what do i need to run 7 and 8 rated trails

[jonn]

coming from canada for fall fling eh! having never wheeled my xj in moab before i am wondering what mods are needed/ recommended for the harder 7 and 8 rated trails. maybe some people who have done the trails can describe their xj and how it did. i have 6 inches, 35s, front locker, sliders, etc. not to concerned about body damage but will be driving it home so can't be to crazy.

basicallly i would like to do pritchett canyon if similar rigs are on the trail so i am holding the group up.

[exoedxj]

http://www.rr4w.com/pageview.aspx?menu=4422&id=20715

[jonn]

thanks for the link thats perfect. i would still like to hear from some people that have run the trails with their xjs...

[DrMoab]

It kind of sucks in a way because they just went to the 1-10 rated system.

Honestly I am not sure what trails are rated 7-8 now. It would be more helpful to me anyway if I knew what trails you were thinking of running.

[IntrepidXJ]

with your setup, you could run just about any trail in Moab (except for maybe a few of the extreme ones over at Area BFE...but with good driving skills, you could probably do those, too)

[WayneXJ]

Your rig would be ok for 7 rated trails, but 2 lockers would be better for Pritchett.

[exoedxj]

I was going to suggest that a rear locker be installed.

[jonn]

thanks for the feedback. looks like a powertraks no slip will be going in my open 8.25 would love to get a selectable but seems like the no-slip has been getting good reviews and can't afford the selectables right now.

[IXNAYXJ]

thanks for the feedback. looks like a powertraks no slip will be going in my open 8.25 would love to get a selectable but seems like the no-slip has been getting good reviews and can't afford the selectables right now.That will do you nicely. One thing I see that gets a lot of abuse in Moab is steering. I would personally consider a Terra 2-Low kit mandatory and an upgraded track bar of some sort. Otherwise you should be good to go. As Interpid said, you can run everything (save some really optional lines and BFE) with dual lockers and 33's.

Looking forward to meeting you!

-----Matt-----

[MoabXJeeper]

thanks for the feedback. looks like a powertraks no slip will be going in my open 8.25 would love to get a selectable but seems like the no-slip has been getting good reviews and can't afford the selectables right now.

I have loved my full Detroit from day one! Have heard good things about the powertracks but have never run one myself.

[mattyj]

Do you have alloy shafts & good u joints to hold up to your 35's? Shaft breakages, u-joint and yoke failure have been the most common things i've seen go wrong.
Make sure you have spares & the tools to do the repairs & you'll be just fine.

[Goatman]

That will do you nicely. One thing I see that gets a lot of abuse in Moab is steering. I would personally consider a Terra 2-Low kit mandatory and an upgraded track bar of some sort. Otherwise you should be good to go.

-----Matt-----

The Moab slickrock has so much grip that it will really bind up your steering and drivetrain if you drive around in low range with automatic lockers. Having selectable lockers, or a 2wd low range option, is a good thing and makes it more comfortable on the trails. Consider that the slickrock has better bite than asphalt or concrete.

[IXNAYXJ]

Consider that the slickrock has better bite than asphalt or concrete.It's like wheeling on sandpaper.

Also a good point that was mentioned is shafts and joints. These take a beating and either spares or alloy shafts and upgraded joints is a must, IMHO. Bring spare tie-rods unless you've upgraded the stock one...Golden Crack has claimed more of these than be counted.

-----Matt-----

[jonn]

great feedback. finanacial restrictions limit me from doing a 2 low kit right now, also i think if i was going to do any transfer case work i would opt for a atlas 4:1 twin stick. my brother has one and it is unbelievable. as for breaking parts i will be bringing spare front axles, tie rod ends and a drive shaft.

[jmaxj]

great feedback. finanacial restrictions limit me from doing a 2 low kit right now, also i think if i was going to do any transfer case work i would opt for a atlas 4:1 twin stick. my brother has one and it is unbelievable. as for breaking parts i will be bringing spare front axles, tie rod ends and a drive shaft.
through a locker in the rear and drive without a heavy foot and you could do damn near everything around here, 4.1 and 2low would be helpfull but i don't have one and probably never will

[DrMoab]

I have wheeled on Moab Slickrock for well over ten years. At six of those on 35 inch tires and to this day have never broken a front shaft or ujoint.

It's all about how you supply the skinny petal.

[jmaxj]

I have wheeled on Moab Slickrock for well over ten years. At six of those on 35 inch tires and to this day have never broken a front shaft or ujoint.

It's all about how you supply the skinny petal.
100 percent agreed.

[jragan]

So looking over trail requirements, never running with NAXJA formally, have a question on what my rig will be limited to run. I have and would run a 7 any day of the week, however I know due to bigger group you have to cut the limit somewhere. I am locked Front and rear with 32" tires, will be going to 33's however more then likely having over half tread left and money being sent else where, I will not have them before the event. Will I be limited to run only 6 rated trails? Really asking due to fact would like to run Moab Rim.

[XJumpmaster]

I really think you will be OK, but the trail leader will have the final say. Actually, I highly doubt that you would be cut. Your rig is pretty much built like most. If not better.

[johnnyc]

Cuma will have the final say!

[Goatman]

So looking over trail requirements, never running with NAXJA formally, have a question on what my rig will be limited to run. I have and would run a 7 any day of the week, however I know due to bigger group you have to cut the limit somewhere. I am locked Front and rear with 32" tires, will be going to 33's however more then likely having over half tread left and money being sent else where, I will not have them before the event. Will I be limited to run only 6 rated trails? Really asking due to fact would like to run Moab Rim.

Locked front and rear with 33's can run pretty much everything out there. Other than a couple trails at Area BFE, you could run all the Moab trails.

[jragan]

Thanks guys, sort of what I figured. Did not think a half inch of clearance would push me over the edge.`

[DrMoab]

Thanks guys, sort of what I figured. Did not think a half inch of clearance would push me over the edge.`
No... In fact, I have seen guys with 31 inch tires make fools out of the bigger guys on a few of the obsticals. Back when dump bump was still around it seemed that a smallish Jeep with 30s or 31s would walk up it. I did it several times running 31s and 33s. When i wet to 35s and a long arm set up I could no longer get over it.

[Mike in NJ]

.... I am locked Front and rear with 32" tires . . . would like to run Moab Rim.

Shouldn't be an issue at all - I'm on 32's with a locked front and Auburn LSD rear and have been up Moab Rim more than once. Considering my own skills are just average - I'd have to chalk this success up to the XJ itself.

Considering the other trails she ran on 31's and 235's! over the years, I'd say you're in for a good time overall.

MG

[XJumpmaster]

Cuma will have the final say!Unless I bounce him off the windshield again!:twak:

[jmaxj]

there is nothing wrong with running the moab trails with 32's I( i did it for years) but BFE on the other hand is a challenge.