Chicago Noob

[ScottyV]

Hey all. New to Chicago and XJ's in general. Forced to sell my YJ when I moved up here from Cincy and my girlfriend and I only needed one vehicle. Long story short, we now share her '01 XJ Sport and I've since installed a 2" BB, cold air intake and Toyo OC AT's.
Im interested in some local trips on trails that this modest ride could handle, but do have a little 'wheeling experience from my wrangler days. Anyway, if anyone is heading out on a trip near Chicago and wouldn't mind a noob tagging along and probably asking a crapload of questions, let me know.
I know most club rides require front and rear tow points, and I've got a reciever mounted rear, but no fronts just yet. Since we live in an apartment now, I had to leave the vast majority of my tools back home with my brother, so may need some willing help installing some hooks up front etc. I'd be more than happy to supply beer and food. Thanks in advance. Sorry this got so longwinded!
-Scott

[435Mj]

welcome, where in chicago are you living? and next weekend there is a lil trip to the cliffs. check the midwest chapter board. tim

[ScottyV]

Im in Logan Square, near the California blue line stop. How bout you? Next weekend would be awesome, but Im actually taking a trip to Cleveland with some riding buddies to hit up Ray's indoor mountain bike park. Definitely in next time around. What's the terrain like at Cliffs? Enough moderate stuff to keep a noob entertained?

[Rev Den]

A/Ts?
No front hooks?
Got skidplates?

I would advise against the Cliffs for you at this point.

Rev

[ScottyV]

Thanks for the heads up. Glad to learn that before heading out. I used to run a lot of stuff at Haspin Acres in my stock YJ with 30" MT's, so didnt know if this park was comparable. Anywhere nearby that would be a good place to play around before investing a butt-load of money on trail upgrades?

[SteelblueSteve]

Im in Logan Square, near the California blue line stop. How bout you? Next weekend would be awesome, but Im actually taking a trip to Cleveland with some riding buddies to hit up Ray's indoor mountain bike park. Definitely in next time around. What's the terrain like at Cliffs? Enough moderate stuff to keep a noob entertained?
You could go and ride along with someone else, you will be entertained. The terrain is mud. And trees, lots of tight trees, and did I mention mud.

[ScottyV]

Like I said, outta town next weekend, but next trip Im in for sure.

[Rev Den]

Green trail at Badlands.

BUT

Sliders would help a bunch.

Rev

[scoobyxj]

Green trail at Badlands.

BUT

Sliders would help a bunch.

Rev
That is what I was going to suggest. I would add a T/C skid to that too. Even if it's a stock one.

[jjchgo]

scottyv check out www.chicagofreeride.com if your ever looking to go riding around the city.

cheers,

jj

[ScottyV]

Wait, who is this? Ive been on CFR for a minute. I post as Cincin-Nasti. Heading to Rays this weekend?

[jjchgo]

i post as jjchgo over there too. i dont post often though. no rays for me this weekend. i have a couple bday partys i gotta be at.

cheers,

jj

[Pro Stock John]

I live by Montrose and Western, in Lincoln Square.

A/Ts? I have MTR tires is that what you mean?
No front hooks? In the box from JeepersCreeperz in MI?
Got skidplates? None, which ones do I need?

95 country
3" skyjacker, aal, moab/245-16 mtr's, surco roof rack, tire on roof, green two tone

[Rev Den]

I live by Montrose and Wester, in Lincoln Square.

A/Ts? I have MTR tires is that what you mean?
No front hooks? In the box from JeepersCreeperz in MI?
Got skidplates? None, which ones do I need?

95 country
3" skyjacker, aal, moab/245-16 mtr's, surco roof rack, tire on roof, green two tone

Well....as this is your 1st post in this thread, I was not addressing you, but since you asked...

MTRs in deep mud might as well be A/Ts.

Get them hooks mounted, don't forget about a rear recovery point.

As far as skids....rockers, T-case, fuel tank, etc. The more the better.

HTH

Rev

[Pro Stock John]

Sorry to hijack the thread. :)

I'd be down for meeting with other Jeepers and banging out some mods together... We could help each other. Tow hooks would be easy of course.

[ScottyV]

Im totally down for some install action. Unfortunately, I live in an apartment now, so definitely cant host. Anyone got tools and/or garage they'd like to volunteer?

[Pro Stock John]

I have a bunch of tools but my garage situation is a bit cramped.

[Pro Stock John]

Do you guys still run exhaust to the back just try to keep it tucked up, or do you guys run a turndown right off the muffler?

[fatwreck]

I have tools and a shop with a lift/welder/compressor. I'm pretty far west of downtown though. Send me a PM if you want some help.....

[ScottyV]

Awesome! Thanks for the offer. Maybe I'll hit you up when tax returns come in and I have some extra cash to get this thing a little more trail ready.