Hi All,

I'm a total newbie to 4 wheeling. I'm trying to learn about the sport before I run out and buy a rig to start messing around with.

Does anyone know of any good sites or books that can help get me up so speed? I've already read the 4-wheelers bible, but I'm trying to find more detailed information on suspension build ups, etc.

My end goal is to have a rig that I can drive to the trail. I understand I will sacrifice capability, but that's prety much the way it needs to be (at least for now) .

Anyway - thanks in advance for any info.

Thanks,
Cartman

Hook up with a club in your area and see if you can tag along on some runs. See what works and what doesn't. Learn how to work on things. Try to decide what kind of rig you want.

A couple of things I'll caution you on--
1. Just because everyone has one, doesn't mean you need it. You don't need a Jeep on 35's with lockers to have fun.

2. Buy a used "whatever". Buy as much as you can afford. If you buy something with 150k miles on it, you're going to use some of your mod budget to maintain it.

3. Wheel your "whatever" stock. Learn what it and you can do. Learn how to pick a line. You can get through quite a bit stock.

That's all I've got. Have fun with it. Don't ever let it get you frustrated.

Oh yeah, I learned to wheel in a stock 1996 2wd Toyota Tacoma. I learned clutch control and how to pick a line.

You didn't include your state with your profile when you registered. There are a lot of different kinds of 4 wheeling. Where you live plays a big role in it.

Yes, look for a local club. Or two local clubs. Find out where they go and drive there some time, walking in if necessary. Watch and learn. Be wary of the magazines. Most are just vehicles to sell aftermarket parts.

If you go out or watch stock vehicles, most are lucky to even keep moving. There are exceptions and some stock vehicles are much more capable than their new owners. They still get stuck. Reading won't help you much. You've got an internet connection, so spend your time reading the different forums.

Be very wary of brand loyalty. Some of us never even consider anything but a Jeep, but there are other vehicles that somehow seem to get along just fine. And there are others that get stuck on gravel roads. A vehicle set up for mud running will be pretty much a joke in rock.

Another thing you'll discover is that there is a thriving group of people that do what we call jeep touring. There are national events like TDS, Easter Jeep Safari, Camp Jeep, the various Jeep Jambories, and the All-4-Fun that aren't devoted to trailered in/dedicated purpose machines. That translates into "run what you brung". Again, where you live can play a big role.