I own a 93 Grand Cherokee Laredo and used to drive a 92 Cherokee Limited (both hand-me-downs from the parents at around 125-150k miles) and I love(d) both of them.

However, I never took them off-roading -- I was a college/high school student, so I never had the funds (I assume is) required for the upkeep and modifications of an off-road vehicle. Now that I am a college grad and have a full-time job, I would love to get into some off-roading.

So my questions are:
How did you get into off-roading?
Do you have any good resources (books, websites, classes, etc) for someone that wants to get into off-roading?
What accessories/modifications do you recommend?
Is a manual transmission "better" for off-roading?
Has anyone been to Camp Jeep or a Jeep Jamboree, and would it be good for a beginning like myself?

So pretty much anything to point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

I'm not an "off road warrior" by any stretch of the imagination. However, you might want to try the United States Four Wheel Drive Association homepage. Sorry, I don't have it handy--try Google. I am in the process of trying to obtain information from them on their Saftey Awareness Course they offer through the Indiana Four Wheel Drive Assn. or a similar course through the Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Assn.

Hope this helps.

Questions...

What you need to know before you go:
First and foremost... never go off-roading alone. Take at least two vehicles. Starting out it's a good idea to contact a local 4wheeling club and go on a trail run with them. Family-friendly clubs tend to be better for those just starting out. Save the hard-core trails until after you've got some trail time under your belt.

...So my questions are:
How did you get into off-roading?
...that was years ago... too many to remember

Do you have any good resources (books, websites, classes, etc) for someone that wants to get into off-roading?

Getting Unstuck (http://www.ilovejeeps.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11332)
Tread Lightly (http://www.treadlightly.org/edu.mv?edu=3D347A75000431C600004E2A00000000) - leaving a good impression.
10 stupid things men do to ruin their 4x4 (http://www.4x4abc.com/ten_stupid_things/index.html)
Glossary and FAQ (http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/glossary.html)
Water Crossing (http://www.4wdonline.com/A/Water.html)
These should give you a good base to start from.

What accessories/modifications do you recommend?
That depends on what you are starting out with and what type of off-roading you plan to do.

Is a manual transmission "better" for off-roading?
I would suggest 'auto' for the vast majority of off-roading. Once you start getting into the advanced trails...(the kind that almost ensure you'll get stuck/brake something) then I'd go with the stick.

Has anyone been to Camp Jeep or a Jeep Jamboree, and would it be good for a beginning like myself?
There was a Jeep 101 out our way that we attended a few years ago. The Jeep Camps/Jamborees never are near this part of the country.

So pretty much anything to point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.
Hope that helps.

pdxbubba,

I will look into your resources. I just did a quick search and came across a couple of 4x4 clubs in the western, ny area, so I'll get in contact with them and they will hopefully be able to help me get off the road!

Everything you said was a huge help, thanks!