NUMBER: 21-001-08 REV. B
GROUP: Transmission
DATE: February 15, 2008

SUBJECT:
Flash: Torque Converter Shudder Or 1-2, 2-3 or 3-4 Upshift Bumps

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software and replacing the torque converter as required.

MODELS:
2007 (JK) Wrangler

NOTE: This bulletin applies to JK models built with a 42RLE automatic transmission (Sales Codes DFF, DGV, or DG2).

DISCUSSION:
The vehicle operator may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
1. Transmission Shudder - (42RLE)
a. This condition can only occur after the vehicle has been driven and the torque convertor is past the break in period. Torque Converter break in can be confirmed with the StarSCAN®.
b. If experienced, the shudder may occur when the transmission temperature is between 38° C and 54° C (100° F and 130° F) during steady state driving with the torque convertor in partial lock (EMCC) operation. The shudder feels like the vehicle is being driven over rumble strips.
2. 1-2, 2-3 or 3-4 Upshift bumps

TSB 21-001-08 REV. B

If you’re looking for a way to armor up your Jeep JK Wrangler’s front and/or rear differentials, look no further than SOLID Axle Industries. Designed as a heavy duty replacement, the SOLID differential cover is extremely well built, super beefy, affordable, has a machined mating surface for a flat fit, comes complete with new bolts and RTV and best of all, it looks awesome! Installing a set of SOLID heavy duty replacement differential covers is extremely easy to do and can be done in about 15-30 minutes an axle. All you need to do is make sure that you have everything listed in the column to the left and follow the instructions below. NOTE: While this installation write-up is written in regards to a front axle, the exact same procedures will apply to the rear axle as well.

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As I had mentioned in a press release I published earlier in the year, LoD has been working hard to develop an affordable solution for all the people out there looking for a stylish new aftermarket front and rear bumper for their Jeep JK Wrangler. And, the solution they came up with is what we now know as the LoD Signature Series JK Bumper line.

LoD Signature Series JK Shorty Front Bumper
Constructed out of 3/16″ laser cut steel plate, the LoD Signature Series JK Shorty Front Bumper measures only 48″ wide, comes complete with a recessed winch mount, D-Ring mounts, tapered ends for maximum approach angles, choice of textured or matte black powder coat finish and as mentioned, is available with or without a winch hoop.  For those of you who have a Rubicon edition JK, LoD is now offering a Signature Series skid plate designed to protect your electronic sway bar disconnect motor.  And, for those of you who do not have factory fog lights, LoD will also be offering 4″ aftermarket halogen fog lights with this awesome bumper.

LoD Signature Series JK Rear Bumper/Tire Carrier
Just like the front end, the new LoD JK Signature Series JK Rear Bumper/Tire Carrier is constructed out of 3/16″ laser cut steel plate, 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 beautifully designed full width rear bumper 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, axe/shovel mounts, 4″ recessed halogen reverse lights and LED 3rd brake light.

The LoD Signature Series JK Shorty Front Bumper is available for sale now and you can order yours today for only $499 + $79 Shipping to anywhere in the continental United States.  If you have a Rubicon and would like to purchase the optional skid plate, you can buy one for only $69 + $19 Shipping.  As far as the rear bumper goes, it should be available by next month and pricing for it will be announced as soon as I hear anything.  To see hi-res versions of these pics, click on the link below:

LoD Signature Series Jeep JK Wrangler Bumper Pics

Eddie

If you have questions about this or any LoD products, please contact 4×4xplor.com, the official vendor of all LoD products at: sales@4×4xplor.com

Thanks to Northridge4×4 and PUREJEEP for their generosity, JK-Forum.com will be giving away a brand new PUREJEEP Stubby Crawler Front Bumper to one very lucky member of ours this coming February the 26th!!  To win, all you need to do is be a registered member of JK-Forum.com, click on the link below to post a response in the official thread that will be started on the day of the giveaway and be online between the hours of 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM PST.

WIN the JK-Forum.com Northrige4×4
PUREJEEP Stubby Crawler Front Bumper Giveaway

NOTE: Manufacturers and vendors may not enter into this giveaway and will not be eligible to win. Only one post per user will be allowed in the official giveaway entry thread and multiple posts will disqualify you from the drawing.  The official winner of this JK-Forum.com giveaway will be selected by random drawing and the winner MUST be online at the time of the drawing and present to accept their prize.  If the winner is not present to accept the prize, a new winner will be selected.  More information and details will be posted as they become available.

Please let me know if you have any questions and good luck!!

Eddie

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. Now, if you don’t have a Rubicon Model Jeep JK Wrangler, the only way you can disconnect your sway bar links is by unbolting them from your axle. And, depending on how level the ground is, this can be a real pain in the rear to do. Of course, if you have a set of sway bar link quick disconnects like the kind that JKS makes, this process will be a lot easier to do and can be done very quickly thanks to its tapered mounting posts and easy to remove click pins. Installing JKS sway bar link quick disconnects is very simple and can be done in under an hour using common tools.

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I just got word that Full Traction Suspension will finally be releasing their long awaited Jeep JK Wrangler 4″ Premium Lift System and 4″ Ultimate Lift System as well as the seriously badass long arm suspension system we all saw on Northridge4×4’s JK and the Off Road Evolution JK at SEMA 2007.  Below are the official press releases for all three products:

Full Traction Suspension
4″ Premium Lift System
Full-Traction Suspension introduces the newest in a series of superior engineered suspension systems for the new 2007-2008 Jeep JK Wrangler. Being the first manufacturer to introduce suspension systems for the JK Wrangler, the new Full-Traction 4″ Premium Flex Suspension System is the next step-up in performance for both the 2-Dr and the 4-Dr Unlimited models. Combining all the necessary components together in a 100% bolt-on package, this system will allow use of 37″ tires with ease, superior flexibility, and improved ride quality. Replacement 1-piece control arms are manufactured from durable 1.5″ x .188 wall DOM steel tubing and come equipped with Full-Traction rebuildable flex joints and long lasting polyurethane bushings. All arms feature extra gusseted construction for added durability and external grease zerks for easy maintenance. Quality laser crafted components allow proper fitment to make this system the one to choose for JK’ers demanding the best.    

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

Available with either Full-Traction Twin Tube Hydraulic shocks or M-Force Performance Gas Monotube shocks.

Fits: 2007-2008 Jeep JK Wrangler/Rubicon
4″ PREMIUM  JK   FTS7125  2 DOOR
4″ PREMIUM  JK   FTS7126  4 DOOR

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Full Traction Suspension
4″ Ultimate Lift System
A 4 in. bolt-on lift system that clears 37 in. tall tires? This is it!  Destined to become the new standard in 4 in. systems, the new Jeep JK Wrangler Ultimate 4 in. system from Full-Traction is the most feature-laden kit available for both the 2-Dr and 4-Dr Unlimited models. Combining all the necessary components together in a 100% bolt-on package, this system will allow use of 37 in. tires with ease, superior flexibility, and complete wheelbase and pinion angle adjustability. Re-buildable, fully adjustable lower control arms are manufactured from durable 2in. x .250in wall DOM steel tubing and use the same 4130 Cromoly Heim Joints used in our famous Long Arm systems. You can not find a stronger, better performing arm at any price. Quality, laser crafted components allow proper fitment to make this system the one to choose for JK-ers demanding the best.           

System comes complete with 8 adjustable upper & lower control arms for both front and rear, heavy duty adjustable front & rear track bars, track bar drop brackets, Pitman Arm, new generation front sway bar disconnects, rear links, bump stops, brake line relocation brackets, and ride frequency tuned coil springs for a comfortable ride. Available with either Full-Traction Twin Tube Hydraulic shocks or M-Force Performance Gas Monotube shocks.

Fits: 2007-2008 Jeep JK Wrangler/Rubicon
JEEP JK  4″ ULTIMATE SYSTEM   Part # FTS7145  2-DOOR
JEEP JK  4″ ULTIMATE SYSTEM   Part # FTS7146  4-DOOR

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Full-Traction Suspension
4″- 6″ JK Long Arm System
Our competition is not ready for this system, but your Jeep JK Wrangler is. Our new 4″- 6” long arm systems are a complete replacement suspension. Able to handle tires up to 37″ tall, it utilizes a 4-link front axle mounting configuration for a true and correct caster curve, and improved anti-dive geometry throughout the entire range of linear wheel travel - just like the factory does it. Other systems using radius arms, medium length arms called “long arms” and the rest, can’t match it’s Performance.         

Utilizing a true long arm rear 4-link, the rear axle is attached to the frame by 4 pivoting links - just like the factory does it. The result, is incredible linear wheel travel and axle articulation, improved anti-squat geometry for better hill climbing, and free, no-binding movement that short arm or radius arm systems can’t deliver. Do you drive your JK daily? Modifying it doesn’t mean that it can’t ride better than stock. This system offers hard core rockcrawling performance and rides and steers BETTER than stock. No other system available offers this configuration.

You want tough? All components in this suspension system are built for maximum off-road punishment. We use 2″ x .250″ wall DOM tubing for our lower trailing arm assemblies for serious rock dragging, and 1/4″ plate laser crafted bracketry throughout.

This is a FULLY BOLT-ON system. No welding is required to install. When we say “perfected” we mean that in every possible way. Full-Traction just spoiled the competition’s day.

(Transfer Case Skid Plate not shown)

Optional Full-Traction M-Force MonoTube series shock absorbers and CV drive shaft available.

Fits: 2007-2008 Jeep JK Wrangler/Rubicon
4″ LONG ARM JK   FTS7340 2/4 DOOR
6″ LONG ARM JK   FTS7360 2/4 DOOR

All three Full Traction Suspension lift systems are available for sale now and should be shipping by late February.  The Premium Lift System is expected to retail at about $1,350, the Ultimate Lift System at about $1,999 and the Long Arm System at about $2,999.  For more information, please visit Full Traction Suspension’s website at http://www.full-traction.com/.

Eddie

If there’s one thing I’ve been hearing a lot of Jeep JK Wrangler owners wanting, it would have to be a programmer that would allow them to optimize the performance of their 3.8L V6 engine and if at all possible, a way to calibrate their speedometer/odometer to match a set of bigger tires that they’ve just installed as well. And, thanks to Hypertech, we now have that and more with the release of their MAX Energy Power Programmer specifically made for the Jeep JK Wrangler.

In addtion to being able to tune your Jeep JK Wrangler’s 3.8L engine for maximum horsepower and torque, the Hypertech MAX Energy Power Programmer will also help improve fuel economy and allow you to do the following:

• Read, Display and Clears Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s)
• Adjust Engine RPM Rev Limiter
• Adjust Top Speed Limiter to Match
• Speed Rated Tires
• Speedometer and Odometer Correction for Tire Sizes for 22.5″-44″
• Speedometer and Odometer Correction for Rear Axle Gear Ratios 2.82:1-5.13:1
• Adjustable Cooling Fan On/Off Temperature Settings

Legal in all 50 States, the Hypertech MAX Energy Power Programmer is by far the most powerful tuning device that you can buy for your Jeep JK Wrangler.

For more information about the MAX Energy Power Programmer, please click here to see Hypertech’s official flyer information sheet or visit their website at www.hypertech.com.  And, if you would like to purchase one of these programmers for your Jeep JK Wrangler today, you can purchase it at Northridge4×4.

Eddie

If you’re looking to give your Jeep JK Wrangler a 2″-3″ 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 an advertised 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.    Retailing for about $650, the Old Man Emu 2″ suspension lift is by no means a ‘budget boost’ nor is it meant to be. As mentioned, this kit is a complete suspension lift that includes the replacement of your factory coils and shocks with ones that have been specifically designed and rated to offer the best ride possible. Now, I should note that we did this Old Man Emu 2″ lift kit install on a 2-Door Jeep JK Wrangler X that already had 33″ tires installed on it. And, when all was said and done, I can tell you that this kit yielded closer to 3″-3.5″ of lift and had plenty of room under the fender flares to fit up to a 35″ tire. The installation is extremely simple and can be done in about 2 hours using basic metric tools.

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For those of you who have been waiting patiently for LoD to release their new Jeep JK Wrangler Front Bumper Winch Hoop, I am happy to report that it’s finally here and available for purchase.  Available for only $59 + $19 for shipping and handling, this bumper winch hoop is very easy to install and only requires minor drilling in order to bolt it onto your bumper.  Due to high demand, please expect a 1-2 weeks to have this hoop delivered to your door.

Eddie

If you have questions about this or any LoD products, please contact 4×4xplor.com, the official vendor of all LoD products at: sales@4×4xplor.com

NUMBER: 05-001-08
GROUP: Brakes
DATE: January 18, 2008

SUBJECT:
Electronic Stability Control Disable Feature For Modified 4WD Vehicles

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Anti-Lock Brake/Electronic Stability Module (ABS), the Cabin Control Node (CCN), and the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) with new software. Once these modules have been reprogrammed (flashed), a sequence of steps will be required to disable or enable the vehicle Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

MODELS:
2007 (JK) Wrangler
NOTE: This bulletin applies to Four Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles.

DISCUSSION:
Vehicles modified with larger tires and/or suspension lifts may experience early Electronic Stability Program (ESP) activations as compared to a non-modified production vehicle depending on lift size/height, tire size, suspension changes and/or driving habits.

If early ESP activations are experienced while driving with a modified vehicle, the additional ability to permanently turn off ESP is available. This ESP permanently disable feature can be obtained once the ABS, CCN, and TIPM modules have been flashed / reprogrammed with the correct level of software, as described in the Repair Procedure.

After completing reprogramming of the modules, an ignition switch, steering wheel and ESP button maneuver must be performed to permanently disable ESP and to turn off the functionality of the ESP switch. Once the ESP system is placed into permanent disable
mode, the ESP Telltale will be illuminated in the instrument cluster, and the vehicle odometer will display a “ESP OFF” message. The ESP permanent disable feature DOES NOT disable the vehicle Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) or the Brake Assist System (BAS), when the feature is implemented per this Service Bulletin Repair Procedure.

Repeating the ESP permanent disable maneuver procedure will return the system to normal ESP operation and restore ESP switch functionality allowing for ESP ”Full”, “Partial”, or “Off” modes.

TSB 05-001-08

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.

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If you just installed a set of bigger tires on your stock wheels or wheels that have too much back spacing, you are most likely experiencing some tire rub on your front sway bar, frame rail and/or lower control arms. Now, the obvious fix for this would be to install a set of wheels that have less back spacing or to install a set of 1.5" wheel spacers but if you’re rubbing is very minor, you might want to consider adjusting out your Jeep JK Wrangler’s steer stops. Although this will cause you to loose some of your turning radius, it is a very cheap and easy fix that can be done in minutes and with nothing more than a couple washers and a wrench.

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NUMBER: 23-003-08
GROUP: Body
DATE: January 15, 2008

SUBJECT:
Wind-Like Sound At Outer Ends Of The Sunrider Soft Top Windshield Header

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves replacement of the left and right soft top front side bows.

MODELS:
2007 - 2008 (JK) Wrangler

NOTE: This bulletin applies to two door Wrangler vehicles equipped with a Sunrider soft top (sales code GWK) and built on or between March 01, 2007 (MDH 0301XX) and September 30, 2007 (MDH 0930XX).

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may experience a wind-like sound at the outboard top corners of the windshield. The condition may be present on vehicles equipped with a Sunrider soft top. The condition may be due to the Sunrider soft top header being over-flush at the outboard corners to the windshield framer.

NOTE: This condition only applies to two door Wranglers equipped with a Sunrider soft top. The condition does not apply to two door vehicles equipped with a standard soft top.

TSB 23-003-08

Without a doubt, Superior Axle & Gear manufacturers some of the strongest axles you can buy for your Jeep JK Wrangler and to prove it, they will now be offering their Discovery Series Axle Shafts with a 10-Year NO-HASSLE Warranty and their all American made Evolution Series Axle Shafts with a LIFETIME NO-HASSLE Warranty!!

If you would like more information about Superior Axle & Gear products made for your Jeep JK Wrangler, please contact: Mike Denton Jr. – V.P. Superior Axle & Gear - 9580 Commerce Center Drive - Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 - Call (909)-476-8295 Fax: (909)-476-8296 - http://www.superioraxle.com - email mike@superioraxle.com

Eddie

Just as was promised back in November at the 2007 SEMA Show, SOLID Axle Industries has just released their all new SpynTec Conversion Kit and it is now available for sale.  The official press release for this awesome new front hub conversion can be seen below and after having the opportunity to check it out for myself, I can tell you that this is going to be a must have upgrade for just about every JK owner I know:

SpynTec Conversion Kit
Until now, new JK owners have been living with the idea that converting to a fixed spindle front axle wasn’t an option. With the implementation of ABS, and the new Electronic Stability Program (ESP), JK owners have been forced to accept the limitations that the unitized bearing front end has to offer. Larger tires and heavy accessories place unwanted stress on the factory assembly leading to an unfortunate and costly failure.

Solid Axle Industries has created an option for the JK by adding it to our new SpynTec line of fixed spindle conversion kits. SpynTec kits restore the ability to service and maintain your vehicle as needed, while reducing the wear and tear to your driveline by allowing for the front hubs to be unlocked. Your ABS and ESP functions are retained with the combination of our uniquely designed hub and spindle.

Our forged hub features a gear cut tone ring, while the forged spindle retains the factory ABS sensor mount. As with all SpynTec kits, your speed sensors are now completely sealed from harsh on and off road conditions. Names such as Timken, SKF, Warn, Chicago Rawhide and Spicer go into every Solid Axle SpynTec conversion kit.

All SpynTec Kits Include:
• Forged Spindles with Integral ABS Sensor Mount
• Forged Hubs with Machined Reluctor Ring
• All Bearings, Races, Seals, Spindle Nuts
• Rotors and Wheel Studs
• Warn Premium Manual Locking Hubs
• Stub Shafts
• Universal Joints

To see more pics of this conversion kit, click on the link below:

SOLID SpynTec Conversion Kit

For more information regarding the SOLID Jeep JK Wrangler Front SpynTec Conversion Kit, please contact SOLID directly at 1-888-290-AXLE or visit their website at: www.solidaxle.com.  If you would like to purchase a SOLID Jeep JK Wrangler Front SpynTec Conversion Kit, they are now available at Northridge4×4.

Eddie

www.teraflex.biz

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. Now, while disconnecting your Jeep JK Wrangler’s front sway bar links can be done for free just by removing the bolts and nuts securing them to your front axle, it is time consuming, will require some creative thinking to keep it strapped out of the way and can be quite difficult to reattach at the end of the day. Needless to say, if you’re someone who wheels often enough to know how much of a pain this can be, I would highly recommend that you pick up a set of TeraFlex Sway Bar Quick Disconnects. Affordable, quick and easy to use, the TeraFlex Sway Bar Quick Disconnects can be installed in about half an hour using basic tools and requires no drilling or other modifications to your Jeep. And, one of the features that really make these sway bar discos a cut above the rest is the inclusion of innovative pins that allow you to rotate your sway bar links up, out of the way and stored up against the frame rails and without the need for any bungee cords.

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I’ve just gotten word from LoD that they’ve just completed the preliminary design of their new Jeep JK Wrangler Shorty Front Bumper and a spy shot of it can be seen by clicking on the image to the left.  This bumper was developed in an effort to provide an answer to the all the people looking for an affordable true shorty front bumper that can accomodate Jeep JK Wrangler factory fog lights, a WARN Power Plant winch and comes with an optional hoop.  As is the case with all LoD bumpers, this new 48″ wide JK Shorty Front Bumper will also feature 3/16″ laser cut steel plate construction, a recessed winch plate, D-Ring mounts, tapered ends and an optional sway bar disconnect motor skid plate for those who have Rubicons.  Official pricing for this bumper has not been released yet but it’s estimated that it will be somewhere in the $500 range.  As far as availability goes, LoD is expecting to have these on sale and shipping before spring.

Eddie

If you have questions about this or any LoD products, please contact 4×4xplor.com, the official vendor of all LoD products at: sales@4×4xplor.com

Our latest YouTube video addition highlights a trail run that we did up Odessa Canyon back in September and as our good friend Jennifer (aka - toad) can be quoted as saying, it truly was “a 5-SCREAM run!” As you’ll see, this trail required a lot of low range work as well as a fair amount of winching and strapping in order for us to climb up and over the myriad of boulders and dry falls we encountered along the way and if you would like to watch this exciting video now, simply click on the screen or link below:

Odessa Canyon Trail Run YouTube Video

If you’re new to Project-JK and would like read all about our run up the Odessa Canyon Trail and/or would like to see tons of pics from it, simply click on the following link to read the article I wrote about it back on September 25, 2007: Odessa Canyon Trail Run 2007

Eddie

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.      Just so you know, some welding is required to complete this kit and if you do not have any welding skills or at least, are not confident in them, you will need to make arrangements with a local or mobile welder to secure your factory front and rear track bar relocation brackets to the axles on your Jeep JK Wrangler. Otherwise, this kit is simple enough to install and the following instructions below should be able to assist you.

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Whether you 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. Failure to do so will result in poor to non-existent braking due to air bubbles that can get trapped inside your brake lines. Symptoms of air bubbles trapped in your braking system include an excessively soft brake pedal or a pedal that goes clear to the floor without any resistance. If you have any of these symptoms even though you have not worked on your brakes, check for leaks, fix where necessary and then proceed to bleed your brakes.

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