what makes a jeep such a good offroad vehicle?

Question

I have an 01 grand cherokee and im wondering what makes my jeep so much better than a similar car like an explorer

Answer 1

Jeeps are "designed to go offroad". What that specifically means is:

1. Engines are tuned for low-end torque. That means at idle or with gas barely applied, wheels will go slowly over obstacles with lots of power reaching the wheels. By comparison, other SUV's require more gas and higher engine RPM's to get power to the wheels, and end up spinning tires on loose terrain. Also, when a Jeep is aimed down a steep hill in 4-lo, the engine "brakes" and maintains a controlled decent without the driver needing to mash the brake pedal.

2. Frame/body rigidity. I saw a demo once where the front-left tire of an Explorer was in the air due to uneven terrain. This caused the body to twist enough that the doors would not open. Then a Jeep was placed in the same situation and the doors were unaffected.

3. Axle articulation: Jeeps are designed with a lot more up-down wheel travel than other SUV's. That means the situation where one wheel is in the air is not as likely to occur.

4. 4WD system. There are various 4wd systems offered on Jeeps, but the majority are designed to redirect power from slipping wheels to gripping wheels. By comparison, other 4wd systems are more likely to deliver maximum power to the fastest-spinning wheel.

5. Water fording: The air intake and vent lines for the differentials and transmission are all routed up high for deep water crossings.

6. Ground clearance and skid plates - Jeep ground clearances are typically higher than other SUV's. Also, essential parts are covered by steel skid plates, designed with protection from rocks in mind.

Answer 2

The Grand Cherokee wasn't really designed for offroad use. It was meant to be competition for the Explorer in the sense that you can look cool yet have a comfortable ride. However, the Grand Cherokee used a solid front axle as someone stated before (which adds rigidity when offroad). The Explorer is all "On Road." The engines as someone stated offer more low end torque (desireable off road). And a little note, Jeeps are still used in the military (in fact, the new Iraqi military uses Jeeps, as well as many other countries).

Answer 3

For most years of the Cherokee, GC and still with the Wrangler, Jeep used "solid" front and rear axles (also called "live" axles). These designs are very rugged and durable, and can be easily lifted with spacer blocks for more ground clearance.

When the sway bar is disconnected (an option on Rubicon versions of the Wrangler), the axle can articulate a considerable distance between the left and right side of the vehicle to traverse deep troughs and crests in terrain. The downside of a live axle is that it can be very harsh to drive, especially with heavy duty shock absorbers, when on dry pavement.

Ford used independent suspension in the Explorers, which give a very soft, passenger-car like ride, but is really not suited for extreme offroad driving.

The Jeep-Truck Engineering group of Chrysler has more than 60 years experience designing off-road capable vehicles. Small details such as water and dust proof electrical connectors make a big difference.

Answer 4

suitable geared up the wrangler can bypass approximately everywhere that any motor vehicle can. Even inventory it could out do many different 4X4 automobiles. i might actually advise the Jeep over the Blazer yet i'm a Jeep guy. you prefer 2 needed issues to bypass off street they seem to be a properly cautioned pal and restoration kit. I continuously propose which you bypass off roading in pairs or greater effective communities. That way if something happens you're no longer stranded on my own. help is there with you. better of luck and congratulations on transforming into a Jeep proprietor.

Answer 5

Jeep is much better for offroad use due to its bulletproof styling, and engine (4.0L inline 6). They 4WD systems are the best in the world, and the approach and departure angles are such that allow you to climb steeper hills without getting hung up.

The explorer is a beefed up family car with AWD or 4WD, not designed for offroad use due to independant suspension.

Answer 6

simply: lighter weight, narrower width, and short wheelbase, also add in torquey engines with great final gear ratio and superb 4 wheel systems. All these things let you go where bigger, heavier, vehicles cannot.

This has always been the Jeep formula, with exception of the Commander and the Compass - these do not represent the breed standard very well in my opinion...

Answer 7

The Explorer is not designed to go off-road!

But the Jeep in general is crap compared to a Land Rover or a Merc G-Wagon as these are stronger & better built vehicles & how many Jeeps do you see now in military service these days. Also better performers off-road

Answer 8

Your jeep is smaller and lighter. Jeep 4 wheele drive systems are the best around....look at the history of the CJ's. they were built for nothing but 4 wheelin.......

Answer 9

It's lighter and it has the structure of a humvee but smaller. The explorers are heavy, have no shocks and are beefy

Answer 10

there realy not they flip over very easy they probably got that rep from propaganda