So, just got home with the family from Topless for Tatas 7 at Rausch and had a great time! Only issue we ran into was feeling like the NEWB's and feeling a bit smaller than the big boys (and they weren't that big, we ran Blues). Maybe the problem is in that statement, we ran with a Blue group rather than Greens. I've been on the trails before wth friends, but never myself- just wanted something more exciting than basics on Greens. But I digress-

Issue was, we kept up with the 4 other JKU's in our group with exception of having issues getting high centered multiple times. We are a stock '13 Sahara unlimited running a 2"spacer lift and stock dura tracs on 17"s. While it is true that I had 4 in our rig (me and my wife, along with 7yr daughter and 3 yr old son), I don't think that would play as huge a part as no lift and smaller tires (they were all running at least 3.5" and 35's or larger).

I've already added diff covers to the shopping list, but want to be a bit more prepared for next trip out (we are going to try to get together with the same group another time- just had that much fun).

My Jeep is my daily (as well as my work vehicle-sales) so I don't want to go too crazy. Is the investment in a 3.5 lift going overkill or just replace the spacers with a real lift and move up to 35's?

I (and the family) are still new and learning more everyday- 7yr old daughter said this morning on the way home that "we need lockers Dad!" Oh my.
Any hep would be greatly appreciated!!
And yes, pics for clicks.

 

 

gives an idea of who we were running with.

 

what i've done in my last 2 vehicles is buy skids/sliders/bumpers first, then lift last. Doing it that way makes you a better driver, you'll also care way less about scraping/grinding if everything is protected.

I'd do skids/sliders (real frame mounted ones, not rubi rails) then bumpers/winch. Get a lift and tires after that, I did a lot of trails in mine when it was stock that you would never guess - it's all about the driver and then armor. Yes you will get stuck more, but it won't hurt anything.

 

At times, it is a matter of experience and picking the right line for YOUR rig. When you talk about 35's, money is a big factor to do it "right." Knowing the limitations of you and your rig is much cheaper.

Dale

 

What gears are in it and what is your general budget? I went skids/bumpers/winch first but you could chop the front stock bumper to save money and beat on them for a bit. And if you always go with people that have winches you could maybe skip that too. I just recently added Rock Krawler 1.5" springs (shocks, sway links, bump stops and so on of varrying brands), 35's, cut flares, and front axle reinforcement and it was a pretty good path and still high enough to do quite a bit. For a DD I would probably recommend it.

 

I remember seeing your Jeep beforehand and passed you on the trails

One thing to be sure of is to extend your breathers. We were in some deep water yesterday and I was glad to have had this done. People on here knock 4 inch lifts, but I love mine and it has really helped to be up higher with the tree stumps they have at Rausch. My rig is my daily driver so just do what is in your budget and what you feel comfortable with

 

Sounds like your issue was your breakover angle, not approach angle, so a front bumper is of no consequence and would be a waste of time given your stated problem.


Any pictures of you when you got high centered?

 

I offroaded my rubicon stock numerous times at Rausch. I would drag the belly and bang it around over rocks. After the first trip I added the Evo Protek skids. One of the best investments. After that I still hit bottom but I wasn't as worried. Wheeling stock REALLY taught me a lot. Now that I have a greater knowledge of my abilities and my jeep's I have 35's and a 2.5 lift. Glad I waited over two years to do it. Good luck!

 

I agree, driver experience and knowing how to drive off road is a big factor. I don't care how much lift or how big your tires are you can always find a rock big enough to get hung up on or scrape over.

Knowing the trails you are running also will help in picking the lines needed to get your rig pass the obstacle.

I encourage people to run with people that have more experience off road, watch how they attack the trail, ask for a spotter if you don't feel comfortable over certain terrain. Get out and look at trails that go over steep inclines or around blind spots so you know what you are going to have to do to get past it.