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Can I Go Off Road With Stock Axels And 37s?

ERMedic777

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I am getting ready to go off roading for the first time since adding the Mopar lift and 37s. I have a Sport S with max tow, so the wider axels. I've read posts ranging from "stock axels with 37s will explode the instant you drive off pavement" (maybe slight exaggeration :)) to "I have stock axels and 37s and off road all the time." I have never seen the former group substantiate their claims, but have seen many from the latter group substantiate their posts with pics.

So, to give me confidence that my stock axels will not turn to shrapnel the instant my tires leave pavement, I'd appreciate seeing posts from people who off road with stock axels and 37s without problems. Pics would be great.

Thanks in advance.
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NItto Ridge Grapplers 37's , 4:10 gears and stock axles If I have not broken them yet you will be just fine lol

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Jeep Gladiator Can I Go Off Road With Stock Axels And 37s? 70869833_10214817456166210_1720454304097107968_n


Jeep Gladiator Can I Go Off Road With Stock Axels And 37s? 70940198_10214817455686198_6587166538439065600_n


Jeep Gladiator Can I Go Off Road With Stock Axels And 37s? 71136718_10214817454966180_279630236717416448_n


Jeep Gladiator Can I Go Off Road With Stock Axels And 37s? 79130297_10215370913202290_6814655554355462144_n


Jeep Gladiator Can I Go Off Road With Stock Axels And 37s? 79354345_10215365805434599_2823088119694229504_o
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jtforrester

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NItto Ridge Grapplers 37's , 4:10 gears and stock axles If I have not broken them yet you will be just fine lol

Jeep Gladiator Can I Go Off Road With Stock Axels And 37s? 79354345_10215365805434599_2823088119694229504_o


Jeep Gladiator Can I Go Off Road With Stock Axels And 37s? 79354345_10215365805434599_2823088119694229504_o


Jeep Gladiator Can I Go Off Road With Stock Axels And 37s? 79354345_10215365805434599_2823088119694229504_o


Jeep Gladiator Can I Go Off Road With Stock Axels And 37s? 79354345_10215365805434599_2823088119694229504_o


Jeep Gladiator Can I Go Off Road With Stock Axels And 37s? 79354345_10215365805434599_2823088119694229504_o


Jeep Gladiator Can I Go Off Road With Stock Axels And 37s? 79354345_10215365805434599_2823088119694229504_o
Thanks, that is great feedback! Do your 37s rub with the Rubicon fenders?
 

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Thanks, this is exactly the type of feedback I was looking for.

I attended the Jeep Adventure Academy at SMORR in Seymour, Missouri, over the weekend and did some trails I wouldn't have attempted before attending the event. I went back to SMORR the next day and did some more challenging trails and my Gladiator did fine--no broken axles!

I did find out, however, that 37s with the 2" Mopar lift with the say bar disconnected on a Sport S will absolutely rub the fenders (max tow, 17x9 wheels with -6mm offset, 37x12 BFG KO2s). Mine rubbed countless times over the weekend. Time for new fenders...
Good for you! You got out in your Jeep, did some off roading after learning about how to do it.

Re: your 37's rubbed "the fenders" did they rub the outside edge/lip or the fender liners? Just wondering why you said "time for new fenders?"
 
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jtforrester

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Good for you! You got out in your Jeep, did some off roading after learning about how to do it.

Re: your 37's rubbed "the fenders" did they rub the outside edge/lip or the fender liners? Just wondering why you said "time for new fenders?"
They rubbed the outside edge/lip which I believe means I need to get fenders with more clearance.
 

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jtforrester

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Or wheels with more backspacing/+offset. I know you’re not going this route, but just saying...
You are right, I do not plan to go that route. But thanks for the suggestion, I will consider the cost of new wheels compared to the cost of fenders as I shop for fenders.
 

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If you have body colored fenders I'd go another route. If they're black fenders I'd look at Metal Cloak's fenders or some others. Personally I'd lift the Jeep higher - I went with Metal Cloak's 3.5" lift to avoid this issue
 
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If you have body colored fenders I'd go another route. If they're black fenders I'd look at Metal Cloak's fenders or some others. Personally I'd life the Jeep higher - I went with Metal Cloak's 3.5" lift to avoid this issue
I have plastic fenders. I prefer the stock look (I know many do not) so I am hoping to find some take-off Rubicon fenders.
 

BuckSawLilandtheGoose

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I have stock axles with 37" Trepadors on my JTR and just did some 6/7 trails in Uwharrie, NC last week. No issues at all. It all comes down to how you drive. You could have the most expensive totally built axles in the world and still break them if you drive like a knucklehead.

Jeep Gladiator Can I Go Off Road With Stock Axels And 37s? IMG_20201010_124808_890
 

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With most everything in the driveline, the enemy is shock load. Examples would include 'burning out' on gravel then hitting pavement, axle hopping, spinning tires while at full lock, accelerating with a wheel in the air. If you wheel slow, you will be surprised of what your jeep can manage. Upgraded axles can improve what your jeep will be tolerant of, but if you are mindful when you are driving you will be fine.

Note: There will always be anecdotal examples where there was probably a material flaw, you may turn out to be one of them, in general you will be fine.
 
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jtforrester

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I broke a front axle u-joint this past weekend...
Do you know what caused it to break? Excess load while rock crawling? Big impact while rock bouncing?
 

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Dudes, I was wheeling at the mall yesterday and some dork had the nerve to park me in! Completely blocked me from backing up even if I used the trail camera! Well, I showed him. I put it in 4L and drove right over the median strip! That’s like a 3% grade my friends, really! There was this little bush and it tried to scratch my tire, but I used high gloss Armor All and it came right out, whew! This is what these beasts are made for!
Your nicer then me. I have the steel bumper, 4L back up and push car out of the way.
Im the guy that if you block my driveway at all. Floor jack diff, swing your car into the middle of the street, watch you get towed. (Done it twice in the city)
 

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Do you know what caused it to break? Excess load while rock crawling? Big impact while rock bouncing?
I was climbing a very steep trail, and was spinning a bit to climb a ledge. It didn’t make it up the ledge, and I didn’t get my foot off the gas before the Jeep landed back down. Pop! Pulled the shafts and limped out.

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