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Comments
-Paul
When you take that Hummer "offroad" in the swamp like that, do you get any water in the cabin area? Does it ever get in deep enough to try to float?
Terry
No, I maybe get a teaspoonful or two come in past the door seals, which aren't very high tech but seem to work fine as long as the door is adjusted correctly. The approved technique is to pull the floor drain plugs and let the interior fill to the depth of the outside water (30" for the civilian version and about double that for the military), then drive along the bottom. I prefer to let it float, which it starts to do at around 30", rather than deal with the detailing afterwards. I can vary the buoyancy to a certain extent from the drivers seat by altering the tire pressures up or down.
Of course, we're talking recreational situations here. If I was getting into anything serious I'd pull the plugs in a heartbeat.
Geez, Mac, your 'recreational' situations sound like fun...
I love taking my Jeep off road, but letting her 'float' would be more 'serious' than 'recreational' for me! lol :P
Ryan
In a confined still water situation as in the pic it's safe enough, but in moving water like a stream it's all too easy to get swept away.
I should also point out that I was in dirty water rather than mud in that pic. I don't usually get into deep mud with any vehicle if I can help it. It's far too easy to get stuck and/or sustain damage, either at the time or later from the abrasive effect of the mud on bearings and seals. Driving through deep mud doesn't require much skill either. Just needs plenty of momentum and a heavy right foot, then you either get through or you don't. Deep mud is really the province of specially built vehicles.
http://www.toughstuffproducts.com/jeep/rocker_guard.html
You can get it from a variety of sources. This SHOULD stop the metal/metal sound and actually protect and keep it from making noises.
-Paul
In the second case, unlock and stop at the top of the hill. Maneuver as necessary, then lock up again for more soft or loose stuff.
The best way to get through an obstacle is to engage 4WD, then lockers if required, before you start to lose traction. The best way to learn off roading skill though, is to attempt various different scenarios without 4WD and lockers, then bring them in progressively as required. However, you can't learn the limits without getting stuck, so plan your escape route accordingly. Preferably have a buddy or two with you (in separate vehicles) and be suitably equipped for recovery.
Finally, two basic rules. First, there's no shame in finding yourself stuck (unless it's in the parking lot at the mall ), and second, it's harder to get unstuck than not to get stuck in the first place. In other words, once you lose traction (easy), you have to regain it (not so easy). So, you learn not to get stuck by finding how you do get stuck, which is all part of the fun!
tidester, host
A common mod for Rubi owners is the "locker bypass" which enables one to use the lockers in 4-hi. I have not attempted this, since I'd like to keep my warranty in tact.
I've only engaged my lockers on two occassions on very steep hills. About an hour from here down in MS, the majority of the trails can easily be done in 2wd.
I agree. I think the restriction comes from liability (rather than mechanical) concerns.
http://www.jeephorizons.com/tech/stereo/
Dennis
soon only those with lots of disposable income will drive the low mpg vehicles which just happen to be the most fun ones, lol....i luv my wrangler and its in the family for a long long time...its just be put on short trip status....
You asked exactly the same question yesterday, and it was answered the same day by 'highdesert' with a link to an article describing just how to do it.
my unlimited is lifted,
and yes I had it done nearly immediately after buying the jeep, ( my first jeep ) I've not been off road nearly as many times as I thought I would, but still glad I had it done. mine has a 3.5 Rubicon Express Susp lift and 1 inch of body lift. 33x10.5 All Terrains.
drop me an email (my email address in my profile) I'll give you a few more details of my experience(s) with a lifted unlimited.
Jeff
Neither top is on, doors are off. Glad jeeps have great heaters, even when its a bit chilly I'd much rather ride around topless than drive the volvo.
Thanks,
The Wrangler is about the only vehicle I can tolerate to drive. I can't stand those low-rider passenger cars, sedans, or the big boat luxury cars, or the humongous trucks. And most of these don't have removable tops.
They're available (TJ Front Hub Kit), but not for the purpose of fuel saving. I doubt you'd get 1.5% let alone 15%..............and even if you did get 15% it might take a while to recoup the $1.3K+. :shades:
By the way, where's Tom? I haven't seen him post lately.
It rarely makes sense to change a vehicle just to save gas. However, if you're on the point of changing vehicles anyway then gas mileage obviously takes a high priority, especially a current gas prices.
Finally, would you change your Unlimited for something more economical that you really want to drive, or would it just be transport? When making your final decision, remember to allocate 'quality of life' a fair percentage of the total. :shades:
With the points you raise, it doesn't really make sense. I was only looking at the $1K/yr I'd save on gas, and the fact that I have about $5K of equity in the Jeep that could be put towards another vehicle. I hadn't taken into account the fact that I'd be taking a hit to the tune of $7,400 (depreciation since purchase). I'd have to save a LOT of gas to make up for that! Any new vehicle that I could afford to purchase would be just a transportation piece (which I would justify by the fact that I have an old Firebird for "fun"), but I'll admit I'd rather have my Jeep. I guess I just didn't figure that keeping the Jeep was the "responsible" thing to do. Who woulda thought?
1. The Unlimited is awesome to be seen in.
2. 16 to 25 mpg only saves $1K/year, if you drove a new Honda Fit which is fun to drive etc, you can get 35 mpg and save $1500/year or more.
3. The Unlimited has 4WD and off road capability.
4. The Unlimited has an engine that will last 200,000 miles or 20 years easy, off course that is $20,000 more or higher in fuel if we factor inflation.
Sadly I only took about 4 Jeep pics. They're at the top of the photo album. Enjoy all of the pics -Dan
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/danleone_99/album?.dir=/4d1ere2
At least I'll still have the soft top Unlimited to play in, and a week-long trip planned to the Sierras in the fall.
I'm probably going to wind up taking over my wife's used Focus as a daily driver when she gets a new car, and keep the Jeep on weekend duty, instead. However, I must say the Fit had me intrigued. Enough that I'm on the mailing list.
Mtngal, I'm kind of surprised that you wouldn't go with something slightly larger for the highway. (Something like a 4cyl Camry?) I traded a GTI years ago because it was "buzzy" on the hwy. It did everything else I needed in College, (carrying stuff, good mileage, great in snow), but you know how it is. I got so sick of it I bought a V8 cougar because it would float down the interstate. Less interior room than the eco-box GTI, bad mileage, and the engine blew. But it was quiet. Especially when broken.
Anyway, just curious about your thoughts driving it, since I was kind of afraid to get in that situation again. Did it feel way to small? Was it exhausting to cruise in?
Thanks
Buddy of mine drives a Mini, the mileage is so-so though he has the Cooper S with the supercharger. The base is probably better.
Hopefully, aftermarket pricing will be good. If I had bought the Jeep new, I sure would have done the dual top option. If anyone is contemplating a new unlimited, be sure to do this from the factory.
I've read about the Fit's fold-up seats. Sounds like a good deal.