it slow to get to where these guys are.
At the risk of sounding like a poser 91
trip and 1 meet n greet in 16 months) Here's a little, well a lot of advice, it's free and most of it was given to me.
Getting a lift and tires is always the first thing folks want to do because it makes your Jeep look like it can perform, but reality is different.....medium lift leads to the added cost of a slip yoke eliminator & drive shaft (~$400), large tires lead to low power or re-gearing (~$800 becuase hey you need a locker also). Lifts will allow you to climb rocks, but if you slip off??????bang to a costly underside component. or worse....what happens if you get stuck... where would you secure a snatch strap?
So 1st, modify your vehicle to meet the minimum requirements to go on a
trail event.
Tow hooks front, not just going to Kragen and bolting to the bumper, secure with a bracket from (everyone has their favorite fabricator). Cost less than $100.
Rear Tow Hooks -or- a reciever trailer hitch, make sure it has 2" reciever and not the 1". The trailer hitch needs to be attached with the nutstrips to spread the load over the uniframe. ~$200
Tow Strap NO HOOKS! at least 20' long and two inches wide, that equates to about 20K#s. ~$35
Fire extinguisher, this you can get at Kragen, get a B:C Class that is Coast Guard approved. ~$20
First aid kit; Although perfectly OK to buy a pre made one at Kragen, you pay for crap that is over priced. Get a small tackle box and put in things that you would like to have when you get hurt, Burn creme, bactine, band aids, Ice Packs, tylenol, tampons (soak up blood, makes a good large wound compress) ace bandages and latex gloves. ~$50
Spare; donuts according to the minimum requirements for the Fall Fling technically OK but you'll get a side ways look from your fellow trail riders. Real size stock wheel ~$35 check craigslist or go to a wrecking yard.
Jack: Well that thing under the back seat works....sorta. Buy a Hi Lift when they are on sale, they cost about $60.
Fluids. If this thing is new to you and your family, you don't know the history. Change all the fluids.
Well that cost about $500, about the size of a lift without the hidden costs mentioned earlier and is about my entire annual vehicle mod budget.
2nd. Protect it.
Skid plate for the fuel tank, puncture that and well you'll probably need more than that 2lb extinguisher. Pick your favorite manufacturer but think ~$200. You'll need to remove the trailer hitch to install this so might want to move this up in priority and install at the same time as the hitch.
Rock Rails. Here I go out on a limb and endorse a product.... Off Road General Store Super Nerfs, except no substitute. This will protect your vulnerable rocker panels and the super nerfs are stylish also. Can't recall the cost but worth every penny.
The next vulnerable under side component is your transfer case, probably another ~$200 for skid and cross member.
Trans and Oil pan, maybe, I was told these could wait as they are tucked up higher than the TC which is your high center pivot point.
Well year two saw another $500-$700 and I haven't got to my lift yet. Did get a good deal on a spare set of used tires & wheels (Thanks Jes)
Decide what you want to do with your XJ and then decide how high. Go with Rubicon Express or Old Man Emu. I found used 2.5"OME springs on the internet for $200 from a guy who got inchitis and got a new OME Steering Stabilizer on Ebay for $50 shipped. I still can't afford the shocks or SYE and a trip to Moab, so if I get time off...Moab wins. I also believe I can resist inchitis so 2.5" will be plenty.
About trails, I haven't been to Mendecino in a long time, used to go every other weekend. There were miles of trails in the Lake Pillsbury watershed and you were left alone if you stayed on the marked trails. Take 101 north to Ukiah and 1st exit north of town take Hwy 20 east about 5 miles. Turn left on the road to Potter Valley after crossing the Russian River feed into Lake Mendecino. When entering Potter Valley take a right at the general store and up over the mountain to the old saw mill on the Eel river, turn right on either side of the river and proceed to Pillsbury. The trails here are clearly marked and camping is good. I used to leave San Francisco at 6am and be at Pillsbury by 9:30 towing an old m151. Wheel until 5-6PM and then drive home a lot slower getting home between 9-10.
Make sure your vehicle is prepared and have a travel buddy. One time another guy wanted to stay a little longer than the rest of us. His power wagon slid off the road and was stuck up the side of Hull Mtn for two days before he was found (alive). Let me know when your going and I'll tag along, time permitting. I wanted to do a scouting trip there around now and possibly organize a
ride for spring for those vehicles that are just above stock, but free time is not existent these days.
agian welcome,
Tom
