I need help deciding :)

[Jeep-Guy]

Hey guys, I need some help deciding I’m trying to figure out if I should get a winch of rock sliders for my Jeep. I’m getting ready to move to the Pullman area so I’m not sure what I should get first because I’m not that familiar with the terrain. What are the trails out there like (and hey, where are some good ones)? Any suggestions? Thanks for the help!

 

[ECKSJAY]

Protect the rockers first, IMHO. Up here we get all kinds of rocks, tree roots, and trees that like to damage those. Pay attention to the terrain and air your tires down to avoid getting into winch situations. Most importantly, NEVER GO ALONE. Dumb things happen when people decide to go at it themselves...regardless of their winch situation or how much they 'think' they can handle it.

 

[Jeep-Guy]

What other skid plates would you recommend for my jeep? I’m pretty new to this so any advice would be great. I started building the jeep about a year ago, but I still haven’t taken it on any really aggressive trails.

 

[IXNAYXJ]

I got a winch first. I've only hit my unprotected rockers three times, having run some pretty tough trails. I've used my winch probably 20 times, at least three times when it was the only reason I got home.

Not that rock rails aren't really important and helpful in all sorts of ways, but I've managed to get away without them. On the other hand, my winch has, literally, saved my ass a handful of times. And they look cool.

I would also invest in a x-member/t-case skid. That I've used a bunch! Anyway, just an alternate point of view for you.

-----Matt-----

 

[ECKSJAY]

Protect your gas tank and t-case. Diff skids are optional. I know many folks, including myself, who haven't even come close to hitting them or even damaged if they did. Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV) Only other thing I'd do even before skids is make sure you have appropriate front and rear recovery points.

 

[red91]

In my opinion, you could buy a gas tank skid, t-case skid, and Rockers for the cost of a winch.

When you go in a group someone always has a winch, so I'd save that one for last.

Now if I only had the time to put my rocker skids one.....:shrug:

 

[Blkxjkrawler]

Go for the rocker protection and skids first, I run a moderate lift &tire combo (4.5" and 33's and I use my rock sliders everytime I go out. Around here its nice because you can put them on stumps and use them as a pivot point in the middle of your rig to manuever tight sections. then definatley get a fuel tank and t-case skid, a winch is not going to get you home when you have a hole in your fuel tank or t-case, JMO

 

[mojojojo]

Go for the rocker protection and skids first, I run a moderate lift &tire combo (4.5" and 33's and I use my rock sliders everytime I go out. Around here its nice because you can put them on stumps and use them as a pivot point in the middle of your rig to manuever tight sections. then definatley get a fuel tank and t-case skid, a winch is not going to get you home when you have a hole in your fuel tank or t-case, JMO

X 2. exactly the order i am planning...if the money ever falls outta the sky for me.

 

[swifty088]

If your looking for rockers take a look at AJ's Armor they are really nicely built and are only like 250 shipped to your house, the only down fall is it takes a while to get them since he is a one man operation here are some pic of mine

\
and of course these are my .02 cents worth..

 

[2xtreme]

1. REAL tow points front and back.
2. Skids (trans, gas, dif, rockrails)
3. Lift (lift, tires, gears)
4. Winch
5. Lockers (who needs stinking lockers)

No exceptions

Michael

 

[Jeep-Guy]

During the summer I use my Jeep to get around a ranch in Montana, so I travel alone 90% of the time. Knowing this, wouldn’t a winch come in handier? Or would skids still be the best thing?

 

[ECKSJAY]

During the summer I use my Jeep to get around a ranch in Montana, so I travel alone 90% of the time. Knowing this, wouldn’t a winch come in handier? Or would skids still be the best thing?

Depends on your terrain. Seems to me it would be common sense that if there are rocks and nasty things that could punch holes and incapacitate your Jeep, skids would be first. If you're going to get 'stuck' while alone, choose the winch. DON'T SKIMP ON THE WINCH! Even if you don't use it all the time, get something from the market with a good track record. Take care of it. Be sure that when you need it, it won't let you down. Get your winch accessories to help yourself get unstuck and you should be just fine. Never hurts to have spare solenoids, either. If you're going at it alone make sure you take plenty of food, water, and clothing...enough to last at least 72hrs. Don't be a n00b idiot.

That being said, I know a guy who can set you up with one at a competitive price. Shoot me a PM if you're interested.

 

[mud1059]

I agree with Ecksjay. It 100% depends on the terrain. Pullman is much like most of montana. Not so many trees. So what are you going to be anchoring your winch to? Another vehicle probably. So if a owner is willing to let you anchor onto his rig, I bet he'd also be willing to tug on ya. Also, I'm unsure of trails there, but you're much closer to the dunes by Moses Lake than those of us over here in western WA. I would guess there's not a lot of places to bottom out your drivetrain either. Stick with the basics first. safety equip, cb radio, multiple towstraps, air, lift/tires*spare too*, locker in the back at least (or just weld it up.) I'd probably go in that order. Now that I think about it, I did. Winch and sliders are next for me, I'm just too busy/lazy to put them on. Hope this helps boss. Best of luck to ya

 

[ladywolf]

eastern WA, i'd go with protection first. i dont run any trails alone, and when i do go, theres always at least one other person out there to help. i'm in the process of building mine also, and when i come into more moeny again, i'm loggin back onto jcroffroad.com and getting a set of their stage 2 rock sliders. good price, and BEEFY. i also have their front and rear bumpers...which still need to be unpacked and painted when i get home....oh...the joys of iraq.......

 

[Sniggs]

eastern WA, i'd go with protection first. i dont run any trails alone, and when i do go, theres always at least one other person out there to help. i'm in the process of building mine also, and when i come into more moeny again, i'm loggin back onto jcroffroad.com and getting a set of their stage 2 rock sliders. good price, and BEEFY. i also have their front and rear bumpers...which still need to be unpacked and painted when i get home....oh...the joys of iraq.......

Don't forget that you will need to SAND every surface then Prime the daylights out of them! They've been sitting in the box for a while.

 

[black89xj]

What I've done to the Ultimate Trail Machine over the last 11 years I've owned it and wheeled with it (and gotten stuck a few times) is this:

--tow points. Real tow hooks on the front, class III reciever hitch on the back
--Body Armor. I put a tcase skid plate on mine, really cheap and worthwhile. I also have rock rails.
--Tires. Get good strong tires.
--Lift.
--Swaybar disconnects.

Otherwise, make sure your rig is in really good mechanical shape esp the cooling system (right. Sam?) and the brakes.

I'm planning on a winch but that is in the future.