Off Road Capability of KK

[mjaon]

Hi Guys,

I've had my KK Sport for a couple of months now and overall fairly pleased with it. However a recent trip on a loose gravel road (with corrugation) showed some shortcomings. In 4wd auto mode, it wasn't very sure footed at all, with the rear sliding about at moderate speed. I'm just wondering what would improve the handling in these situations. Should I be looking at after market suspension upgrade or different tyres etc? (I've just got the standard KK with standard tyres on it).

[MissionMan]

Could this not be the traction control interfering due to the lack of traction? Did you try turning it off?

[mjaon]

Thanks, I hadn't realised this could be the problem. I'll give it a try.

[MissionMan]

Just remember there are two different methods of turning off ASC so try both. One only turns it off partially.

[Jeepology]

What pressure were you running in your tyres?

[mjaon]

It was just standard pressure

[CRDSTU]

majon, nothing wrong with them at all, you'll probably need to drive it more to understand how it behaves off road.
Sure better wider softer grippier tyres will give you better traction as will lift gain you clearance but just get to know the car before you start changing/upgrading it. That way you will get a better understanding of 'how' you mods improve the cars' ability overall.

I rememvber when I 1st got my KJ (2nd one actually) and I took it to Ormeau one Sunday arvo by myself to really put it through its paces to see how well it did and it what situations. I also took a tape measure and some tools to fiddle with the suspension to work out longer travel but thats a different story ;)

The traction control devices really play with your mind too. Try and get used to it!

[mjhobbs]

I recently did some beach driving. I also thought my new KK that I had been so impressed with struggled, especially on really soft sand. I started to get a bit sad......

THEN I remembered I now have ESP and TCS. This being new for me i straight away looked up how to turn it off.

AND OH MY GOD!!! On Sand BIG DIFFERENCE!!!!!!! Dont really need ESP and TCS when bush. It's for road driving... maybe rock. This is what I have found anyway with my short experience with it. Not saying its bad. It has saved me a few times on the road. My new jeep has alot more power than my old car and took a bit to adjust.

To enter “Full Off” mode, depress and hold the “ESP Off” button for 5 seconds while the vehicle is stopped with the engine running.
“ESP/TCS Indicator” light will illuminate and an “ESP Off” message will appear in the dask. ESP and TCS are now turned off until you reach above 60 km/h. Here it will change to "Partial Off" but will go back to "Full Off" when going back under 60km/h.... or 65km/h cant remember exactly. Though doing higher speeds offroad is generally dangerous unless you know the track, so u rarely go over 60ish and if u do you have that momentum to help you also.

[Sheeds]

I saw Keith off this forum punt his near stock KK with road tyres through the moderate plus tracks at Damp Coff's last year and I was impressed - think he only needed one recovery all day. There was a KJ on the same trip with a lift and all terrains and it needed a few snatches that day.

Although Keith did have a 4wd systems lokka in the back which I think helped - plus some good driving eh Keith ;)

[Keith]

Hi All.

The KK is pretty good offroad. You must adjust your tyre pressures to suit the terrain you are drive on. I always lower my tyre pressures down to 16psi for any low range activies and for beach driving.

I have just returned from a trip to Crowdy Heads where I drove on the beach and had a play with the ESP Off button. With a rear Diff Lock I was not able to detect any difference between ESP On and Off.

I have been 4wd instructing for the TAFE I work for and have seen on a regular basis most beginners will attach a section of track with heaps of right foot in fear of not getting through the section. When I get them to go back and try with a little less power and speed they get through easily with a lot less fuss and no notable interference from any ESP or TCS.

And finally a rear Diff Lock is a really good thing to have fitted to your 4wd. You can simply crawl along a tough track and take your time as the need for heaps of momentum is not needed.

Happy Wheelin.**) **) **)

[Smik]

Hey all,
Always thought dif-lockers made sense and I've beached mine a few times due to beer and the fact that with road tyres you don't get much warning. Any suggestions/problems with kits sportsfans?

[MissionMan]

For starters, the beer may help. Less beer = less chance of getting stuck :p

[Smik]

Does the Mission ....? Some work their arses off to drive down a track however they want