Can a Stock Jeep Liberty SURVIVE Hurricane Creek? | Full Trail Guide

This is my 17 year old stock Jeep Liberty taking on Hurricane Creek off-road Trail in North Carolina for it's first shakedown run. Hurricane Creek is known as the toughest trail in the area and I made this video a complete trail guide from start to finish. Everything is stock on the 2005 Jeep liberty KJ besides me putting on new AT tires in the stock size. This was my mom's Jeep and it has never taken on a trail like this.
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/ @coloradomallcrawlers
Colorado Mallcrawlers is an off-road/overland channel featuring a railroader and his friends. We love wheeling and making videos! Unfortunately, we are limited on video production due to the insane schedule of the railroader, but our goal is to always publish the best we can. I hear people when they ask us to publish more so I'm definitely trying. Anyway, we'd love to have you as a subscriber as I want to show off all these beautiful trails to more people.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:57 How to Get to Hurricane Creek
01:18 The Easy Part
03:10 First of many Water Crossings
04:32 Breaking the Liberty KJ
06:08 Can the Liberty get up it?
09:37 Beatiful water crossings and camp spot
12:00 Trail surprises and more damage
14:05 It's missing
15:13 Rutted Climb 2 & More Water
17:19 Unexpected Jeepers
18:19 Tree Root Obstacle
19:51 Rocks Obstacle
21:34 East Coast is Muddy
23:17 Trail review & Break Down
24:01 Jeep Liberty off-road Review
25:20 Kinda like Colorado

[@chrisbaer4567]

My family had a 2002 liberty for 19 years. It was a great little vehicle. It went literally everywhere, and never got stuck. North Dakota winters and several feet of snow never phased it. I was sad to see it go when it finally rotted away from all the salt.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Sorry to hear about your liberty, but I agree, it’s a great little Jeep!

[@itsallminor6133]

Some Vehicles become part of the family. Memories.

[@shanenice5380]

It does.i don't missed dodge nintro.i missed jeep liberty so i got one​@itsallminor6133

[@tomthon5756]

I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty and it’s still running strong! Has 213k miles! 😃

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Awesome!

[@scoobygms210]

Is it still running ? Posted 5-6-2024

[@tomthon5756]

@@scoobygms210 just sold it last month! So yes! 👍

[@gothnate]

I used an '02 Liberty to deliver mail (had a right hand kit), and it went absolutely everywhere. One thing to note, if you're spinning on a rock, try shifting to second gear. That's how we used to start on icy roads to keep from spinning out, so it might help in these situations where you don't have a locker.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Awesome! Thank you! I’ll note that for sure.

[@scottsummerhays2295]

Had a 2007 Jeep Liberty Latitude for 12 years! My family and I absolutely loved exploring the Colorado trails near our Ft. Collins home. We pulled our pop-up tent trailer to many places and loved every minute of it! Not as capable as other Jeeps owned since then but DEFINITELY A JEEP nonetheless! Happy Trails!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Sounds like that Jeep served you well! Thanks for watching!

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

If nothing else maybe you can put in a lunch box locker and that thing will be an overnight monster! It doesn't take much... A Jeep is already a Jeep... Do 2 or 3 small things and any of them become a SuperJeep!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yeah that’s an idea for sure!

[@ineedabeerandaliedwn]

I had a buddy with one and he installed a Detroit Locker, I think the rear is a Chrysler 8.25”

[@Frissdas1207]

Lol, 2 or 3 things on any jeep is the first half of every month at the mechanic's after buying one.

[@Billy28376]

@@Frissdas1207yeah I love my old Jeep but it definitely likes attention.

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

@@Frissdas1207 mine hasn't been to the shop yet. Ok fine backup camera glitched out. Same problem with wranglers.

[@natemoothart6967]

Really cool to see a stock KJ out on the trails! Look forward to more!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I’m excited to film more and thanks for watching!

[@jasonjulian1]

I keep saying... KJ as a replacement for the XJ, was at least 80% as off road capable as the XJ while easily 20% better on road. I think it was a very good compromise when planning a replacement for something as legendary and beloved as the Old Cherokee.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I agree!

[@280zjammer]

I've taken my Liberty through some very aggressive terrain. The only obstacles I was unable to pass were extreme uphill while maxing out the articulation. I've increased the articulation with a spring lift and a locker in the rear is in the future. I have not found an obstacle that will stop it in its current configuration. It's quiet and comfortable on the inside. It's much better than the average person thinks.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Absolutely!

[@bradcomis1066]

Happy to see you are stoked on the Liberty! Looking forward to the future videos.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I’m excited to wheel it more! Two more trail guides and the video I upload this week will hint at future liberty plans. Thanks for watching!

[@fearlesscherokee9701]

As I mentioned in your first Liberty video, use a h&R 40mm (1,5") lift kit. I have those on my own and going to buy Bilstein B6 4600 Shocks. This will be a close to perfect solution for a german roadlegal "Cherokee". Grab some Rocky Road Supersliders and you're gonna make some big eyes on Wrangler driver faces. I love that.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks man! I’ll definitely look into it and if I can find some Rocky Road sliders, I’d buy them right now for it.

[@bradcomis1066]

I've got the H&R springs along with Bilstein 4600s on my KJ. Works pretty well. Nearly a year on them now and no issues.

[@Colorado4x4]

Great video! I enjoyed this. It was nice to see some different scenery. That’s going to make a nice little rig for sure 🤘

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks buddy! I’m really glad it finally gets to be a Jeep… thanks for watching!

[@shaun2055]

Hey, Shaun from the UK again, great to see you off-roading in your KJ! It’s 9 months since I posted on your previous Liberty vid & my own Euro 3.7 “Cherokee” is now about to click over 107k miles. It’s always well serviced with fresh oil & filter every 3k miles & remains bulletproof. I’ve just replaced a ubiquitous rear window regulator & heater resistor but the KJ is easy to work on & most parts are cheap & easy to source, even in the UK. Off to France again tomorrow, 3 further 2k+mile ski trips lined up in Jan/Feb/March. Still lovin’ my Jeep! Wishing you a happy, healthy & peaceful 2023 🎉

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Hey Shaun! Thanks for watching and have fun in France. One of my good buddies is French and I miss skiing those awesome slopes with him. More KJ videos are coming and I’m working on seeing if I can get ready for Windrock off-road park in time for my vacation this year. We’ll see.

[@jmac6782]

Love it!! So glad you posted this.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks! I truly can’t wait to wheel it more! My issue as of right now is time.

[@NCMTNBOY]

Welcome to NC! I think hurricane creek is a great trail for beginners. The section you went through at 7:11 is the hardest part of the trail. Clearance is king and I have run the majority of it in 2wd in my 05' TJ. I also think driving a basically stock vehicle with at least 31" tires and an open differential will teach you a whole lot about picking where your tires are and squaring the vehicle to the obstacle. There is a trend( on youtube) to drive up to the obstacle stop then start, where a little momentum all the way through the obstacle can keep you out of a bind. To many people start out with a lifted and locked Rubicon that has more traction than the driver has experience. Great video will go back and watch your others. Enjoy the liberty!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks! I grew up in Cary, NC and I started wheeling in probably 2000 or 2001 (at least that’s when an old photo of me learning in a construction site was from with a stock 2000 TJ Sport). I did go to the rubicon after years of wheeling open because it had what I needed for off-road parks with a factory warranty. There’s a lot of different ways to wheel and that’s what I think has kept me enthusiastic about off-roading for so long. A lot of trails can be done in 2WD, but it is harder on your vehicle and the trail by doing so. I hope your TJ continues to serve you well and thanks for watching!

[@outbackwack368]

Welcome back! The Liberty did pretty good! Nice area and a fun run! Thanks, and be safe! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thank you and the same to you and yours!

[@itsallminor6133]

Very pretty scenery! Best part. Looks like you spent a lot of work stopping for camera angles for outside view. It was worth it. It's interesting to see what a stock vehicle can do. Peaceful video, better than many of the channels. Appreciate people respecting the land and not tearing up trails. Thank you

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thank you! It takes time in filming and editing, but I think they come out better when I do it too.

[@MegaMarclar]

The 02 limited liberty was one of the greatest production vehicles they ever made. It had the 3.7 and 545rfe transmission. Uncommonly known, they also had the 242hd transfer case too... 8.25 with trac lock and triangle 4link in the rear. Dana 35 front but the coil ifs was the biggest downfall.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Very cool! Thanks for the info!

[@Nonamestranger126]

What transmission is in the 07 limited? Can’t find a clear answer

[@MegaMarclar]

@@Nonamestranger126 probably 42rle

[@akemonjames]

Never had a 545RFE. The 242 while nice is weaker then the 231. Dana 25 was in VERY few and once again absolute junk. Most have a D30a up front. The IFS is fine with 10 inches of travel, those who break them, do so from abuse..

[@MegaMarclar]

@@akemonjames not sure where you are getting your info. it absolutely did have the RFE trans in 01 and early 02. Was only used in 4spd mode but still a 545rfe trans.... 242hd is not weaker than a 231.. Dana 25 has not been built since 1960... All of them came with a Dana 35 ifs front...

[@ramiroguerrero6331]

Hi there, I had a 2013, it was manual, I loved it, it is good to get back to basics and remember how to handle them

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Right on!

[@JoseAmberLopez]

Good video! I used to have a 2005 Liberty that I lifted 2 1/2" with 32" tires. That little Jeep would always surprise me at the places it would go.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Nice!

[@leftoverporkchop9972]

Thanks for another great video. As a KL and TJ owner i love watching your vids to see what the crossovers can handle and the Wranglers. One common theme i've noticed though is that you guys definitely have a "no guts no glory" approach to your wheeling! Stay safe out there.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks for watching! About the “No guts, no glory”… I think that’s just the way we are, but it’s important to me that no one is ever pressured to do something on the trail for video purposes. That will always be the case… it’s just my friends and I like to see what we can do.

[@billsummerhill5550]

@@coloradomallcrawlers absolutely and you won't break everytime you go out

[@VentureUnknown]

Definitely love your videos I've watched . Thank you for taking the time to make them. There are parts of that trail that your friends were on that are not part of the trail. Please always Treadlightly as Hurricane Creek is a sensitive trail on the chopping block of getting shut down. We are fighting to not lose this one. MVUM is the same in the East as the West. If it's not on the map it's not a trail. Thank you for understanding.

[@aaronbrandes7456]

Not to shabby. Looks like you had fun!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thank you! Yeah, that was so much fun! Thanks for watching!

[@Drew.Hunter.Maker.Artist]

Looking forward to seeing more of the liberty! Cool to see the changes over time in Jeep's traction control/full time 4wd system.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks buddy and I really appreciate you reviewing the rough edit of this!

[@donaldwilliams1634]

Jeeps full time system in the liberty sucks

[@donaldwilliams1634]

In 4lo traction control should be off

[@danielvalentin6852]

I was impressed with the Liberty when a rainstorm pummeled us at Terryall Reservoir roads were slicker than dog poo on a hot sunny day, that thing slid all over but climbed over wall and into field to get traction

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Man, that sounds wild!

[@MrSamboWambo]

It's beautiful out there. Looks like a lot of fun!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks buddy! It is!

[@EvangelosPapaioannou]

Kj is a very underrated Jeep. I have a Cherokee kj limited diesel 2.8 2003 model with 5cm lift kit and ARB air lockers in the rear and it's amazing.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

For sure! Sounds like a great Jeep!

[@jmac6782]

Watched this video multiple times. By far my favorite one yet. Hope to see the new one soon. Til then I’ll keep rewatching this one lol.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I do thank the next Liberty videos will be better than this one and thanks for watching!

[@johnlewis2624]

Been out wheeling where others have had these jeeps and was amazed with their capabilities as well.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

That sounds fun! I don’t know many KJ wheelers.

[@Ridesaway24]

Rad! East Coast stuff! Thanks for sharing.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

My goal is to show more East Coast (including off-road parks and near forest trails) so I’m glad you like it. However, documenting western trails is our priority. Thanks for watching!

[@indianqueens3952]

Yep, it was great liberty video. So continue in this kind of filming/guiding. More liberty 🚙

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

More to come! Thanks for watching!

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Great to see what a stock KJ can do off road on just radials to boot, even though it was an easy - moderate trail. Always liked the '05 - '06 KJ Renegades since they had the better Wrangler type hoods. Which is on your very rare KJ Rocky Mtn. I've never seen the Rocky Mtn decal on anything but a TJ, which I have on my '05 TJ Rocky Mountain. Looking forward to seeing your KJ getting maybe a 2" lift, some 31" all terrains or even better, mud terrains and rock rails. My first Jeep was an '06 KJ Renegade which I had installed a 2" lift and 31" Duratracs. Had a blast blizzard wheelin' upstate NY when I lived in Cooperstown - Otsego Co. But it was time to get the Jeep I always wanted, the TJ. Had I kept the KJ, I was going to get the Jeepin' By Al upper control arms, everyone whoever put them on their KJ was not disappointed, many benefits!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thank you! I think I’m going to push it stock for a bit and then go to 2in and 31s. We’ll see! I do have big plans for it as it’s my mom’s.

[@caseyfox4414]

I lived not far from Hurricane Creek until 6 years ago. 14 year owner of a 2005 Liberty Renegade. Over the years I've added a 2.5" Frankenlift, JeepinbyAl upper front control arms, 31×10.50 Goodyear Duratracs, on Cragar "soft 8's" ARB front bumper with Warn 8k lbs. winch, JCR sliders, 3/16" plate rear bumper, IronRockOffroad rear upper control arm.... lots of other small suspension and steering parts.. I have 4:10 gears and a rear Ox locker that I HOPE I'll get in soon.. Liberty's are capable little rigs, stock but when modded, they're pretty dang awesome. 2006 was the first year of traction control on the Liberty KJ. Keep up the awesome vids, and I hope to see more of the Liberty in the future.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Your liberty sounds awesome! Life is chaotic for me but once things get settled, we’ll release a lot more videos. I have two more trail guides filmed with it and they should be better than this one. I run a ten year cycle with wranglers, but my goal is to never get rid of the Liberty since it was my mom’s. It will eventually make it out west, but for now, it’ll be my east coast trail vehicle. Thanks for watching!

[@robertwarren1735]

Awesome video of your Liberty.I have a 05 Liberty Renegade with a 3inch on it and through some headers with a Borla Catback and all I can say is that this Bad Boy can rock.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thank you and that sounds like an awesome Jeep you have!

[@bdd1469]

I have a heavily built TJ, and a mildly built JK. I used to take my stock liberty wheeling with my friends just because it made things more challenging. It was a little tank, but I felt guilty for beating on it so hard, so I sold it to a friend who still daily's it to this day.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

That’s a nice assortment of vehicles!

[@FearlessTrailhawk]

That brush makes for great pin stripes!!! That view at the end...timed just perfect could look amazing! I used to wheel with a guy who went all sorts of places with his liberty! Thank you for not using the click baity thumbnail!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks man!

[@gamersgrubs2952]

My kid takes his Liberty KK over some good trails. 2.5 RC lift with 235 70r16 General Grabber AT2 tires. Thing is a amazing wheeler

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

They certainly are!

[@davidheckart639]

Absolutely beautiful! I want to go there.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

It is and I hope you get to wheel it! Thanks for watching!

[@DefiantOffroad]

Hurricane Creek is a great trail! I've run it several times, both in my JKU and my old WJ. It's a great place to camp as well.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

It sure is!

[@68roadster]

WS your wj stock? Mine is and I was thinking about doing this in a dry spell

[@vojtakral3155]

nice video , man setting that camera so many times for us , you a legend

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Lol, thanks… I need the exercise. Skiing use to be my cardio but I barely get time to ski anymore lol

[@SoggyVagabond]

Requesting more vids with this Liberty, please! I have an 05 Liberty that’s pretty much exactly like this one (duh) and I want to learn how to off-road and do trails and things. No Doy uses the Liberties anymore though, so I can’t find many videos using them! I’d absolutely love it if you kept using this one in some videos. Appreciate your straightforward, no-nonsense approach to making vids. The cinematography is great and it’s clear and easy to follow. Thank you!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

The liberty is my favorite wheeler. The biggest issue is I get no time off and it’s in Tennessee. I took a vacation week this year to move it to Colorado, but because of the overheating I couldn’t move it. My parents are old and haven’t been able to help me as I actually have FMLA to help them. I do a little to it when I’m there, but my priority is doing stuff for them. Still I have 5 videos filmed with it that need to be edited. I just work 13 hour days so I rarely can edit. Drew edits a lot of videos he’s been there for. I was alone when I filmed the KJ videos.

[@SoggyVagabond]

@@coloradomallcrawlers oh my goodness! Well thanks for letting me know! I hope that all gets flushed out. And maybe things will settle down in the working a lot department- I sure hope so. Sorry you’re so busy! Good luck and take care of yourself, yeah?

[@ViperPilot16]

Love these little KJ Libertys.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Me too!

[@billymills7944]

Glad to see back east...I agree lunchbox locker would be a game changer for a couple hundred bucks and an afternoon with a couple sockets

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yeah, but the wrangler is fully locked… altho the lunchbox wouldn’t be a real problem, my goal is to make this a long road trip off-road camping vehicle. I don’t want to compromise that. I might start with a limited slip, armor, and waterproofing (going through deep water is what I really want to film with it). Capability wise, Red Cone is a definite must do while Wheeler Lake is what I’d like it’s max capability to be. I’ll definitely think about it!

[@erikschutzman2402]

@@coloradomallcrawlers I am looking forward to which locker or LSD you pick. It looks like OX locker and ARB both make lockers for the liberty's rear axle.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Good to know, I’ll dig into it for sure.

[@BrillaVision42]

Good video and a great trail. It's fun watching someone used to a Wrangler taking a Libby out onto the trail. We learned how to wheel with an '06 Liberty, doing Jeep Jamboree events in Ouray 3 times. We've successfully done Poughkeepsie Gulch, Black Bear and many others. The only trail that our little Libby didn't finish was Red Cone, due to a flat tire and a questionable spare tire. By the time it was retired, had full skids, 2" lift, rock rails and a winch. The weakest part is the aluminum front differential...we cracked ours like an egg at our local offroad park.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

My goal is for it to do Red Cone and Wheeler Lake… we’ll see. It definitely needs armor tho! Thanks for watching!

[@BrillaVision42]

@Colorado Mallcrawlers , we're watching your trip up Radical Hill right now...when we upgraded to a JK Rubicon in 2015, Radical Hill was the first trail we did...followed by Handcart Gulch, Red Cone, Mosquito Pass, everything around Ouray, a few trails around Sedona, Smoky Mountain Road, Shafer Trail, and then drove it home to Ohio.

[@brycens_garage]

This was very insightful! I have a 2007 liberty and it's trail rated, it seems to do pretty good down here in AZ with soft sands and rocks, besides scrapping the bottom every now and then! 🤣

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yeah, I’d bet with some armor, you could do a lot of the Arizona trails with it. Thanks for watching!

[@akemonjames]

Skidrow offroad still makes a full set of Skid plates. The trail rated badge on a liberty means nothing. Trail rated and non trail rated libertys have the same suspension

[@derekjarman1638]

Bit of a lift and a locker in the rear and it is good to go! Great video - thanks👍👍

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thank you! That’ll come eventually, but I’m definitely leaning towards just adding armor and getting it ready for water fording at first. It might be fun to see how far a small liberty can go. Thanks for watching!

[@tomthumb2815]

Definitely back locker . Limited travel combined with small light tires . Heaver wheels and tires give your diff so much more pull.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

For sure, thanks!

[@philgriswold2133]

A vehicle like this is great to learn off-roading in. The lack of auto-locking everything teaches you how to actually read the trail and know your vehicle and skillset. Jumping straight into a highly capable, factory built Rubicon masks the driver's inexperience and inabilities.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Absolutely!

[@seanwatson3790]

I couldn't agree with this more

[@JamesSmith-uc8tk]

I think this is the first video of Hurricane Creek I've ever seen where it didn't look like it was deep, gooey mud the entire way. Seeing that the trail can be reasonably managed was refreshing. I had a 2003 KJ for many years. I was a part of an online community for Liberty owners back in the day. I learned not to count the Liberty out. That it is, in fact, a "real" Jeep. I didn't put a lift or anything on mine, but I did add an aftermarket transmission skid plate and rock rails. It's been so long ago, I can't recall the manufacturers, but they definitely exist. You can fit 31s on it without a lift, but the front tires will rub at full lock. My Liberty did everything I ever asked of it. Even though I "upgraded" to a Wrangler, I still miss my KJ.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks for the info, I’ll look for those! Yeah, I was in mid south Jeeps and there was a guy with one… I never got to wheel with him, but I knew he impressed with it. My goal is to never get rid of this one. Thanks for watching!

[@JamesSmith-uc8tk]

I was thinking last night and remembered that the company I got the rock rails from was called All J Products. I believe they're out of California. I don't remember where I got the aftermarket transmission skid plate from. It may have been them as well.

[@Anthony_Adventures]

Get to see this thing getting some video footage. Can’t wait to see more of the KJ

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks buddy! I can’t wait to film more with it!

[@Anthony_Adventures]

I also have a set of factory rock sliders for my wife’s KJ since there isn’t many options for rock sliders the factory rock sliders are a great options and pretty easy to find on eBay and junkyards

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

@@Anthony_Adventures I’ll look for those!

[@paulstone4804]

Love the Liberty !!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

They’re great!

[@destinationdero]

This trail looks pretty cool with the fall leaves

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yeah, I heard that a week or two prior, it was even more colorful. Thanks for watching!

[@kfstreich4787]

I have 2.5" OME and 245/75r16 mud tires, killer combo! The difference from stock is night and day and it's still a comfortable size to daily drive.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Great to know!

[@36ehack]

Your springs are shot. Second on the OME lift with Bilsteins.

[@bsenka]

I really loved my 2003 Liberty Limited. I definitely trusted its 4WD system a lot more than the one on my 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I get that! Sean’s KL 4WD seems to be holding up, but that lift sure hasn’t been easy on it. I wish you good luck with the KL

[@bsenka]

@@coloradomallcrawlers Thanks. I just discovered your channel -- have you done any videos about issues with the KL lift? I put a 2" spacer on mine, but haven't had any issues with that yet.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Well, I don’t own the KL, Sean does. I’ve told him we should film a video on it, but understandably, he doesn’t like to be on camera (we’re both introverts). However, from what I understand (which isn’t much), 3in may just be a bit too much stress on the components while 2in lifts seem to be more durable. Still, he’s still on it, he’s still using it, but he just keeps a closer eye on his suspension as a result.

[@erikschutzman2402]

Great video, I love seeing the liberty out on the trails, and I love seeing some east coast trails. I have been looking at hurricane creek for awhile, this was a good trail guide. I have a 2011 wrangler with the automatic, and I usually put it in "2" for second gear, when I am in 4-low, I think the traction aids are working when I am put the transmission in "2", but I have not payed too much attention to it. Oh, I read some other comments, and they are saying jeeps don't have off-road traction till 2007 or 2006 maybe. I wonder if you noticed a difference in "Drive" compared to "1", because 1st gear puts down a lot of torque in 4-Low, and it allows the tire on looser ground to break free and spin quicker.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yeah, I think that may be it or it could have just been in my head. I’ll re-evaluate, but it definitely felt like it was performing better on the other trails with D… we’ll see once I edit as I learn new stuff (like here on how easy I was being on it). Thanks for watching!

[@Ryno-fp7pm]

I had to comment on this video since I started my 4WD hobby in the mountains of North GA 10 years ago so this brings back some fun memories. I never wheeled with open diffs (I installed a rear locker in my 85 4Runner before I even took it on so much as a dirt road; followed by a front locker 1.5 yr later), but my wheeling buddy had a stock 04 Tacoma with open diffs. I knew I would have an advantage (even with just a rear locker) , but to see how huge the advantage was in real life was eye opening.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Lockers definitely make a difference. I’ve been wheeling with lockers since 2010 (briefly in 2004-2005 too), but you can learn a lot from open diff wheeling. This liberty will eventually get a rear locker though. Thanks for watching!

[@prylosecorsomething3194]

My mother had one of these with the Renegade package. It was old and rusty but when she was done with it we made it a camp jeep and it did a pretty good job for that

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Seems like a similar story! Nice!

[@johnforce3325]

Can't wait to see more of the liberty

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I have some clips of it in today’s video, but tomorrow I fly to TN to pick it up and bring it to Colorado. I’m excited to wheel it and make it look better!

[@johnforce3325]

@Colorado Mallcrawlers I just got a 2003 that me and the wife plan to do some overlanding trip in so super happy so see videos of this

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I think they’re great Jeeps!

[@bah5310]

That was fun. I hope you do more of these.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks for joining in! It’s the second live I’ve done but I really like them too… my biggest issue is work. I thought I was getting called at 3am when I scheduled it, but now I’m getting called at I think 11p so I need to get a nap in.

[@bah5310]

@@coloradomallcrawlers that would drive me crazy. 7-3:30 or 7-5:30 for over 30 years. I'm spoiled

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

It’s starting to drive me crazy. I’m screwed up right now because I got kicked off the extra board and now have to go to Cheyenne every trip. Eh, I get so bored of doing the same direction every trip.

[@bah5310]

@@coloradomallcrawlers hahaha, I'm thinking, man that would be so cool to ride a train and get paid to do it.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

@@bah5310 It is. I’m appreciative of the job.

[@GoChangeYoLife]

Great video. Just found out about your channel. The first video that pops up is this one. A familiar trail that I've been to quite a few times. Awesome channel!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks man! Good chatting with you earlier!

[@GoChangeYoLife]

@@coloradomallcrawlers You as well! Stay safe on the roads and on the trails!!!🙏💪

[@efs83dws]

Beautiful trail. I’ll have to try that with my TJ.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

You’ll have a blast!

[@allsic1131]

I still have my 2006 liberty, lofted 2" and put some cheap Rancho Shocks and have driven through some sketchy terrain in Baja... They are awesome... Loving your channel... Got here to check some Cherokee Traikhawk videos and stayed for the Liberty !!!😊

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Awesome! My liberty is slowly getting worked on, but had done setbacks so it’s a slow go.

[@donaldwilliams1634]

You have done an excellent job with the liberty

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thank you!

[@donaldwilliams1634]

@@coloradomallcrawlers your welcome

[@ohyeagirl1111]

The Liberties are little beasts. My rusty high mileage 02 KJ Renegade was converted into a paintball tank about 4 years ago. She’s one the most capable tanks at our field. 72 acres of dirt “roads”, grass, and mud and she’ll go anywhere she’s needed, including places other tanks won’t go.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

That sounds like a blast!

[@ohyeagirl1111]

@@coloradomallcrawlers it’s so much fun! I know it’s a hike for you, we’re in NC, but if you want to ever see the tanks in action our biggest game is in November. :-)

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

That’d be cool!

[@paulcondie2520]

Impressive! I've always guess for better words, never thought much of a liberty!?!? Lol. After watching your video and others my thought process has changed. I've wheeled a lot over the year's mostly trucks but I had on old CJ5 that was a beast, lifted, V8 and all fiberglass body. The only part of the body that was metal was the windshield frame. All that liberty needs is a lift n tires and rear locker to be impressive! Awesome video! 💯💪🇺🇲

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BurntTransGarage]

There's more than 1 buggy crawler in our club who also wheel a Liberty. That thing is sweet, can't wait to see what you do with it.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

That’s awesome!

[@timothymetzler7715]

I love my 04 liberty thing goes really well for what it is

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Absolutely!

[@timothymetzler7715]

And also I forgot to mention it has 240k original engine , body miles. I did put a transmission in it 2 years ago but otherwise awesome jeep 3.7 🚙

[@brickboy4162]

still have a 2003 Liberty in Korea. Great car to drive in snow.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching! How’s the wheeling in Korea? I’d like to visit one day.

[@brickboy4162]

@@coloradomallcrawlers wheeling in korea is good. Great people and foods.

[@outlaw9232]

what a great video and loved chatting with other subs. Let us know more about whats going on with your situation and maybe moving from Grand Junction to Colorado Springs...

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks for being there! I love doing those… it’s cool to get real-time feedback and hear from all of you! Eh, it’s ok, I have a job, it’s mostly that we both don’t want to not live together. I figured it might be fun to try to live in the camper again. My biggest issue is I need a real shower as I get dirty at work. It’ll all work out.

[@outlaw9232]

@@coloradomallcrawlers let me know if I can help.

[@fredmonroe6042]

That 4 light bar on the liberty, we built em at the factory I used to work at.😁

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Very awesome! It’s one good looking light bar. Thanks for watching!

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

I can't wait to do this trail next April when I get back there for a couple months of wheeling. Great video.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thank you! You’ll love it!

[@NovaSuperSport11]

Which state is this in?

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

@@NovaSuperSport11 North Carolina next to the TN border.

[@NovaSuperSport11]

@Todd Hoffmaster thank you. I was hoping it was out here in Colorado! That's a beautiful trail.

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

@@NovaSuperSport11 it would be nice if it was closer to us 😁. I am heading back there in April.

[@poobank]

Looking forward to the build. Wondering which locker you will go with

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks! I’m not sure yet… was debating a TJ Rubicon’s rear 44, but I haven’t even looked into it yet. Armor first. Thanks for watching!

[@therealporters]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I keep telling some Liberty-owning friends that they underestimate it. Maybe I can get them to wheel with some Wranglers.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Keep it up… they’ll learn eventually!

[@frh-freerangehuman]

Great video. Something different 😊

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thank you!

[@babinus]

so refreshing to see real vehicles, not the $100K sponsored rigs...

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yeah, we try to show what you can do with your stock daily driven vehicles. Granted my JL Rubicon (it’s stock tho) wasn’t cheap, but that’s why my TJ will be taking over in Colorado (till I get the Liberty out here). Thanks for watching!

[@davideagle3002]

I have a 05 liberty cdr. Love this thing the diesel provides excellent torque with mud and snows it gets around pretty well. It does need a locker, It's trail rated with open front and rear 😕

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Awesome! 05 was a different time… the Rubicon had just come out in 03 and they thought it was going to be a limited run. Jeep didn’t realize how big the market was for aggressive trail vehicles. Thanks for watching!

[@bruceyoung7034]

Hi, my only advice is when you lift it don't use spaces they don't last. Excited to see what you and the Liberty do next 😎. # everybody loves the plucky underdog.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Lol, with the way I wheel normally, spacers wouldn’t cut it. Thanks!

[@zachorytoth6091]

Long arm kit an solid axle swap makes them a real tank

[@MADDOG100ful]

When on open axles use you emergency brake very lightly applied will engage the free wheeling or stop the spinning wheel in turn applying power to traction wheel.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Nice! Unfortunately, before my mom stopped driving, she drove with the parking brake on so mine isn’t functional. It’ll fix it before bringing it to CO. Thanks for the tip!

[@Jake-ry4tn]

I'm on my 3rd one I love em they go anywhere. Personally I think the best jeep with independent front suspension ever made

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

They’re awesome in my book too!

[@flightmedic7634]

We have an 06 and it has brake lock differentials (06 and 07 have standard ESC and ABS). It can go anywhere it's clearance and driver skills point it. I purposefully found an 06 for that reason.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Nice!

[@iceman012776]

Love my 05 liberty amazing

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Heck yeah!

[@4wdtennessee459]

I had a 04 liberty and built a 1” lift for it and added some 31s mt on it and it was a beast. I kinda miss it was fun to drive. It’s the only Jeep I’ve ever owned

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Heck yeah! That sounds like a great build for a Liberty!

[@DB-ks6mp]

Awesome video man! Can't wait to hit it in the 4 runner! I was worried since I'm stock but if you can do it in a liberty I'm sure it can hang!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thank you and have a blast!

[@dustinreynolds8312]

Friendly heads up here, the trail has eroded and is much different than it was in this video. I was there 2 days ago. 94 4runner on 35s. I would like to see him go back and give his thoughts on the current conditions. This was my first trip there and was not what people described.

[@kevinforsyth3681]

Great vid I have just bought a 02 liberty and am deciding what to do to it first I would love to see vids of what you do to yours

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thank you! Off-road… better tires if not running ATs or MTs. Then Rock Rails, Skids. Overland mods: Besides the basics (tent, sleeping pad/air mattress/camp cot, sleeping bag), I think a budget fridge is your best bet. I’ll make a video when I go back.

[@JDS-Dalton]

Oh dang, that's right by me! Was actually going to go there in my subaru this past weekend with my offroad subie group, but unfortunately had a bunch of expensive packages that were supposed to be delivered this weekend.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Oh man, I bet that’d be fun with a big subie group! Good luck with the packages. Thanks for watching!

[@JDS-Dalton]

​​@@coloradomallcrawlers​ coming back to this video, ended up doing Hurricane Creek in my subie back in June, the CVT with the AWD and traction control systems did a damn good job with pretty much zero issues. My rock sliders (sliders, not steps lol) came in handy a lot

[@MatthewBonacci3881]

We need you to do more east coast trails. I just started watching your channel and I am hooked. If you took your stock liberty made it thru I think I can start with my stock 4th gen 4runner in the Virginia mountains.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

That’s the goal! I hope to make my parents cabin my base for East Coast trails(and help them) while having a small basecamp in Colorado. Although right now that’s just me dreaming as I can’t quit my job and film full time at this time. Thanks for watching!

[@jimmybobco]

I wheel a lifted liberty on 33's. Surprisingly capable when it was stock! Next for me in a SFA swap

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Awesome! I’ll probably add 31-32s one day, but I’ll keep this IFS, however, I’m excited to hear how the SFA goes!

[@donpignone7480]

I love my little liberty. I have a not stock 06 sport. Mine is lifted 3.5 inches with 31s

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Very cool!

[@travismopargarage4949]

Thanks for this video my daughter wants one so she can go wheeling in her own jeep and follow our grand cherokee we don't go crazy with our GC so she should have no problem following us on the trails we go on

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Heck yeah! I hope it serves her as well as this one has served our family.

[@KarstRats]

33 inch cooper evolutions on my 98 with 4.5 inches if lift zero slip action on a rainy day in hurricane creek. Loving it.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

XJs are great, but this is a KJ video… you may want to watch our wipeout hill video.

[@KarstRats]

@@coloradomallcrawlers yeah i know but the kj wasnt the only vehicle in the video brother. Couldve been bashing you like all these jealous idiots who bash you when they dont even have a rig at all. I was just diving into how the older jeeps are the unsung heroes of offroad.

[@jasonpicano1199]

Can't wait to see upgrades of your Liberty. I have an 03 Liberty Renegade with a 2 inch lift, New Engine, rebuilt rear end, 5 speed with new clutch and would love to see what else you do to yours so I can get ideas. Right now it's almost perfect, just needs new rockers.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

My goal is that this Jeep will be the one that I always have. I think Rock Rails and skids are first. Hopefully someone sees this video and sends me an email that they make them. I’ll then buy them and have them installed. After that, I’ll probably go through a few builds. I think stockish wheeler is first. Then Liberty Trailhawk. Then maybe a new motor Liberty Trailhawk. I’ll be adding camping mods right away tho.

[@jasonpicano1199]

@@coloradomallcrawlers awesome can't wait to see it.

[@fool4wheelin]

Curious to see more videos of your KJ and the mods you’ve done to it! We own an ‘05 KJ CRD that we drove to Colorado a few years back pulling a camper, then we wheeled around Ouray when we got there! While I still prefer my XJ wheeling, the KJ is a great vehicle and I love driving it as a DD. The front IFS and R&P steering were done well and it’s a rugged built vehicle. Besides the Wrangler, not many newer Jeeps have the same level of capability.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I love the KJ… it’s not going anywhere, but it has been a problem vehicle this year. Kept overheating and no mechanic could fix it. However, most recent report is it’s fixed. I do have 5 more videos filmed with it… but I became a locomotive engineer and have been tossed around at work so I haven’t been able to edit like usual. Drew has been picking up my slack, but I have to edit the Liberty trails as there was no info on them at time of filming. My goal is to get horse creek done by time of Christmas. We are also supposed to be going to an 11 days on, 4 days off schedule which will greatly open up my schedule as I’m currently on call 365 days a year.

[@fool4wheelin]

What was causing the overheating issue; I only have experience (and plenty of it) with the CRD. Curious what you’ve learned on the TCS on the ‘05, ‘06, & ‘07, what differences between those years? Does it really make a difference between D and 1st in Low Range?

[@OXFOOT]

I may have to try this with my dads truck soon.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

You’ll have a blast… I want to do it with my dad in his Silverado. That’d be fun if we could all do it together.

[@JDS-Dalton]

It's pretty fun from what I hear, I still need to hit it myself soon

[@unclemikeb]

I missed the chance to buy a Liberty with sure grip differential and traction control. I ended up with a 2005 no sure grip no traction control. Those two features would make a HUGE difference. With winter grade tires mine can push through some really deep snow, AND it is really amazing on glare ice as well. She now has 260,000 miles.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I get that! I’m ok with it as this gives me the opportunity to mod a vehicle a little bit for once. I’ll likely add lockers. Thanks for watching!

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

I put RCV axles in the front of my old TJ. I worry less about snapping axleshafts etc on the trail now.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Very nice!

[@anthonygannon5461]

Enjoyed the video as I have been wondering how a Liberty would do off road, as many do not recommend it off road. Just goes to show you need to know the vehicles limits. You did well, you did the type of trails my wife is okay with easy to mod.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Jeep usually does a good job of making all their models off-road capable so I knew the liberty show that. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelmejias593]

Just did this trail yesterday and also ran into David and his wife. 1st time we and wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. I was in a stock Cherokee Trailhawk

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Nice!

[@Jeep.wj.tj.australia]

I was waiting for you to do some off-roading 🤷‍♂️

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Lol, was waiting? So did this qualify?

[@AWDfreak]

I wouldn't even bother lifting it, a rear locker and some really good underbody protection, and this Jeep Liberty (KJ) is set for adventure since it already comes with a dual-range 4WD setup. Also, that is incredibly bizarre how Jeep had it so that the traction control for off-road use only works in drive rather than manually shifted gears. That is definitely helpful information! 👍

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

You’re right! Also, maybe the traction control stuff is in my head, another commenter said Jeep worked it out starting in 2007. I’m not sure, it definitely felt like it performed better in drive… but he was a fellow Liberty owner so I trust his insight. Thanks for watching!

[@rigsofroads]

@@coloradomallcrawlers lifting it will wear out your front balljoint faster if you dont install the jba uca. and i defenitly need a rear lsd at lease (but its weird that a 2005 with the renegade package didt come with one) finaly the traction control was intergraed in 06 and for ultimate kj is a 2.5 lift on 32" and 4.10 gear and front rear locker :) $$$ my setup for the moment is a 2005 3.7l with the 2.5 lift from daystar on 33"bogger stock gear and stuck rear lsd got vid of it on my chanel. sorry for my english im a french canadian

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Even tho it was all done by the factory besides the fog lights (my dad had the dealer add those), it’s a Rocky Mountain edition, not renegade model. I’m going to find the sticker though… I’ll see if I can get it for the next Liberty video.

[@rigsofroads]

oh and better tires like duratrac will help a lot for mud

[@peter5786]

@@coloradomallcrawlers cool vid...but sorry, learn to run without modern traction control. I have the 05 Limited (base model) and she's gold! BFG K2 All Terrin and a limited slip in the rear, full undercarriage skid plates. As others have mentioned, don't lift it. It wears out ball joints, CV joints and tie rods like crazy. I returned mine to factory springs.

[@StandAloneAdventures]

I absolutely love this video, I live in north Georgia and I’m planning on doing this trail after the first of the year. My rig is a 99 Cherokee with 6 1/2”s of lift ( long arm) with 35’s and 488 gears. Watching your video has definitely helped me plan out my trip and I wanted to say thank you because videos like this help quite a few people that haven’t done these types of rides and it helps them out a great deal to see in detail what they’re getting into before they start. Keep up the amazing videos my friend and thank you again. Frank

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I really appreciate that, thank you! We’ll always make trail guides, but my personal goal is to make the videos more entertaining so people who don’t want a trail guide will still enjoy them. Thanks for watching!

[@MrGHOSTMAXX]

Neat trick when wheeling with an auto is you can ride the brakes while you're spinning one tire sending some of the power to the wheel not spinning, since these older Jeeps don't do it for you. I've found the best thing you can do is ride the brakes pretty hard when coming up to the obstacle, I call it preloading the diff, than once you start spinning one tire you pump them while keeping revs about the same. With every pump the tire not spinning is going to try and rotate a bit, much better than trying to get through by just giving it more gas. Easier on the driveline too.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Awesome! Thanks! Yeah, I knew of this trick, but haven’t tried to learn how to do it yet. Probably at Windrock, I’ll focus on learning to drive it. Thanks for watching!

[@fjb4932]

What a piss poor "4x4" system. An embarrassment to the JEEP name. "Apply brakes to go " What next . ."Apply gas to stop !" ? ☆