Friday, October 30, 2009

The Best Off-Road Vehicle

Choosing the best Jeep for off roading isn't as easy as you might think. The name Jeep has been synonymous with rugged and durable vehicles since it rolled off the assembly line on September 21, 1940. Within the Jeep family there is wide selection of sport vehicles to choose from.

There are many forms of activities for your Jeep that does not involve a paved road. Driving through the mud, water, sand, gravel or snow has become a favorite pass time for many which includes rock crawling. This sport requires modification of your vehicle for higher clearances. Mud-bogging challenges drivers to plow through muddy areas as far as possible without getting stuck down in it. Dune bashing requires that you beat up the sand with your vehicle. These are just a few of the activities one can do with a Jeep.

The CJ-7, Civilian Jeep, best known for its all-wheel drive automatic transmission option allowed beginner off-road daredevils to easily navigate rough ground. Although the Laredo and Renegade models had chrome packages they were perfect for off-road as well as going out on the town. The CJ-7 is well known and loved for mud racing.

Another excellent Jeep for down and dirty fun is the JK, YJ and TJ otherwise known as the Wrangler. This 4X4 SUV brought back the ever-loved Jeep style used during WW2. Released in the late 80's the Wrangler has been re-fashioned several times up until 2007. Like the CJ models, the Wrangler uses a live axle system which allows all four wheels to move together for better traction and power.

The next Jeep model that hit the dirt in 2003 was the Wrangler Rubicon 4X4. This Jeep sported over ten inches of ground clearance and provides a 44 degree angle of approach and a 40 degree angle of departure. Simply speaking you'll be able to get over larger obstacles. Sporting a V6, the Rubicon is priced to sell way below most sport utility vehicles. The Rubicon was specifically built with the off-roader in mind. Options included in this package are the front and rear Dana 44 axles, a transfer case with a low-range and 31 inch tires.

Unlike most sport utility vehicles, SUV's, the Jeep is easy to adapt or lift for off road high-jinx. Adding a roll-bar for safety and larger tires for clearance and traction the Jeeps narrow body, short wheelbase and smaller frame make it ideal for anybody who wants to get in the mud. Another feature that comes standard with Jeeps is the removable doors and top which is a key selling point for off road enthusiast.

How do you choose the best Jeep for your off-road needs? Simply make sure the vehicle has the name Jeep attached to it. Without any modifications your Jeep is ready to hit the roughest, messiest, longest terrain you can throw at it. Whether you're looking to hit the dunes in your home town or the Baja 500 your Jeep will get you where you need to be. The only question left is whether you're a good enough driver to make it over that hill.

For more Jeep tips head over to http://www.jeep4x4center.com, where our knowledge base is sure to contain some useful information to the Jeep owner.

Article by By Samuel Crasnick

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