Buy An Off-Road Package Or Build A Base Model 4×4
Photos: Courtesy of the manufacturers
There are more factory 4x4s with extremely capable off-road packages available now than ever before. These include the Ford Raptor, Ford Bronco Sasquatch, Ram TRX, Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Rubicon edition and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro among others. With so many OE off-road offerings, you might think why bother building up a stock 4×4 at all when you can simply drive one off the dealer lot? Let us count the ways. There are just as many advantages to buying a 4×4 with a factory off-road package as there are advantages to building up a base model. Read on and we’ll help you decide which route you should take to get the best bang for your buck.
The factory front and rear locking differentials found on some 4x4s with an off-road package will make the vehicle extremely capable. They can also put a novice or inexperienced driver into a really bad situation. Most enthusiasts will rarely find the need for more than the factory brake traction control and an aftermarket rear selectable locking differential.
Off-Road Content
It used to be that a traditional factory off-road package was made up of little more than slightly better shocks, a couple skidplates and a few flashy stickers. While those basic OE off-road packages still exist today, the vehicle manufacturers have stepped up their game with more advanced off-road packages that include larger aggressive tires, lower axle gears, locking differentials, disconnecting anti-sway bars, recovery winches, lifts, long-travel suspensions and premium tuned shocks among other items. All of these components can add a significant premium to the cost and complexity of a new 4×4. Many of the items included in these packages may not benefit you, so it’s important to look at the differences between a base model and the off-road hero version of a new 4×4. Slow-speed off-roaders will generally benefit from more ground clearance, disconnecting sway bars, locking differentials, lower gears, skidplates and body protection, while high-speed off-road fans will want to look for long-travel suspensions, reservoir shocks, skidplates and robust tires.
The locking differentials that are available with some OE off-road packages have limitations. Some are only functional in low range or below specified speeds. Aftermarket locking differentials are generally more robust and can be applied whenever desired.
Factory off-road package suspension systems are designed for a wide variety of on- and off-road conditions, some of which you may never encounter. This often requires some compromises that can keep the suspension from meeting your performance demands.
Off-Road Package Price
Most high-end factory off-road packages such as the Bronco Sasquatch or Jeep Rubicon package will set you back in the neighborhood of at least $4,000 to $6,000, while other off-road packages can be several times this cost because they include more advanced specialty parts as well as upgraded interiors. The biggest advantage is that these OE off-road packages can be easily rolled into a new vehicle loan. However, it’s still a lot of money. When selecting a vehicle with a factory off-road package you should consider if all of its off-road content benefits you. For example, if the 4×4 only includes upgraded suspension, tires and wheels and you plan to remove all of that to install an aftermarket lift kit and even larger tires and wheels, then you have to decide if you want to essentially pay twice for the same components. It could be less expensive and more beneficial for you to simply start with a base model 4×4 and install an aftermarket lift kit with new aftermarket tires and wheels. Ultimately, if your long term build plans involve removing and replacing much of what is included in the OE off-road package, then you may want to start with a base slate instead of a full-tilt factory off-roader.
High-clearance bumpers and more elaborate skidplates are becoming common on new 4x4s with OE off-road packages. However, most do not compare to the strength, function and durability of the aftermarket bumper and skidplate offerings.
New Vehicle Warranty
When purchasing a new 4×4, it’s generally desirable to retain the factory warranty. The OE off-road packages when unmolested typically retain the same factory warranty as vehicles without an off-road package. The good news is that in most cases your factory warranty will remain intact, even when aftermarket parts are added.
Most factory off-road packages include tires and wheels that are more off-road friendly. However, if you plan to swap these out for something larger, then an OE off-road package might be a waste for you.
In some cases the vehicle manufacturer provides specific tire size and other modification limitations. However, in most cases your new modified 4×4 will keep its original warranty unless the aftermarket part is directly responsible for the OE component failure. For example, it might be difficult to warranty an engine failure if you have installed an aftermarket supercharger. Although, an aftermarket supercharger would generally not be related to something like an electrical issue in the dash or a leaky window seal. So if your vehicle warranty is important to you, it’s usually best to contact the dealer prior to making modifications. Find out what will remain covered and what won’t. It’s also not unusual to find warranty discrepancies between dealerships, so you might want to poke around before selecting the dealer that will get your business. For best results, go with a dealer that is familiar with aftermarket modifications.
If a factory off-road package doesn’t have the capability or tire size you want, then the warranty that comes with it is fairly worthless anyway. You might as well build the vehicle you want or need using aftermarket parts.
Regardless of if you start with a base model 4×4 or one that has a factory off-road package, there are always aftermarket upgrades available to customize, personalize and improve your ride. Every 4×4 can be just a little bit better with a few twists of a wrench.
Final Thoughts
Building a 4×4 can be a fun experience. It’s exciting to make a modification and see how different it makes the vehicle perform both on- and off-road. If you are new to off-roading, then it can benefit you to start with a less capable vehicle so you can learn the off-road basics. Many of the high-end factory off-road packages are far too capable for a beginner or novice off-road driver. That capability can quickly get you in way over your head or result in vehicle damage. Building your 4×4 as you go will cost less up front and allow you to learn about which modifications make the biggest improvements for your use. You’ll also have the ability to customize your 4×4 to look different than all of the other cookie cutter Jeep Wrangler Rubicons and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pros out there.
An abundance of aftermarket suspension lift systems and shocks can be sorted through and selected based on your specific off-road needs. Many of these systems include shocks that can be easily tuned for far more versatility than a factory suspension system.
Factory off-road packages with transmissions or transfer cases that have lower gearing can be a great buy for those that like to creep slowly over technical terrain. Adding aftermarket gearing like this to a base model can be complex and costly.
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