Off Roading in a Stock Jeep Wrangler

A factory Jeep Wrangler is a highly capable vehicle that is fun to drive, engineered for adventure and performs excellently in its many roles. From commuting to work to rock crawling at your local off-road park, a Stock Jeep Wrangler will have no problem conquering plenty of trails, parks, and off-road experiences. Join us as we dive into what makes a Wrangler an impressive vehicle and explore some of the options that optimize specific trim packages and features for increased off road capability.

Trail Rated Stock Jeep Wrangler

Jeep throws a badge on all their Wrangler vehicles as a certification your truck is “Trail Rated.” This stamp means your car is optimized for off-roading with a focus on a few specific engineering traits. Every Wrangler in the current lineup is Trail Rated and that’s a sign that your Jeep was designed to be an off-road capable Jeep Wrangler right from the factory.

Stock Jeep Wrangler Capabilities

Factory made for off roading with trail-rated badge, the Jeep wrangler is an extremely capable off-road vehicle. Let’s dive into specific capabilities and explain a bit about how they help. We’ll explore a bit about the design decisions and benefits of the Wrangler platform and what that means for its off-road capability.

Traction

Every Jeep Wrangler offers 4×4 all-wheel drive, low gearing and all-terrain tires providing exceptional traction in rain, snow, sand, mud, and dirt. Specific Wrangler brands such as Rubicon offer electric locking differentials, lower gearing, and options to increase traction and performance over obstacles.

Note: Did you know that you can lower the air pressure in your tires for a more enjoyable off-road ride? Driving down “washer board” trail roads and shaking to pieces? Drop the PSI in your tires down to 20-25 lbs and enjoy a smoother ride! Don’t forget to air back up before resuming driving on paved roads or at high-speed

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Maneuverability

A Short Wheelbase provides the maneuverability needed to navigate obstacles and handle switchbacks with ease. Those who have driven larger trucks off-road and encountered switchbacks or narrow turns will value the short wheelbase of a Jeep. The maneuverability differs slightly between the base Jeep Wrangler and the Wrangler Unlimited models.

Maneuverability is crucial for trails like the renowned Black Bear Pass in Colorado, where executing safe three-point turns is necessary. The shorter wheelbase of a Jeep Wrangler aids in preventing sideways slips on rocks and road grades along this scenic off-road pass.

Ground Clearance

Large tires and suspension give proper ground clearance for driving over obstacles. The goal of off roading is to drive over things and do so safely. More substantial ground clearance affords you more height over objects to safely clear them without damaging your vehicle. Multiple trim packages and Jeep options provide higher ground clearance over base models.

Stock jeep vs lifted jeep

The debate between keeping a Jeep stock or lifting it is ongoing, but the truth is, both can be enjoyable. I opted to keep my Jeep stock for the first 40,000 or so miles because I wanted to save for a quality lift kit rather than replace brand-new components. Additionally, driving on trails with a stock Jeep helped me develop better driving skills.

Jeeps with larger tires or lift kit options will increase the ground clearance and capability of your vehicle. You will find that the Rubicon line of Jeep Wranglers will typically come with 33″ tires or larger while the new addition of the 592 Jeep Wrangler will often come with 35″ tires.

Articulation

The suspension can “flex” or articulate to allow wheels to remain in contact while driving over large obstacles providing more stability. Obviously, with third party options, you can increase articulation aka “flex” drastically such as the Jeep pictured below (which has larger tires, lift, winch & other options).

Sway bars can be “disconnected” to allow more articulation. You can find affordable “quick disconnects” that are an affordable/cheap upgrade for any Jeep. Disconnect them while off roading and always reconnect when driving at highway speeds.

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Fording

Jeeps are meant to get dirty and cross water/streams. The vehicle is designed so that electronics/components are tucked away and protected, and the interior/body is easy to clean and drains water away.

If you plan to do deep water crossings, you may want to investigate a snorkel. For crossing shallow streams, the standard Jeep is more than capable of getting you to your favorite fishing and camping spots.

Define your Mission

What is it that you want to do with your Jeep? Are you a weekend warrior mostly using your Jeep for fun on the trails while on vacation? Do you commute to work and use it as a daily driver with an itch to go or wheeling on the weekends?  Do you already have plans to specialize in hobbies or specific goals in mind?  What is your budget? What are your dreams? I use my Jeep to commute during the week and camp with our trailer mounted Roof Top Tent on the weekends.

Out of the factory Chrysler offers a few vehicles that have enhanced performance for off-road capability and tailor your purchase to your mission.

Wrangler Options & Trims

Chrysler has a few Jeep Wrangler brands that offer specialization geared towards enhanced trail ratings and off-roading experiences. The Sport is your base package and a very capable vehicle that is trail rated, however the Sahara and Rubicon lines offer default options that increase their capability over other base models.

Sport

The Sport Wrangler is the base module and out of the factory offers the following core gear specs.  I mention 3.21 / 3.73 gearing because this gearing varies wildly between region/dealer/option – such as automatic transmission vs. manual transmission and you can locate vehicles with higher gearing as needed. (Recommended if you plan on larger tires)

• 8.4″ ground clearance
• Optional “Trac lock” limited slip diff
• 3.21 / 3.73 Gearing
• Dana 44 rear, Dana 30 front axles
• np231 (selec-trac) t-case

Sahara

Over the base Sport Package, the Sahara offers a trim package that includes more color options, painted flares, better sound system and increased interior options. However, they also include some upgrades that help for off road performance – the major one being larger wheels that give you another 1.3 inches of clearance.

1. 9.7″ Ground Clearance
2. 18″ Wheels

Rubicon

Jeep Rubicon is the premier Wrangler brand for off-road factory performance that comes with enhancements that help it achieve more advanced trails such as electronic quick disconnects, larger tires, Dana 44 axles front and rear plus other options.

• 9.7″ Ground Clearance
• 17″ Wheels
• 33″ Off road tires
• Dana 44 Axles front & Rear
• tru-lok electric lockers
• up to 4.11 Gearing
• v241 (rock-trac) t-case
• Electronic Front Sway Bar Disconnect
• Rock Rails

Chrysler offers many Wrangler trims and packages and has been known to do one limited production of special options however the Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon lines are usually abundantly available and the most common options.

In selecting your base package, be sure to think ahead. If you’re just into mall crawling and want to customize your Jeeps looks or you want to customize to large extremes and replace everything, then a Sport is a more affordable option to start with. If you want to go off road but not mechanically inclined, then the Rubicon may be your best bet giving you strong off-road options out the door.

My mission is satisfied with a Jeep Sport. I chose the sport package since I’ll be replacing components as I upgrade, and it works great for off roading and hauling around my Rooftop tent on my trailer.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The major difference between the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Unlimited is that the Unlimited series has four doors and a larger wheelbase. The standard two-door Wrangler has a ~96″ wheelbase, and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has a 116″ wheelbase. For most people, the decision is between 2 doors or 4 doors but keep in mind that if you’re looking to customize your Jeep, the wheelbase could play an important purchase role.

Benefits of a stock Jeep

A stock Jeep stands out as an excellent choice – it offers a vehicle that’s fully capable for various purposes straight off the assembly line. More crucially, it allows you to become acquainted with your vehicle and decide on the modifications or customizations for your specific needs. Stock Jeeps boast a wide availability of parts, numerous service centers knowledgeable about the brand, and if your vehicle is new, warranty coverage is included.

Safety tips for off-roading with a Stock Jeep Wrangler

Factory Jeep has is to safety standards, and Jeep must stand by them.  Adding a lift, increasing wheel size, or customizing the drive train of your Jeep may impact on the safety standards that your vehicle has been tested against. There is a strong piece of mind knowing your vehicle meets or exceeds factory safety requirements.  While anything can go wrong with any vehicle, Mopar parts are of decent quality and build consistency that they can be relied upon. I’ve heard many stories of catastrophic part failures and death wobble from modified Jeeps when owners cut corners and bought cheap to get the looks but avoid the costs. Be smart and be safety conscious. It’s your life at the wheel.

Warranty

Having a new Jeep Factory warranty is a terrific way to control costs.  While many Jeep owners love “wrenching” their vehicle some owners just like the peace of mind that a warranty covers their car for the first few years. If you mod your truck, you may risk your warranty coverage.

Abundant Parts

No shortage of factory parts and third-party parts. With a stock Jeep, you don’t have to wonder if your boutique customized lift is going to have spares two years down the road or if they’re even going to be in business. With everyone rushing to customize their Jeeps, stock owners have the benefit of an unlimited free parts supply chain. People are often giving away so many factory parts for free simply because there are so many available with everyone customizing their Jeep.

Speaking of parts, the best way to find Jeep Parts at huge discounts is to check out the many Jeep Groups on Facebook, watch for Jeep Parts on Craigslist and join a Jeep club in your area. I’m blown away by the community at times with the support and parts trade network that exists on the internet.

Learn the fundamentals of Jeeping

Driving your stock Jeep on beginner/intermediate trails will help you learn the fundamentals of off roading and let you enjoy your vehicle without having any further outlay in cost. There are many trails all over the world where a stock Jeep is more than capable of completing them, so there is no need to rush into upgrades or spend money – just get out and explore.

There are lots of clubs, Facebook groups, and forums on the internet to get out and discuss everything about ownership, off roading and trail riding. I suggest finding a local club and getting to know them. It’s a wonderful way to source used parts, share knowledge, learn from the experiences of others.

If you’re new to off roading, check out our off-roading tips for beginners and stock up on these off road essentials you should have.  Never stop learning and always be prepared.

If you want to crank it up a notch and explore advanced off-road parks or go rock crawling, check out our Aluminum vs Steel Skid Plates guide.

Figure out what you like

Wheeling, mudding, trail riding, and rock crawling are all exciting activities, and your Jeep is capable of handling them without any modifications. This is an excellent way to discover if you enjoy these activities and to help you determine your vehicle’s purpose and potential upgrades. Often, we fantasize about doing certain things or feel envious of others’ accomplishments, but personal experience may reveal they’re not to our liking. Not everyone enjoys the jolt of bouncing off rocks in their vehicle. Not everyone is comfortable driving on a narrow ledge with a steep drop-off. And not everyone appreciates the aftermath of getting muddy and the ensuing days of cleaning. Now is the opportune moment to experiment and decide on your preferences before making significant investments in your vehicle.

For me, my Jeep serves as the primary means of transportation for taking kids around, shopping, running errands, and daily commuting. As such, modifications will be minimal, and I must keep this in mind whenever I venture out for an adventure.

I enjoy trail riding myself.  I’ve had fun at the local off-road park Hidden Falls Adventure Park and loved every minute out there, but I know my Jeep is a daily driver, so I’m not going to do anything nuts. One of my favorite off-road adventures is heading up to Southern Colorado and exploring the magnificent San Juan mountains – The Jeep Capital of the World. We also love packing up our gear to head out to the unknown and just enjoy being able to explore off the beaten path.

Wrap Up

The lesson here is not to invest so much in your Jeep that it prevents you from enjoying the activities that even a basic model can handle. Go out, take pleasure in your Jeep, and have a good time. Ignore the modifications, accessories, and appearance; just go out and ENJOY IT!

The advantage of a large community is the opportunity to learn from others and avoid their errors. The Jeep community is an incredible collective of individuals who support one another, share in the fun, and have a common enthusiasm for their vehicles. Whether you’re a novice or an enthusiast, you can begin with a stock Jeep, test it, and gradually accumulate priceless knowledge, experience, and skill for yourself and your vehicle. It serves as an excellent foundation for more complex endeavors, or you can find joy in a nearly original setup, as I do.

The capability of a Jeep is determined by its driver, and a stock Jeep Wrangler has the potential to develop you into an excellent driver, no matter your ultimate objectives. We enjoy connecting with fellow Jeep owners, so please leave your comments & feedback below, along with the tale of your first off-road experience.

FAQ

Can you go off roading in a stock Jeep Wrangler?

Absolutely! Your Jeep Wrangler is considered an Off-Road vehicle direct from the factory and can enjoy the back roads and back country.

Will off-roading void my Jeep Warranty?

No. Driving your vehicle off road will not void the factory warranty. Modifications to your jeep may alter what is covered if you need warranty coverage.

How do i maintain my stock Jeep Wrangler after off-roading?

After off-roading it’s important to inspect your Jeep, check the fluids, check your tires, look for anything bent, broken, lose or hanging down or missing. Washing your vehicle after use will give you time to visually inspect, clean and remove trail crud extending the life of your vehicle. While driving a dirty Jeep can look fun – mud, rocks and debris can be harmful if caked on adding excess wear and tear to components. Check your owner’s manual for all recommended maintenance and care specific to your vehicle.