Jeep Modifications For the Off-Road Racing Circuit
The Jeep brand has had a close association with off-roading. Jeeps are generally well-suited for off-road pursuits, but racers will usually spruce up their rides to make sure they're up for the challenge.
An Overhauled Suspension and Good Tires to Match
Your default Jeep probably already comes fitted with commendable suspension. Afterall, the Jeep brand is known for its enthusiasm for all things outdoorsy and off-road. Of course, there are still limits on the amount of strain those stock shocks can absorb. If you're going fast over bumpy terrain, the force is going to increase exponentially. Getting high-quality aftermarket suspension is pretty much necessary in the case of off-road racing. The suspension should be adjusted according to the bumpiness and incline of the terrain itself.
>>Join the conversation about Jeep mods for off-road racing right here in JK-Forum.
Foglights to Illuminate the Way
It's probably not something you think of when it comes to racing components, but a strong set of fog lights could be crucial, depending on where the off-road race is happening. If you're travelling at a high speed off-road, you could be conjuring your very own dust storm. Along with weather-based dust storms and a potential lack of other lighting, there's plenty of opportunity for visibility problems to arise. A good set fog lamps attached to the front and/or bars of a Jeep should allay the problem. The importance will obviously depend on the sort of terrain you'll be driving over. Take a look at the Baja 1000 track if you want an example of a course that strongly urges the need for extra lights.
>>Join the conversation about Jeep mods for off-road racing right here in JK-Forum.
Removing the Unnecessary Insides
When people think of speed, they're usually thinking about engines. The truth is that weight has just as much of a role in determining how fast your Jeep will go, particularly when it comes to acceleration. Unless you're looking to handicap yourself, you should remove everything from the interior that isn't permanently bolted down.
Proper racing Jeeps are cleared out of anything that might be considered tertiary to the main goal of tearing up dust and chasing the finish line. When a cab has been cleared out and you're behind the wheel, there's an uneasy, lonely feeling at first, especially if you're used to the creature comforts you removed. However, the performance difference will be noticeable. Better still, you can even replace your driver's seat with a racing variant to maximize safety at high speeds.
>>Join the conversation about Jeep mods for off-road racing right here in JK-Forum.
A Beefy Engine and Transmission
An eight-speed transmission on the upcoming Wrangler improves on the efficiency of the model prior to it, resulting in a faster-acting engine. A serious racing Jeep needs to go above the norm, however. If you get the horsepower up high enough, you're going to want to make sure everything from the brakes and tires is suitably upgraded to account for it. If your Jeep is 4WD, the excessive horsepower could lead to major handling problems. Just be warned you want to strike a keen balance of your vehicle's specs. Off-roading is typically (but not always) about endurance, and you're doing yourself no good if you wipe out in a crash early on.
>>Join the conversation about Jeep mods for off-road racing right here in JK-Forum.
A Skilled Race Driver
Maybe adding this is cheating; it's not a modification per se-- there is every chance you have the skills necessary to compete. It just goes without saying, however, that a race can only be won with an appropriately talented driver. A racer needs to make sure they have a firm grasp of high-speed off-roading. Off-road racing presents its own set of issues, and if someone's not prepared they can be reduced to dust in a heartbeat.
While we're at it, we should also mention how important it is to have a knowledgeable and dedicated team. Many races have been won or lost by the hand of a mechanic.
>>Join the conversation about Jeep mods for off-road racing right here in JK-Forum.
Decals and Sponsorship Logos
This one may only apply to people going semi-pro and up. If a Jeep racer is successful enough, it's only a matter of time before sponsorships and endorsements come their way. These are a very effective way of supporting a racing habit. In addition, branding yourself as a team makes marketing a lot easier. If you get a unique and charming style going for your team, the fans will be drawn to you that much faster.
>>Join the conversation about Jeep mods for off-road racing right here in JK-Forum.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit out how-to section right here in the forum