WIN - Full-Traction Suspension 3.0″ Premium Plus SRS™ Lift System GIVEAWAY!!

I look foward to seeing you on JK-Forum.com and wish you the best of luck!!

Quality laser crafted components allow proper fitment to make this system the one to choose for JK owners demanding the best.

System comes complete with heavy duty adjustable front & rear track bars for proper axle alignment, new generation front sway bar disconnects, rear sway bar links, bump stops, off-set brake line relocation brackets, and ride frequency tuned coil springs for a comfortable ride. Detailed installation instructions included with step-by step photos.

* Using recommended tire widths & wheel backspacing

Part# FTS7153 2-Door $1195.00
Part# FTS7154 4-Door $1195.00

For more information regarding the all new Full-Traction Suspension 3.0″ Premium Plus SRS™ kit, please email them at: chris@full-traction.com or call at: 800-255-6464

First, we need to explain the function of a locker, or locked axle. For the purposes of our discussion, we’ll describe it as differential that allows 100% of the available torque to go to one or both axles in a front or rear end assembly. This means that even if one tire is in the air, power will still be transmitted to the tire that is still on the ground.

There are 3 basic categories of lockers: Automatic, Selectable or Spool. All 3 have their place in the 4-wheel drive world but they are not all equal in function. The term ‘best’ is subjective, but in each category there are brands and designs that are better than others.

Automatic or Auto locker - This is a locking differential that is always locked unless an outside tire needs to overspeed to navigate a corner. In this situation the axle/tire on the outside of the corner is unlocked and speeds up. Therefore the rig is propelled by the axle/tire on the inside of the corner. Another way to look at this is that an auto locker will allow any tire to turn faster than the driveshaft (speed up), but will never allow a tire to turn slower than the driveshaft (it will even turn if off the ground). After the vehicle has navigated the corner and equal wheel speed is restored (going straight), the differential will once again lock the axle. Tire circumference and suspension set up are crucial to good road manners in a rear axle. At the end of this article is information needed to check your vehicle for best performance with an auto locker.

Lockers in this category include: Detroit Locker, Grizzly Locker (a Detroit Locker imitation imported from overseas by Yukon/Randy’s R&P), Lock Right, Power Trax No-Slip, E-Z Locker, Aussie Locker and Yukon/Randy’s Spartan Locker. The Detroit and Grizzly are full case lockers and the rest are ‘lunch box’ lockers. ‘Lunch box’ refers to the box shape that the lockers are sold in. Auto Lockers are invisible in front axle applications in 2 WD. In 4WD they can adversely affect your steering but are a very effective at adding traction without constant on-off driver intervention.

Unlike a full case auto locker, the lunch box locker (except for Power Trax No-Slip) will wear out over time. The internal teeth of the locker will round and eventually cause failure. The lunch box style locker is also noisier than a Detroit Locker (but similar to a Grizzly) and is much more prone to failure. A lunch box locker retains the factory case and doesn’t require a professional installation. Installation can be done by a competent ‘back yard’ mechanic with the right tools. The original OEM case is a weak spot (as is the cross pin) and failures are fairly common. It is for this reason I don’t usually recommend Lunch box lockers for a rear application unless they are a temporary addition.

The Detroit Locker can be damaged if you break an axle shaft. For some people it happens with the first broken shaft and for others they might break a dozen and never see any damage. Use good DOMESTIC 4340 axle shafts to prevent this misfortune from occurring on your 4×4.

In the Auto locker category the Detroit Locker, Aussie and Lock Rights are your best options. The Power Trax is a good product but the cost is so close to a full case locker that the full case locker is a better choice.

Selectable Lockers - This is a differential that can changed be from open (or limited slip in the case of the Ected) to fully locked (or semi locked- also the Ected) by the operator from the driver’s seat. Actuation can be achieved by 12v power, air or cable. These products have superior road manners when compared to an auto locker, but only when they are in the OFF and Unlocked position.

Lockers in this category include: ARB, Auburn Ected, Eaton ELocker, OX locker and Zip Locker.
ARB is still the benchmark to beat. While they can experience failures due to poor installation, ARBs remain on the top of the heap. When properly installed they are reliable, lock and unlock very quickly and are very strong.

The Eaton ELocker is right up there with ARB with their Dana 30 (and 35) model, but the ELocker has an advantage due to its 12V actuation. Eaton claims that testing has shown the ELocker to be equal to ARB in strength and ease of actuation. The other ELocker models (e.g. Dana 44 & Dana 60) have a less desirable 2-pinion design that is much weaker than their comparable ARB. Their actuation, while also 12V, is different than the Dana 30 and 35 versions and not as reliable. The Eaton ELocker has similarities to the GKN produced Tru Lok differential that is standard equipment with the JK Rubicon package. Be aware that, as mentioned above, Dana 44 Eaton ELockers are a 2-pinion design. This design is much weaker than the 4-pinion design used by GKN in the Tru Lok.

The OX locker is very strong but still struggles with a poor actuation method. The cable actuation can be very good or very bad depending on the user and/or installer. OX also provides an air or electric actuation method but we do not have much positive feedback on them at this time. Actuation is also much more cumbersome than the competitors. While usually fairly easy to lock, sometimes unlocking the OX Locker can be a real chore.

The Auburn Ected looks great on paper but the actual function is not as robust compared to the others. This unit is based on a clutch driven limited slip design and doesn’t truly ‘lock’. When ‘locked’, extra pressure is given to the clutches and it will act locked until there is enough engine torque and traction to overcome the clutch pressure. Additionally, over time, the clutches will wear and lock up will be even less effective. The internal side gear design has very little axle spline engagement in the LSD mode and we have seen some axle shafts getting the splines stripped. Auburn is working on a new Ected model that is said to address these issues.

The Zip Locker (imported by Yukon/Randy’s R&P) is an imitation of an old ARB design and is a poor substitute for the new ARB. It may be somewhat cheaper in price than an ARB, but we don’t see the benefit especially if a failure causes collateral damage to gears, and other internal parts.

The best part of a selectable locker is also the worst part- YOU must make the choice. If you forget to make the choice it can sometimes lead to a bad situation. A selectable locker up front will be harder to steer (while locked) than an auto locker. Steering box and pump upgrades should be considered for best operation with this product.

In the selectable locker category the ARB and the Eaton ELocker (Dana 30 and 35 models ONLY) are the best options.

Spools are a solid lock between the R&P and the axle shaft. This solid lock function can be obtained by purchasing a spool (commonly used in Drag racing), or by installing a locking block inside the factory case (called a mini spool), and finally by welding up the internals of the factory differential (aka. Lincoln Locker). All of these methods work exactly alike but an actual spool is stronger and not prone to failure.

While a spool does provide very consistent, reliable traction, it also places a huge amount of additional stress on your axle shafts during street driving and causes excessive rear tire wear. Off road, a rear spool will greatly increase your turning radius. In tight trees or rocks it will not allow you to make the sharp, highly maneuverable turns you will need.
A spool or similar is a perfect choice for the mud bog racer but not a great idea for the average off road vehicle.

Auto locker vehicle set up: If you plan on installing an auto locker in the rear axle (full case or lunchbox), you’ll want to check your tires for their circumference. An auto locker is always locked until the outside axle must unlock and overspeed to navigate a corner. After the corner, the differential will lock the outside axle when equal axle speed has occurred. If your tires are of unequal circumference, the axle will lock and unlock at inappropriate times causing handling issues. Even a tire with low air pressure can change the circumference and the larger tire will cause the locker to unlock even on a straight road.

To check your tires, air all 4 tires up to 25 PSI. Use a good dial type gauge, not some cheap pencil style gauge. Then using chalk, draw a down the sidewall of the tire and onto the pavement. Do this with all 4 tires. Next you roll the rig until the sidewall mark once again contacts the ground and you make another mark on the pavement. Now you measure the distance between the marks of each tire. You now put the 2 tires with the closest measurement on the rear axle.

Jeeps with long arm kits are notorious for their lack of precision in suspension set up. For example, if a bolt won’t go in the long arm because of improper alignment what happens? The installer loosens or tightens the heim until the bolt will pass through. Are all the arms the same length now? With an open diff or a selectable, poor axle alignment is masked. An auto locker will show these faults. Additionally, Jeeps aren’t known for precise bracket locations and most long arm kits require you to measure up for placement.

To get the best performance from an auto locker, you should get a GOOD 4 wheel alignment. It’s almost never done but it makes a huge positive difference in handling. This alignment will get your long arms set to proper length, and make sure your rig is tracking true. There are even ways to adjust stock short arms that will help. Do it.

Writen By: Scott Frary - Dynatrac Products Inc.
www.dynatrac.com

Bestop PowerBoards are manufactured to not only meet but exceed stringent OEM standards including:
• Corrosion Testing - over 1000 hours of pressurized salt spray testing which roughly equals to over 5 years of driving in constant coastal conditions. This means your PowerBoard will last through anything you throw at - sun, sand, snow, slush, dirt or mud
• Cycle Testing - Linkages and motors are brutally tested without stopping for up to 25,000 cycles, which equals to about 5 years of daily use.
• Load testing - PowerBoards are tested to destruction and succeed well above the 600 pound load rating.
All testing results in the PowerBoard being tested to failure - therefore giving you a product that can outlast the truck itself.

PowerBoards are manufactured from the highest quality materials out there today. These materials include:
• High strength aluminum die-cast linkages
• OEM certified heavy duty wiring harness that features weatherproof connectors
• Integrated, weatherproof LED lightkit illuminates board and ground below for easier access in and out of your JK Unlimited
• 6.25 inch wide aluminum extruded running board with ultra durable textured powder coat board for a sure footed, non-slip surface

The PowerBoard for the JK Unlimited is a must have product for anyone looking for that extra boost to get into their vehicle. Bestop is running a $100 Cash Back on ALL Bestop PowerBoards including the JK Unlimited application now through October 31, 2010. Visit: www.Bestop.com/Rebate for complete rebate details.

Inspired by what they saw in our videos, Powerline Patrol Services decided that a new patrol vehicle based on the Jeep JK Wrangler might be the solution they’ve been looking for. Eager to test market this concept, they hired a production company to create a promotional video highlighting some of the unique services they offer and asked if we might be willing to bring out our JK so that they could film it traversing the rough power line roads and difficult right-of-ways that are commonly found in the Arizona desert. Happy to help out in any way that we could, we hammered out the details and made our out to Phoenix. To watch a short video that Cindy made of our adventures, simply click on the link below:

Helicopter Video Shoot of Moby Dick 

When all was said and done, this is what the final product looked like…

In addition to the primary promotional video that was made for Powerline Patrol Services, a fun secondary video was also made to  highlight the Jeep JK Wrangler patrol vehicle (our Moby Dick) and this is what it looks like….

Powerline Patrol Services YouTube Channel

For more information about Powerline Patrol Services, please visit their website at:
www.powerlinepatrol.com

Powerline Patrol Videos were produced by The Reid Effect Production Studios

Chrysler Group LLC released images today of the new 2011 Jeep® Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. Jeep continues to refine the successful Wrangler formula by combining its legendary, benchmark capability with an all-new interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility, and a premium appearance courtesy of an all-new body-color hard top for the popular Sahara model.

“The iconic Jeep Wrangler keeps getting better,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “While retaining unmatched, legendary capability, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler boasts an all-new interior that delivers a host of comfort, convenience and versatility features. In addition, Sahara models now feature a stunning, all-new body-color hard top, for customers looking for a Jeep Wrangler with a more premium appearance.”

New 2011 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a redesigned instrument panel and new storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A new lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power mirrors are now available, and drivers and passengers will enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of larger rear windows.

All-new steering-wheel controls allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping hands on the wheel. A new USB device interface connects to storage devices (thumb drives and most MP3 players) for use with the vehicle’s Media Center, which now includes streaming Bluetooth audio. Twelve-volt accessory outlets have been added and a new 110-volt outlet is available to provide power similar to AC outlets in the home.

In line with traditional Jeep design, hex-head bolts are utilized throughout the interior, and are used to mount a “Jeep, Since 1941” inlay onto the new passenger grab handle.

Jeep engineers increased acoustical treatment in the 2011 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, resulting in significantly reduced interior noise.

To provide a more premium appearance, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models boast an all-new, premium, body-color hard top.

Several new Jeep Wrangler colors are available for 2011, including Detonator Yellow, Deep Cherry Red, Sahara Tan, Cosmos Blue and Bright White.

Production of the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited began earlier this week at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio.

2011 Jeep JK Wrangler Photo Gallery

DYERSBURG, TENNESSEE:

Rough Country’s 1 ¼” JK Body Lift is a comprehensive all-in-one kit; featuring everything needed for a great well rounded lift. The manual transmission versions of these kits ship with Rough Country’s new Shifter Adapter. This adapter raises the shifter length preventing a common shortened stature that occurs with many other lift kits. Custom designed by Rough Country’s Research and Development Department, the Shifter Adapter allows realignment of the shifter with a spacer – similar to the body lift itself – therefore requiring no cutting or modifying of the inner shift boot. All versions of this kit also include Rough Country’s Rear Bumper Brackets which hoist the bumper flush with the rear of the vehicle avoiding the unsightly exposed frame all too common in other lift kits.

The 1 ¼” kit designed for manual transmission two door (RC603) and four door (RC604) models retails for $129.95 and 139.95 respectively, while the automatic two door (RC600) and four door (RC601) models retail for $99.95 and $109.95. The Shifter Adapter can be purchased separately and utilized with other 1” – 1 ¼” kits for $49.95 as well as the Rear Bumper Brackets which retail for $24.95

For more information regarding this product or any Rough Country Suspension Products, please visit their website at: www.roughcountry.com or call them at 800-222-7023

Offset is the measured distance between the hub mounting surface and the wheels center line.

With X being the determined offset, the hub mounting surface on positive offset wheels is X amount forward from the wheel center line. The hub mounting surface on negative offset wheels is X amount backwards from the wheel center line. The hub mounting surface on 0 offset wheels is the wheel center line.

Backspacing is the measurement from the hub mounting surface to the back edge of the wheel.

Typically speaking, the higher the offset/backspace, the more the wheel will tuck inwards towards the suspension or away from the fender. The lower the offset/backspace, the more the wheel will push out away from the suspension or towards the fender.

For Example:

If the offset on a 9″ wide wheel is +12mm, the hub mounting surface will be 12mm forward from the wheels center line. Measuring from the hub mounting surface to the back edge of the wheel, the backspacing is 5.5″

If the offset on a 9″ wide wheel is -12mm, the hub mounting surface would be 12mm towards the back of the wheel from the wheels center line. Measuring from the hub mounting surface to the back edge of the wheel, the backspacing is 4.5″

Here’s how to calculate the backspacing using the rim width and offset:

First - add 1″ to the rim width and then divide by 2 to find the wheels center line (you have to account for the wheel flange which is why you add 1″ to the rim width) . Second - convert the offset which is in millimeters into inches. There is 25.4mm in 1 inch so divide the offset by 25.4. Lastly - add the converted offset to the wheels center line if the offset is positive for the correct backspacing. Subtract the converted offset to the wheels center line if the offset is negative for the correct backspacing.

For Example:

17×9 +12mm offset

9″ rim width + 1″ = 10″
10″/2 = 5″ (wheels center line)
+12mm offset/25.4 = 0.47″ (0.50″ rounded up)
0.50″ + 5″ = 5.50″ Backspace
17×9 -12mm offset

9″ rim width + 1″ = 10″
10″/2 = 5″ (wheels center line)
-12mm offset/25.4 = 0.47″ (0.50″ rounded up)
0.50″ - 5″ = 4.50″ Backspace

*** Please note that the wheels center line is the backspacing for 0 offset wheels.
I hope this helps.

Article written by Matt at Discount Tires Direct
www.discounttiredirect.com

The kit includes both front and rear coil springs which have been factory tuned based on Jeep’s stock spring rate allowing maximum off-road absorption while maintaining incredible highway handling. A drop pitman arm and track-bar bracket help promote proper geometry of drag link and steering parts once the vehicle is lifted. The innovative track-bar bracket also features an extra mounting hole for securing the infamous weak spot on the stock JK bracket. Rough Country’s Series II Lift Kit also includes a pair of fixed lower control arms complete with an innovative High Clearance Design for optimum flex and OEM style rubber bushings that provide unparalleled vibration absorption. Debuting along with the 3.5” kit are a complete set of Rough Country’s new N2.0 shocks which incorporate self-adjusting velocity sensitive valving. This technology allows for variations in resistance valving according to piston speed which allows for a super smooth highway ride and outstanding control in rugged off road situations from the same shock, without turning any knobs or shock removal for re-adjustment.

For more information about this or any Rough Country product, please visit their website at www.roughcountry.com

Our ProRock 44 has been a very popular upgrade for Jeep JK’s, but owners have been asking us for even more. We’ve listened, and we’ve got a brand new option - Introducing the Unlimited ProRock 44!!

The owners of some Jeep JKs have discovered that lifted rigs need a bit more pinion rise to minimize the possibility of drive shaft vibration. However, changing the pinion angle on a front axle housing, affects the caster angles which are important for handling and steering. Therefore, there is a practical limit to increasing the pinion angle adjustment.

Our new Unlimited ProRock 44 is built to allow an increased pinion angle but retains or even increases factory caster angles. This helps prevent drive shaft vibrations and can improve on-road handling substantially. It also helps get the drive shaft moved up and out of the rocks. We’ve also moved the shock mounts outboard slightly to help prevent the shocks from rubbing on the frame under full articulation, and make it easier to utilize some of the new, big body shock absorbers.

• Over 2 ½ times as strong as a factory Jeep housing!! Over twice as strong as most sleeved and welded housings.
• Suspension Brackets are 50% thicker and much stronger than stock
• Equipped with Dynatrac’s own heavy-duty end forgings (aka C’s) - Some areas are over 180% thicker than stock- No gussets needed
• Brackets and mounts designed and located for lifted Jeeps (Unlimited housing)
• Made in the USA!!

See the following links to our website for more technical information.

http://dynatrac.com/
http://www.dynatrac.com/images/pdf/P…20FAQ_revI.pdf
http://www.dynatrac.com/images/pdf/C…using_revC.pdf

Here’s the deal!
This limited time offer allows you, the loyal members of the JK Forum. SAVE UP TO $300.00 on our standard JK ProRock 44 or our new Unlimited ProRock 44! We’ve made this easy by including all of the most popular options. We’ve been getting great feedback on our ‘Extreme’ ½” wall axle tube so every housing, both standard and Unlimited, will have 1/2” wall axle tubes. Our ProSteer ball joints have also been a very popular option so we’re including them in here too.

6 Options - 2 Prices:
Unlimited JK ProRock 44 for Rubi Locker- Jeep OEM ball joints
PN JK44-1X3010-G
$1,849

Unlimited JK ProRock 44 for conventional diff (ARB-Detroit)-Jeep OEM ball joints
PN JK44-1X3010-H
$1,849

Standard JK ProRock 44 for Rubi Locker- Jeep OEM ball joints
PN JK44-1X3010-E
$1,849

Unlimited JK ProRock 44 for Rubi Locker- ProSteer ball joints
PN JK44-1X3010-K
$2,335

Unlimited JK ProRock 44 for conventional diff (ARB-Detroit)-ProSteer
PN JK44-1X3010-L
$2,335

Standard JK ProRock 44 for Rubi Locker- ProSteer Ball joints
PN JK44-1X3010-I
$2,335

These terrific JK forum vendors are also stocking Dynatrac dealers, and are ready to take your order. They are also well equipped to provide you with gears, differentials, set-up labor, installation, and other parts if you need them. These vendors are a great resource for tech help, and quality service!! Call them now!!

4 Wheel Drive Hardware
800-967-5535
www.4wd.com

Northridge 4×4
360-340-0282
www.northridge4×4.com

Off Road Evolution
714-870-5515
www.offroadevolution.com

Quadratec
800-745-2348
www.quadratec.com

If necessary, you may also purchase directly from Dynatrac. A crating charge of $65, per axle housing, will be applied to every order shipping from Dynatrac. Freight charges will also apply and be determined by your shipping destination from Huntington Beach CA.

Call the dealer nearest you and get your ProRock 44 ordered now! Supplies are limited. Dynatrac reserves the right to discontinue this promotion at any time before the 8/13/10 closing time.