Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ -Modifications for green laning?
Discussion
I've done a few green lanes now in my old ZJ and it's a bit embarrassing when a friend in a Jimny has to tow you out.
So i'm looking to upgrade it slightly, with a lift kit and some dedicated tyres.
So what would people recommend for a basic 2" lift kit, and what tyres on a budget, for dedicated green lane use, only on public roads to get to and from the lanes?
Ta.
So i'm looking to upgrade it slightly, with a lift kit and some dedicated tyres.
So what would people recommend for a basic 2" lift kit, and what tyres on a budget, for dedicated green lane use, only on public roads to get to and from the lanes?
Ta.
Evening,
Capable old truck you have there. On greenlanes etc, I wouldn't worry too much about a lift quite yet. Some decent tyres (for the best, I'd check jeep forums), and some good recovery points, and diff protection should see you well. Its amazing the difference good tyres make.
To need the lift, they sound like some heavy lanes. My truck is now lifted, due to fitting tyres that were too big, and I have never found an area on a lane where its an advantage. Larger tyres will increase your ground clearance for your diffs etc, which are normally the largest obstacle.
Capable old truck you have there. On greenlanes etc, I wouldn't worry too much about a lift quite yet. Some decent tyres (for the best, I'd check jeep forums), and some good recovery points, and diff protection should see you well. Its amazing the difference good tyres make.
To need the lift, they sound like some heavy lanes. My truck is now lifted, due to fitting tyres that were too big, and I have never found an area on a lane where its an advantage. Larger tyres will increase your ground clearance for your diffs etc, which are normally the largest obstacle.
Difflock used to be pretty good when I used it. See if you have any local 4x4 clubs. I used FWDC (Four Wheel Drive Club) who are nation wide, aswell as quite southern too. A good bunch, lots of different marques on there too.
The tyres will help a huge amount with stopping you slipping into Ruts. I pulled a Grand Cherokee for a bit on Salisbury Plains, he was on Road Tyres, and kept hitting the front diff, it sits low doesnt it. Once he got his larger tyres on, he was fine. He has now lifted it, and has no issues anywhere. 5.7 quadra drive thing, very impressive
The tyres will help a huge amount with stopping you slipping into Ruts. I pulled a Grand Cherokee for a bit on Salisbury Plains, he was on Road Tyres, and kept hitting the front diff, it sits low doesnt it. Once he got his larger tyres on, he was fine. He has now lifted it, and has no issues anywhere. 5.7 quadra drive thing, very impressive
Jeeps, at least of this era all ride a little low in standard trim. Lifting them will bring them on par with a Discovery, so worth considering.
However there are lots of different ways to lift a Jeep, so you might want to do some research first.
This is the best forum I know for Jeeps:
http://www.jeepforum.com/
But remember it is predominately a US site, so you'll have to pick and choose what info you find most relevant.
For some UK advice, give David at Llama4x4 a call:
http://www.llama4x4.com/page5.htm
He sells a lot more than what is on the website and will be able to sort you out for whatever budget you have regarding lifting your Jeep.
A UK based forum you may find of help is this one:
http://www.birtydastards.com/frm/
It's active and a lot of good members.
I'd say avoid Difflock forum, pretty quiet these days tbh.
As for tyres...
Don't look on Jeep forum or any US site, as the tyres they have are generally not available over here.
First up, do you have a size (rim) and budget in mind?
Off road tyres have a huge selection. And size and tread will make a big difference. What sort of terrain are you on mostly, or what part of the country?
If you give me a little more info, then I'll be able to suggest some tyres to look at.
I would recommend if this is for off roading often, to consider up sizing a little, makes sense if you are considering a lift kit.
Only other thing to think about is, off road tyres are often wider, if you fit them to your standard rims they might rub and reduce your steering lock. So you'll need to consider if you want to get new rims too, or maybe some wheel spacers.
However there are lots of different ways to lift a Jeep, so you might want to do some research first.
This is the best forum I know for Jeeps:
http://www.jeepforum.com/
But remember it is predominately a US site, so you'll have to pick and choose what info you find most relevant.
For some UK advice, give David at Llama4x4 a call:
http://www.llama4x4.com/page5.htm
He sells a lot more than what is on the website and will be able to sort you out for whatever budget you have regarding lifting your Jeep.
A UK based forum you may find of help is this one:
http://www.birtydastards.com/frm/
It's active and a lot of good members.
I'd say avoid Difflock forum, pretty quiet these days tbh.
As for tyres...
Don't look on Jeep forum or any US site, as the tyres they have are generally not available over here.
First up, do you have a size (rim) and budget in mind?
Off road tyres have a huge selection. And size and tread will make a big difference. What sort of terrain are you on mostly, or what part of the country?
If you give me a little more info, then I'll be able to suggest some tyres to look at.
I would recommend if this is for off roading often, to consider up sizing a little, makes sense if you are considering a lift kit.
Only other thing to think about is, off road tyres are often wider, if you fit them to your standard rims they might rub and reduce your steering lock. So you'll need to consider if you want to get new rims too, or maybe some wheel spacers.
Thanks for the reply, i'll have a look on the forums.
I'll most likely be keeping the standard wheels, 7x16, but using spacers wouldn't be a problem.
Budget it low, as I always have other projects on the go, so I was looking at the various retread tyres available.
I normally head out in Northumberland, as there seems to be plenty of lanes to use.
The ZJ will be used for laning 90% of the time, as I have a WJ for daily on road duties.
I'll most likely be keeping the standard wheels, 7x16, but using spacers wouldn't be a problem.
Budget it low, as I always have other projects on the go, so I was looking at the various retread tyres available.
I normally head out in Northumberland, as there seems to be plenty of lanes to use.
The ZJ will be used for laning 90% of the time, as I have a WJ for daily on road duties.
I have insa dakars on my wj, have a look in the pics if off roaders thread and you will see, they seem very capable to me and have had the honour of pulling a couple of defenders out of trouble, which is always fun......at least now when I get stuck we need a tractor....
Good value tyres though, recommended, bought mine from a really helpful guy in nottingham if you need his contacts????
Good value tyres though, recommended, bought mine from a really helpful guy in nottingham if you need his contacts????
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