Off-road Tires

Tires are your vehicle's direct connection with the road and trail and therefore one of the most important pieces of off-road equipment. The three main classifications for tires are All Season, All Terrain, and Mud Terrain. Most new trucks and SUV’s are sold with All Season tires which are a great tire for on-road traction but lack the durability and strength that is needed for off-road use. All Terrain tires provide impressive on-road traction while improving the off-road grip. All Terrain tires also are built differently to provide more puncture resistance than an All Season making them a better off-road tire. Mud Terrain tires are a more specialized tire which trade on-road traction for off-road performance. Please reach out to us for expert guidance in selecting your next set of tires, and let us assist you in finding the perfect match for your needs.

Sway bar disconnects

A vehicle's sway bar is designed to provide support which prevents the body from rolling or swaying on the chassis. This makes sway bars very important for on-road handling but they can be a hindrance off-road. The addition of a sway bar disconnect will allow the suspension to move more freely which improves the ride quality off-road. Once the sway bar is disconnected the axle can articulate more freely increasing traction and reducing side to side jostling when on rugged terrain.

Soft top maintenance

In Colorado the average life expectancy of a standard fabric soft top is five years. A bit of extra care is all that is needed to help preserve your top for as long as possible. When cleaning your soft top, spray off as much dirt as possible before washing. Avoid high pressure wash wands as they can actually puncture the soft top material. Use lots of suds when cleaning the top and make sure to clean the windows before cleaning the fabric to minimize scratching. When cleaning the fabric use a very soft bristle brush to work the dirt out of the grain of the fabric. Bestop manufactures specific cleaners, and a protectant to treat and prolong the life of your soft top.

Tonneau covers

Tonneau covers are a great addition to a truck to help keep the contents of the bed safe and secure. There are various designs available at numerous price points all with their own features and benefits. The basic elements of a tonneau cover that differentiate the various models are the materials the covers are made from and the means of opening the cover. The most basic covers are made from durable fabric and have either snaps or velcro that secure them to a frame attached to the bed. Fabric covers easily roll up providing full access to the bed. The more secure covers are made from steel and aluminum and will either fold up or roll up for bed access.

Differential Regearing

Differential RegearingThe differential gear ratio plays a large role in the performance of a vehicle. Vehicle manufacturers will vary the differential gear ratio based on a number of factors. An example would be the Jeep Wrangler JK which was equipped with gears ranging from 3.21 (sea level & smaller tires) up to 4.10 (Rubicon models). The larger the number the lower the gear ratio. When installing larger diameter tires you will notice a loss in power and that effect can range from minor to significant based on the size of tire and the current gear ratio. Regearing the axles is the correct solution to gain back the performance lost from larger tires. Changing gear ratios can also help increase power for better towing or improved fuel economy.

Understanding aftermarket light patterns

The only light pattern that is designed for on-road use is a fog pattern. Fog lights will help supplement your headlights' low beams and provide better visibility everyday as well as in inclement weather (fog/snow/dust). Driving or flood beam patterns are good for providing additional lighting when high beams just aren’t enough. Ideal placement of a driving or flood light is on the front bumper. Spot beam patterns are designed for maximum distance at higher driving speeds. The higher you can mount a spot beam the farther the beam will travel.

Off-road Etiquette

• Stay on marked trails. Off-roading is about enjoying the beauty of nature and the best way to preserve that beauty is to stay on the trail. Driving off trail damages the vegetation and leads to increased erosion. Driving off trail can also result in fines and trail closures.

• Vehicles traveling uphill have the right of way. If you are descending a trail and come upon another vehicle heading uphill either back up and move over or pull to the side. The uphill vehicle often needs momentum to make a climb and forcing them to stop could lead to them losing traction and sliding backwards down the hill potentially creating a dangerous situation.

• Yield to other trail users. Many trails are used by other enthusiasts such as hikers, mountain bikers, dirt bike riders, etc. Pull over for faster trail users and let them pass. Stop and pull to the side when you encounter hikers and bikers and let them continue along the trail without the exhaust and dust from your vehicle.

• Pack it out. When off-roading be sure to pack out any trash that you may create. There are off-road specific trash bags that you can purchase that can be used to not only haul out your own trash but any that you may come across along the trail from other users. Keeping the trail clean provides a better experience for all users and helps keep trails open for future use.

  
  
  

  
  Vehicle sounds
  
  

  Get in the habit of occasionally turning off your radio when you drive and listen to the normal sounds your vehicle makes. Having the knowledge of what is a normal sound versus an abnormal sound can help pinpoint a problem before it becomes a major repair.

  
  
  

  
  Front end wobble (Death wobble)
  
  

  When diagnosing a front end wobble the majority of the time the cause is not a single item. Most wobbles are caused by minor wear or play across a number of parts which when combined will cause a wobble. Things to inspect are tire balance (dynamic vs. static), ball joints, tie rod ends, track bar, steering stabilizer, and alignment.

  
  
  

  
  Winch selection
  
  

  When choosing a winch there are two main considerations. The first will be the winches pulling capacity. The ideal winch capacity will be one and a half times the vehicle weight. Example, 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited weighs in at about 5,800 pounds. 5,800 * 1.5 = 8,700lbs. Since most winches are sold in 1,000lb increments we would err on the side of additional capacity and select a winch with at least 9,000 pounds of capacity. The second consideration is the winch rope material, steel or synthetic. Steel is very durable and if cared for properly can last many years. Synthetic is lighter and easier to handle but is damaged by UV rays and takes extra care and requires more frequent replacement.

  
  
  

  
  Tire pressure
  
  

  Tire pressure not only affects tire wear but also plays a major role in handling and ride comfort. An over inflated tire will cause the vehicle to follow imperfections in the road and make for a harsh ride. Larger tires require less tire pressure than smaller tires on the same vehicle. An example would be a Jeep Wrangler JL with 37" tall tires should run anywhere from 27-30 PSI on road. When off-road, reducing your tire pressure to 15 psi will allow the tire to work like a shock absorber as well as provide increased traction.

  
  
  

  
  Winch maintenance
  
  

  Winches are an excellent recovery tool and require very minimal maintenance. If you're not regularly using your winch, spend a little bit of time twice a year to power-out a few feet of cable and then power-in the winch cable. This will help to keep the internal electrical components free of corrosion and rust. Spool out the entire winch line and inspect for any type of damage to the line. If the steel cable has broken strands or the synthetic line is frayed, replace the line to maintain a safe winch.

  
  
  

  
  Load support options for towing and hauling
  
  

  When hauling heavy loads or towing if your rear suspension squats excessively or feels overworked you will want to consider some type of suspension load support. There are various options available that will provide additional load support. Air bags allow adjustment for varying loads and optimize ride quality. Helper springs provide additional support without the extra work of inflating air bags. Products such as Sumo Springs or Timbrens provide additional load support with minimal impact on unloaded ride quality.

  
  
  

  
  Lifts and level kits when towing
  
  

  The majority of trucks manufactured have a tail-high stance for the purpose of towing and/or hauling. The slight raise to the rear of the truck allows the truck to squat when loaded but still maintain a tail-high to level stance. This allows the front end of the truck to maintain the needed weight bias for best handling. If you install a leveling kit or a lift kit that removes the rake then additional considerations are needed when hauling/towing. Products such as air bags and load support springs can help maintain a level ride when loaded.

  
  
  

  
  Leveling kits versus suspension lift kits
  
  

  A leveling kit is designed to only lift the front of a vehicle to level the front of a vehicle with the rear. The majority of trucks produced will have a “tail high” stance for the purpose of hauling and towing, which a leveling kit will correct. Most leveling kits will raise the front of the vehicle around two inches. A suspension lift kit will raise both the front and back of the vehicle. The majority of suspension lift kits will raise the front of a vehicle more than the rear so that the vehicle sits level with the increase in ride height. A six inch lift kit will raise the front of the truck by six inches and raise the rear four inches.

  
  
  

  
  Basic monthly maintenance
  
  

  A little bit of maintenance can go a long way in preventing major issues. Here is a list of some simple but very important items to consider to keep your vehicle running and performing at peak condition.

  • Check the engine oil level and oil condition. Even newer engines can have an issue with oil loss or oil consumption.

  • Check tire pressure and inspect for any tire damage. Newer vehicles have tire pressure sensors that constantly monitor the tire pressure but older vehicles require manual inspection. Also check for cuts in the tire or any other abnormality that may be a sign of tire damage.

  • Inspect all exterior lights such as brake lights and turn signals to stay safe on the road.

  • Inspect for any fluid leaks from the drivetrain and axles.

    
    
    

    
    Tire Balancing
    
    

    All tire balances are not the same. When having your tires balanced the preferred method is called Dynamic balancing. Dynamic balancing works to counter imperfections in the tire and wheel by adding weights in two different planes as opposed to Static balancing which uses one plane. The larger the tire the more beneficial Dynamic balancing becomes.

    
    
    

    
    Battery Technology
    
    

    There are three main battery technologies used in vehicles today and they all have their pros and cons. There is the basic Lead Acid battery that has been around for decades. It’s a simple design with lead plates suspended in acid. These batteries are the least expensive but aren’t as durable as other technologies especially when it comes to off-road vehicles. AGM batteries are the next step up in batteries. AGM batteries are constructed more robustly and provide more energy in the same footprint as a Lead Acid battery. The majority of off-road vehicles would benefit from an AGM battery. The newest technology is Lithium-Ion. Lithium-Ion is much lighter in weight than either Lead Acid or AGM. Lithium-Ion also has the most available energy in the same size. The downsides to Lithium-Ion are that most vehicle electrical systems are not yet compatible and Lithium-Ion is also the most expensive.

    
    
    

    
    Straight Axle vs. Independent Front Suspension (IFS)
    
    

    When comparing straight axle and independent front suspension for off-roading, several factors come into play. Straight axle setups are known for their robustness, durability, and ability to handle extreme terrains. They provide excellent articulation and maximum traction, making them ideal for hardcore off-road enthusiasts tackling challenging obstacles. On the other hand, independent front suspension offers a smoother ride, improved handling, and better performance on uneven surfaces. IFS provides greater comfort and maneuverability, making it a preferred choice for off-roaders who prioritize a balanced driving experience both on and off the road. Ultimately, the choice between straight axle and independent front suspension depends on the specific off-roading preferences and priorities of the individual.

    
    
    

    
    Independent Suspension Control Arms
    
    

    Independent Front Suspension (IFS) vehicles that have been lifted can experience significant improvements by upgrading to new upper control arms specifically designed for lifted applications. These specialized upper control arms offer several advantages. Upgrading to upper control arms designed for lifted applications allows for additional wheel travel. Most aftermarket arms are engineered to correct and optimize the caster angle, which results in more stable and predictable handling. This is especially beneficial when driving on highways or off-road trails. Aftermarket arms are also typically built with stronger materials and construction methods, providing increased durability for off-road and rugged driving conditions.

    
    
    

    
    Jeep Wrangler axle housing
    
    

    The 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler was built with two different front axle models. The Rubicon package was built with a Dana 44 and all other trim levels were built with a Dana 30. The Dana 44 was considered an upgrade over the Dana 30 due to a stronger ring and pinion as well as being equipped with an electronic locker. The unfortunate similarity between the Dana 30 and the Dana 44 is that they were both manufactured with inadequate axle tubing material. The axle tubes were manufactured with a small diameter, thin wall steel that does not withstand the forces applied to it resulting in bent axle tubes. There are external signs that point towards a bent housing such as leaking inner axle seals and camber settings beyond stock. The most accurate means of measuring an axle housing for straightness requires disassembly of the axle and the use of specialty tooling to measure for any discrepancies. The solution to a bent housing is to replace the housing with a heavy duty aftermarket unit which is built with larger, thicker tubes preventing any future problems.

    
    
    

    
    Toyota 8” bushing
    
    

    The 2005 and up Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, and FJ Cruiser are equipped with the Toyota 8” front differential. The 8” utilizes a needle bearing to support the driver side inner axle shaft. The issue is that the needle bearing has a very poor tolerance to the shaft which leads to driveline noise and vibration which becomes more prevalent once a vehicle has been lifted and the CV axle angle is increased. The solution is to replace the needle bearing with a bushing that has much tighter tolerance providing more support for the axle shaft in the differential.

    
    
    

    
    First off-road upgrades
    
    

    If you are new to four wheeling or have a new vehicle here is a list of upgrades to consider.

    • A good set of all-terrain tires. Many new vehicles come equipped with lightweight street tread type tires which lack off-road traction as well as strength. A good set of LT (light truck) rated all-terrain tires will provide increased traction along with more puncture resistance.

    • Equip your vehicle with essential recovery gear, such as a winch, recovery straps, and a shovel, to help get your vehicle out of sticky situations. Also make sure that you have secure recovery points or tow hooks both front and rear.

    • Rock sliders protect the sides of your vehicle from rocks and other obstacles and can also serve as steps for easier access.

    • Carry a basic set of tools along with a tire repair kit, a jack, and an air compressor to handle most minor emergencies.

      
      
      

      
      Recovery Straps
      
      

      One of the most simple yet effective pieces of recovery gear is a strap. A basic “tow” strap will usually come in twenty or thirty foot lengths and in varying widths based on its rated weight capacity. A tow strap is only intended to pull or tow a vehicle and is not designed to free a stuck vehicle. In instances where the vehicle is stuck in mud, snow, or high centered a “dynamic” type of strap is recommended. These straps will be known as “snatch” straps and have some level of stretch built into them. The next step up in terms of dynamic straps are kinetic recovery ropes. Recovery ropes have the greatest amount of stretch and shock absorbing properties. When shopping for a strap look for one that has a minimum breaking strength equal or greater than three to four times your vehicle's weight.

      
      
      

      
      Extended storage
      
      

      Before leaving your vehicle parked for an extended period, take these essential steps to safeguard it.

      • Ensure your battery remains in top condition by using a battery maintainer to keep it fully charged and prevent discharging, which can lead to battery damage.

      • Preserve the vehicle’s paint by washing and waxing it, guarding against contaminants that can harm the finish.

      • Overinflate the tires by a few PSI to compensate for natural pressure loss over time as well as temperature fluctuations.

      • Before storing the vehicle, fill the fuel tank completely and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent gasoline breakdown, ensuring the engine starts smoothly when you take the vehicle out of storage.

      • Change the engine oil and filter. Changing the oil helps remove contaminants, and moisture from the engine that can cause damage long term.

        
        
        

        
        Jeep Wrangler Driveshafts
        
        

        The 2007 and newer Jeep Wranglers use what is called a Rzeppa joint on the front and rear driveshafts. The Rzeppa joint is used in places where traditionally a u-joint would be utilized. The benefit of the Rzeppa is that the Rzeppa joint is a constant velocity joint and is smoother in its rotation compared to a U-joint. The Rzeppa joint does have its weaknesses thou. The main issue with the Rzeppa joint is that it uses a flexible rubber boot to seal the joint. When a suspension lift is installed it increases the angle the Rzeppa operates at which stresses and eventually tears the boot. Once the boot is torn it no longer seals in the grease required for the joint and the joint slowly grinds itself apart. Once the joint has been run without grease it can not be relubricated and must be replaced. A common symptom of a worn Rzeppa joint is a clicking noise from the drivetrain which if left unattended turns into a grinding or clunking noise.

        
        
        
        
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