Tate

Alright I'm pretty new to Jeeps and wheeling. This summer I plan on taking a trip to Rausch Creek with my dad and try some easy to moderate trails. Because I'm a novice and want to be as prepared as possible, I'm asking you guys with experience what all else I need. Here is what I have right now:

98 XJ
3" RC Lift and 31s
d30 Spartan Locker
Good front and rear recovery points
Removable winch front or rear

I need armor, but I don't know what would be most important? What extra parts should I take along? Any other advice appreciated. Thanks

MWildmann

For easy to moderate trails at Rausch Creek, you are already pretty well equipped. Take some basic tools with you too. I wheeled at RC without much skid plating (read: none) without issue. Just be careful when picking your lines. If you want, start with a gas tank skid and rocker guards. With those 2 things and a good head on your shoulders, you'll be able to do much harder trails than you'd expect. You'll need a second vehicle to get past registration though. The rules also state you need a full size spare, and if you've got that, you'll also need a jack to get the Jeep high enough to be able to use it. But I did easy to moderate trails there when my XJ was still stock. BTW, where are you located?

Tate

Thanks ! I live in northcentral PA, Tioga County. I havent found anybody on CF near me

MWildmann

Tioga County is a pretty serious haul to RC. Surprised you haven't been able to find anything fun up there already.

Tate

Yea, tell me about it. My dad thinks we'll trailer it down and stay for a weekend. I've found a few little spots but nothing challenging or legal.

Tom95YJ

Rausch Creek ....... I had a bunch of good times there. Your list of parts seems decent but I would add rock sliders.

Some of my favorite trails there are Rock Creek, Yellow Jacket , Crawler Ridge , Trail 5

Atmos

rock sliders rock sliders rock sliders. and middle frame stiffeners too. I bounce those parts of my jeep off rocks more than anywhere else. I've already cut out my rockers and have dents in my frame (stiffeners are now attached.) for anyone seeing rocks, sliders and frame plating should be at the top of the list

andrewmp6

A full size spare tire,high lift jack,some basic tools,some parts like hoses u joints all fluids and a good first aid kit.Some places will make you carry a ax and shovel in fire season so not a bad idea anyways to have.

ehracing67

I split my time between Bradford and Lehigh counties, we've got groups going to Rausch just about every other weekend in April and may. Jeep an eye on the forums on rausch's website, there's always a group you can meet up with on there. And your pretty well set up for Rausch for the blue/green trails.

dukie564

You're pretty well set up for greens and light blues. I'd seriously consider adding some skid plating though - rocks can be vicious.

At minimum i'd say a gas tank skid and differential cover protection of some sort.

LCA skids are a great idea, as is a transfer case skid (especially on 3" and 31s).


As for parts/supplies, must haves are: Jack, tow strap, full size spare, tool kit.
I always carry a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, air pump, water, and a spare rear axle shaft as well.

Tate

Alright, thanks. I will look into making some

Tate

Good, list, thanks. Do you have any opinion on harbor freight high lifts?

Tate

Thanks, i want to meet up with a group. I might send you a pm sometime down the road

Tate

Thanks, are the LCA skids for the LCA itself or for where they bolt onto the unibody?

scottd16

I think everything has been covered but most things really depend on your wheeling style and types of trails you plan to run. I would try to get some other people to go with you especially someone who has been a few times. I go 3 or 4 times a year and have trouble memorizing the trails and where to go, for some reason as soon as I get behind the wheel all sense of direction is lost, I just cruise along ha. I've never broken anything while there but be prepared for anything, Last time I was there a buddies steel braided brake lines broke and he went rolling down a hill climb in reverse, luckily the workshop had a brake line for him and he could drive home.