off road

[t bird]

hey, im thinking of getting a jeep yj with a 2.5 4 cyl and i was wondering if i would be able to go off road in it or if just wouldnt be powerful enough.thanks

[Blair25]

It all depends on how hard-core you are going to go. I have friends who are not happy unless they get stuck or have some kind of delima to deal with. That is why I will park my Jeep and go with them, it is always interesting. One drives a Uni-mog, the other has competed in Top-truck Challenge in California with his own "Roger-Built" vehicle. I am not so keen on doing heavy mud and getting into tricky situations, I like moderate trails and some moderate hill climbs. Your little motor will be fine for the same but power is an issue on hills, but on the other hand a 4cyl with great tires will out perform a 6cyl with road tires, lots of factors in 4x4'ing. If you want/like bush bashing the best, in my opinion, is a 1970's GMC 3/4 ton, stock, lots of after market products for upgrading and can't kill the motor, cheap used parts, it all depends on your idea of 4x4'ing. Have fun and go slow for awhile untill you know the capabilities of your vehicle and how it handles.

[fredjacksonsan]

I had a '97 Wrangler with the 2.5, and 235/75 15's. I did just fine offroad, but found that I had to put it in 4lo most of the time. I did most of my offroading at the beach or in tight wooded areas.

With the tires I had, I would have to be careful not to get to where things were too deeply mudded, but I (knock on wood) never got stuck anywhere.

[fmrmti]

I had 30s on my 97 SE and it got around everywhere I went great, but nothing truly hairy. It ain't really powerful, but it's plenty of fun. And that 2.5 will still do plenty in 4L!

[scoutsout]

Most 4 wheelin is done at low speed and is best at low rpms around 2000-2500 gives you the best torque, thats your power band and is easier on your jeep.The I4 has less HP but has a little more torque at a little lower RPM's than the I6. Shear torque will get you over/through obstacles more than HP. But more importantly is what kind of rubber you have on. All the Torque and HP in the world wont get you anywhere but stuck if you tires are spinning they will only spin faster. LOL also know the limits of your suspension if your tires arent touching tera ferma you aint goin nowhere either. It dont matter as much what your wheelin in as is does how much wheelin youve done. Experience is everything. Go with some one who knows what he's doing a few times and see where he goes and how he gets through it. Ask questions. And always bring recovery gear and preferably a cell phone and maybe a little survival kit and something to eat in case you get really stuck and your gonna be there a while. A wise man one said never go alone bring a nother rig.Besides thing of the gas money youll save especially with current prices, and it aint goin back down brother.

[fredjacksonsan]

Basically, you'll be fine.

[SideShow Sean]

i have a 4 cyl w/ 245's and it does just fine. The only thing is, i have to put it it 4lo to get up a hill that an I6 could just roll on up w/ little effort. If you are just considering a 4cyl because of the mileage issue, i would forget about it. I bought mine for that reason, but my mileage is horrible.

[fredjacksonsan]

Hey Sideshow....if your mileage is REALLY bad, check your O2 sensors. I've seen other posts where the O2 caused a mileage drop.

[Viper99991]

Hey i just bought a 05 wrangler 2.4 (same as my pt lmao) seems to me that this has more power though ?? i live in illinois does anyone know where i can go just through trails im new to jeep but dont want to rush in toanything fast just want to do a little through creeks and just enjoying the veiw any help would be nice

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by Viper99991

Hey i just bought a 05 wrangler 2.4 (same as my pt lmao) seems to me that this has more power though ?? i live in illinois does anyone know where i can go just through trails im new to jeep but dont want to rush in toanything fast just want to do a little through creeks and just enjoying the veiw any help would be nice

Might be that your Jeep is a little lighter. Did you get the manual trans? That might make it seem to have a bit more juice also. Don't forget the biggest thing is probably the axle ratios, the Jeep has 4.11 gears, and the PT Cruiser is probably not geared as high.

[Viper99991]

my pt is is auto and my jeep is 6 speed but my jeep weighs more

[fredjacksonsan]

Sounds like it's time to take it to the local dragstrip and see which vehicle is faster.

[Viper99991]

Ya i should take it there The only thing is i would smash my pt to shame cause its just a touring edition no turbo On another Subjeect Has anyone tried to or have put a turbo in a jeep. Not a high output but a low output in it my Moms pt has a low out put to it and she gets better mpg than i do on my pt and she drives worst than i do i could show u the speeding tickets it would be nice to put a turbo in a jeep not to go fast for just a little more hp and torque

[goinbig]

What the hells a "pt"? Do you mean pt Cruiser?

If so, how can you even compare the 2? they would have different ring/pinion gears, tranny gears, t-case gears, ect....They're not even close to the same vehicle.

[Viper99991]

Originally Posted by goinbig

What the hells a "pt"? Do you mean pt Cruiser?

If so, how can you even compare the 2? they would have different ring/pinion gears, tranny gears, t-case gears, ect....They're not even close to the same vehicle.

well i got my wrangler back and yes its a pt cruiser and they do both have identical motors exclude the the nice cover the pt has they just have diff. trannys but the motor is the same and im looking in to it about a turbo he said it should just bolt on like on the pt