New to the forums

[Jeepaddict]

Hi guys,

I'm new to these forums and I have proudly owned my 04 Jeep Liberty
Renegade since 04. I'm looking to have more fun with
it but I don't know where to start. Everything is stock on it but I want to do
some upgrades to join this group on trail rides. I've been to Mclean Creek and it did
well stock on easier trails. I'm not mechanically savy except for changing oil, belts and tires.
I will have a winch soon but have no idea how to mount it without destroying the front of my Jeep
This is my everyday driver, but I want to have fun with it. What size tires can I run on it and  does it need
to be lifted? Also it has stock tow hooks etc are these good enough or what needs to be added. I do need to keep it afffordable
.
 
need

[w squared]

Welcome!

The tow hooks are the big things off the hop. You'll be able to participate in many open runs with nothing more than a mechanically sound vehicle that has front and rear rcovery (tow) points, a tow strap, and good tires.

I don't know what's on your Liberty right now, but if they are "all season" tires, you will probably want to switch to AT or MT tires if you're going to be off road much.

I wouldn't jump the gun on getting a winch. It's something that most Jeepers invest in at some point, but you don't need to rush. Most of the folks in this club will be more than happy to winch you out of a bind as long as you're not making a habit of getting stuck just because you assume that someone will haul you out. 

[specialk]

Welcome!

A few us have or have had Libertys but mostly as daily drivers.  I think a few people have taken them off road but not many.  There are a few things you can do such as bumper/winch upgrades as well as suspension.  Unfortunately, there isn't a ton of aftermarket products like there is for TJs or XJs.

The stock bumper is plastic so you will need something to mount your winch to. A few companies make Libby bumpers like ARB.  You may be able to get one fabbed up as well. A straight replacement of the bumper should not be to difficult.

As for tires, you won't be able to go much bigger than stock I think unless you are looking at a lift. That being said, there are alot of trails that can you do stock in McLean.  

Having the right gear to pull yourself through obstacles will help alot.  Sounds like you are going in the right direction there.

My only other suggestion may be to really look at the limitations of upgrading a Libby and the price of those components (it will be more expensive) versus keeping it a stock daily driver (and reliable) and getting a used TJ or XJ for wheeling.    No one in the club wheels a Libby off-road right now so you may not find the expertise you need.  I have found it difficult to get find answers about Libby's online.

That being said, I would love to see a Libby wheel with us!  Be different and show us what you can do to your rig.

To join us on an open run,we really only require front and rear tow points. There is one next weekend that will be stocker friendly. We also have a meeting coming up in a couple weeks.  Come out and see what we are all about.

[FiEND]

there are enough parts out there to mod your libby.  have to check out the L.O.S.T. KJ forums for the most recent stuff.
the ARB bumper is the bomb on the libby.

stock the liberty is a pretty good offroad vehicle but has limitations.  you will find out.

check out this upgraded liberty  - http://home.comcast.net/~jedijawa/

anyway do some real good research into how much you want to spend.  in the end you can spend $10,000 and have a liberty that can go as good as a $5000 cherokee.  at this point though, the liberty will be maxed out and the cherokee with lots of cool stuff left to do.