Nothing better than seat time!
That's just my opinion.

Seat time helps!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g0lYt28zEg&t=37s

Thanks for all the replies! We are up in the Thornton area. I love all the advise - it really helps. I find most of it applies to everything in life

I prefer to learn from others as opposed to making my own stupid mistakes - not that I wouldn't make them anyway! As avid mountain bikers, we are all about the whole tread lightly philosophy. I also used to live in the back country on my snowmobile so I get the whole perception of the sport to the not-so-motorized-friendly crowds here in CO.

Sounding like a club might be the best approach. I'll have to dig around a bit. I mostly am hoping to find a great environment to help my Son learn - and me to a more limited extent. He is finishing up building a '98 and wants to do some wheeling. He wants to learn and I don't have the skills/experience to teach him.....hence the subject of my post. His '98 should be done next week and back on the road - then we'll get to shake out all the bugs. He has done 98% of the work with me getting him tools and offering hands and advise as needed (nice change for sure!). Better yet, it has been his money too!

Thanks for all the input. I have ordered up those books and will put them under the Christmas Tree along with some recovery tools .

All great tips. I'll add one more that I kept in mind when I first started wheeling (always alone, cos I'm a dummy). Depending on how new you are: 2wd is for going in; 4wd is for getting home. In other words, as soon as you think you think you're going to *need* 4wd just to go further down the trail, time to turn around (unless you know the trail and know you can get through to the end in 2wd). It's the sissy way to wheel, but when you're alone it can save a lot pain and sorrow (ask me how I know!)

Alternately, high range is for going in, low range is for getting home. Same principle.

Once you've got some seat time, some recovery practice and confidence, you cane trade these guidelines for a couple extra pair of drawes - cos if you don't sh*t yourself you're not doing it right! 😜

I live in Westminster (92nd & Wads). The only "club" i'm a part of is Rising Sum Land Cruisers. Other than that a few groups on FB.
Going wheeling this weekend if you want to join.
Probably hit Cony Flats, MSV on Saturday.

Some good interesting advice here. Much of witch I wish I had many years ago................So get out there, plan to get stuck a few times. Remember, its about the ADVenture. have some fun.
Learn what your other foot is for. You have two feet, use them, and not for walking. So as a matter of technique, this is a great one.
Throttle response is delayed,(exaggerated on newer vehicles with electric servos for throttles). So learn to bring the RPM up with the throttle, and hold the brake. Hold STEADY throttle and modulate the brake. this does several things for you. One........It is smooth, smooth is good because you brake less things, tear up the road less and generally finesse you way through better. Two, it tends to hold the wheel with less traction better. So forcing torque to the wheel with the most traction. It's no substitute for lockers, or better suspension flex, but helpful. Great little tip. Oh, I should say works best with automatics. Guess that just comes natural, in a society that can't drive manuals.

Driving with two feet with an automatic is how the police do it. Super handy when backing up trailers too!

Well....ours is a manual It does ahve a rear elocker that we need to finish wiring up.

Thanks for the invite ajordan - I will take you up on it at some point. Need about 3 more days before we can turn the key on this '98. Motor is just sitting on the mounts - not torqued down - and the trans/xfer case/drive shafts are not in yet...nor is the new radiator, any of the electrical connections, hoses, battery....lol.

Oh and it still needs the interior completed....

Will be driving by Thanksgiving pending any real issues or screw ups on our part.

This weekend I attended an entry-level 4wd training course. I've been offroading for 10+ years and I found the course to be very valuable. There were lots of basics that they covered that I was already familiar with. But I also learned a lot! It was also a comfortable, low-key atmosphere (which you don't always get wheeling with buddies or a club). I wish I had done something like this years ago.

Someone once told me the best investments are ones you make in yourself. Maybe this holds true for offroading, too

What class did you take?

I'm in SoCal as well and would also be interested in the details of the class.
Have a web site link we can check out?

I agree with this....to a point. I have been an avid back country snowmobiler for nearly the past 20 years. I had the privilege early on to ride with an old timer who was far more experienced than I was. I learned a ton just by watching what he did...watching how he moved....watching him make decisions and going over why he made them in my head as opposed to just blindly following his lead. It kept me safe and kept me headed home at the end of the day. I still learn something every trip. Things can go bad quickly in the back country and your decisions can either contribute to a spiral that ends with you in a bad way...or can see your safe return to the lot.

I suspect similar statements hold true to wheeling...hence the original motivation for me posting this thread. Working smart as opposed to working hard. I believe there is always something to be learned from someone else...even if it is what not to do.

However, at the end of the day, skills are learned and honed buy getting out and doing as opposed to sitting around talking. Figured I have a few months to "sit around and talk", it seemed like a good topic to start

I took the "Getting Started Off-Road" course. https://www.4x4training.com/

I feel way more comfortable with dunes after this class (they were my nemesis).

What ajordan1975 said.


The Rising Sun 4WD Club also puts on Cruise Moab every year. A great vacation for the family or individuals who want to hang out and LEARN from highly experienced, friendly people. Some are professionals who volunteer their time as trail leaders. Check out their website: risingsun4x4club.org
Truly a Fun experience.

Will do. I have heard of these guys before...I bought my FJ80 off a guy who was a member there. Never should have sold that 80.....

Ditto. I had a '96 80 w/f&r lockers.