Andrea wrote:I thought that I might have to join a club to read other posts. I am also under the impression that I need to modify my Jeep first (new tires, maybe lift, etc.) in order to qualify.
And that in itself is another problem..where to begin!?
Greetings Andrea,
I my self am fairly new to the ohv world (legal that is)

I took my stock tj out for the RIOHVA 1st anual back in november on balding street tires, I had almost no problems till the end when my oil pan got hung up but i was still able to drive her home & no leaks.
I met a lot of extreamly frindly & helpfull people, mostly from
http://northeastjeep.org/ &
http://www.freedomtrailriders.org/ .
As far as modifacations, theres alot thats so simple a chimp w/a wrench can do, anything more difficult the clubs do wrench fests to help & teach each other but if the funds are there then take the shop suggestions of these guys

have fun & wheel legal
hope to see you & everyone else on the trails soon