Jeep JK Write-Ups
Recent Write-Ups
May 22nd, 2013
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Changing the fluid in your Jeep JK Wrangler's differentials is an important part of routine maintenance. New gear oil will insure your differentials will be properly lubricated and functioning properly. And, unlike previous Jeep Wranglers, you will not need to pop open the differential cover in order to perform this maintenance. Granted, I do recommend that you do so anyway from time to time (every other fluid change) as it will give you a chance to inspect the gears within it for any damage or unsual wear.
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May 16th, 2013
Installing a set of heavy duty replacement differential covers is one of the cheapest modifications you can do to your Jeep that'll help it look cool and give it some extra protection.
April 28th, 2013
The first Jeep JK Wranglers came with mirrors that had a way of collecting water from rain or being washed and trapping it inside up against your doors - not a good thing. Later JK's saw improvements to the mirrors which included a small notch at the bottom of the flange and, while it did help water to drain out, it was still a bit too small and had a tendency to get clogged up with dirt and debris. To fix this, a bigger drain hole is needed and this easy to do mod will help you to make one.
March 14th, 2013
Over the years, I have installed and tested out a few different CB Radios of different makes and models and while they all did the job, they all lack options that I wanted and their performance was always just okay at best. In fact, some were difficult to hear, a couple were temperamental and others simply died after a short amount of use. Needless to say, when it came time to look for a new CB Radio for our Orange Jeep JK Wrangler, I decided to do some research and if necessary, spend a bit more money to get a better product. And, what I finally ended up getting was a Cobra 29, or more specifically, the LTD BT version of it.
March 05th, 2013
As a good part of routine maintenance on your Jeep JK Wrangler, it is highly recommended that you service your NV241 or NV241OR transfer case once every 30,000.
March 01st, 2013
More times than not, the best line you can take through a technical section of trail will require you to use your tires to climb up and over big obstacles. Of course, by doing this, your rocker panels quickly become the lowest point on your Jeep JK Wrangler and if left unprotected, you leave the door wide open for significant body damage. It is for this reason that I always recommend a good set of rocker guards or, “rock sliders” as a must have upgrade and only second to a set of tow points front and rear.
February 27th, 2013
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, 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.
February 26th, 2013
Over the last 6 years, I have found the factory rear axle shafts to be surprisingly strong. In fact, I can honestly say that rear axle shaft breaks are actually pretty uncommon. However, because the factory Dana 44 is a semi-float axle, a bent flange is something that is pretty common and when that happens, it is a good idea to replace your shafts.
February 25th, 2013
If you’re planning to lift your Jeep JK Wrangler 3″ or more, it is important that you also plan to install a set of rear brake line extension brackets or better yet, install a set of stainless steel extended brake lines.
February 19th, 2013
Rock lights are essentially small lights that you can mount under your fenders and behind the grill so that they can effectively illuminate the ground immediately in front of your tires but without blinding your spotter. Right now, LED lights seem to be all the rage but, most are either cheap and unreliable or, are way too expensive for my taste. And, even the more expensive ones suffer from putting out way too little useable light. And, that's why I decided to install a set of Walmart Platinum Burners.
February 12th, 2013
If you've just installed a suspension lift and a set of bigger tires on your Jeep JK Wrangler and are still getting a bit of fender rub at a full flex, one of the easiest ways to address it is to install a 1" body lift.
January 28th, 2013
I have been able to get as much as 36,000 miles out of my Jeep JK Wrangler's rear brake pads but it's not uncommon to burn through them in as little as 15,000 miles.
January 27th, 2013
Whether you've just installed a set of new brake lines or worked on your brake system in a way that required you to disconnect any of your brake lines, it is absolutely necessary that you bleed your brakes before you drive your Jeep JK Wrangler.
January 25th, 2013
While the Jeep JK Wrangler is without a doubt, the best off road vehicle ever made, the headlights it comes with from the factory are anything but. In fact, I’d have to say that they are the one thing that everyone I know who owns a JK, hates about it. The light they provide are a sickly yellow at best, are really only focused at one point and do very little to fill in the road immediately in front of you. In fact, it is for that reason this that most people who own a JK tend to always use their fog lights in conjunction to their headlights and, are always in search of a good replacement.
January 23rd, 2013
If you've just installed a new set of headlights or, maybe even a taller suspension lift, there's a good chance that you'll need to make an adjustment to your headlight beams.
January 18th, 2013
If you've just installed a set of bigger tires on your stock wheels or on a set of new wheels with too much back spacing, there's a good chance that you'll have some rubbing issues on your front sway bar, frame rail and/or lower control arms while making a full turn.
January 14th, 2013
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Phase one of the official Project-JK build up was to to get our Jeep JK Wrangler lifted high enough to sit on top of 35" tires and do it on a very tight budget. And, after doing some extensive research, we concluded that the best way to accomplish this goal was to start with the installation of a TeraFlex Budget Boost coil spacer suspension lift. With an extremely low retail price of about $225 (when purchased with a set of optional shock absorber extensions), this very complete kit will effectively lift your Jeep JK Wrangler 2.5" and do it without the need of purchasing new longer shocks - need I say more? |
January 12th, 2013
If you want to run bigger and wider tires on your Jeep JK Wrangler, you really need to do one of two things. One, buy a set of new wheels with less back spacing or two, install a set of high quality wheel spacers which will effectively reduce the 6.25″ of back spacing that your factory wheels have.
January 11th, 2013
If you've just installed a brand new lift on your Jeep JK Wrangler and are wanting to get it aligned, there are a few things you should know before you take it to a shop and pay to have it done.
January 10th, 2013
When you start building up your Jeep to include a winch, auxillary lights, a refridgerator or even welder, you'll want more than just a great Deep Cycle battery like an ODYSSEY Extreme to keep them all humming along. Sometimes, what you really need are two and in order to do that in a 2007-11 Jeep JK Wrangler, you'll need to install a dual battery tray much like this one made by Mountain Off Road Enterprises or M.O.R.E. for short. In this write-up, you 'll get to see just how easy it is to get one installed in your Jeep.
December 21st, 2012
If you have a 2008 or newer Jeep, your wheels will have come with TPMS or, valve stems that have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. These sensors provide your Jeep's computer with real-time tire-pressure information and will alert you if one or more tires are running low on air.
December 20th, 2012
You can do what you can to help keep your brakelines out of harms way but, rocks, logs and other obstacles will still have a way of reaching up and snagging them when you least expect. Unfortuantely, it doesn't take much to sever a line or to even tear one out and when that happens, you had better hope you're in a position where braking isn't required.
December 19th, 2012
Whether you're installing a new set of front axle shafts or, are in need of pulling a busted one on the trail, this write-up will help explain the steps needed to do just that.
December 18th, 2012
In 2012, Chrysler decided to switch out the standard Group 34 battery they had been using since 2007 and replaced it with a Group 91. For the most part, this would be no big deal as they are pretty much the same thing but, there is one key difference that makes it difficult to use a Group 34 and, that is the terminals are on opposite sides. Because the power and ground leads are cut to such an exact length, you can't simply cross them over and call it a day. Of course, to complicate things even more, a Group 91 battery isn’t really a common size and certainly not one you can find easily in a deep cycle format or, at least not until now.
November 27th, 2012
If there's one question I get asked all the time from new Jeepers it's, “what’s the first mod I should do to my Jeep?” And, my answer to them is always the same, “recovery gear”. Fact of the matter is, whether you’re new to the world of off-roading with a right off the show room floor stock Jeep, or a long time veteran with a highly modified built up trail rig, everyone gets into a jam sooner or later.
November 25th, 2012
Of the options out there, I personally would recommend the one made by Rock Hard 4x4 Parts. In addition to being reasonably priced, I have found that the Rock Hard Sport Cage to be one of the easiest options to install and to be one that makes no noise.
August 14th, 2012
Without a doubt, one of the easiest mods that just about anyone can do to their Jeep JK Wrangler, even those without ANY mechanical experience, is to upgrade their factory air cleaner with a cold air intake system. And, by far, one of the best cold air intake systems available on the market today is made by AIRAID.
August 05th, 2012
If you're looking for an awesome new exhaust system for your 2012-up Jeep JK Wrangler, you really need to look no further than DynoMax. Their new Evolution Competition Exhaust System requires no welding, provides better clearance, is very affordable and most important of all - sounds great!
June 03rd, 2012
I love my new 2012 Jeep JK Wrangler and all the awesome "get up and go" it has right of the box but, if there's a chance I could get a bit more out of the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine and help it to sound a bit sweeter at the same time, you know it's something I'm gonna do. Needless to say, recently I picked up the all new AIRAID Cold Air Intake system to help me to do just that and I have to say, I'm really happy with what I got.
May 24th, 2012
Changing your engine oil is a necessary part of routine maintenance and really, it's something that anyone can do. In fact, thanks to the design of the all new 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine, it's something that easier to do than ever before. This short write-up will explain in detail what all is involved and just how little you will need to do. And, after you done this on your own, I can almost guarantee that you’ll never take your Jeep back to your dealer or a shop to have it done for you again.
March 18th, 2012
Having a good CB Radio in your Jeep JK Wrangler is not only a lot of fun, it's an important piece of equipment that a lot of clubs and organized trail events require you have. Unfortunately, one of the biggest reasons why so many are reluctant to install a good CB Radio is because most are pretty big and bluky and really, there are so few places if any, to install one and cleanly.
March 09th, 2012
Over the years, Jeep has come a long way in beefing up the Wrangler and with the new JK model, I was pleasantly surprised to see it come complete with skidplates protecting the automatic transmission, transfer case and gastank.
February 20th, 2012
So, for some reason, Jeep decided to change the type of battery they use in the Jeep JK Wrangler from a Group 34, which was used in 2007-11, to a Group 91 which is now used in all 2012's and I presume, on up. While this really shouldn't be that big of a deal, the terminals on a Group 91 battery are opposite to those on a Group 34 and, this makes it near impossible to hook up the leads or, at least not without having to do some modifications. Of course, as luck would have it, a Group 91 battery or it's equivalent, a Group 48, isn't really a common size you find in a deep cycle format and unfortunately, not something that's available in a Sears Diehard Platinum, Odyssey or even Optima.
November 22nd, 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.
November 21st, 2011
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 vvt 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, dangerously exposed transmission cooler line and no skid plates presnt to protect any of it.
November 14th, 2011
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.
June 28th, 2011
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Keeping your valuables out of sight and secure in Jeep JK Wrangler can prove to be a real challenge. Even with your doors installed, a soft top offers little to no protection from would be thieves and, that's why I always recommend Tuffy Security Products. Of course, if you've already got their locking glove box, center console and rear deck installed and are looking for just a bit more secure and convenient to use storage space, I would highly recommend that you get their Conceal Carry Drawer. |
June 06th, 2011
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While the Jeep JK Wrangler does come with a roll bar right from the factory and one that actually holds up pretty well, it's definitely something that could still benefit from a bit more support. Because a full custom weld in cage can be quite expensive to have installed and, is for the most part well more than what most people need, the addition of a sport cage like the kind that OR-FAB makes is what I might recommend instead. |
May 09th, 2011
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Having come from a background of CJ's, TJ's and XJ's that all came with nice torquey 258 or 4.0L I-6 engines, it was hard for me to get used to the lathargic 3.8L V6 that the JK's come with. Granted, my previous Jeeps may not have been speed demons but, at least wanted to get up and go as soon as you hit the gas. More than the motor, the problem with lag that the JK's have comes from the fact that they now come with an ETC or electric Throttle Control. And, while there are solutions available that can help address this lag by allowing you to reprogram your computer, there is another solution that does a great job of helping out as well - Sprint Booser. |
January 18th, 2011
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While the Jeep JK Wrangler comes with great skid plate right from the factory that actually does a job of protecting your 42RLE Automatic Transmission, it does have a way of getting in the way of your drive shaft if you have a 3" or taller lift installed. Because of this problem, there are a lot of people choose to remove this skid plate but, by doing this, you leave the thin transmission sump pan dangerously exposed to rocks. For those of you who have a long arm kit installed on your JK, removing your transmission skid plate is a requirement. So, what is one to do? Well for me, I decided to get a Rock Krawler heavy duty replacement deep sump transmission pan. |
November 09th, 2010
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Elka Suspension, a long time manufacturer of performance ATV products has recently turned their sights onto the Jeep JK Wrangler and, with the help of TeraFlex, has developed a high quality reservoir shock made specifically for it. And, after running them for a few months now, here's what I can tell you about them.
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October 20th, 2010
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In addition to things like taller coils, longer shocks and adjustable control arms and track bars, a new 1310 or 1350 double cardin U-Joint style front drive shaft is something that you really should have in your list of needed parts if you plan on lifting your Jeep JK Wrangler 3" or more and you have an automatic transmission. While the factory front drive shaft isn't all that bad, its diameter is very wide and at 3" of lift or more, it will get hung up on the automatic transmission skid plate (limiting your droop) and its spline shaft boot will catch on the lip of your transmission sump pan causing it to tear.
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September 13th, 2010
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Installing a lift of any height on your Jeep JK Wrangler will cause your axles to shift from center. Up front, your axle will shift over to the driver side and in the rear, it will shift over to the passenger side. This shift occurs because your factory track bars are fixed in their length and are attached to only one side of your Jeep's frame rails and to the axle on the opposite side. As your Jeep goes up, your axles will get pulled to the side of where your track bar is mounted on the frame.
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September 09th, 2010
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When it comes to heavy duty steel formed bumpers, few companies have the history of excellence and reputation of quality that Hanson Offroad enjoys today. Made entirely here in the USA, you can be sure that all Hanson bumpers are crafted with care and are ready to take just about any punishment you can subject it to. Of course, when I heard that Hanson had released a brand new stubby front bumper with a stinger for the JK, I knew that it was something I had to see it. And, once I did, I knew right then and there that it was the bumper that was going to go on our Sunburst Orange JK.
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July 11th, 2010
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Opening up your fenders and providing more clearance is by far the easiest ways to get your Jeep JK Wrangler sitting on top of much larger tires and without too much effort. And, while there are several options available to do this including trimming your factory fenders or installing a set of steel tube fenders, nothing I have seen to date compares to the new Flat Style Fender Flares made by Bushwacker.
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May 26th, 2010
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If you like to drive hard and fast down chewed up desert roads and washes, you know just how bone jarring of a ride it can be especially when your factory bump stops make full contact with your axles. And, short of installing a very expensive coil over suspension system on your Jeep JK Wrangler, there really hasn't been a whole lot you could do to soften things up or, at least not until now.
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May 13th, 2010
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Driving your Jeep JK Wrangler the way it was designed to be driven, both doorless and topless, is exhilarating, liberating and of course, a whole lot of fun. Unfortunately, driving your Jeep like this can also leave you with virtually no way to lock up and store valuable possessions if needed. Sure, you've got your glove box or center console but, even if they've been beefed up with a steel Tuffy Security solution, you're still limited to only small objects. What if you have something big you need to lock up - maybe something that can only fit in the trunk area of your Jeep? Fortunately for us, Tuffy Security has an answer for that as well and it's with their JK Security Deck Enclosure.
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May 05th, 2010
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In my opinion, what's a Jeep JK Wrangler good for if you aren't taking the top and doors off the minute it's warm enough to do so. I mean, it's a Jeep and they need to breath right? Now, I know there are some of you out there that feel a little uncomfortable riding around town or the highway without anything present to help keep you in or, maybe it's your significant other who feels this way. Whatever the case might be, what I would recommend is that you pick up a set of Rancho Rock Gear Tube Doors.
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April 29th, 2010
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Without a doubt, there really is, only one Jeep. Unlike any other vehicle available today, a Jeep Wrangler is the only one that's specifically designed to perform exceptionally well off road and right out of the box. Of course, another key feature that makes a Jeep so unique is the fact that above and beyond being a convertable, it's also purposefully built to have it's doors removed as well. In this configuration, the Jeep finds its true identity as an individual - it's not a car, not a van, not a truck and most certianly, not an SUV.
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April 22nd, 2010
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While I'm sure there is a good reason why Jeep decided to extend the non-structural plastic shell of the front bumpers all the way out to the fenders, I sure as heck don't know what it is. All I know is that the bumper is a nuisance and has a way of getting in the way of just about everything. They get in the way of rocks, they effectively reduce your approach angles, they make it difficult for you to disconnect your sway bar links and they look terrible after just a few minor hits on the trail. And, it's for these reasons that chopping up the front bumper and making it into a stubby is one of the most popular, useful and effective modifications that you can make on your Jeep JK Wrangler. Of course, in addition to all the benefits you will get from this mod, the best part about doing it is that it can be done for next to nothing or, nothing at all if you already have all the necessary tools.
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April 17th, 2010
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For those of you who don't know me, my white Jeep JK Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited is currently sitting on top of exceptionally large 40x15.50 Toyo Mud Terrain Tires. And, after having been pulled over twice for not having any mud flaps (a requirement here in the state of California), the 2nd time resulting in a fix-it ticket, I realized that something needed to be done. Obviously, installing a set of mud flaps was the answer but from what I have personally seen on other rigs wearing a set, off-roading with them on will get them torn off in a hurry. What I needed was a set of mud flaps that could be worn on pavement and removed quickly when I was ready to hit the trail and fortuantely, TeraFlex makes exactly what I needed.
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February 21st, 2010
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When it came to designing the all new Jeep JK Wrangler, Chrysler did an outstanding job of including a tough set of skid plates to protect just about everything sensitive underneath except for the oil pan. The question of why is beyond me but one of the best answers to addressing this deficiency is to replace the factory pan with an all new Benchmark Designs Rockcrawler Oil Pan.
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February 21st, 2010
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As everyone knows, changing your engine oil is a necessary part of routine maintenance on your Jeep JK Wrangler and, it's one that is required on a regular basis. Fortuantely, it's also something that is super easy to do, something that just about anyone can do and, something that can save you a money. Of course, for those of you who have never changed your own engine oil before, this short write-up will explain in detail what all is involved and just how little you will need to do. And, after you done this on your own, I can almost guarantee that you'll never take your Jeep back to your dealer or a shop to have it done for you again.
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January 11th, 2010
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After installing new and larger tires on your Jeep JK Wrangler, one of the first things you will notice is a loss in power. And, depending on how big your tires are over stock, that loss in power can be significant. Of course, the best way to address this power loss is through the installation of new differential gears with a higher ratio. However, even with new gears, most people that I know of find the JK's 3.8L V6 to be on the gutless side and would love to have a bit more power. Fortunately, there is a great solution to this problem and it's made by Superchips.
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December 23rd, 2009
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If you've been a manual transmission driver most of your life and now that you have an automatic, don't know what to do with your left foot, or, if you're just looking for a more comfortable way to rest your foot and help brace yourself on technical descents, Mountain Off Road Enterprises has got the answer for you - a Dead Pedal.
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December 16th, 2009
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Although we don't always plan our wheeling trips to go late into the night, there are plenty of times when they do and if there's one thing I think we all wish we had, it's a bit more light to help guide us down the long dusty trail. Needless to say, that's why I picked up a pair of IPF 900XS lights.
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December 11th, 2009
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When it came time for me to start looking for a winch for our 2009 Jeep JK Wrangler, I must say that I was drawn to the new Mile Marker V10 with MiFi Technology. Having seen it first at the SEMA Show back in 2008, I was intrigued by the fact that it was the first winch to improve on the control system by making it solid state. And, by virtue of this, they were able to make significant improvements such as making the controls waterproof and providing variable line speed.
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December 02nd, 2009
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As much as I absolutely love my Jeep JK Wrangler, I have to say that there's one thing that has always bugged me and for whatever it's worth, it's something that bugs pretty much everyone else I know who owns a JK too. In a word, the factory headlights are simply TERRIBLE. While they appear to be very shiney, the actual beam they put out is very yellow and narrow and more times than not, I feel as though they aren't even on. In fact, most people I know insist that they have to run their fog lights at night in order for them to see where they're going.
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September 21st, 2009
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Changing out your Jeep JK Wrangler's 42RLE Automatic Transmission fluid and filter is something you should do as a good part of regular maintenance. And, while doing this isn't something as easy as a normal engine oil change where you basically pull a drain plug, swap out an external filter and refill with oil when done, it certainly isn't a difficult job and doing it yourself can save you a lot of money. Of course, having the right tools will make all the difference and as is the case with all my write-ups, I have included a complete list of everything you will need to make this job go without a hitch.
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September 08th, 2009
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When you're finally fed up with your factory seats and are ready to upgrade to something designed for champion off-road racers, a set of Mastercraft Baja RS Suspension Seats is what you're gonna want!!
Heavy duty and quality built, Mastercraft Baja RS Suspension Seats are super comfortable, recline to 9 different positions from tilt forward to full recline and fits up to a 40" wasteline comfortably and safely. In addition to being able to accomodate a 5-point safety restraint system, it can also be used with the factory 3-point system as well. Maybe the best part of all is that they can be customized to your taste and are available in 6 popular color combinations: All Black, All Grey, Red and Black, Blue and Black, Grey and Black, Desert Tan and Haze.
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August 30th, 2009
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Airing down your tires for the trail is an essential part of off-roading and one that will give you significantly better traction on the rocks and will also offer a much more comfortable ride. However, getting your tires aired back up at the end of the day can be somewhat of a problem especially if you're still a ways off from a gas station with a working air compressor. Of course, the best solution to this problem is to bring your own source of air but a good hard mounted compressor or CO2 air tank can take up a lot of space inside your Jeep and most of the basic portable units simply don't have what it takes to fill up four over sized tires in a reasonable amount of time. And, that's why I decided to get an ARB High Output On-Board Air Compressor.
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July 09th, 2009
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If you're looking for a basic lift to get your Jeep JK Wrangler up on a set of 35" tires, few lift kits today offer the components you really should have to keep your ride and handling performing well both on and off the pavement. Of course, you can buy a complete kit that comes with all the bells and whistles but then, they also cost considerably more. Needless to say, it is for this reason that Northridge4x4 has put together their own Old Man Emu Long Travel Lift Kit which includes the bare essentials that you really should have on a JK with 3" of lift.
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July 07th, 2009
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While the all new Jeep JK Wrangler does come complete with skid plates for the transmission, transfer case and gas tank and all of which are more than adequate for hard trail use, for some reason, Chrysler decided to leave the oil pan completely exposed. Of course, left unprotected, a significant hit to your oil pan can immobilize your Jeep and leave you walking.
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June 07th, 2009
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If you've just gone wheeling and your steering wheel is now off center, odds are you have a bent tie rod. Unfortunately, the factory tie rod is very weak and from what I have seen, can bend up and back from just a light hit to a rock or, in my case, can bend out and forward just from the torque and stresses of your front wheels when climbing up an obstacle. And, being that your tie rod is a part of your steering system, a slight bend in it will cause the position of your steering wheel to change. Of course, if the bend is slight, a simple adjustment to your toe and drag link can re-center your steering wheel without any problem. However, if the bend is significant, it can cause your toe to be significantly off and enough so that it cannot be corrected enough for safe driving. Likewise, a significant bend will cause your steering stabilizer to make contact with other components and interfere with your steering.
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March 02nd, 2009
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As a part of routine maintenance or anytime that you work on your Jeep JK Wrangler, it is important that you tighten any bolt and/or nut that gets removed back to the appropriate torque settings as is outlined by the Factory Service Manual. Obviously, failure to get a bolt and/or nut tightened enough can result in them eventually coming loose and while that can be a real problem, tightening them too much can also be a problem as you can run the risk of breaking them. Needless to say, knowing the proper torque setting for each bolt and nut on your JK is important to know and the list below should help you to know just how much you should be tightening them to.
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February 11th, 2009
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Even after installing a tall suspension lift, fender rub is a common problem that many Jeep owners suffer from especially if you're running wide tires and/or have wheels with very little backspacing. Now, the easy answer to fixing this problem would be to install taller bump stop extensions, add more suspension lift or maybe install a body lift. However, by going higher, you also raise your Jeep's center of gravity and that isn't going to do a whole lot to help you out on the trail. So, what is one to do? I say, chop your fenders!
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February 06th, 2009
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Are you finding that you are having to pull up on your Jeep JK Wrangler's emergency/parking hand brake higher and higher in order to get it to work? Or, are you finding that even after pulling it up as high as you can, your JK still tends to roll on an incline? Unfortuantely, it is not uncommon for your JK's e-brake to lose its effectiveness over time but fortunately, there is a way to make adjustments to it with simple tools and with relative ease.
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February 02nd, 2009
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Contrary to what many seem to think, if you want to get your Jeep JK Wrangler up on a set of 37" tires, you DO NOT need to install a long arm suspension lift kit. Unlike the TJ Wrangler before, the factory length JK control arms are more than long enough to handle the lift you will need to clear 37's and do it without compromising the quality of your ride. And, if you're looking for a high quality short arm lift kit that'll get you to where you need to be and without the need for anything else, you're going to want to get a TeraFlex JK 4" Flex Arm Lift.
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November 13th, 2008
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After lifting your Jeep JK Wrangler and installing much bigger tires, you may experience a noticeable increase in the amount of bump steer you have when playing out on the trail. This is of course completely normal as the size of your tires will exaggerate bump steer and a good way to help dampen it is to install a heavy duty steering stabilizer. Or, if you really want maximum dampening, I would recommend picking up a heavy duty dual Steering Stabilizer setup like the kind that Rough Country makes.
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November 01st, 2008
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Due to it's location and proximity to the ground, smashing a factory steering stabilizer on the trail isn't something that's uncommon to JK's. In fact, most of the people I know have trashed theirs at least once including me. Fortunately for us, a steering stabilizer is easy to replace and not too costly. And, rather than just replacing your factory steering stabilizer with another, I decided to upgrade mine to a heavy duty one made by TeraFlex.
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October 21st, 2008
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As a part of good routine maintenance, it is highly recommended that you service your NSG 370 manual transmission once every 30,000 miles. Changing your Jeep JK Wrangler's transmission fluid will give you an opportunity to inspect the magnetic drain bolt for any signs of abnormal wear going on inside (i.e. large chunks of metal attached to it) and new fluid will help keep things operating smoothly.
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September 29th, 2008
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When it comes to protecting the sides of your Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited, few rocker guards offer the heavy duty strength and style the way FabFours rock sliders do. These form fitted rock sliders mount directly to the body and offer more than just serious protection from the rocks but also a unique and stylish look.
Structurally reinforced and designed to be tied into the body mounts of your Jeep JK Wrangler, the Fab Fours rock sliders extend out to the edge of your fender flares and wrap all the way underneath the body in a smooth flat plane. This design effectively helps to keep rocks and trees away from the side of your Jeep's body, allow you to slide cleanly over obstacles and it even does a great job of acting as a convenient step.
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September 07th, 2008
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While a true 'stubby' or 'shorty' front winch bumper is something that many people would love to have on their Jeep JK Wrangler, the drawbacks of what to do with the factory fog lights has been enough of a deterrent to get most looking at other alternatives. Specifically, mounting a winch down between the frame rails on most aftermarket stubby front bumpers would require you to remove the factory fog lights or force you to buy a wider 'mid-width' style bumper so that you could relocate the lights to the outside of the frame rails.
However, with the introduction of the new and stylishly designed LoD Signature Series JK Shorty Front Winch Bumper, you can now have the bumper you really want and keep your fog lights too.
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June 16th, 2008
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The all new LoD Signature Series JK Rear Bumper/Tire Carrier is a beautifully designed full width rear bumper that will compliment your Jeep JK Wrangler while providing heavy duty protection from the rocks. Constructed out of 3/16″laser cut steel plate, this bumper comes complete with D-Ring mounts, tapered ends for maximum departure angles and is available in texture or a matte black powder coat finish. However, in addition to all these standard features, this, the LoD Signature Series JK Rear Bumper/Tire Carrier is also available with a standard adjustable toggle latch, huge 1-1/2″ solid hinge pin with cap and locking pin that holds the tire carrier open. And, if that weren’t enough, you can also get this rear bumper with an optional, trail rack, jerry can mounts, 4″ recessed halogen reverse lights and an LED 3rd brake light.
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June 04th, 2008
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One of the most common things most people hit on their Jeep JK Wrangler's when playing on the rocks is the lower control arm mounts at the axle. They are after all located next to your tires and positioned low to the ground and a simple slip off of a rock can have you coming down on them and hard. For the most part, this really is not that big of a deal as the factory control arms can take quite a bit of abuse especially at the joint but like many other JK owners I know, I have found that the axle mount flanges have a tenancy to bend and significantly even from mild impacts. And, over time and repeated abuse, these flanges can and will break.
By the time I got my Jeep JK Wrangler into Off Road Evolution, the inner flange of my control arm axle mount was already showing signs of cracking. Needless to say, I decided to have these flanges reinforced with a weld but also decided to beef them up with a set of Off Road Evolution EVO Front Lower Control Arm Skids.
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June 03rd, 2008
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With the Jeep JK Wrangler practically built to fit 35" tires or bigger right out of the box, it really is no wonder that this is exactly what many JK owners have already done with their Jeep or are planning to do in the near future. Unfortunately, there is a minor drawback in going bigger that a few of us are starting to see and that is the front axle C's will start to bend.
As it would seem, the front axle C's on both the Dana 30 and Dana 44 front axles are somewhat weak and the strain from running bigger tires will be enough to bend the C's to the point where a measureable and visible amount of camber to one or both front wheels can be seen. And, while some adjustment can be made to correct this with offset ball joints, this adjustment is limited and will not prevent bending of the C's in the future. So what can one do to prevent this from happening? Install a set of Off Road Evolution C2 Front Axle Reinforcement Gussets on your Jeep today!
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May 17th, 2008
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Looking for a way to optimize your Jeep JK Wrangler's 3.8L V6 engine performance? How about calibrate its speedometer/odometer to match a set of new gears and/or bigger tires that you've just installed? If so, the Hypertech Max Energy Power Programmer is exactly what you're going to need.
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May 09th, 2008
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When it comes to off-road performance shocks, few companies have the history and outstanding reputation that Rancho has been able to create for itself over the last 50 years. Needless to say, when it came time for me to start looking for a new set of extended shocks to go with the 4.5" of lift that I now have on my Jeep JK Wrangler, Rancho was the first company I turned to for help.
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May 04th, 2008
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I have always been a fan of the factory scissor jack that comes standard with a Jeep JK Wrangler as it is compact, easy to use, much more practical and safer to use than a Hi-Lift Jack for changing tires and, as if it needs to be mentioned, stores away nicely and out of sight when not in use. Of course, the biggest drawback to the factory scissor jack is that they are only designed to lift a stock height to a mildly lifted Jeep just high enough to allow you to change your tire. Unfortunately, once you get your Jeep sitting on a 3"-4" lift and on 35"-37" tires, the factory scissor jack essentially becomes useless. Needless to say, that's why I bought me an AEV JK Jack Base.
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May 01st, 2008
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Although the application of vinyl decals is pretty straight forward and easy to do, getting them on right, positioned correctly and without any wrinkles or bubbles the first time around can be somewhat tricky. That is, unless you know how to do it right. Granted, I have no doubts that there are a plethora of different ways to apply decals, but this method has always worked for me and the easy to follow step by step instructions below should help you get yours on without any fuss. Of course, this write-up is for the application of the Project-JK logo decal, it will also work for any decal that you apply on your Jeep JK Wrangler.
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April 09th, 2008
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Without a doubt, one of the easiest mods that just about anyone can do to their Jeep JK Wrangler, even those without ANY mechanical experience, is upgrade their factory air cleaner box with a cold air intake system. And, by far, one of the best cold air intake systems available on the market today is the AEM Brute Force.
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February 04th, 2008
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Disconnecting your front sway bar links is something that Jeep owners have been doing for years as it allows your axle to have significantly more articulation. And, more articulation means you will be able to keep all four of your tires on the ground more often than not and this will ultimately provide greater stability and traction on the trail.
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January 25th, 2008
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If you're looking to give your Jeep JK Wrangler a 2" lift and have no plans of ever going taller in the future, there's only one true suspension lift kit you should consider and that is the one made by Old Man Emu. Being that the tallest lift that they make is a 2" lift, you can be sure that they do all that they can to make it the very best and have actually made a reputation for themselves for doing just that.
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January 16th, 2008
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Just like the very popular Shrockworks Stubby Front Bumper, the new Mid-Width Front Bumper is laser cut and CNC formed out of 3/16" steel plate, comes complete with a winch plate that can accept most 9500 lbs. winches including the new WARN PowerPlant, a skid plate which will effectively protect the Rubicon electronic disconnect, (2) D-Ring mounts, (2) off-road light mounts, a winch hoop and it will allow you to keep your factory fog lights.
The installation of the Shrockworks Jeep JK Wrangler Mid-Width Front Bumper is just as simple to install as the Stubby and can be done by yourself. If you can employ the help of a friend, you should be able to complete the installation in about an hour or two at most by following the write-up below. |
January 11th, 2008
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One of the easiest and single best things you can do to improve the performance of your Jeep JK Wrangler on the trail is to disconnect your front sway bar links. By doing this, you free up your front axle to have a significantly greater range of articulation or what Jeepers often refer to as 'flex'. And, when you can maintain all four on the floor, you inherently gain more stability and traction, both of which will improve your Jeep's ability on technical terrain. |
December 22nd, 2007
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Utilizing dual rated coils, the Currie Enterprises Jeep JK Wrangler Rock Jock Suspension System comes complete with everything you need to clear 37" tires (with only minor trimming required), provides up to 11" of front and rear wheel travel (with specified shocks) and allows you to dial in your ride with their beefy weld in track bar relocation brackets and adjustable control arms featuring their ever famous Johnny Joints. And, if you're looking for more off-road stability without having to sacrifice your outstanding flex, all you need to do is add on the optional front and rear Rock Jock Anti-Rock Sway Bar Systems to your JK and call it a day. |
December 05th, 2007
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Thanks to the advent of technology, just about every single part on your new Jeep JK Wrangler is wired up to a computer. And, if anything goes wrong with any one of these parts, your Jeep's computer will make a note of it and/or even let you know about it by illuminating a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL for short or 'check engine' light) or icons on your dash. Unfortunately, the MIL or other icons won't tell you a whole lot other than the fact that your Jeep is having some kind of a problem and unless you take your Jeep into the dealership or have a OBDII reader handy, you're pretty much out of luck, right? Wrong. As luck would have it, the JK Wrangler's come with a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) reader built right into the dash and you can access them by following the 3 simple steps below. Once you have the DTC code(s) in hand, check it/them against the list below and you will be able to find out exactly what problems your Jeep is having. |
October 04th, 2007
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Unlike previous Jeep Wranglers that had a simple gear in the transfer case that you could change out with ease, the all new JK Wrangler is completely computer controlled now and calibrating it's speedometer and odometer to match any tire taller than 32" or a gear ratio any higher than 4.10 was virtually impossible. That is, at least until now anyway.
Thanks to the guys over at 4 Wheel Drive Hardware who just sent me the Pro Comp ACCU PRO, I was able to accurately calibrate both the speedometer and odometer on my Jeep JK Wrangler that is currently running 315/70R17's (approximately a 35x12.50) Pro Comp Xtreme M/T's and Superior 5.13 gears. And, if I had an automatic, the ACCU PRO would have also instantly corrected the computer controlled shift points as well. |
October 02nd, 2007
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As much as I love doing short day trips up hard core trails, I have to say that my real love for Jeeps comes from the fact that they allow me to see and explore all the wonderful places this great country has to offer. And, when you load up your Jeep as much as I do to go on multi-day wheeling/camping trip with the entire family, the rear end of your Jeep JK Wrangler will sag considerably and in some cases, measurably enough to be an issue on and off the trail. Certainly, on the trail, sagging will cause a loss of ground clearance and on pavement, sagging will cause your head light beams to shine high and into the eyes of on coming traffic. So how does one go about solving a problem like this? Install a set of Air Lift 1000 air springs. |
September 29th, 2007
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While a decent FRS walkie-talkie style hand held radio will get you by on the trail, there really is nothing that compares to a good old fashion CB radio when it comes to range, audio clarity, reliability and ease of use. And, it's for those reasons that's so many Jeep clubs make having a CB Radio a requirement in order to go on their runs.
Now, I know there are a lot of people who try to argue that a CB radio is too expensive or that they wouldn't know where to install one in the Jeep JK Wrangler and it is for them that I have created this easy to follow write-up. With the very affordable Midland 1001Z CB Radio (can be purchased for about $32 shipped), a few simple tools and an hour of your time, you can have a great CB radio installed on your Jeep that's compact, looks great and comes loaded with features including a PA switch. Need I say, you no longer have any excuses for not having a CB radio in your Jeep. |
August 05th, 2007
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Truly, there are few 3" lift kits available on the market today for the Jeep JK Wrangler that are as complete and well made as the Full Traction Suspension 3" Ultimate Lift. Made here in the USA, this lift kit comes with 3" taller coils, adjustable lower and upper control arms, adjustable front and rear track bars, bump stop extensions, brake line relocation brackets, new longer sway bar links for the rear and sway bar link disconnects up front for X and Sahara model JK's. In essence, you get EVERYTHING you need to dial in your ride as these components will allow you to reposition and center your axles under your Jeep, set your rear pinion angle (if you have an aftermarket drive shaft) and set your caster angle to where it needs to be after lifting your Jeep and installing bigger tires. |
August 01st, 2007
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The installation of the Shrockworks Jeep JK Wrangler Stubby Front Bumper is very straight forward and by far one of the easiest ones that I've installed to date. Although it can be done by yourself, if you can employ the help of a friend, you should be able to complete the install in about an hour or two at most by following the write-up below.
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June 22nd, 2007
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With all the improvements and additions that have been designed into the all new Jeep JK Wrangler, I really am surprised that a decent set of overhead grab handles weren't included in the design. For the most part, this is no big deal as there are plenty of good aftermarket solutions for the front passengers like the velcro grab handles that MasterCraft makes but with the sound bar being located where it is, finding a good solution for the rear has been a bit tougher. |
May 03rd, 2007
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When it comes to frame mounted rocker guard protection for your Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited, few can compare to the high quality construction, strength, function and clean design of the Shrockworks Rock Sliders.
Built with severe punishment in mind, the Shrockworks Rock Sliders are designed with beefy squared tubes that sit just below the body pinch seam of your Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited and features a round tube side bar that extends out and angles up to provide maximum ground clearance and protection for your Jeep. Additional benefits of the tube side bars is its ability to be used as a Hi-Lift Jack point and of course, serve as a viable side step. |
April 30th, 2007
So, how have the Pro Comp Xtreme Mud Terrains been performing? Well, I can tell you that since I got them about a month ago, I have racked up about 3,000 miles on the odometer with a good 1,500 miles of that being put on driving out to Moab, Utah and wheeling the hell of the them there. And, I'd have to say that I'm pleasantly surprised as to how much I really like these tires!
April 29th, 2007
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What I like most about the PUREJEEP Jeep JK Wrangler 2-Door Rocker Guards is how clean and deliberate they look once they are installed. In fact, because of the way they have been designed to mount directly to the factory pinch seam (much like the factory Rubicon Rocker Guards) and have been shaped to follow the contours of the new JK body lines, the PUREJEEP Rocker Guards provide a look as if they were designed by Jeep itself and offered on the JK right from the factory. |
March 06th, 2007
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If you're looking for a great heavy duty front bumper that looks great, is made out of 3/16" thick steel, has a narrower width to give you amazing approch angles, allows you to keep your factory fog lights, come with D-Ring mounts, has a winch plate that is recessed between your frame rails and a price tag that won't break the bank, the LoD Jeep JK Wrangler Front Winch Bumper is for you.
The new LoD Jeep JK Wrangler Front Winch Bumper is super easy to install and this write-up should be all that you need to make it happen. Please read through the check list on the left to make sure you have everything you need before you start and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. |
March 02nd, 2007
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When you lift a Jeep JK Wrangler 3" or more, you really need to do more than just pop in a set of taller coils if you hope to maintain a good ride quality and handling. At the very least, you really need to address the shift in your axles by adjusting your track bars. And, while a track bar relocation bracket is a great solution for the rear, I would highly recommend the installation of a good replacement heavy duty adjustable unit up front like the kind Full Traction Suspension makes. |
February 22nd, 2007
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The PUREJEEP Crawler Stubby Front Bumper was the very first hard core aftermarket front bumper to be released and in my opinion, still one of the very best that is offered in terms of quality and price. It's clean and simple utilitarian design is exceptionally functional, provides extreme approach angles and is proportionately sized to match the JK's new broad look. Essentially, it gives you everything you need and nothing you don't.
Unfortunately, I didn't have a PUREJEEP Crawler Stubby Front Bumper to install myself but thanks to Chris Bader ( piginajeep ) and the on-going build-up project that 4Wheel Drive Hardware is helping him to do on his Jeep JK Wrangler, I think you'll find this installation write-up to be complete and contain everything you need to install one on your JK. |
February 07th, 2007
I did an install on the Hutchinson beadlocks and wanted to give you a look at them. The first thing you notice when you pick one of these wheels is the weight–55 pounds each. The quality of the wheel is impeccable. You can tell they are produced by a company that builds for the military because these wheels look like they could stop a 50 caliber round.
December 30th, 2006
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If you're looking to install a true 3" coil suspension lift on your new Jeep JK wrangler and need to do it on a budget, few kits can come close to matching the quality, completeness and affordable price of the Full Traction Suspension Jeep JK Wrangler 3" Economy Lift Kit. This kit is easy to install and can be done in an afternoon with basic SAE and metric tools. |
September 23rd, 2006
I've heard a lot of people say that the new 2007 Jeep JK Wrangler 4-Door Unlimited is unique in that it's the only production SUV in the U.S. market today that is also a convertible. As if being able to drive a Jeep Wrangler topless was some kind of new option - LOL!!
September 19th, 2006
When Jeep first introduced the TJ Wrangler Unlimited back in 2004, it came with the added feature of a Sunrider Soft Top. And, unlike the soft tops of old, the new Sunrider was designed with the ability to open up the front half with ease effectively making it into a sun roof.
September 17th, 2006
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By far, one of the best new design features offered on the 2007 Jeep JK Wrangler is the addition of a 3-piece sectional hard top, also known as the Freedom Top.
Unlike hard tops of the past that gave you only two options, on or off, the new Freedom Top gives you no less than seven different ways for you to open up the cab of your Jeep to elements. Remove both front panels or just one at a time to give sun or shade to the driver or front passenger as desired. Or, leave the front panels in place and just remove the rear half to give your Jeep an instant bikini top. |
