Hey guys, love the site. I've been reading it for a while now and I finally got around to joining. I bought my 2002 SE/SC in July and have been loving it ever since. I've been dying to take it off road since the day I drove it home, but I forced myself to let it break in first. Now I'm (and the truck) ready! I found some nice beginner trails in my area, but I have one question: Should I remove the side step rails before taking it off road? I already plan on removing the mud flaps since they look like they would snap rather easily. The thing with the side rails is that it looks like its pretty level with the frame, and might even protect the rocker panels so if I were to hit something, better the rail than the body. Thoughts? And yes, before I get creamed, I did a search...didn't find anything....blah blah....

There are NO ligal trails in NJ

are you sure the trails you found are ligal ?


step rails should be off the truck, in order to minimize the damage

you should never go alone

check out NJAX , we go out alot , come with us some time , see what we do.

The step rails are worthless and more trouble than they are worth. Found this out within days of buying ours. The steprail on the passenger side ended up pushed back into the rear tire. Not good on the tread. Didn't have a tool box in it yet had to go buy one just to take it off so we could go home. GET RID OF THEM BEFORE YOU GO OFFROAD!!! Best advice I could give you! Have fun!

Thanks for the replies everyone. I live on the PA border, and most of the places I'm checking out with my buddies (very experienced, BTW) are in PA. Not sure if they are legal.

What about down in the Pine Barrens in south Jersey? Illegial there? If so, I'm assuming its much less patrolled than up north .

And thanks for the invite for NJAX, I'll definitely look into it some time. Does the group have heavy mods, because I have squat...its all stock.

Now Oleg why are you telling him it is illegal in NJ?

devsfan,

We go out in the Pine Barrons every now and then. You just cannot go where there are "No Trespassing" signs up. That is a big no-no.

Remove the step rails. Trust me.

Removing the mudflaps is not a bad idea either.

Are you in Northern NJ? Where along the PA border?

Most people in NJAX are modified, but there are some stockers too.

Stone

because the places in pine barren that i seen that are still igal
are FIRE ROADS just like GOX trails
with one or two obsticals for miles and miles

GOD KNOWS OLEG IS RIGHT!!! LOL
95% of the areas in the Pines are a No No. So be careful where you go. We are going to go out there soon, so make sure you're ready for it. Welcome to NJAX!

Stone, I'm in Warren county, right across the bridge from Easton.

Thanks for all the info everyone! Mud flaps and step rails are as good as off....