Capability of KJ in stock form?

[paullgj]

I have lots of plans for my KJ (Frankenlift, sliders, etc.) but currently it is basically stock - 2007 Sport 6 spd. There's a trail I want to try in northern Mexico - 1200 ft to 3700 ft. in elevation in 3 miles, Rancho de Cielo Biosphere. Steep, a lot of broken limestone rock, low range crawling - I've seen Nissan Pathfinders with 265 tires make it. I know, don't even think about it without skid plates (first modification), but do you think my stock KJ has enough ground clearance? The tires are Yokohama 245/70 ATS. Frankenlift gets installed summer, 2010.

Thanks for your comments.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I'm not sure as I haven't seen the area, but if stock Pathgrinders do it, get skids/hooks and maybe do a clevis lift on the front (3/8"), and maybe then it's ok...

 

[JeepJeepster]

Get some skids and be ready to beat the snot out of that front skid. It will get used a lot. Dont know till ya try it. Just dont go alone.

 

[AZKJ]

You'd be surprised where a stock height Liberty with good tires and full skids can go. The driver's skill also plays a big part. Here are some PICTURES from Moab of Silverdiesel's Liberty, with only a 1" lift....

 

[AtoB]

You'd be surprised where a stock height Liberty with good tires and full skids can go. The driver's skill also plays a big part. Here are some PICTURES from Moab of Silverdiesel's Liberty, with only a 1" lift....

what exactly is involved to do a 1" lift?

 

[paullgj]

Moab pics are very impressive

The Moabs pics are very impressive. Some of the acsents and descents are steeper than what I'll be encountering. What I will have to contend with are long grades, ruts, and lots of broken chunks of limestone - jagged edges. There are two other vehicles going - both heavily loaded 1 ton Dodge Power Wagons. They do not finesse their way up - more like bounce up the mountain on ground clearance and brute strength, very unlike the long travel suspension of the Liberty, which does a much better job at conforming to the ground surface. I am worried, though, about ground clearance. When I can afford it (summer) in goes the Frankenlift and a good set of 245/75 tires. Thanks for the images - I studied every one.

 

[LibertyFever]

The very first time I went into the woods I was bone stock on the P205/70R16 all season tires. I followed an 89 YJ with a 4" lift and 33" tires.

So I'd have to say Yes a stock Liberty can do pretty good for itself but you have to pick your trail carefully and chose good lines with the help of a spotter.
Don't expect to try a trail with large rocks or deep water/mud crossings.

 

[kskj]

I went to moab stock ( with skids) the first year i had it and did fine.Seven mile rim,fins and things. Moderate to difficult trails I did use the skids alot but Did just fine and had a great time. So as long as you go with other rigs you will have a lot of fun.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

You'd be surprised where a stock height Liberty with good tires and full skids can go. The driver's skill also plays a big part. Here are some PICTURES from Moab of Silverdiesel's Liberty, with only a 1" lift....

Beautiful photographs AZKJ!
Before I had a Jeep, I mountain biked there.

 

[67Customs]

At bare minimum you need full skids and front and rear tow points. Other than that, I find the Liberty to be a pretty capable vehicle.