hey guys, recently bought a 2004 rubicon from what i've read it can off road right out of the box. Anything i need to do to this jeep before taking it off road, it has 31" goddyear mtr's stock and installed skid plate for oil pan and man. trani, also one on transfer case. Any suggestions, i am new to the off road, dont want to ruin a good thing. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

You'll need to insert a Metallica CD before entering mud. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

You already have the best of the best!! Do NOT do anything to it till you get accostomed to the boonies. When you find a trail that it will NOT travel look at what is working on that trail and see what it might take to get your ride to that point.
For myself a Stock Rubi would do anything I have attempted in 50 years of offroading. Of course I don't do climbing events...most don't either.
For gods sake leave the engine intake and coil alone!!!
You have the best Jeep EVER made! Try it out. And good luck.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Find some new local friends to go wheeling with!!! That way if you do get stuck you arent stuck walking home. Other than that just take your time, and remember faster is usually not better off road.

X2 what Bigbird wrote above. Especially when you're beginning; number one rule is never go alone. Hookup with some experienced fourwheelers, Jeep owners would be the best to learn basic stuff about Jeeps and how to operate your Jeep offroad. There is a lot to learn from other Jeep owners. Tag-a-long or join a Jeep Club.
I suggest getting under the Jeep and locate where your differentials are, and take note how little ground clearance there really is under the differentials. You'll soon learn that planning a line (route) through a rockgarden (maze of rocks) or other obstacles involves placing the tires on top of the rocks to provide clearance for the front and rear differentials. That's a good beginning lesson.
Other thoughts are: thoroughly change all the fluids in the used Jeep; transfer case, transmission, differentials, engine, and coolant system (owner's manual is important guide where newer Jeeps have different fluids than early Wranglers). Check for any loose or damaged suspension or steering assemblies (it will be obvious if there are any major problems). Make sure engine and tranny-transfer case are working properly; and tires are in good condition (still have goodamount of tread on 'em). Emergency stuff, "just in case" things don't go as planned. Tools and recovery equipment (another good reason to four wheel with experienced Jeepers); this is a staggering list of items, but where you are a beginner you'll normally not be expected to have these items. For a beginner,get a small cheap portable air compressor; it's a common practice to air the tires down to 10 to 15 pounds pressure to increase traction on rocks,etc. and to provide a more comfortable ride offroad. The air compressor is used to refill tires after the trail ride.
And for heaven's sake, avoid deep mud and/or deep water! General rule of thumb, never allow the water to get above the center of your wheel. And, of course, go slowly at water crossings and/or mud pits to avoid getting water or mud into your air intake and causing damage to your engine. Deep water can easily fill your engine compartment if your vehicle speed is too great: results vary if this happens, but engine hydrolock, radiator fans can be deflected into radiator, and engine electrical system shorts are some of the things I've seen.
Tow hooks front and rear (I believe most Rubicons have these as standard equipment).
That might be a good starting list of stuff; if possible, an attractive young gal as a co-pilot does seem to enhance the whole offroad "thing"! Have fun, and welcome to the 4x4wire!

Thanks for the input. Question; I might be needing tires soon these have 29000 on them and not a whole lot of tread left, any suggestions? I have goodyear mtr245 75r 16 on it now, they came stock. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

You prolly have a lot of miles left in them But if you do get new ones just keep on with the 245x16 Goodyear MTR's!!
There aren't many tires better if any at all.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Ps.... I keep tell'n you... you already have the best of the best!!

Jim...I have the MTR's and still like my BFG mud terrains much better!!! The MTR is a great tire nonetheless.

Yep! A great tire... However the MTR is a bit closer to an AT and behaves somewhat better on the hiway. Your BFG maaaaay get you out of some mud I have never seen that the MTR would not.
Also I am pretty sure the newer casing of the goodyear is stronger.
Of course I choose the firestone mud tire for my own use. But the goodyear is one hellova tire too.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Yeah Jim, the BFG M/T does clog up in thick stuff where I'd much rather have a set of swampers or boggers...but I don't have the money to run that type of mud tire on the road that'll wear 'em down in no time. The BFG's hold up dang well on the pavement...last set went like 35,000 miles with religious rotating.