Brand new to this forum. My son is soon to be 17 and he has a 96 Jeep XJ Sport. (Rather I have it, he drives it) He is into the 4x4 world and together we want to have some safe fun. I live near the UNF and heard about the trails there but have no info other than the cnc4x4 web site. Can anyone who has been there explain the access and some trails that a basically stock XJ can navigate with relative ease. I did see where you have to 18 to drive it. This Jeep has slightly oversized tires but are road type, not off-road. I think for a good experience, we need to just "bounce around" and get it muddy without getting stuck. We plan to slowly upgrade things like a 2 inch lift, wheels-tires, etc. But that might be a while.

Any advice or "Names" of trails would be appreciated. Also, can this be done solo or do you need to be part of a group or club? We have no problem joining, just didn't know.

The XJ is a good starter. Keep in mind that it is a uni-body construction which means it has no frame. That has good and bad points.

First, you lift. You mention a 2 in. I would recommend at least a 3 in lift as that will allow for use of 32 in tires. And, most lifts use blocks under the rear springs. I used 4 in springs (M.O.R.E out of Colorado) along with spacers under the front coil springs.

I am assuming you have the 4.0l engine which comes with auto tranny. Both are solid durable components.

Tires - I am partial to BFG All terrain for a good compromise for a daily driver. If you are in a muddy areas, the BFG KM2 is a great tire as the lugs clean better and faster than others.

I am not familiar with the UNF. There are several on this forum that live in the area. You might post in the OffTopic section for questions about that area. It pays to go with another vehicle or two.

I do recommend that you carry a hi-lift jack and a good tow strap (not one with metal hooks, but loops). Other items you will figure out when you need them; such as compressor, tire plug kit, and other tools.

A quick word about compressor... You get what you pay for. There are several quality compressors but be prepared to spend close to $300.

Reducing tire air pressure makes a big difference in off-road performance.

Shop around for upgrade kits. ExtremeTerrain (forum sponsor)!does carry a good line of products. Also, Rugged Ridge and Quadratec are good sources.

Happy wheeling and don't be afraid to ask questions.

One thing I know is an issue are the front bolts of the rear leaf springs. I can't tell if it's rusted into place at the welded nut or if it's the metal sleeve in the spring itself. I've already had 2 to 3 hundred psi on it. PB Blaster, etc. That's what's holding me up on new springs. I can't bring myself to pay someone hundreds, but may end up doing so.

Oh, and thanks for the advice,...right now, we're thinking more of trail riding rather than rock crawling,..but that might be in the future. (Once a little older)

Could be the sleeve is rusted. Find a local shop that deals in suspensions and explain the situation to them. The spring hanger may need to be replaced.

For that reason, bolts with zero fittings are a common upgrade especially with urethane bushings.