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timkline previously said:
I'm new to this whole 4x4 thing. I started researching Jeeps when I decided I really loved the look of their new 4 door JKs. That lead me to here to look into other options, and also to a H3 board to learn more about them. Though I have yet to do any test drives and don't plan to buy till around March, I'm really getting into this whole off road thing. I always thought off roading was the kinda thing you do in dirtbikes and 3 wheelers & quads and the idea of doing it with a jeep or FJ seems like it would be hella fun. So I keep seeing all these things that people keep mentioning and I have no idea what they are or what they mean... I'm sure some of these question's answers may be in other posts but I didn't turn up good enough answers in the little search I did. I watched all the videos in the FJ bulletin, but still have some qestions, so here goes...
1. What's a rear differential and why do I want it to lock or not lock?
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Allows the wheels to turn at the same rate. Useful when you have traction in only 1 wheel (sand, uneven terrain, mud).
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2. What's that active traction thingy do?
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Traction control via ABS braking. Easier to experience then explain. It basically sends power to the wheel with traction.
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3. I see lots of off road vehicles with different bumpers and winches, are they necessary for offroading or is it just extra bells & whistles that are nice to have but not really necessary? what about the extra roof or front lights? I'd imagine it might help having them on trails at night but do you really need 12 of em like some seem to have?
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All of those makes the experience easier. Your need for them depend on what are you getting into. The FJ is very capable stock.
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4. Do your really need to raise your FJ or is the stock height good enough for most offroading? Why do you raise it anyway, just for looks? I'd imagine the extra clearance comes in handy in some places or for rock climbing. I had a jeep guy say the FJ's independent suspension made it tougher or more costly to raise, is that true?
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A lift allows you to put bigger tires in there and also allows for more articulation. Independent front suspension is a little bit harder then a solid axle when it comes to rocks, but again, it depends on what you're getting into. Most of us don't get in that deep.
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5. there's a local jeep/offroad club that I plan to get involved with after I buy, and I plan to start small but I can see myself really getting into this hobby/sport in the future. From what I've seen though, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of local (philadelphia) areas for offroading, there's a few within a few hours drive though.. but for those big events you see in the trail teams videos, how far away do people usually come from to be there? is it more local or is it people from all over the country? I think a big FJ fest would be a lot of fun, but on those videos they all seem to be pretty far away....
Ok thats it for now, I'm sure I'll think of more questions later 
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Wheel it stock for a while until you get a hang of it. Watch out for mod fever, you can mod yourself out of a very good truck very quickly.
Free advice so no refunds or warranties!
