KK off-road?

Good afternoon, found a 2011 KK 4x4 in great condition that I'm looking at getting for my daughter. She learned to drive on road and off-road in an LJ so she knows what she's doing. If I do a two and a half inch lift suspension lift with 31s or 32s, what kind of trimming and other things what I need to do to make it basic low level off-road capable. I'm not trying to make it a rock crawler or anything like that just want her to be able to enjoy it a little bit until she gets the money to purchase what she wants. Or should I look for a KJ Renegade, I have built one of those before for off-roading.

This automatic 2011 is my 2nd KK, former one was a 2008 stick shift. I put a 2.5" lift kit on each of them (Rough Country recently). The 2011 came with a full set of skid plates. Its good off road; we use it to access known locations. We do not rock crawl. We also tow a small camper (1800 Lbs loaded) on pavement on the better dirt roads. I call it our "Cheap Jeep" cause it cost much less $$$ than a Wrangler or Rubicon. We have never regretted it not having lockers - the traction control is a good "poor man's" substitute. We tend to avoid mud, especially the more slippery kind. I changed the rear diff cover and auto ****** sump to after-market brands in order to get drain plugs. I also added a rear view camera and extra 12V/USB outlets. Expect to replace the water pump in the 125-150k range.

allen0jason said:

Good afternoon, found a 2011 KK 4x4 in great condition that I'm looking at getting for my daughter. She learned to drive on road and off-road in an LJ so she knows what she's doing. If I do a two and a half inch lift suspension lift with 31s or 32s, what kind of trimming and other things what I need to do to make it basic low level off-road capable. I'm not trying to make it a rock crawler or anything like that just want her to be able to enjoy it a little bit until she gets the money to purchase what she wants. Or should I look for a KJ Renegade, I have built one of those before for off-roading.

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I have a 2011 KK Liberty Renegade. It isn't lifted, just has some beefy A/T tires. I live in the PacNW, and have taken it "Off Road" on many trails. I almost killed it on an off-road trail at Arches NP, but we made it. I wouldn't recommend doing that, but I've never encountered a trail in the Cascades that it couldn't handle.

The electronics though....leave a bunch to be desired.

ChryslerElectronicsHater said:

I have a 2011 KK Liberty Renegade. It isn't lifted, just has some beefy A/T tires. I live in the PacNW, and have taken it "Off Road" on many trails. I almost killed it on an off-road trail at Arches NP, but we made it. I wouldn't recommend doing that, but I've never encountered a trail in the Cascades that it couldn't handle.

The electronics though....leave a bunch to be desired.

Click to expand...

Your Renegade likely came with the skid plate package. Sounds like you used them!

The stock Renegades were not any higher than the rest of the KK’s. A small lift using OME springs and OME or Bilstein shocks will do a ton for your break over angle. It will also improve the on-road characteristics 1000% over saggy 13 year old springs. Spacer lifts are cheaper but the ride is not improved.