About a week before Christmas, we flew out to Niagara, New York to visit our good friend Ken (HappyCurmudgeon) who’s been fighting a losing battle against cancer, buy his silver 2-door JK and drive it back home to Southern California. At first, we were just going to make a beeline for home but, after looking at some of the weather reports, we decided to take a more southerly route with the hopes of bypassing some of the snow storms coming our way. And, so long as we were at it, we thought now would be as good a time as ever to get our kicks on ol’ Route 66. I hope you enjoy the pics from our epic trip.

Gettin our Kicks on Route 66 Photo Essay

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, we headed out to Laughlin, Nevada to run some trails with Mel Wade from Off Road Evolution. In this short Project-JK RAW clip, you will get to see Mel take his 4-Door Jeep JK Wrangler, known as EVO 1, up a 6 foot tall vertical buggy ledge near Bullhead City, Arizona. I hope you enjoy.

Project-JK RAW : Off Road Evolution EVO 1 - Bullhead City Buggy Ledge Climb

Typically, our family uses the Thanksgiving weekend to visit relatives but, because of our son’s school and work schedule, we decided to change things up and just stay at home and relax. That is, that was the plan up until we got a call from Mel at Off Road Evolution who asked if we’d be interested in a last minute banzai run out to Laughlin. The plan was to run the Old Mojave Trail in a day on Friday, stay the night at a casino, do a run down in the Parker, Arizona area on Saturday and then come back home by Sunday afternoon. And, for the most part, that’s exactly what we did only, we threw in one more run on Sunday and ended up coming home late that night. To see a photo essay from our Thanksgiving weekend of wheeling trip, simply click on the link below - I hope you enjoy.

Thanksgiving Weekend of Wheeling 2011

The all new 2012 Jeep JK Wrangler comes with a new vacuum assist or pump which is located on the driver side frame rail and just behind the front bumper. For the most part, there’s nothing wrong with where it’s placed but, if you choose to run an aftermarket front bumper and install a large winch that sits between the frame rails, it is something that will need to get relocated. Fortunately, EVO MFG makes a great kit just for this that is cheap and easy to install.

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There is so much I absolutely love about the all new 2012 Jeep JK Wrangler - I love the new interior, all the new creature comforts, tailgate that stays open on it’s own and who could forget the awesome 3.6L Pentastar Engine with 5 speed automatic transmission. But, I do have to say I was a bit surprised to see all the new changes under the belly including a crazy exhaust loop, a dangerously exposed transmission cooler line and, no skid plates present to protect any of them. Now, those who know me know that I’m no fan of replacing factory skid plates in favor of aftermarket ones but, being that this new JK comes with nothing at all, I decided to fix that problem with the all new EVO MFG ProTeK Skid System. While it isn’t difficult to install, there are a few things that can make things tricky but, I think this write-up should help you out.
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The LA Auto Show is back in town and so we decided to take some time to check it out and see what, if anything new they might have new on display for Jeep. Of course, it’s always fun to check out some of the other cool vehicles there too.

Here’s a like to a thread I started that highlights some of the things you can see there. I hope you enjoy.

2011 Los Angeles Auto Show Photos

Back in 2006, Burnsville Offroad came to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada with the very first HEMI converted Jeep JK Wrangler. This year, they came once again with the very first 2012 JK running a 392 HEMI. In this video spotlight, you’ll get to hear Dan McKeag highlight some of its features.

Project-JK 2011 SEMA Show Spotlight Burnsville Off Road 2012 JK 392 HEMI

Because you never know when you’re gonna need a little extra light, I like to carry a good MagLite flashlight with me in my JK. Unfortunately, there really aren’t a whole lot of convenient places that you can store one without it rolling around while you drive and driving you nuts. And, that’s why I decided to secure mine with a mount. Fortunately, MagLite sells a basic wall mounting kit that you can buy for cheap at your local hardware store and, it can be installed in minutes. Here is a quick write-up I did to show you how easy it is to install.

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You’ve just got to love technology and companies like Edge Superchips for coming out with some amazingly sophisticated programmer/tuners for our Jeep JK Wrangler. Utilizing the power of an Android tablet, the all new VIVID can do just about everything you would hope a programmer to do and then some. In this video spotlight, Tom Benett will highlight some of its cool features and show you just how easy it is to use.

Project-JK 2011 SEMA Show Spotlight
Superchips Jeep JK Wrangler VIVID Programmer

TeraFlex came to the 2011 SEMA Show with their all new new Tera44 Jeep JK Wrangler replacement front axle housing. This new housing is built with larger diameter tubes, beefier C’s, 1/4” brackets and is overall significantly stronger than the stock Dana 44. In this Project-JK SEMA Show Spotlight, you’ll get to hear Dennis highlight the features of their new axle and explain why it would be a perfect upgrade for your JK.

Project-JK 2011 SEMA Show Spotlight TeraFlex Tera44 Front JK Axle Housing

Of all the Jeep JK Wranglers at the 2011 SEMA Show, I’d have to say that the AEV Brute Double Cab stole the show. This was by far the most factory looking JK converted pick-up truck I have ever seen, more so than the MOPAR JK-8 and it comes complete with a separated truck bed and HEMI to give it real power. In this Project-JK video spotlight, you’ll get to see and hear Dave Harriton tell us about this awesome vehicle.

Project-JK 2011 SEMA Show Spotlight - AEV Brute Double Cab JK Pick-Up Truck

Among other things, Full-Traction Suspension came to the SEMA 2011 to show off their all new CRC Link for the Jeep JK Wrangler. In this Project-JK Video Spotlight, Steve Kramer explains how easy it is to install as well as the benefits it provides both on and off-road.

Project-JK 2011 SEMA Show Spotlight - Full-Traction Suspension JK CRC Link

If there was one thing that was really hot at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, I would have to say it was pick-up truck versions of Jeep JK Wranglers. Making a stop over at the Nemesis display, we got to see their beautiful new MOPAR JK8 converted Wrangler and, check out all the cool aluminum fenders, bumpers, rocker guards and miscellaneous parts they make for Jeeps.

Project-JK 2011 SEMA Show Spotlight Nemesis JK8 Pick-Up Truck Build

One of the very first stops we made at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, was over at Dynatrac. Before coming to the show, we had heard rumors of a badass new axle they might be unveiling but for the life of me, I wasn’t expecting to see this – a Pro Rock 80!! For all that it is, this beefy new low pinion axle only has a 1” clearance loss over it’s smaller 60 sibling and amazingly, is only about 30 lbs. heavier. In this Project-JK SEMA Spotlight, you’ll get to hear Scott Frary explain in detail the benefits of this awesome new axle.

Project-JK 2011 SEMA Show Spotlight - The All NEW Dynatrac Pro Rock 80

TeraFlex Inc., manufacturer of TeraFlex suspensions, body protection equipment, low range gearing and HD axles, introduces the newest heavy duty component for the JK Wrangler.

The TeraFlex Tera44 heavy duty front Dana 44 replacement axle is the perfect solution for bent, broken or damaged front axles in JK Wrangler Rubicon vehicles. This replacement axle can also be used to build a heavy duty axle upgrade for non-Rubicon JKs.

The replacement housing includes a heavy duty Tera44 housing, tubes, inner seals, axle bracketry, and outer knuckles. Simply transfer your existing internal components, outer knuckle assembly, and brakes to the new housing!

The Tera44 has the following features:
• Ductile cast iron housing with increased rib gussets
• Smooth radius bottom design to glide over rocks & obstacles
• Asymmetric housing design, for long tube side strength
• Bottom oil drain hole for simple fluid changes
• Integrated factory location upper control arm mount
• 3.25” x 0.25” axle tube to resist bending and torsion with minimal weight increase
• ¼” thick CNC laser cut axle brackets for extreme strength
• Compatible with factory JK Rubicon locker
• 100% engineered, designed, and built in the USA
• 100% new components
• No Excuses warranty - 1 year, unlimited mileage

The TeraFlex JK Front Replacement Axle Housing has a retail price of $2049.99

TeraFlex products are available direct, or through authorized TeraFlex Dealers. For a complete list of Dealers in your area, or to purchase direct, contact TeraFlex at 801-288-2585 or visit them on the web, www.teraflex.biz.

Here’s a great clip of Mel Wade in the Off Road Evolution EVO 1 taking on Winch Hill #1 on the Fordyce Creek Trail and, making it look super easy. Winch Hill #1 is the first of five tough sections along the trail and is located just a little past the Carlisle Mine and before the second of three water crossings. Most people consider this to be the most challenging of the five.

RAW & UNCUT : Mel in EVO 1 Climbing Fordyce Creek Trail - Winch Hill #1

Here’s another short clip of our friend Don taking on the all new Winch Hill #0.5 on the Fordyce Creek Trail. While it isn’t exactly “UNCUT”, this short video does show the whole climb from start to finish and illustrates just how challenging it really is. Again, this new obstacle near the Carlisle Mine mine was created to bypass a deep mud bog nearby and to help satisfy the concerns of environmental groups.

RAW & UNCUT : Don Climbing New Fordyce Creek Trail Winch Hill #0.5

Okay, while this short video may not be exactly “UNCUT”, it definitely gives you a good “RAW” look at just how tough Winch Hill #1 really is on the Fordyce Creek Trail. To give you some perspective, the Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon you’ll see belongs to our good friend Jeff Hoffman, also known as HONEY BADGER over on JK-Forum.com and, at the time this video was made, he was running an EVO MFG Long Arm Kit, front Coil Overs and 35” Nitto Mud Grapplers.

RAW & UNCUT : Jeff Hoffman Climbing Fordyce Creek Trail - Winch Hill #1

Earlier in the year, I got a message from a guy named David who lives in Canada and frequents JK-Forum.com. In it, he said that he and a few buddies of his were planning a trip down to the Rubicon and was hoping that Cindy and I might be willing to lead them through. Of course, at the time, I didn’t know this guy from Adam but, I said “sure” and that he should contact me again when we got closer to summer and, pretty much put it out of my mind. Well, sure enough, as soon as July rolled around, I got another message from David to let me know when he and his fellow Canuks would be down in South Lake Tahoe and, to see if we were still on. While none of us really knew each other, none of us were really strangers either. After all, we were Jeepers and, this is the story about our Maple Honey experience on the Rubicon Trail.

MAPLE HONEY : A Project-JK Canadian Style Rubicon Trail Run