Let’s face it, when it comes to hard core front bumpers, there really isn’t a whole lot that you really need other than tow points and a winch plate.  For good measure, something that’ll protect your winch and allow you to mount a couple of auxillary lights would be nice as well but aside from that, anything more is pretty much unnecessary.  Fortunately for those of you who like to play hard and find simplicity to be sexy, the guys over at PUREJEEP have just released their all new Bare Bonez Crawler Front Bumper Combo which comes complete with winch plate, light hoop, D-Ring mounts and nothing else.  And, the best part of this great looking and highly functional setup is retail priced at just $329.95!!

The PUREJEEP Bare Bonez Crawler Front Bumper Combo is now available for sale at Northridge4×4.com

Here’s a question that I hear all the time , “where can I install my Auxiliary Lights and Hi Lift Jack?”  Well, Olympic 4×4 Products has the answer for you with their all new Jacklite Brackets.  These brackets easily bolt onto any custom Wrangler JK Front Bumpers, which utilize the eight existing mounting holes in the front of the vehicles frame works. You have a choice of laying your Jack on either of its two sides and fastening it to a variety of predrilled holes in the Jacklite Brackets. You can install one pair of lights with the Jack, or two pair of lights without the jack. Sold in pairs, made from ¼” thick x 2” wide solid steel plate. Power coated in your choice of High Gloss Black or
Rubicon (textured) Black, also available in raw steel for welding applications.

To install, all you need to do is remove the hardware that hold almost all aftermarket front bumpers to the frame of the JK, place the Jacklite Brackets in place in front of the bumper and refasten the original hardware.

Part # Finish
187‐171 High Gloss Black
187‐174 Rubicon (textured) Black
187‐17X Raw Steel

For more information about this or any other Olympic 4×4 Product, please visit their website at: http://www.olympic4×4products.com/

The Slickrock Jeep Trail is located about two hours south of South Lake Tahoe, just off HWY 4 and near to the town of Bear Valley.  Starting at Lake Alpine, Slickrock makes its way across the Stanislaus National Forest and ends over at the beautiful Utica Reservoir.  The scenery is gorgeous in this area and there are lots of fun obstacles to play on along the way.  In this short Project-JK Video Highlight, you will see four Jeep JK Wranglers climb up and out of the last major obstacle which is often referred to as “the Ladder”.

Project-JK Highlight YouTube Video 7: Slickrock Jeep Trail - The Ladder

If you would like to see tons of photos from this trip, simply click on the link below:

Project-JK Slickrock & Deer Valley Trail Run Photo Gallery

Be sure to check back again soon as we will be posting up more Project-JK YouTube Video Highlights on a regular basis.

SEMA is a show that I look most forward to going to every year as it is by far the biggest and the best and filled with all kinds of beautiful vehicles and new aftermarket products to drool over.  Of course, as we all know, the economy has been anything but stellar and so, I had purposefully lowered my expectations this year and hoped for the best.  Unfortunately for me, I hadn’t lowered them enough and was stunned to see how empty the show was.  Sure, the folks who put on SEMA did a good job of spacing things out and moving things around to help compensate for the lack of attendees but, even the best comb-over can’t hide the fact that a guy is going bald.

So, was it a total bust?  Was there really nothing to see?  Yes and no.  While there were still a lot of JK’s and products on display for them, most were things that had been out for a while.  Of the SEMA specific builds on display, only one really stood out like a SEMA vehicle should and that was the Bushwacker JK that was made by COP4X4.  Predominantly in white with a few black accents such as the COP4X4 Nack Rack and Nack Doors, this JK looked like a diamond in the rough - built for hardcore wheeling but too pretty to scratch.  But, being this was SEMA, that’s what I would expect to see.  Having said all that, even this wasn’t really anything new as photos of it and ALL the other JK’s on display had been posted up months before over on JK-Forum.com.  Maybe I’m just being a bit nostalgic but, I kind of liked it back when the things were more like opening up presents on Christmas day.  Oh well, I guess with today’s information on-demand, all the time and anywhere you go, that would be a lot to ask.

As far as new products go, there are definitely a few that are worth mentioning including the new AEV direct replacement front drive shaft.  Of course, one of the biggest problems that people have after lifting their JK’s 3″ or more and have an automatic transmission, is that the boot on the front drive shaft catches on the lip of the transmission pan at a full droop and this causes it to tear off.  And, while the solution to this is as simple as installing a new aftermarket U-joint style drive shaft, most of the ones already available today require you to replace the pinion and output shaft yokes.  Of course, what makes the new AEV direct replacement drive shaft so nice is that it bolts right up to the existing factory pinion and output shaft flange making this job super easy to do.

While TeraFlex was showing off their new CRD60 front axle, I was told that it wouldn’t be available for sale until the beginning of next year.  However, they did have a few other new products that I thought were worth mentioning and they were the all new JK Big Brake kits and reservoir shocks made by Elka Suspension.  With JK’s being built bigger and heavier than ever before and pushing much bigger tires, bigger brakes are a real welcome sight and while Elka has never done anything for the automotive industry, they have a long history and very good and reputation in the off-road industry and I can only imagine that they have applied all that they know into these new shocks.  I will tell you that I did also see a newly redesigned dual rate sway bar system but, something very similar was released a few years back and never made it to market so, until these start shipping and see people start wheeling with them, I think I’ll hold back on the fan fair.

Although it was modest in it’s build, I was excited to see that Off Road Evolution had a beautiful red 4-Door JK flexed out over at the Nitto Tires display and in a way that did a great job showed off their all new short arm suspension kit, re-designed rocker guards and rugged new roof rack.  Also featured on this build were custom valved shocks made by King specifically for Off Road Evolution and a an awesome front Dynatrac ProRock 44.  Truly, this JK was a sight to see especially when juxtaposed to the beautiful and very classy gals dressed in evening gowns presenting it in great detail.

Now, if there were just one or maybe two products that really stood out for me, it would have to be the all new DashCommand by Palmer Performance Engineering Inc and the Kiwi Wifi+iMFD by PLX Devices Inc.  Retailing for only $29.95, the DashCommand is a basic OBDII Scan Tool application for your iPhone that is designed to provide trouble codes, clear check engine lights and serve as a virtual dashboard providing information for things like fuel economy, HP, torque and much more.  The Kiwi Wifi+iMFD is a bit more expensive at $249.99 but it comes complete with OBDII connector that allows you to wirelessly connect your vehicle’s OBDII port and aftermarket sensors to your iPhone or iPod Touch.  It is compatible with PLX iMFD sensor modules such as Wideband AFR, boost and more.  Needless to say, these iPhone apps are affordable, easy to use and is something that anyone and everyone could use and if there were to be a product or products that I had to call “Best in Show”, these would be them.

To see all the JK’s that we covered at the 2009 SEMA Show as well as some Challengers, Camaros, Mustangs, and more simply click on the link below:

Project-JK 2009 SEMA Show Photo Gallery

If there were ever any doubt that times are tough, taking a quick look around here at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, would be all the proof you needed to cast that doubt away.  Granted, the show doesn’t officially start until tomorrow but, compared to years past, there is definitely a significant and visible decrease in the amount of manufacturers setting up and vehicles being put out for display.  In fact, this is the very first time that I know of where featured vehicles intended to be shown outside are actually being brought inside the main performance hall (an area typically filled to the max with manufacturers) to help fill in gapping holes in the floor plan.  And, while it’s always been one of the smaller sections at SEMA, the Off Road Hall is smaller than ever before and only extends to about half its normal length this year.  Having said all that, there is still an optimisim in the air that the thinning process is almost over and that things are about to start changing for all those who have survived it and for our purposes, we’ll do what we can to show you who they are and what they brought out to show.

Speaking of which, we are once again showing our big white Jeep JK Wrangler for the 3rd time in a row here at the 2009 SEMA Show and this time as a featured vehicle for Superchips.  And, thanks to the fact that we were able to get setup early, we’ve been able to spend some time taking pre-show pics of a few of the JK’s on display and they can now be seen by clicking on the banner above or on the link below:

Project-JK 2009 SEMA Show Photo Gallery

Be sure to check back again and on daily basis this week as we will be posting up a ton more pics!

Northridge4×4 will be closed Tuesday, November 3rd-8th to attend the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas.  During this time, you can save 7% on all orders over $250.   Please note that products made by the following manufacturers will be excluded from this sale: LOD, AEV, Superchips, Rubicon Express, JKS and any package deals or pre-negotiated package deals.  When placing your order, be sure to enter in the coupon code: SEMA

All order will be processed on November 9th and shipped out asap.

www.northridge4×4.com

Staun USA is pleased to announce the return off our popular “Buy 3 get one free” promotion on all internal beadlocks, from November 1st to December 31st 2009. (Available at participating Staun dealers).

ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS:
1- Order four Staun internal Beadlocks
2- You pay for three
3- And get the fourth one FREE!

It’s as easy as 1, 2…BUY 3, GET ONE FREE!

For more information about Staun Products, please visit their website at: www.staunproducts.com

Garvin Wilderness Products is pleased to announce the release of two all new products for the Jeep JK Wrangler and they are the Track Racks and the EXT Series Front Bumper.

Garvin Jeep JK Wrangler Track Racks
Our Track Racks are offered in both a 2-Door and a 4-Door design which mounts to the rear section of the hard-top utilizing Garvin tracks.  These tracks mount on top of the JK hard top and are secured with backing plates that mount on the inside of the vehicle.  The Track Rack will hold up to 200 lbs. of gear off road and is perfect for all your cargo needed and/or your next camping trip!

• 07-2010 JK 2-Door Part# 44012 48”W by 36”L by 4”H
• 07-2010 JK 4-Door Part# 44014 48”W by 42”L by 4”H

Garvin Jeep JK Wrangler EXT Series Front Bumper
We are also excited to offer our brand new EXT Series front bumper for the Jeep JK Wrangler.  This bumper comes as a complete unit and no additional parts are needed.  The bumper will also allow you to mount a Warn winch and it has been designed so that the winch is sitting at a lower profile for added protection behind the bumper guard.  Fits all JK Wranglers, part# 44210

• Made from 2” x 5” x 3/16” tubing, 58”W
• Is compatible with Warn winches, including the Warn PowerPlant
• Includes two tabs for additional lighting
• Clevis mounts for vehicle retrieval
• No drilling required for installation
• Powdercoated and complete with all mounting hardware

Please call us (619)440-7415 or visit our website for more information:
www.wildernessracks.com

Complete PSC Cylinder Assist Steering System for the Jeep JK with everything needed for installation included.  You provide the tools, labor, and power steering fluid.

FEATURES INCLUDE:
a..  New steering gear, professionally modified for cylinder assist.
b..  New higher volume power steering pump with pulley to deliver 50% more volume to your steering system.
c..  A billet aluminum remote reservoir.
d..  Up to 3,600 pounds of additional steering force.
e..  Full bolt-on system, no welding required on JKs with the stock axle (some grinding/cutting may be necessary).

Available with 1-1/2″ or 1-3/4″ piston steering cylinder.  1-1/2″ piston recommended for tires 35″ or under, 1-3/4″ piston recommended for tires over 35.”

PROJECT-JK SPECIAL:
For a limited time only, call and mention “PROJECT-JK” and you’ll receive the JK Assist kit at the reduced price of only $1375.00 + shipping.  That’s a savings of over $200.00!!

Call PSC Motorsports today at (817) 270-0102 to order.  For more information call or visit www.pscmotorsports.com

Rausch Creek Off-road Park once again hosted the 2nd Annual EastCoast JKFest and with a total of 87 Jeep JK’s in attendance on Saturday and over 100 in attendance throughout the weekend.  Thanks to the generous help of our sponsors, PureJeep, Hanson Offroad, Clayton Offroad, Full Traction Suspension, 4Wheel Drive Hardware, Northridge4×4, Superchips, LOD, Teraflex and Alpha Expedition this event definitely turned out to be much bigger and better than the year before.

On Friday morning of JKfest, the park experienced a light rain through out the morning hours but it wasn’t going to stop the dozens of jeepers who had come out to play. As you can see in some of the photos, I rode along with the stock group to show some of the newer jeep owners just how capable their stock JK’s really are. And, as luck would have it, we had the fortune of getting some great guidance from a member that came out from Long Island, NY.

Around 1 PM, we received a call back from the trailhead informing us of some trail carnage that just occured to a couple of rigs and so we made our way back to the parking lot to see what we could do to help out. On arrival, we discovered that one unlucky JK members suffered a broken front Dana 30 axle shaft and the other broken a front drive shaft. Fortunately for them, Chad (Bruised on JK-Forum.com) from 4Wheeldrive Hardware was attending the event and was able to have some new axles and gears from G2 sent out as well as new driveshafts from JE Reel.  In no time at all, we had both Jeeps put back together and back in action.  After all our trail repairs were done, we decided that it was time to head over to O’Neils Pub back in downtown Pine Grove and have some dinner and a few beers with the Canadian Crew.  If you’re ever at Rausch Creek Offroad Park, this is definitely a must stop destination as their food is great and they have a very nice drink selection as well.

Saturday morning, we woke up to a nice layer of fog hanging over Pine Grove but lucky for us, it did clear up before we hit the trails. On this day, I decided to head out with the Canadian group and hit some harder trails. Around lunch time we met up with RDY4RKS crew in the woods and found one of their JK’s down with what originally looked like a leaky dif cover.  Of course, after giving it a closer look, we realized that the cover was leaking because the front ring & pinion blew up and out through the differential cover itself!  Unfortunately, there wasn’t much we were going to be able to do for him there so we decided that after dinner, we would just load up his JK on my trailer and tow him back to the hotel for repairs.

Speaking of dinner, I’d like to give a big thanks to Clayton Offroad for generously treating everyone who attended to some pizza and pop. With everyone feed, the rest of the evening was spent giving away awesome prizes that our sponsor including a brand new LOD front bumper, Superchips Flash Paq, gift certificates from Norhridge4×4 and 4wheeldrive Hardware as well as FREE T-Shirts to every driver in attendance compliments of PUREJEEP/Hanson Offroad.  Needless to say, no one went home empty handed.

If you would like to see all the photos we took at the 2nd Annual EastCoast JKFest, click on the link below:

2nd Annual EastCoast JKFest Photo Gallery

I’d like to thank all the sponsors who helped support the 2nd Annual EastCoast JKFest.  Without your generous help, a great event like this would not have been possible. We look forward to seeing all of you for East Coast JKFest Spring Fling 2010!

— Chris Bader (aka - Piginajeep)

The Black Mountain Wilderness is by far one of our most favorite destinations in the Mojave Desert as it is both beautiful and filled with rich history.  During the late 1800’s, travelers would pass through the Black Mountains and make an overnight stop at Black Canyon Well on their way to the Panamint Range carrying needed provisions or back to Los Angeles with cargo of valuable silver ore.  One of these travelers left his mark on several of the black volcanic rock faces indicating that he was “J. & A. Tillman” and that he was in this area on “Sep 3, 1874 San Francisco Cal”.  Of course, well before the miners, Native Americans spent a vast amount of time in this area and left a stunning array of petroglyphs into the rock faces and some of which depict a herd of big horn sheep.

When we made this particular trip out to the Black Mountain Wilderness, it was soon after a big winter storm and one that left an unusual amount of snow and water behind.  While it was very cold out, it was also amazingly beautiful out that day and we made sure to make many stops along the way to take it all in.  Our first stop was at the old Black Canyon Well where we looked for one of three famous Tillman signatures and played in the snow.  Scouts Cove was our next stop and after checking out the home miners had carved out of a tuffa tower, we spent some time rock hounding for the same fire opals that the Tiffany Jewlery Company had sought after many years before.  From there, we made our way over to Inscription Canyon to admire the intricate petroglyphs carved into the black volcanic rock by an ancient people long since gone.

Our final destination on this trip took us well out of the Black Mountains and due to the unusual amount of snow and water everywhere, required that we drive for miles through deep water and mud.  While this entire trip can normally be done without the need of a 4WD, I can assure you that we were all glad to have our Jeeps.  Just as the sun was about to set, we made it out to one of our favorite dry lakes in the Mojave Desert and one that is simply breathtaking to see after a big storm as you will see in this video.  Of all the years we have been coming out to this dry lake, there have only been a handful of times that we’ve seen it with this much water in it and, this was the very first time we had seen it with all this snow around.  Truly, it was an experience to be remembered and maybe the only time we will ever see it like this again.

To watch this video now, simply click on the screen or link below:

Project-JK Mojave Desert Black Mountain Wilderness Winter Run - VIDEO

If you would like to see a ton of photos from our run, click on the link below:

Project-JK Mojave Desert Black Mountain Wilderness Winter Run Photo Gallery

And last but not least, if you have the opportunity to visit this amazing place, please remember to tread lightly.

When you need to have absolute confidence in the quality of your axles and performance you expect them to deliver on the trail, no other company can give you this assurance other than Dynatrac and with their Pro Rock 60.  Made 100% here in the United States, the Pro Rock 60 has been engineered entirely with new off the shelf components that are designed to work flawlessly together and without the need to use recycled, refurbished or salvaged parts from older used axles.  Of course, the Pro Rock 60 is also the only axle with a profiled differential that offers well over an inch of ground clearance.  And, to top it off, Dynatrac is the only company that I know of that offers a ”no-fault” warranty so long as you properly service and maintain your axles.

Needless to say, when it came time for us to upgrade the front axle in our Jeep JK Wrangler, there was no question what axle we would be getting.  And, fortunately for us, Dynatrac was kind enough to invite us down to their manufacturing facility in Huntington Beach, CA and watch the expert building of our Pro Rock 60 front axle from start to finish and after watching this short video, you’ll get to see why you will want one too!

VIDEO: Building a Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 Front Axle

DYNATRAC PRO ROCK 60 FEATURES:
• 100% designed, manufactured and assembled in the USA
• Most ground clearance of any housing that uses an 8.5” diameter or larger ring gear
• More ground clearance than a Dana 44
• Unmatched housing rigidity to keep gears in proper mesh under extreme loads and big tires
• Best pinion angle and wheel alignment for most lifts
• Proprietary, in-house developed forgings, housings, spindles, knuckles, etc.
• CAD designed and CNC cut brackets expertly welded for precise fit every time
• All new JK design on ProRock 60® platform that is still the benchmark for all other Hi-Pinion Dana 60
• Exclusive Dynatrac JK ABS and Stability Control compatibility
• Quality installed components from Timken, Warn, Precision Gear,
• ARB, and Detroit Locker
• 1-Year, unlimited mileage, “no fault”, written warranty – Real warranty not empty promises

STANDARD EQUIPMENT:
• ProRock 60™ High-Clearance Nodular Iron Housing
• HD 35-spline, 1.5” induction hardened alloy steel inner and outer axle shafts (uses 1480 axle joint)
• ARB Air-Locker or Detroit Locker
• Dynatrac Pro 60 knuckle, Pro 60 wheel hub and Chromoly fixed spindle package
• Upgraded disc brake assembly
• DynaLoc Super-Strength Locking Hubs
• Choice of ring and pinion ratio
• Choice of input yokes
• Dual-Sump/Hi-Volume Oil System
• Dynatrac Pro Series, rock-proof differential cover

If you would like to see a ton of photos that were taken during the building of our Pro Rock 60, simply click on the link below:

Building a Dyantrac Pro Rock 60 Photo Gallery

And, if you would like to see some pics of us hammerning on our Pro Rock 60, here’s a link to some shots of us doing our running our 9 trails in 6 weeks endurance test:

Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 Endurance Test Photos

For more information about the Pro Rock 60 or how you can get your hands on one of these bad boys, come visit the Dynatrac website at www.dynatrac.com or give them a call at 714.596.4461.

In addition to installing things like longer sway bar links and brake line extension brackets, when you lift your Jeep JK Wrangler to a height of 3″ or more, you will find that it’s a good idea to extend your rear axle breather hose as well. If you don’t, you may find that the hose will get pulled off the axle when flexing out on the trail. While this is not that big of a deal in and of itself, the hose being separated will allow water dirt and debris to get inside your axle and that can cause BIG problems.The write-up below will show you how to extend your axle breather hose in minutes and for dirt cheap.

Read more

For those of you who weren’t able to attend the 2009 Off Road Expo in Pomona, CA, rest assured, you didn’t miss much. While this was the 10th anniversary of the show, it was by far the smallest I have seen it in terms of square footage and in terms of the amount of displays. Granted, with 3 fewer buildings and subsequent alleys to fill, the show did feel a lot more crowded than years past and, I suppose that was one of the smartest things the promoters of this show could have done.

So, was the show a total bust? Not at all. While there wasn’t a whole lot new to see, there were a few new products that really caught my attention and are deserving of a kudos. First and foremost, I have to give a big thumbs up to Off Road Evolution and the official release of their new long arm suspension kit. While many have seen this kit in development, this was the first time that it was put on display as a product with a price tag and available for purchase today.

If there were a single product that I had to give a Best in Show award to, it would definitely have to be the all new M.O.R.E. Freedom Top storage unit.  Funtional, easy to use and available at an affordable price point, this storage unit is compact in design and will allow you to safely remove and store your Freedom Top panels safely and securely in the back of your JK and without risk of damage to them even when off roading. In the upright position, you still retain a significant amount of storage space and in the down position, it’s steel construction allows you to carry all your cargo on top of it. Loading up or removing your Freedom Tops from the storage unit can be done from the back of your JK simply by lowering the storage unit’s front panel. Or, if the back is all loaded up with gear, you can access the tops just as easily by lowering your JK’s rear seatback.

Other notable mentions from the show would have to include the all new Currie 609 fabricated axles (which by the way look totally badass), the Expedition One new stubby front bumper, the OR-FAB sport cage, the all new Bushwacker flat fenders and, while the Atomic Axles were way over the top for my taste, the JK they had on display was very nicely built and quite the looker.

If you would like to see all the pics we took from the 2009 Off Road Expo Show, simply click on the link below:

2009 Off Road Expo Show Photo Gallery

Fits: 2007 and newer Jeep Wrangler JK’s. A necessity for every four wheeler who wishes to take their Jeep off road as inevitable you will need the assistance of a Snatch’em strap, Hi Lift Jack or a Winch.

Olympics unique heavy duty design provides ¾” of steel where D Ring is inserted. This exclusive no weld design eliminates heat embrittlement. Olympics’ D Ring Mounting Brackets easily bolt to a variety of manufactures Wrangler JK Front Bumpers that utilize the eight existing mounting holes in the front of the vehicles frame works. They also install onto Olympic New 332-404 Utility Receiver Mount, which slides into any 2” receiver.

For more information regarding Olympic 4×4 Products, please visit their website at: http://www.olympic4×4products.com/

In addition to the countless boulders, ledges, trees, water crossings, mud, tippy rock faces and tight squeezes that you you have to tackle along the 17 mile length of trail known as the Rubicon, there are still plenty of optional obstacles that you can take on as well and one of the more famous ones is known as the “Soup Bowl”.  Very tall, uneven and steep, the Soup Bowl is a ledge climb that all but the most capable rigs even bother to attempt and in this short Project-JK Highlight Video, you will see Mel in his Off Road Evolution Jeep JK Wrangler dominate it. To watch this video now, simply click on the screen or link below:

Project-JK YouTube Video Highlights 6: Rubicon Trail Soup Bowl

Be sure to check back again soon as we will be posting up more Project-JK YouTube Video Highlights on a regular basis.

Fire extinguishers are valuable off-road and most off-road parks and recreation areas require that you have one.  However, it’s a good idea to have one even when not required, because a fire can start for many different reasons.

We’ve taken a high quality fire extinguisher and built a bracket so that it can be mounted to the seat where it’s most accessible without being in the way. Our bracket mounts to the driver’s seat frame and is a complete bolt-on solution that takes only a minute to install. No drilling is required.

Seconds matter when a fire is concerned. Don’t sacrifice your safety with a fire extinguisher that is out of your reach.

The included 2.5 lb. ABC fire extinguisher is rechargeable.  Our brackets are made in the USA.

For more information regarding Die-Tech Off-road and the products that they make, please visit their website at: www.dietechoffroad.com

By far, the most difficult section along the Rubicon, the Little Sluice (also known as the “Sluice Box”) is essentially a narrow crack about 100 yards long and situated between a granite wall on one side and a granite slab on the other.  Now, what makes this crack so challenging is that it’s filled with enourmous, ill positioned boulders made slick from countless spinning tires and a myriad of fluids left behind from fallen rigs that were either cut open, laid on their side or flopped on their lids.  Being that this section of trail is virtually impassable, there are two different bypasses that one can take around it but last weekend, Mel Wade of Off Road Evolution was there to conquer it.  And, as luck would have it, we had the priviledge of being invited along side feature editor Ali Monsour from Petersen’s 4 Wheel & Off-Road to bear witness to this historic moment - the worlds first Jeep JK Wrangler tackling the infamous Little Sluice. 

Armed with a JK Unlimited equipped with a Off Road Evolution Long Arm Suspension System, Double Throw Down Rear EVO Lever System, Double Throw Down EVO Front Coil Overs, wrapped in EVO Body Armor, Rocker Guards/Bumpers and riding on Dynatrac Pro Rock 60’s front and rear and 42″ Goodyear MT/R’s with Kevlar, Mel made his first attempt through the Little Sluice on Friday afternoon.  Unfortunately, soon after clearing the first set of boulders, his air compressor gave out and left him without any lockers.  Wedged literally between a rock and a hard place, Mel decided to do a quick bypassed of the air compressor, hook up his CO2 tank in it’s place and keep pushing through.  However, with our daylight fading, we all decided that it might be best to call it quits, pull out of the Sluice, set up camp, make some solid modification to the air system and then give it another go in the morning.

With the sun still climbing up and over the Sierra Nevada’s, Mel finished up the last of his modifications and made his way back to the start of the Little Sluice.  After establishing a game plan with Ali, Mel decided to make his second attempt through much closer to the slab side as opposed to the middle as he had done the day before.  While this new approach would offer up more surface area for his tires to bite into, it would also mean that he would have to come in at an extreme off camber angle and force his front tires to make axle breaking climbs up steep boulders.  Fortuantely for him, both the flex he came prepared with and strength of his axles made it possible for him to push his JK to the limit.  While a strap was hooked up to his rocker guard at one point along just in case to help prevent the possibility of a tip, Mel was able to make it all the way through the Sluice Box on his own power, without any damage and all in under an hour.

I have always felt that the Jeep JK Wrangler and especially the 4-door Unlimited is by far the best Jeep ever made and without a doubt, the most capable on the trail right out of the box.  And, as I have seen for myself first hand, with a little help from Off Road Evolution, you can easily make your JK virtually unstoppable!!

To see photos of Mel and his Off Road Evolution Jeep JK Wrangler conquering the Little Sluice Box, simply click on the link below:

Off Road Evolution Conquers the Rubicon Trail Little Sluice Box Photo Gallery

Approximately 31 mile in length, the Dusy Ershim is a hell of a trail that cuts through the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and straddles the John Muir and Dinky Lakes Wilderness. More than any rock garden to cross or ledge to climg, its excruciating length and slow going pace is truly what makes this a difficult trail. Having said that, before you get to start this mile after arduous mile of relentless tree squeezes, you have to first conquer the very first obstacle which is located at the trailhead and called, “Chicken Rock.” 

Essentially a steep glacier carved granite face, Chicken Rock isn’t so much difficult as it is intimidating.  I don’t know what the exact slope is but, I have read that it launched into the sky somewhere between 30° and 50° depending on what book or website you are looking at.  Of course, in a Jeep JK Wrangler, this climb is a cakewalk and you will get to see as much in this short Project-JK Video Highlight.  To watch this video now, simply click on the screen or link below:

Project-JK YouTube Video Highlights Dusy Ershim Trail - Chicken Rock

Be sure to check back again soon as we will be posting up more Project-JK YouTube Video Highlights on a regular basis.