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A LL J E E P S!

BEACH CRUISING IN FLORIDA! PAGE 32

MASSIVE JK WRANGLER PARTS GUIDE EVERYTHING YOU NEED AXLES BODY ARMOR TOPS BUMPERS POWER PARTS

ONE HEALTHY JK WITH V-8 POWER PAGE 62

KEEP YOUR JK COOL

INSTALLING A LOUVERED HOOD

OLD-SCHOOL DUALLY PICKUP

CHECK OUT THIS HAULER FROM THE PAST

AXLE SWAP MADE EASY

JUNKYARD 1-TONS IN A WRANGLER

ALAN HUBER

TRAIL HEAD

The Wrangler JK rules the roost

It’s true: The Wrangler JK rules the roost. Coming from a die-hard Jeep guy, that statement may seem far-fetched and downright looney-tooney. In fact, there are many Jeep enthusiasts or “purists” who think that the JK has ruined the Jeep and the Jeeping world in general. I’m here to state that nothing could be further from the truth. The JK may have saved the Jeep brand as well as Jeeping and four-wheeling in general. As bold a statement as that is, it’s simply the way it is. Of course a little background may be in order, especially if you aren’t familiar with how Jeep code-names their vehicles internally with the Alpha naming conventions. Originally the civilian Jeep came about out of the military jeep of WWII. These first civilian Jeeps in 1945 were designated and known as CJs, as in a CJ-2A, which meant of course Civilian Jeep model 2A. Eventually these were superseded all the way up to the CJ-8, which ceased production in 1987. The Jeep Wrangler was born in 1987 as a replacement for the CJ, and the general public was unaware of the internal YJ designation—and the Y stood for nothing other than a letter. The same goes for the next generation’s Wrangler, the TJ produced from 1997–2006, and the current iteration of JK Wrangler from 2007 to the present. This all means that when someone says they have a Wrangler, they could mean any one of three different

NOVEMBER 2017

generations of vehicles. That’s why it’s important to know what a JK is vs. a generic Wrangler. And that’s also why the JK is the most important vehicle Jeep has ever produced. Here’s why: Right out of the box, the JK is the most capable 4x4 made in America. Add the Rubicon package, and the beast is darn near unstoppable. Four Wheeler touted it as the “4x4 of the Decade” and it handily won many other prestigious awards in a short time. The engineers at Jeep had nearly perfected the coil spring suspension and solid axle combination with locking differentials and a low-geared transfer case. You could drive it off the dealer lot, cruise through many a tough trail, and then with the flip of a lever settle back in for a comfortable cruise back home. And when the JKU, the four-door model, was introduced sales soared even more. Now everyone who shied away from a Wrangler because there wasn’t enough room or doors for a family could get the same (or better) legendary off-road prowess and on-street manners as the regular two-door JK. The best or worst part of this story is that the downturn in the nation’s economy came at the same time—2007. Good or bad, German-controlled Daimler/Chrysler sold out to Cerebus investment, who eventually went bankrupt as Italian automaker Fiat scooped up the prize of the Chrysler line— the Jeep brand. After the record-breaking sales of the first JK, 2008 and 2009 models dipped below 100,000 due to the economy.

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But as the world turned, sales came back. And it wasn’t just due to the Jeep JK, it was due to the robust aftermarket support for the new Wrangler, and that’s where this becomes so important. All of the 4x4 shops and companies that jumped on the new JK aftermarket accessory boom saved their businesses, while those that stuck to the older varieties suffered, and some went quietly away. That’s one reason sales of JKs have skyrocketed as well as the incredible amount of companies that cater only to the JK line. In fact, just about anyone can buy a Wrangler JK and bolt on every aftermarket accessory to make some of the most badass Jeeps around. Of course there will always be the tacky builds, and that is true with any genre. But the JK is here for the long run—a 10-year production with the most robust aftermarket support of any factory 4x4. That’s why we put together this issue with a special section dedicated to the JK—a buyer’s guide that showcases many of the products available. We couldn’t include everyone that makes a widget or axle for the beasts; there are just too many products available, but for you, the consumer, that’s the best part. We will do an updated version of the guide in a few months since the JK is so incredibly popular. It saved Jeep, and it saved the aftermarket. Turn the page to see all of the great stuff you’ll find in this issue, including just how much is available for the Wrangler JK! —Rick Péwé jpeditor@jpmagazine.com

Jp 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 2017 COVER SECTION: MASSIVE JK PARTS GUIDE!

EVENT

More Parts than You Can Shake a Stick At . . . 82 Over 100 products to peruse and use!

Over 2,300 Jeeps Cruise Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . More fun at Jeep Beach 2017

82 FEATURES

TECH

DEPARTMENTS

Rectangular Wrangler Does Boulders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 See how leaf springs really work

Suspension Defense for Any Jeep JK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Installing Artec control arm brackets

Trail Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Junkyard Axle Upgrade . . . . . . 40 Best bang for your buck with 1-tons

Dispatch

Yeah, it’s Got a Hemi . . . . . . . . . 62 Junkyard parts made this hard rocker

Protecting Your Axle Innards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 A simple upgrade for maximum beef

Jeep Shots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Custom J-300— the Dually Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 This might be the best we’ve seen

Cool-Running Engines . . . . . . . . Chopping your hood for the louvered look

Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

A Brand-New CJ-8 Scrambler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actually, it’s better than new!

Mailbag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 .......................

Nena Knows Jeeps . . . . . . . . . 108 Your Jeep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Sideways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

ON THE COVER O

A Director Alan Huber Art ssnapped the cover shot of Josh Huntley’s JK during the Jp Dirt ’N Drive at the Sand Mountain OHV area outside of Hurricane, Utah.

Take capability to the next level with authentic Jeep® Performance Parts. From Big Brake Kits to High Top Fender Flares, these parts empower you with the ability and conﬁdence to go farther. Get started today. Visit your local Jeep dealership or mopar.com/jeep-performance-parts.

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MAILBAG By John Cappa jpeditor@jpmagazine.com

JK Ruined the Wave? I grew up in a family of XJs. My mom had one and my dad currently has two. Unfortunately, I have yet to reach my rite of passage and have my own. From a young age, I was taught to wave at my fellow Jeepers. It was just something you did. Then 2007 rolled around and the JK Wrangler Unlimited was created. This brought on a bunch of non-traditional Jeepers, people that didn’t build their own vehicles. They simply bought a modified Jeep to look cool. These Jeepers weren’t raised with the tradition of the Jeep wave. Today, if you’re driving down the street and see another Jeep pass by you, the likelihood of receiving a wave is very unlikely. However, the JK isn’t the only one to blame. While being able to buy an already modified Jeep is great, these pre-assembled packages available through aftermarket companies have ruined Jeeper traditions, such as the wave. I watched my dad build his Jeeps from the ground up. Piece by piece he turned them into something he is proud of and can show off. Whatever happened to the elbow grease and spit shine? What happened to taking an old, messy heap and turning it into something you’re proud of? Jeep has always been a tradition passed down through the generations. By eliminating the wave, that simple sign of camaraderie isn’t being passed down to future Jeepers. Jeep has always been identified with tradition and hard work. Ironically, those who love Jeeps just might be hurting that notion the most, all because of the effortless privilege to buy instead of build. This is coming from a 17-year-old millennial. Isn’t that saying something? Charlee Marshall Snow Shoe, PA

Diesel Agreement Your explanation of the costs and efforts to do a diesel engine swap are pretty bang on (Your Jeep, July ’17). I

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swapped a Mercedes OM617 into my CJ-5 and yes, the mileage and drivability is fantastic, but the mechanical requirements and basic cost isn’t something that can be overlooked. I was able to get a decent 3.0L from a junkyard car for $300, but only because a friend owns the yard and I pulled it myself. The adaptor kit from Koch Enterprises along with all the necessary doodads added close to $500. A modified oil pan cost somewhere around $300. Custom exhaust and air intake system is an added expense. The OM617 exhaust is not on the same side as the Jeep 4.0L. Resurfacing and match-balancing of the flywheel to fit the Mercedes flexplate added another $150. The Mercedes AC compressor is in the way of the steering box, so if you have AC in your Jeep, you’ll need to plan an alternative solution. Things like oil cooler lines, power steering lines, alternator, a compatible tachometer sensor, and the radiator (or cobbled hoses) can all add up to significant money and time. You’ll need to do some important service work on the diesel such as the front main seal, new fuel return lines, filters, and a valve adjustment. Tack on another $500 to cover mechanical gauges and all the other surprises I can’t remember now and you’re quickly negating the savings from increased fuel mileage. Your mechanical aptitude and fabrication abilities will be put to the test, as will your patience and determination. As for daily driving, you’ll have to plan your departure times to allow for the engine to warm up or you’ll need a good dentist from making the diesel drive before it’s ready. All that being said, I daily-drive my CJ-5 and love it. The performance is pretty good and the sound of the turbodiesel always makes me smile. It gets a lot of positive attention too, but most importantly I did it for me. John Stouth Ontario, Canada

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Vintage Jeep Lover I love all the features and articles about the Willys and CJs. It’s the main thing I look for and not many others do what you do. Thanks for that. I grew up with all the classics and have an ’81 CJ-5 that I’m always loving. zeppe807 Via Instagram @jpmagazine

CJ-6 Fan I took a photo of your featured CJ-6A (“Getting Straight,” Aug. ’17) passing through Kentucky on its way from Virginia to Utah. I have five CJ-6s that are awaiting restoration. I enjoyed the article. Sam Williams Winchester, KY

NOVEMBER 2017

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MAILBAG can drop it off at my place in Tucson on your way back to California. tao_of_hastings Via Instagram @jpmagazine

Jeep Roadkill

Look At This You should check out Jeep Blitz in Bushnell, Illinois. It was an awesome time with more than 200 Jeeps. You guys should come cover it. Trent Ericson Via facebook.com/jpmag We will have to take a look into that. Thanks for the tip! If you know of an event that you think we should attend, drop us a line. Send any pertinent info and web links to jpeditor@jpmagazine.com. Be sure to put “Calendar” in the subject line. Please be sure to give us at least three months of advance notice so we can get it into the magazine.

Trail Tour The Oregon edition of Scott Frary’s Trail Tour included a day at the dunes in Coos Bay, guided by Virgle Osborne of Twin Peaks Off Road. All rigs (minus support vehicles and—ahem—those shooting video) had a 33-inch cap on tire size, and could be claimed at the end of the event by anyone else in the group for a top price of $3,000. Super Carl still managed to go airborne. Rick Péwé was there to cover the messy exploits for Jp. I look forward to seeing the story! Feed The Wheels Via facebook.com/jpmag We’re sorry you missed the Trail Tour coverage in our May 2017 print edition, but you can still find it on our website at www. fourwheeler.com/events/1702-trail-tour2016-when-it-was-over-your-rig-for-sale.

Shot Worthy JK I submitted my ’16 Freedom Edition Wrangler Unlimited previously, but maybe it was too stock and not Jeep Shots worthy. As any Jeep owner knows, it’s too tempting with all of the aftermarket companies, as well as seeing other Jeeps at events, to leave well enough alone. After the addition of what some may call minor mods, I would like to submit my Jeep once again for possible inclusion in Jeep Shots. Having owned numerous Jeeps in the past, including Wranglers, Grand Cherokees, a Cherokee, and a Liberty, my favorite by far is my ’16 Freedom Edition JK Unlimited. I love the ability to haul my golden retriever, and the off-road capability the JK offers even though it’s basically stock. I really like the Freedom Edition because I feel it is a great tribute to the Jeep and its history in the military.

10 Jp

At this point, my modifications include a Mopar cold air intake, LED headlights/fog lights, a Rubicon 10th anniversary bumper, and a Mopar sport bar. In the future I plan on adding the Rubicon rear bumper and possibly a bigger wheel and tire combo. I’ve enjoyed the year of ownership of a great vehicle, as well as the enjoyment and fun of attending numerous Jeep events and meeting many people who have become friends. Every day I look forward to getting behind the wheel of my Jeep with my golden retriever, Teddy, by my side. Thanks again for the opportunity and for a great magazine. Ed Birch Newtown, PA Thanks for reading Jp, and we’re glad you are enjoying your Wrangler Unlimited. The overall design of the JK Wrangler and its factory accoutrements have made it hard to beat as a capable daily driver. It’s far more streetable than any of the past Wrangler models, so it is no wonder is has become an extremely popular vehicle. We run Jeep Shots submissions as we receive them and we open and read every email and letter. As you can imagine, this can be a time consuming task on top of creating the magazine, so we don’t always have time to respond to every letter. Unfortunately, the images you provided were far too small for print use. Jeep Shot submissions should include images that are at least 1,200 pixels across. If anyone else wants to see their Jeep featured in the Jeep Shots column, you can send your submissions into jpeditor@ jpmagazine.com. Include your best photos (again, at least 1,200 pixels wide) and detailed info about the modifications you have made, as well as information about yourself. We’re probably the only people more interested in your Jeep than even you! Don’t forget to put “Jeep Shots” in the subject line of your email.

Wagoneer Rescue Regarding the Wagoneer Rescue, I can’t wait for the episode on Roadkill via motortrendondemand.com. I have a Wagoneer with a 360, and yeah, it was garbage. I had to practically rebuild all of the systems. Bralittle Via Instagram @jpmagazine

FSJ Freeloader Regarding the Wagoneer Rescue, now that you have everything sorted out I’d be happy to take it off your hands. Maybe you

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Thanks for the Jeeps on Roadkill! I get that it’s more of a Dirt Every Day thing, but I dig it. Motor Trend OnDemand (motortrendondemand.com) is great. It’s the only TV I watch anymore, and I love to see Rick Péwé and David Freiburger. Varonjeepington Via Instagram @jpmagazine

Stumbling on Jp

Hey, I just stumbled upon your Facebook page and I love it! Here is a pic of my Jeep. Amanda Sullivan Via facebook.com/jpmag That’s great! You can keep up with the Jp staff, projects, new products, and adventures on any number of social media formats including on Facebook at facebook.com/jpmag, on Instagram @ jpmagazine, and on Twitter @jpmagazine. Of course you can always find daily updates at jpmagazine.com too!

Write Us! Got a question or comment about Jp Magazine or the village idiots at the helm? Drop us a line. Don’t forget to include your full name and where you’re from or we’ll make fun of you. Actually, we may make fun of you anyway. Keep it short and to the point or we’ll hack and chop your letter as we please. We get a lot of mail, but we read every letter. Unfortunately, we can’t print or personally answer every request. We’re too busy surfing the Internet on the company dime. Digital images should be no less than 1,600 by 1,200 pixels (or 2 megapixels) and should be saved as aTIFF, an EPS, or a maximum-quality JPEG file. Write to: Jp Magazine, Editor 831 S. Douglas St. El Segundo, CA 90245 Email to: jpeditor@jpmagazine.com

NOVEMBER 2017

DISPATCH By Tori Tellem jpeditor@jpmagazine.com

Jeep News & Rumors

• The on-again, off-again rumor is on again: Jeep and Ram could be breaking off from Fiat Chrysler. • Fiat Chrysler Canada saw its highest monthly sales in May 2017. How high? Doesn’t matter—just know that it’s the highest in the company’s 92 years of living and breathing. • AutoPacific’s 21st annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards ranked vehicles based on owner satisfaction. The Jeep Grand Cherokee won for midsize SUV. The complete list can be found at bit.ly/2sQ0wHl. • The first official Jeep Compass made in India came off the assembly line. • Australia is going to be getting the Jeep pickup, too? • The Windsor Jeep Club’s 4th annual Jeep Jam Poker Run raised almost $15,000 for local brain-injury-survivor programs. • American University’s Kogod School of Business put out its ’17 Made in America Auto Index (bit.ly/2rxj23o), which pointed to “what percentage of your vehicle’s value contributes to the overall well-being of the

Vehicle Color Trends for 2017–2018

BASF has charted its Automotive Color Trends report for 2017–2018, which found that the most popular colors in North America are Undercurrent Blue, Abyss, and Cabocho. That last one is like a turquoise, and is named after an uncut yet shiny stone. Learn more here: bit.ly/2sjw3Ay.

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U.S. economy.” Jeep took position No. 4 with the Wrangler Rubicon, Unlimited Big Bear, Limited Sport, and Sport. The Cherokee came in 8th, while 15th and 16th went to the Compass and Patriot/ Grand Cherokee, respectively. The Grand Cherokee SRT was 31st and the Renegade found itself at 54th. • Jeeps were the star of the latest heist— an auto-theft ring featuring 150 Jeep Wranglers and a biker gang called Hooligans. The bad guys created duplicate keys and also used hacked computer codes.

Industry News

• General Tire has partnered with Tread Lightly! to support trail protection. GT has also renewed its partnership with Best in the Desert race series, including the gig of Official Tire. • 4 Wheel Parts gave the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) $30,872 for its Round Up fundraising initiative. • When Omix-ADA hosted Jeeps for its second annual Jeep Heritage Expo, proceeds from the day were donated

to Habitat for Humanity in Atlanta, Georgia. We’ve learned it was a grand total of $3,800. • Yokohama is giving away a custom ’17 Ram 2500 Power Wagon. OK, there’s a catch: You have to enter the sweepstakes as well as win the sweepstakes. The truck is the grand prize in the Yokohama Nitro Circus “Get Trucked Up Truck Giveaway” that’s running through October 15, 2017. Go here for the deets: yokohamatire. com/trucked up. • Miller Electric and Hobart have been upgraded in their quality certification. • The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame has a new partner: aFe. • Michelin has developed the “Visionary Concept.” It’s a three-parter: “A wheel with no air”; “A tread with a very distinctive feature: It can be ‘replenished’ by a 3D printer”; and, “It communicates with your vehicle…you can be informed of wear on your tread and program a tread reprint.” • Goodyear scored a spot on the “Fortune 500,” the list Fortune magazine creates each year to rank U.S. companies by sales. Goodyear was at No. 184.

Quote Without Story

“When we made the proposal, we were ready to implement the fix immediately. Now it depends on them. We are talking to them—we think we have a viable solution.”

—Fiat Chrysler head Sergio Marchionne, according to Reuters, regarding the allegations surrounding Fiat Chrysler’s diesel vehicles and supposed software used to cheat emissions controls, and how the automaker had suggested a software update as part of certifying the ’17 models jpmagazine.com

NOVEMBER 2017

DISPATCH

Jeep Wrangler Night Eagle

If you’re in the UK, get yourself a limited-edition Night Eagle version of the Jeep Wrangler. But hurry, because Jeep’s making only 66 of them. The Night Eagle will feature a 2.8L diesel, a five-speed, and it’s your pick of Xtreme Purple, Alpine White, or Solid Black skin. It will have Night Eagle-specific decals, 18-inch black wheels, a body-colored grille, black fuel door, and other unique eye stimulation.

Auto Graphs

• A car vending machine? Yes, it has happened in Singapore. Autobahn Motors has a 15-story showroom, and if you use the touch screen to pick out a car, it will be retrieved and will arrive to you on the ground floor in a mere minute or two. This vending machine dispenses Ferraris, Lambos, and Bentleys. Check it out here: facebook.com/autobahnsg. • Your Waze now has something called Voice Recorder, which allows you to record your own voice and give yourself nav directions. • Is Germany falling madly in love with the electric car? • And is Munich falling madly in love with the idea of banning diesel because of pollution? • Related: Queen Mary University of London did a study (bit.ly/2sji0e8) and learned that particulate matter mainly from diesel road vehicles increases heart issues, such as attack and failure and death. • Looking for a new vehicle? Watch out for rising sticker prices and interest rates. • Amazon’s global domination continues: It intends to sell cars online. Starting in Europe. • GM is another automaker facing allegations of diesel-related emissions issues and has released a statement: “These claims are baseless and we

Where the Jeeps Are

Have an event? Let us know! Remember the magazine needs about four months of advance warning. Just follow these steps: • Name of event: • Date(s) of event: • City/State of event: • Name of venue (if applicable): • Website for readers to learn more about your event: • Why your event is cool in five words or less: • Have a high-resolution photo from a previous event? Feel free to send it to us and we might just include it. • Send the info and photo to: jpeditor@jpmagazine.com • Make your subject line, “Where the Jeeps Are.”

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will vigorously defend ourselves. The Duramax diesel Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra comply with all U.S. EPA and CARB emissions regulations.” • AAA studied engine oil and said what it learned was that synthetic oil was 50 percent better at engine protection than conventional oil. • Autolist.com did some surveying: Over half the vehicle owners surveyed who were under 40 will buy a used vehicle next. • Fiat Chrysler’s 2017 Drive for Design contest had three high schoolers win awards for their interpretation of what the design of Dodge vehicles will be in 30 years. Among the prizes were two weeks at a summer automotive-design course. Learn more at prn.to/2sMl3wK.

Badlands Off Road Adventures various training classes, including Getting Started Off-Road Driving, OAUSA Borrego Fest, and Death Valley Adventure September 2017 California 4x4training.com

Off Road Consulting Woodland Adventure October 28-29, 2017 Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, Rausch Creek Off Road Park and Weiser State Forest Coal Township, Pennsylvania bit.ly/2eKorgQ

Adopt-A-Trail Work Day September 9, 2017 Kansas Rocks Recreation Park Mapleton, Kansas ksrockspark.com Fall Off-Road 101 Course September 23, 2017 Kansas Rocks Recreation Park Mapleton, Kansas ksrockspark.com

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NOVEMBER 2017

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DISPATCH We Need Your Stuck or Broken or Military Jeep!

We want your Jeep for our Sideways department! Here are ways you can get your Jeep in Jp Magazine! Your broken parts or broken Jeep: Did you have an epic snap, blow-up, or breakage? How about an insane trail repair? Photo or it didn’t happen. Stuck/Flopped/Rollover: Send us your four-wheeling mess. Vintage and Military Jeep: We like old-timey and military things, like with your father or grandfather, or even modern service. Jeep Road Trip: A photo from your best road trip that took place in a Jeep. The Jeep needs to be in the photo in a landmark location. Like the Travelocity gnome. Follow this format: • Your name and your city/state:

• Year/make/model of your Jeep/ military Jeep:

• Where the photo took place: • Describe what we are seeing in the photo/other info we may need to know: • Why the photo means a lot to you/lesson learned/your takeaway: In addition to the words, here are the photo requirements: • JPG (maximum quality), BMP, or TIFF file. • No less than 1,600 by 1,200 pixels or about 2 megapixels. The original size from your phone/device. • No PDFs or other formats. We just can’t use them in the magazine. • Email the materials to jpeditor@jpmagazine.com with the subject line, “Sideways.”

Catch these shows on the Motor Trend OnDemand channel this month. Aug 25 • Auto Mundial • FIM Motocross World Championship, Sweden Aug 26 LIVE! 24H Series, Portimao LIVE! Blancpain GT Sports Club, Hungaroring LIVE! FIM Speedway World Championship, Poland LIVE! Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America, Virginia International Raceway Aug 27 LIVE! Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup, Hungaroring LIVE! Blancpain GT Sports Club, Hungaroring LIVE! Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America, Virginia International Raceway Aug 28 LIVE! European Le Mans Series, Paul Ricard Aug 29 • Dirt Every Day–Episode 68 Aug 30 • Trans AM Racing Series, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Aug 31 • Hot Rod Garage–Episode 56 • Real Road Racing, Ulster, Ireland Sept 1 LIVE! Pirelli World Challenge, Circuit of The Americas • Roadkill–Episode 69 • Auto Mundial • Real Road Racing, Ulster, Ireland Sept 2 LIVE! EuroFormula Open, Silverstone LIVE! International GT Open, Silverstone

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Sept 3

Sept 4

Sept 5 Sept 6 Sept 7 Sept 8

Sept 9

Sept 10

Sept 11 Sept 12 Sept 13 Sept 14

Vic Edelbrock Jr., 1936–2017

The automotive industry has lost a legend. Vic Edelbrock Jr. passed away at age 80. Vic Jr. had taken over the family business following the death of his father, Vic Sr., in 1962, when the company had only 10 employees, and Vic Jr. was just 26 years old. The company gained fame for its small-block Chevy manifold, but grew to offer a variety of performance products. You can read what our sister mag Hot Rod had to say about him here: bit.ly/2sjyG5a.

LIVE! Pirelli World Challenge, Circuit of The Americas LIVE! VNL Endurance Racing, Nurburgring LIVE! EuroFormula Open, Silverstone LIVE! International GT Open, Silverstone LIVE! Pirelli World Challenge, Circuit of The Americas • Ignition–Episode 182 • British Touring Cars Championship, Knockhill • Porsche Carerra Cup Australia, Sepang • The House of Muscle–Episode 11 • Modified–Episode 3 • FIA World Rallycross, France LIVE! Formula D, Fort Worth, TX • Auto Mundial • FIM Motocross World Championship, USA • Motorsport Mundial LIVE! DTM Championship, Nurburgring LIVE! FIA Formula 3 Championship, Nurburgring LIVE! Formula D, Fort Worth, TX LIVE! Goodwood Revival, Goodwood LIVE! FIA Formula 3 Championship, Nurburgring LIVE! Goodwood Revival, Goodwood • Engine Masters–Episode 26 • Hot Rod Drag Week • Hot Rod Drag Week • Head 2 Head–Episode 94 • Hot Rod Drag Week • Hot Rod Drag Week

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Sept 15 LIVE! Lamborghini Super Trofeo–Europe, Nurburgring LIVE! Pirelli World Challenge, Sonoma Raceway LIVE! Virgin Australia Supercars, Sandown 500 LIVE! Virgin Australia Supercars, Sandown 500 • Hot Rod Drag Week • Auto Mundial • FIM Motocross World Championship, Netherlands • Trans AM Racing Series, Road America Sept 16 LIVE! Pirelli World Challenge, Sonoma Raceway LIVE! Virgin Australia Supercars, Sandown 500 Sept 17 LIVE! Adac GT Masters, Sachsenring LIVE! Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup, Nurburgring LIVE! GT4 Europe Northern Series, Nurburgring LIVE! Lamborghini Super Trofeo–Europe, Nurburgring Sept 18 • Best Driver’s Car • Ignition–Episode 183 • British Touring Cars Championship, Rockingham Sept 19 LIVE! FIM Speedway World Championship, Germany • Best Driver’s Car Sept 20 • Best Driver’s Car • Modified–Episode 4 Sept 21 • Best Driver’s Car • Roadkill Garage–Episode 22 • FIA World Rallycross, Latvia • Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, Nurburgring * Program information subject to change.

NOVEMBER 2017

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Trixsee Does Boulders This 1995 Jeep YJ has seen some years, but it has also learned some new tricks By Stuart A. Bourdon jpeditor@jpmagazine.com

Photography: Stuart A. Bourdon

Old Jeeps never die—they just learn new tricks. We have all seen beat up old Willys rise up from the grave, and in the case of the comparatively much younger Jeep YJ owned by Stacy Franklin of Orangevale, California, her ’95 Wrangler is now living its second life. It wasn’t a complete pile when she found it for sale back in 2010, but if it had sat uncared for much longer it may have gone the way of the Dodo. Fortunately, it found a good home with Stacy, and with the help of her boyfriend Dave Matthews, and a buddy of theirs, Trent Hershey, “Trixsee” has learned some new tricks.

Power Combo The current 4.0L inline-six cylinder engine was donated from a 2004 TJ that somehow ended up in much worse shape than Stacy’s ’95. The 242ci I-6 was in good shape, but got a rebuild anyway. It ran like new when they were done going through it, but the inline six remained almost completely stock. The AX-15 5-speed that came along with the 2004 engine was in great condition so all that was needed was to add a long-throw shift lever with a T-bar style grip on it. The T-case, however, was another case—no pun intended. Stacy wanted much better gearing possibilities, so an Advance Adapters Atlas 5.0 (5:1 low ratio) was planted on the tail end of the AX-15. ADCO custom driveshafts carry the power down to the axles.

Undergarment Game Below her frame, the YJ sports a pair of heavy-duty axles. A 3⁄4 -ton Dana 44 filled with a 4.56 ARB Air Locker and running Yukon axleshafts with CTM Racing axle U-joints sits up front. Out back, she features a Dana 60 with another 4.56 ARB Air Locker and Superior 20 Jp

TRIXSEE DOES BOULDERS axleshafts. The Dana 60 rearend has a custom traction bar to help control spring wrap, a custom track bar to keep it lined up properly, a spring-over conversion using Rubicon Express leaf packs, and uses Rancho 5000 shocks for damping purposes. A custom threelink front suspension system with a track bar was also designed and built by Trent and is sprung with 14-inch King coilovers. The frame-mounted steering box was braced with a rod that ties into the opposing frame rail, and a custom pitman arm helps guide the 17x9-inch, 41⁄2 -inch backspaced, 8-lug Walker Evans beadlocks surrounded by 39.5-inch Super Swamper IROK rubber.

Carved Body The Wrangler’s sheetmetal has been curvaceously carved in order to make her a more rock-ready rig. The front fenders have been cut down, and the front and rear flares removed. Up front, a custom

The Dana 44 underneath the front end of the ’95 Jeep YJ was set up with a steering system that includes a stock box reinforced by a rod that ties into the opposing frame, a custom pitman arm, steering link, and tie rod. The 44 holds a 4.56 ARB Air Locker, Yukon ’shafts, and CTM axle U-joints.

HARD FACTS Vehicle: ’95 Jeep YJ Wrangler Engine: 4.0L I-6 Transmission: 5-speed manual Transfer Case: Atlas 5.0 Suspension: Custom 3-link, 14-inch

King coilovers (front); Rubicon Express spring-over conversion, Rancho RS5000 shocks (rear) Axles: Dana 44, 4.56 ARB Air Locker, Yukon ’shafts, CTM U-joints (front); Dana 60, 4.56 ARB Air Locker, Superior ’shafts (rear) Wheels: 17-inch Walker Evans beadlocks Tires: 39.5-inch Super Swamper IROK

A Warn winch is cradled inside the Rock Hard 4x4 front bumper. Note the extensive custom tube work coming off the front bumper and extending around the trimmed fenders and down to the Rock Hard 4x4 sliders.

The ’95 YJ Wrangler’s cockpit features a switch panel mounted in the center of the dash to control the ARB Air Lockers, energize the ARB compressor, and turn on the siren (which Stacy uses to let slowpokes on the trail know she’s on their tail); a long-throw gear lever with a fingergrip T-handle; twin sticks to operate the Atlas 5.0; and Corbeau buckets.

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A custom 3-link suspension setup swings the front Dana 44 axle, and an ADCO custom driveshaft sends power into the pumpkin. Skidplates protect the engine’s oil pan, trans, and transfer case.

The front suspension is damped using 14-inch travel King coilover shocks set in custom lower mounts, and custom upper hoop mounts that are tied into a crossbrace that spans the engine compartment. Limiting straps keep the shocks from over-extending.

NOVEMBER 2017

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Look for the OPTIMA DIGITAL 1200 AND DIGITAL 400 chargers at a retailer near you. The OPTIMA logo, OPTIMA Batteries, The Ultimate Power Source, Spiralcell Technology, REDTOP, YELLOWTOP, BLUETOP and The Six-Pack Battery Design are trademarks of Johnson Controls, Inc. ©2015

TRIXSEE DOES BOULDERS

The rear-bumper-mounted swing-out sparetire carrier was modified to accept a cargo rack for a cooler and other camping gear, as well as provide a mount for the Hi-Lift jack. The 4.0L I-6 engine in Trixsee was rebuilt after being plucked out of an ’04 TJ, and although it remained almost completely stock, it was treated to a Turbo City Rock-It cold-air intake, and a YellowTop Optima battery. Note the cross brace for the shock tower loops that provides a mount for the remote shock reservoirs.

A custom rollcage spreads over the Jeep YJ Wrangler’s tub like a spiderweb to protect passengers and provide a platform upon which to strap down cargo.

As you can see, the fuel tank skidplate has been very useful as a shield to fend off trail hazards such as rocks. This ’95 YJ Wrangler displays evidence of extensive trail use.

tube creation runs from the Rock Hard 4x4 bumper all the way back to the Rock Hard 4x4 sliders, and protects the YJ’s nose and what’s left of the front fenders from rocks and trees that might get in their way. The YJ’s tail is protected by a set of custom diamond-plate steel corner guards and a Rock Hard 4x4 rear bumper. A Trent Hershey designed and fabricated rollcage serves to envelop and protect passengers and provide a cargo area up top. The stock YJ rear seat is still there, but for those lucky people up front, Corbeau buckets with four-point harnesses are offered. “Trixsee” isn’t flashy, but it’s not overbuilt and didn’t cost an arm and leg to create. While mostly stock, the 4.0L gets the job done every time. This ’95 TJ is tough, has more than enough flex to easily navigate the boulders, and is set up to wheel and camp.

Why This Jeep

A Dana 60 rearend filled with an ARB Air Locker and Superior ’shafts hangs from a spring-over conversion created using Rubicon Express leaf packs, and custom traction bars help keep axlewrap under control. Rancho RS 5000 shocks do damping duty in the rear.

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Jeeping is about people as much as it is about Jeeps. Stacy’s first rig was an ’88 YJ, which she drove for years before it got creamed when a giant boulder fell off a cliff and landed on it (we’ve seen the pictures). Now she and her ’95 YJ, Trixsee, are again regulars on the Jeepers and Jeep Jamboree Rubicon runs (some years Stacy is also part of the volunteer staff providing event participants with meals), and together they have mastered Moab, Fordyce, and Hollister. —Stuart A. Bourdon

NOVEMBER 2017

The lower control arm (LCA) brackets on a Jeep JK are just about the most vulnerable point of contact with the terrain on the entire vehicle. Although there are other parts and pieces that are also in the line of fire, most of them are either larger or sturdier and therefore less prone to bending or breaking when struck by an immoveable object in the trail. The front LCA brackets on the Jeep JK are separate from the lower shock mount (which is tucked up behind the axle tube). The rear LCA brackets incorporate the lower shock mount and lower antisway bar link mount. In addition, the rear driver-side LCA bracket bears the mount for the lower track bar mount. You have a choice. The thin (practically sheet metal) factory front and rear LCA brackets can be replaced before or after they get damaged or torn off. With this particular 2016 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited, we didn’t have the time for preemptive protection—the strike and damage occurred very early in the rig’s wheelin’ life. During a UFC-magnitude battle with a rather large rock, a front LCA bracket was mangled and a rear LCA bracket was bent, so immediate replacement was called for. After doing some research, we decided upon the replacement LCA brackets from Artec Industries. These beefy beauties are made from 1⁄4 -inchthick boxed steel plate, feature a 2.625inch interior width to accommodate cartridge joints such as Johnny Joints, wrap around the axle tube more than the factory unit to help strengthen them from damage, offer an integrated skidplate to protect the LCA mounting joint, and allow room for a grease fitting on the top of the LCA mounting joint. For this job, you will need a cutting torch and/or wheel, welder, and a variety of wrenches and sockets. If your welding skills are not up to snuff, you may want to consider having an off-road shop with a professional welding tech do the work, as this is not the place for mickey-mouse

You can see how hard a punch the driver-side factory front LCA bracket took during its fight with the rock-hard trail obstacle. It was bent so badly that it had begun to tear free from the axle tube at one of the top corners. The rear passenger-side LCA bracket was just slightly deformed, but all four LCA brackets were replaced then and there.

welding. The lower control arms have to be disconnected from the front factory LCA brackets; the lower control arms, shocks, and antisway bar endlinks must be removed from the rear LCA brackets. Additionally, the lower track bar mount must be disconnected from the driverside rear factory LCA bracket before any real work can begin. Here’s how we accomplished the replacement of the factory LCA brackets with a set of Artec LCA brackets on a 2016 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited.

Low Hanging Fruit

The Artec JK front LCA bracket (driver-side shown) is a single pre-formed piece with an integrated skidplate lip to protect the LCA mounting joint. No welding other than when attaching it to the front axle tube is required.

The lower control arm brackets on a JK are ripe for destruction—we show you how to fix that By Stuart A. Bourdon jpeditor@jpmagazine.com Photography: Stuart A. Bourdon

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NOVEMBER 2017

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FIND IT AT

LOW HANGING FRUIT

We positioned the rear Artec LCA brackets (passenger side shown) according to our measurements made prior to removal of the factory rear LCA brackets. Once they were tacked into place under the rear axle tube, and their proper location rechecked, the rear Artec LCA brackets were welded into place.

The Artec JK rear LCA bracket (passenger side shown) comes in three pieces that must be welded together prior to attachment under the rear axle tube.

We found that in order to lay flat against the rear LCA bracket pieces, a bit of the lower corner of the antisway bar link brackets had to be sliced off to make space for the welding bead on the shock mount bracket piece.

Pre-fitting the pieces of the Artec JK rear LCA brackets (passenger side shown) before tacking and final welding made sure the parts were all correctly oriented to accept the shock absorbers and antisway bar links for their respective sides of the axle. If you weld on the antisway bar link bracket first, it can create a problem properly fitting the shock mount bracket. Other than that, the three pieces that make up the entire Artec JK rear LCA brackets fit together perfectly.

The Artec brackets fit together perfectly 28 Jp

No installation instructions could be found on the company’s website for the Artec rear JK LCA brackets, so prior to removal we had a conversation with Artec techline personnel to get directions. We measured the distance from the inside of the rear axle flanges to the centerlines of the two holes that exist in a vertical pattern on the backside of the rear factory brackets on each end of the axle. This way we would know exactly where to mount the new Artec rear JK LCA brackets, which also have the two holes centered in a vertical alignment on their backsides. We also measured the angle of the backside of the rear factory bracket (passenger side shown) so we could match that angle with the new rear LCA brackets. This angle measurement will only be accurate if the axle is not moved from its position during the removal of the factory brackets and the installation of the Artec brackets.

After carefully cutting and/or torching the factory brackets away, we used a padded grinding wheel to clean up the sections of the front and rear axle tubes where the new Artec JK LCA brackets were to be attached. Instructions were available on the company’s website for the new front Artec JK LCA brackets. We horizontally aligned the tops of the squared-off tabs on the outboard sides of the front Artec LCA brackets (driver side shown) with the undersides of the coil bucket brackets, and positioned the inside face of the squared-off tabs a 1⁄2 -inch toward the ends of the axle from the coil bucket bracket. Once they were tacked into position, and their proper positioning double-checked, the Artec LCA brackets were completely welded to the front axle tube.

jpmagazine.com

Rattle-canned with anti-rust black paint, the new front and rear Artec LCA brackets are ready to have their control arms; and in the case of the rear LCA brackets their shock absorbers, antisway bar endlinks, and on the driver-side rear bracket the rear lower track bar mount reconnected. The heavy duty Artec JK LCA brackets we installed with the help of South Bay Truck & 4x4 will help keep this 2016 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited, and its driver, out of trouble on the trail.

Sources Artec Industries, 855/278-3299, artecindustries.com South Bay Truck & 4x4, 310/2190715, southbaytruckand4x4.com NOVEMBER 2017

photo by Jake Quinones, NMBR

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A E V – C O N V E R S I O N S . C O M

Who doesn’t love a good beach vacation? What better way to spend a week at the beach than hanging out with a few thousand like-minded Jeep enthusiasts? We got a chance to do exactly that at the 15th annual Jeep Beach event in Daytona Beach, Florida. Hosted by the Mid-Florida Jeep Club, the annual event is a weeklong Jeep-fest filled with wheeling, giveaways, and

of course, fun on the historic Daytona Beach shoreline. With thousands of participants driving in each year, the event has grown from a small club get-together to a premier Jeep event. Even Jeep gets into the beach spirit by sending down concept vehicles and company reps. While there’s some wheeling available for those looking for a little more engagement than sitting by the ocean, this week is all about the Jeep community and fun. It’s also important to note that this event is extremely family friendly.

We had an absolute blast during our time there and were incredibly impressed with how well the all-volunteer event is run. Club president Jim Shaynak says the event grows more and more each year, which has been a positive for everyone in the Jeep community, as well was local charities. The success of Jeep Beach has allowed the Mid-Florida Jeep Club to collect over a quarter-million dollars for its charitable efforts. That’s an impressive achievement. For more information, be sure to visit JeepBeach.com.

Jeep Beach 2017 The 15th annual Mid-Florida Jeep Club’s Daytona Beach takeover By Ali Mansour jpeditor@jpmagazine.com

Photography: Ali Mansour One of the unique aspects of Dayton Beach, Florida, is that you can drive on the beach. Given that the sand is so hard packed, you don’t necessarily need a four-wheel drive, but it doesn’t hurt.

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NOVEMBER 2017

TOUGHER HARDER FARTHER

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JEEP BEACH 2017

Jeep Beach has become a magnet for Jeep enthusiasts nationwide. Brian Barnhill made the trek down from Rowan, North Carolina, with his ’10 Wrangler. Just a few days before the trip, Barnhill swapped in a Dynatrac ProRock 44 front and ProRock 60 rear axle set. While he didn’t need the axle beef for the beach, the upgrades will come in handy on his next southeast wheeling adventure.

If you were looking to try your hand at a little rockcrawling, then there was a spot for that too. Luke Conner made it look easy in his ’06 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. Of course his LJ’s 42-inch-tall Maxxis Trepadors, longarm suspension, and 1-ton axles didn’t hurt his chances of success. There were many a skidplate bashed over the course of the event, but we only saw smiles leaving the course.

For those looking for more than just beach wheeling, you could arrive early in the week and get some muddy trail time in at the Florida Cracker Ranch. If you missed out on the trail rides, you could still find some action on the obstacle course set up on the infield at the Daytona International Speedway.

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NOVEMBER 2017

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JEEP BEACH 2017

Florida is known for its mega trucks. This diesel-powered CJ on Rockwell axles was a good example of what you’d find at a local mud event.

On Friday and Saturday the Daytona Speedway also played host to a massive vendor show. Alpine was one of nearly 200 vendors on hand, selling and demonstrating its latest goods. With a warm mix of heat and humidity, Alpine definitely got our attention with its new ICE-IN cooler. Tunes and “suds” always go together nicely.

Everyone has Jeep truck fever and we saw an assortment of custom and aftermarket Jeep truck conversions. David Warren owns this super clean ’12 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon J8 conversion equipped with a Rock Krawler Suspension, 37-inch Nitto Ridge Grapplers, Smittybilt front bumper, and 4.88 gears.

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N W O R U FIND YO

When was the last time you did something for the ﬁrst time? When was the last time you took the road less traveled, made your own path, and embraced adventure with open arms? Our extensive product lineup for Chevy, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, and Toyota ensures that you’re covered, no matter your ride. Because the ride IS the journey. The only question now is: Where to next?

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JEEP BEACH 2017 The JK was the most dominate Jeep at the event, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t plenty of classics on hand. From M-715s to modern Cherokees, Jeep Beach is open to all variations of Jeep builds.

For those who wanted to tackle the off-road course, but didn’t want to take their Jeep, they were in luck. BFG was on hand to let you take a few laps in one of its JKs. Went it comes to unique, the WaterCar Panther takes the cake. We’re not sure if you can technically call it a Jeep, but it’s the only Wrangleresque vehicle we know of that is designed to haul tail on land and water. We’re not sure that hull would hold up on the trail, but it was pretty cool to see one driving down the beach.

Do yourself a favor and make time to walk the Speedway’s parking lot. It’s essentially a giant Jeep show all in itself. With thousands of participants, you can find builds of all types (and sizes).

This year, the event ended on Sunday with more than 2,300 Jeeps cruising the shoreline. We’re not sure if that’s an official record, but it was a lot of Jeeps!

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NOVEMBER 2017

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Spending the down payment on a new house for custom bulletproof axles is a great way to shore up the drivetrain on any off-road vehicle, but there is a much less expensive alternative. Josh Huntley visited his local salvage yards to find a Dana 60 front axle from a 2006 Ford Super Duty F350 and a GM 14-bolt off the rear of a 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500. Total cost of the used axles was $1,100. The axles were intended for Huntley’s 2013 Wrangler Sport that had already been modified with plenty of salvaged parts, including a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 from a Durango, a 6-speed manual transmission from a Dakota, and a Rubicon transfer case. “I like the later model Ford axles because earlier ones had smaller unit bearings, and I’ve been building my Jeep up for four years using mostly junkyard parts,” Josh told us. He’s not shy about

Junkyard JK 1-Ton Axle Swap

Josh Huntley recovered the Dana 60 front axle from a 2006 Ford Super Duty F350 for $550 at a local salvage yard. A plasma cutter and highspeed cut-off tool were used to strip off the unneeded brackets. The brakes were removed so the rotors and calipers could be reused.

driving his rig cross-country to get dirty, either. “I’ve done a 4,500-mile round-trip to Rausch Creek, and gone to Moab.” Both axles came with 4.10 gears and open differentials. Lockers were needed, and the original gears could have worked, but Josh wanted the added ground clearance that a Ballistic Fabrication shave kit would provide on the rear 14-bolt. Cutting off the bottom of the axle housing means that the factory ring gear would have to be machined to a smaller outside diameter to clear the bottom plate, or a special ring gear would have to be ordered. Huntley chose an available 4.88 from Ballistic that would fit inside the housing and added a Yukon Grizzly locker. Up front the matching 4.88 Sierra

We salvage and rebuild a Ford Dana 60 and GM 14-bolt to beef up a Jeep JK Wrangler

By Mike Magda jpeditor@jpmagazine.com Photography: Mike Magda

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THE BEST ROADS ARENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T PAVED

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JUNKYARD JK 1-TON AXLE SWAP gear was installed with an Eaton ELocker. The differential and gear installation was performed at Dakota Customs. Josh used an Artec swap kit to facilitate the installation. This kit came with the necessary brackets to mount the links and springs from the Synergy long-arm kit that had already been installed. It also incorporated a truss to strengthen each axle. His off-roading buddy, Pat Helgeson, directed the bracket welding and shave kit

installation. Key to the effort was never letting the axle tube overheat in one area during the stitch welding of the brackets, and maintaining a 450-degree metal temperature of the housing while welding the shave plate and wear plate. Final installation included swapping in Reid Racing knuckles on the front axle and switching to Adams Driveshafts for the front and rear. Josh also added wheel spacers in the rear so the axles would have

matching track widths. The GM axle was three inches narrower than the Ford. The spacers also matched the Ford’s front bolt circle so that all four wheels could be ordered with an 8 on 170mm pattern. The rolling stock on Josh’s rig includes Pro Comp 17x8.5 steel wheels with 37/12.5–17 Pit Bull Rocker tires. “Otherwise, I would have to machine the front hubs to match the GM in the rear,” Josh said. “If something broke, then I would have to machine it again. Now I can get the pieces from a dealership or parts store.” The only other machining required was on the rear hubs to accept the ABS tone ring that was supplied by Artec. Spacers were also machined to properly align the tie rod on the Artec hi-steer kit. Overall total cost for the project (axles plus all other parts included) was estimated at $8,500, and the project took approximately three weeks to complete, mostly in his spare time and weekends. Here’s how it went down.

The axle tube surfaces were ground smooth and prepped for welding the Artec truss and suspension brackets at Pat Helgeson’s shop. He fabricated a jig to support the housing in the proper pinion and caster angles that matched the existing setup on Huntley’s Wrangler. The swap kit was positioned so the truss and bracket tops were level before tack welding, and then the finish welding was performed. Care was taken to alternate 1-inch stitch welds on different sides of the axle so that the tubes wouldn’t overheat in one area.

The rear GM 14-bolt axle was pulled from a 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 and underwent the same bracket removal and axle tube prep as the front before mocking up the Artec kit.

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Pat created a jig to accurately shave the right amount of metal from the bottom of the axle housing for the Ballistic Fabrication shave kit. First, the housing was leveled and secured. Next, a steel plate and square tubes were bolted or welded in place to provide a guide for the 8-inch circular saw. The carbidetipped wood blade was set at a 6-degree angle, per the instructions.

NOVEMBER 2017

JUNKYARD JK 1-TON AXLE SWAP

The plates were welded alternately and on different sides to avoid heat buildup in a single area.

All the brackets were tack welded in place before final welding began.

A needle scaler was used to relieve residual stress at the weld.

The circular saw provided a guide-cut for the reciprocating saw to finish the cutting.

During final welding, Pat made short stitch welds and alternated from side to side to reduce temperature buildup.

The metal’s temperature was constantly monitored while welding the plates. If it dipped below 400 degrees, the preheating resumed as needed.

A wear plate slightly smaller than the shave plate was cut out of 1⁄4-inch-thick AR400 steel.

Here’s a mockup of the shave plate and the wear plate. Note how the mounting holes for the diff cover could be exposed on the bottom if not for the wear plate. The plates are tack welded once they’re in proper alignment and all the diff cover bolts are installed. The differential is also in place.

Here’s the finished welding on the outside.

The pinion angle was positioned at 8.5 degrees and the housing secured in a vice before setting the truss and brackets at level.

The axle housing and tubes were preheated to 450 degrees using an oxy torch and propane weed burner. The metal temperature was monitored with a temp gun, and care was taken to avoid a hot cherry color that indicates too much heat.

While the housing and tubes were still warm, the diff cover and differential were removed for access to the inside of the case. Again, the metal temperature was maintained at 450 degrees.

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JUNKYARD JK AXLE SWAP

The same preheating and welding procedure was followed on the inside of the case.

The front axle was prepped with Reid Racing knuckles and an Artec high-steer kit. Note the spacers were machined to separate the joints and keep the tie rod low to support the hydro assist.

When the welding was completed, the housing and tubes were again brought up to 450 degrees, and then the axle was wrapped in fire retardant insulation and left for three days to cool.

Here’s one motivation for the swap. Look at the difference between a Dana 60 ring and pinion and the same from a Dana 30 that comes stock on the Wrangler. Josh’s setup includes an Eaton ELocker with Sierra 4.88 gears.

Here’s the rear axle after paint and installation. No adjustments were needed to the Synergy long-arm suspension, and the axle bolted right into place. A rear track bar from another Jeep was used. Old Man Emu shocks completed the rear setup.

The backlash was checked on the front Dana 60. Note the desired contact pattern on the yellow marking compound.

A notch was opened up in the backing plate to support the ABS sensor. The hubs had already been machined for the Artec ABS tone ring. New seals and bearings were installed during assembly, and Josh installed wheel spacers that corrected the bolt pattern and matched the axle width of the front.

Shim thickness was determined to help set the bearing preload and pinion depth. A crush sleeve was not used in this setup.

jpmagazine.com

NOVEMBER 2017

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JUNKYARD JK AXLE SWAP

Here’s the front axle fully installed with the Redneck Ram steering assist. Also note the spacer to correctly position the tie rod.

Here’s another view of the completed front swap. The Mountain Off Road skidplate was cut to clear the truss.

In order to provide additional clearance between the track bar and the housing, the track-bar bracket was modified to shift the mounting point forward. Also note that the factory Pitman arm was drilled out to accommodate the 3⁄4-inch bolt for the drag link.

Adams Driveshafts provided both drivelines—both slightly shorter than factory. U-joint selection is 1310/1350 for the front and 1350/1410 in the rear.

Here’s another view of the axles in place. The rear brake lines had to be shortened since the calipers were switched from behind to in front of the axle tubes.

Sources Adams Driveshafts, 702/568-5680, adamsdriveshaftoffroad.com Artec, 855/278-3299, artecindustries.com Ballistic Fabrication, 520/8884441, ballisticfabrication.com Dakota Customs, 605/716-4123, dakota-customs.com jpmagazine.com

Eaton, eaton.com Reid Racing, 925/935-3025, reidracing.biz Sierra Gear & Axle, 800/792-2714, sierragear.com Yukon Gear & Axle, 888/905-5044, yukongear.com NOVEMBER 2017

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Whoever said “building the Jeep is half the fun” can flip to the next story now. This is not the Jeep you are looking for (too soon for a bad Star Wars reference?). What you’re looking at has had countless hours of labor and meticulous work, with all-new parts swapped in to create a turnkey package. Legacy Classic Trucks isn’t pushing out you-built-it kits—its turnkey vehicles are handbuilt and thoroughly tested before they ever leave the Driggs, Idaho, factory. The company started in 2008, building retro-mod four-door Power Wagons (you may have seen one or two in past SEMA Show coverage) that were impossible not to love, even with the $250,000 price tag on them. With the success of the Power Wagons, Legacy started branching out.

Standard cab, extended cab, and WC-53 Carryalls based on the Power Wagons were also added to the lineup, as well as the obscure offering of a Land Cruiser FJ-60, and now Jeep Scramblers. Save for style, there’s not much Jeep left. Replacement aluminum tubs sit on new frames, with Dynatrac axles held on by a linked and coilover suspension underneath. Motivation under the hood comes from either a 6.2L gasoline V-8 or a 3.0L diesel V-6 engine. Occupants sit in Recaro seats and hold onto a Nardi steering wheel. Gear selection comes from a tap-shift auto shifter (assuming you don’t order the manual NV4500) and a pair of Atlas twin sticks coming through the floor. These Scrambler CJ-8 conversions are built from the ground up with the best parts available. And with a starting price well more than $100,000, they sure

Turnkey Diesel Scramblers

as heck better be. The diesel six-speed automatic version we tested? It’s priced at around $160,000. You’d think that a heavy six-figure price tag would limit the number of niche vehicles that Legacy puts out. However, the 100 or so Power Wagon conversions already sold and out the door say differently. And with a 4- to 6-month waiting list, these vehicles are built to order, each constructed exactly as the customer wants. Are they worth it? Depends on who you are. Legacy’s standard clientele rolls around with a bit more spending cash than most of us. These types of customers want vehicles that don’t break and that they don’t have to mess with and work on. They don’t want grease spots in their driveways. They want clean, classic lines on their toys and not for it to look like a bolt-on crap magnet. And that’s why Legacy is in business today. Its conversions are some of the best in the business, and Legacy’s founder, Winslow Bent, makes sure to continue that tradition of perfection in Legacy’s creations with every vehicle it puts out.

Ready to run right out of the box By Jerrod Jones jpeditor@jpmagazine.com Photography: Jerrod Jones and Courtesy of Legacy Classic Trucks

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TURNKEY SCRAMBLERS Hop into a Legacy Scrambler conversion and you’ll see why these are the preferred classic 4x4 for people who can afford them. A smooth ride—thanks to all-new parts and a well-built suspension—with power to spare makes for a pleasant cruise. With the 3.0L diesel and six-speed automatic option, Legacy tells us that this Scrambler gets about 28 mpg with 5.13 gears and 37-inch tires. While you can get a standard 6.2L LS3 V-8, throw in an extra $20,000 and you can opt for a Banks 630T 3.0L diesel engine with a GM 6L90E-derived transmission built by Banks. Instead of hiding every fuse panel and wiring harness, Legacy makes sure to put everything it can in plain sight so it’s easily serviceable, should anything ever go wrong.

A Warn Zeon 10,000-pound capacity winch is standard issue, along with a spool full of synthetic tipped with a Warn hook.

TrailReady beadlock wheels and 37-inch Toyo Open Country RTs are spec on the Dualsport version, while 33s or 35s can be ordered on the Classic version. Warn premium locking hubs are standard. A Dynatrac front 44/60 hybrid axle (44 centersection, Dana 60 outers) is standard issue on every Legacy Scrambler. Legacy worked with GenRight to come up with a four-link (and panhard rod) suspension that uses 14-inch-stroke King coilovers and hydraulic bumpstops at each corner.

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TURNKEY DIESEL SCRAMBLERS Two basic models can be ordered, with a variety of options. The Dualsport version (pictured here) uses bigger tires and has tube fenders integrated into the body front and rear. The Classic version uses a smaller tire and original CJ fenders.

Recaro seats, built to Legacyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specs, are specially designed to keep you in the seat but to not have a high bolster to climb over each time to enter or exit the Jeep.

A Dynatrac 60 rear axle matches the front 8-lug hybrid, with ARB Air Lockers sitting in both pumpkins and 5.13:1 gears. Disc brakes are standard all the way around. While the front doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use an anti-sway bar, the rear utilizes a Currie Antirock to give just enough sway control to make this Scrambler drive comfortably on the road and in the dirt.

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An Atlas transfer case sits below, with twinstick shifters coming through the aluminum tub that is coated with bedliner on the inside.

NOVEMBER 2017

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TURNKEY DIESEL SCRAMBLERS A Nardi steering wheel gives the driver something elegant to hold onto. Above the ARB Air Locker switches you’ll notice a new four-in-one gauge and a Vintage Air climate controller. Legacy didn’t want to bother trying to find and rebuild old Jeep A/C systems, so they just replaced everything with Vintage Air units.

A tap-shift shifter allows you to manually scroll through the six gears of the automatic transmission. You can opt for a full-manual NV4500 transmission with an actual clutch, but Legacy finds that most customers want the auto these days.

Legacy likes building the CJ-8 Scramblers due to the longer tub and extended wheelbase. There is enough room to successfully put two full-grown passengers in the back, and the longer wheelbase makes this CJ much more comfortable to drive both on-road and off. However, make sure to tell your passengers to not grab the rollcage like this—it’s a good way to lose your fingers in a roll! One of the coolest aspects of this six-figure conversion is the simplicity in the high-end build. Everything works like it should and stays within the lines of the original Jeep. Legacy uses proven parts that have hundreds of thousands of test hours on them and doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel.

Source

Legacy Conversions, 307/7346500, legacyclassictruck.com 56 Jp

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NOVEMBER 2017

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If you’ve ever had the misfortune of peeling back, cracking, mangling, blowing a hole in or otherwise damaging one or both differential covers on the trail, then you understand the worthwhile investment that is a beefy aftermarket differential cover. We have destroyed diff covers every way you can think of. It’s simply something that’s an inevitable part of wheeling (and sometimes driver error). As the tires on our rigs get bigger, we tend to hit things with our diffs a little less frequently. That’s only until we get brave enough to move onto trails with bigger rocks. It’s a vicious cycle. Our ’13 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is far from a radical rockcrawler, but it sees plenty of trail action. With Dana 44 axles and 33-inch-tall General Grabber tires, it doesn’t have a tremendous amount of axle clearance. While Jeep does a decent job of protecting some of the JK’s more vulnerable pieces, the stock differential covers leave plenty to be desired. To upgrade from what would eventually be a messy trail repair, we picked up a set of Pro Series differential covers from Dynatrac. The aftermarket axle specialist is well known for its ProRock axlehousings, but Dynatrac also has a strong assortment of axle add-ons that can drastically improve your current axle set. We spent a couple hours knocking out our diff cover install. For the modest investment in time and money, we are more than happy with the new level of protection our JK now boasts.

Dynatrac covers help keep your differentials cool and protected

Easy Diff Armor

By Ali Mansour jpeditor@jpmagazine.com Photography: Ali Mansour

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BETTER PERFORMANCE COOLING ON- AND OFF-ROAD

Direct-Fit Perfomance Aluminum Radiators

Direct-Fit Electric Fan Conversions for Better Cooling on the Trail

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Radiators are availbable both with and without a Flex-a-lite electric fan already mounted.

Also check out our complete line of heavy-duty power-steering and transmission coolers!

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EASY DIFF ARMOR

The Dynatrac Pro Series differential covers are cast from a proprietary nodular iron right here in the USA. Each cover includes a fill plug, an overflow port, and 12-point grade-8 hardware that’s recessed in the lower portion of the cover to remain protected.

You’ll need to clean off the mounting surface thoroughly before bolting the cover in place. We suggest using a small razor blade scraper, microfiber rag, and a little brake cleaner.

Our stock Dana 44 covers are a mere 1⁄8 -inch thick. The Dynatrac covers are more than triple that and come with a machined gasket surface to ensure solid and tight fitment.

The final step is to add fluid. We’ve had good luck with Royal Purple 75W-90 in the past and used it again on this diff change. You’ll need approximately 1.4 quarts for the front diff and 2.4 quarts for the rear. Jp Pro Tip: We highly recommend using The Right Stuff gasket maker. While traditional RTV works as well, we’ve found The Right Stuff to dry faster and last a little longer.

60 Jp

Since the JK’s Dana 44 axles have a built-in drain plug, you can easily service the differentials. If this is the first time you’ve changed your diff fluid, you’ll likely notice some metal buildup on the drain plug magnet. Don’t fret—a small amount is normal.

jpmagazine.com

Source Dynatrac, 714/421-4314, dynatrac.com NOVEMBER 2017

DC reward eward days ard day are here! here receive up to $225 on a set of Dick cepek tires and wheels

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D.C.REWARDS

Lethal

Sleeper A Hemi-powered JK that flies under the radar By Trenton McGee jpeditor@jpmagazine.com

Photography: Trenton McGee

62 Jp

jpmagazine.com

NOVEMBER 2017

HARD FACTS Vehicle: ’09 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Engine: 5.7L Hemi w/6.4L components Transmission: Getrag 238 6-speed Transfer Case: NP241OR Suspension: 3-inch BDS springs, OME

shocks, Synergy long-arms Axles: Dana 60, Artec truss, Reid Racing

knuckles, 4.88s, Eaton ELocker (front); 14-bolt, Artec truss, 4.88s, Yukon Grizzly (rear) Steering: Artec double-shear high-steer system Wheels: 17x9-inch Pro Comp steel Tires: 37x12.50–17 Pitbull Rockers

NOVEMBER 2017

jpmagazine.com

In the sea of JKs that attended the 2017 Jp Dirt ’N Drive presented by Jeep, it was easy to overlook Josh Huntley’s 2009 two-door. After all, it didn’t have aftermarket fenders on it, it didn’t have flashy paint, and except for the lightbar, his Rubicon shares practically nothing in common with many of the fancier Wranglers out there. But then we noticed the throaty exhaust note, the 8-lug axles, and the nearly stocklooking stance while sitting on 37-inch tires. We found ourselves taking a closer look at this sleeper, and the more we saw, the more we liked. Josh hails from South Dakota, a sparsely populated state with more than its fair share of cool Jeeps running around; and he happens to work at Dakota Customs, a shop that specializes in doing Hemi conversions in JKs. Don’t think this was a shop project, however, because Josh did the 5.7L conversion himself. Of course, he used his company’s conversion kit and tapped into his coworker’s expertise, but he did the work himself at home. The junkyard-sourced 5.7L has several 6.4L Hemi bits, including the intake manifold, camshaft, and injectors, and it’s hooked to an ultra-rare Getrag 238 6-speed manual transmission sourced from a 2006 Dodge Dakota. Power runs through a Rubicon transfer case and out to a Dana 60 up front and a GM 14-bolt out back, both of which sport Artec 1-ton swap trusses. Josh did the majority of the axle swap work himself, though he credits friend Pat Helgeson and several coworkers for the welding and other help. The axles are located by Syngery long-arms, while Reid Racing knuckles and an Artec high-steer kit aim the Jeep wherever Josh desires. The Jeep rides on 3-inch BDS springs with 1⁄2 -inch spacers and Old Man Emu shocks, which provide room for the 37x12.50–17 Pitbull Rockers on generic Pro Comp steel wheels. Josh trimmed the factory fenders as well, and the Pitbulls tuck perfectly into the wheelwells without rubbing. Josh says the Jeep was built on a budget using all junkyard-sourced parts, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the finished product. He also drives it everywhere, including a trip to the East Coast after the Hemi conversion, and all the way to Las Vegas from South Dakota for the 2017 Jp Dirt ’N Drive presented by Jeep on the freshly swapped 1-tons.

Jp 63

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Heat soak can be a killer for any off-road vehicle, including Jeeps. It accelerates the deterioration of hoses and wiring, overloads the A/C, puts pressure on the cooling systems for the engine and transmission, plays havoc on batteries, robs the engine of power, and in some instances, it can even cause the failure of electronic systems. Heat issues under the hood aren’t too much of a concern when there’s a good airflow from the outside. However, when you’re idling along at a snail’s pace while rock crawling or digging through a sandy stretch of trail, the only air moving

through your Jeep’s radiator is that which is sucked in by the fan, and that tends to only come on after the water temp is already north of 212 degrees. The heat issue becomes even worse when the engine stops. The red-hot headers and boiling coolant continue to radiate heat long after the key is turned off. Heat soak can lead to warped heads and premature valve wear, as well as restart issues and a rough running engine. One remedy to reduce underhood heat is to provide it a way out when the engine is off or the JK is moving slowly. That can be done easily by venting the

hood. Poison Spyder Customs’ Wrangler Hood Louver does just that by utilizing 48 louvers for the rising hot air to escape. Installation can be time consuming (3 to 4 hours) but simple, and required little more than a drill, cutoff wheel or air saw, a couple of basic wrenches, patience on our part, and most of all, the willingness to cut up your JK’s hood for the greater good. Working with Dunks Performance in Springfield, Oregon, we performed hood surgery on a 2016 Wrangler Rubicon. The time spent adding the hood louver could add years to the life of the engine and transmission, and help gain back a little lost power on those hot summer trail rides.

Poison Spyder Customs’ louvered hood insert helps chill out hot engines By Bruce W. Smith jpeditor@jpmagazine.com

Photography: Bruce W. Smith

Keepin’ It Cool 68 Jp

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NOVEMBER 2017

KEEPIN’ IT COOL

All of the indicated drilled holes on the template need to be hit with a center punch just hard enough to dimple the hood beneath.

Poison Spyder Customs’ Hood Louver kit (#17-53-011) comes with the steel panel, instruction sheet (also serves as the template for cutting and drilling), and stainless hardware. We had ours powdercoated black to match the JK Wrangler.

A 7⁄32 -inch drill bit took care of the pilot holes needed for the 3⁄4-inch hole saw that followed. Holes were needed to create smooth radius corners on the areas where the hood skin would be removed.

Once we removed the hood, the template (it has the instructions printed on it) is taped on the Wrangler’s hood. We placed a flashlight underneath the hood to shine through the washer nozzle holes to easily align the holes traced on the template before taping it down.

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It took a steady hand to cut through the paper template and score the paint beneath. The line marks the areas where a cutoff wheel or saw were soon used to remove the hood’s thin sheet metal.

NOVEMBER 2017

KEEPIN’ IT COOL

The hood louver was held in the proper position by the hood handle and the window bump rubbers. Once it was in place, we drilled out the holes for the mounting bolts.

A ¾-inch hole saw was used to cut the corners for the sheet metal that’s removed, and for access points along the rear of the hood where some of the hood louver’s mounting bolts are behind a raised section of sheet metal.

The final step in our install just took an 1 ⁄8 -inch hex head driver and 3⁄8 -inch wrench to tighten all the hardware that holds the hood louver tight to the JK Wrangler’s hood. It’ll never vibrate loose.

Sources Dunks Performance, 541/7261006, dunksperformance.com Poison Spyder Customs, 951/849-5911, poisonspyder.com

Now the heat built up under the hood of our ’16 JK Wrangler Rubicon has plenty of escape routes, keeping heat soak to a minimum on those slow, hot summer days on the trail—or in heavy stop-and-go city traffic (should you ever find yourself stuck in that).

We used a new blade in the saw to make the cuts clean. It’s critical to make shallow cuts so the braces underneath the hood skin are not cut.

Jp Pro Tip: Use automotive touch-up paint that matches the hood color to coat the edges of all the drilled holes and cut out areas to prevent the steel from rusting.

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NOVEMBER 2017

Windshield light bar bracket P/N 130987

d-ring mounts P/N 131127

rock rail kit with optional step P/N 130714

front bumper bar P/N 131128

front stubby winch bumper P/N 131093

front pillar light mount P/N 130719

Purpose Built jeep accessories and body armor

HOME OF PROJECT

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Your Best Option for Genuine Dana Axles and Spicer Performance Bundles. ®

For serious Jeep enthusiasts, nothing short of genuine Dana axles and Spicer® drivetrain components will do. That’s because the engineers who design, build, and test these parts are Jeep fanatics, too. Our passion drives the innovation and technical know-how needed to deliver remarkable strength and reliability that stands up to the challenging trails of Moab and beyond. Made in the USA, Ultimate Dana 44™ and Ultimate Dana 60™ axles with Spicer gearing, coupled to Spicer aftermarket driveshafts, deliver outstanding off-road experiences. And when you’re ready to upgrade, we have the bundled parts that meet your Jeep’s specifications.

Visit www.SpicerParts.com/Jeep to see a range of parts built specifically for Jeep fans like you. To look up and identify parts visit www.DanaAftermarket.com. Copyright Dana Limited, 2017. All rights reserved. Dana Limited. The following trademark is™a registered™ trademark of ® Dana Limited: Spicer . The following are trademarks of Dana Limited: The Ultimate Dana 60 , Dana 60 , The Ultimate ™ ™ ® Dana 44 , and Dana 44 . Jeep is a registered trademarks of FCA US LLC.

The stylish J-Series Gladiator trucks advanced Kaiser Jeep into the mainstream of the growing American light-truck market when they were introduced in November of 1962. They were a giant leap ahead of the aging and dated Jeep pickups of previous years. The Gladiators debuted with all the features that ’60s light-truck buyers demanded, along with a wide variety of wheelbase, bed, and GVWR choices. The J-Series trucks were offered in two- or four-wheel drive in two main lines: the 120-inch wheelbase J-200 and the 126-inch J-300 series. Each of those divisions offered a range of GVWRs from a half- to one-ton. In the J-200 line were 4,000, 5,600, 6,600, and 8,600-pound GVWRs. The J-300 line started a little higher with choices of 5,000, 6,600, 7,600, and 8,600 pounds. Both the 8,600 pounders were duallys (models J-230 and J-330). Once past the choice of wheelbase and GVWR, buyers selected between the old-style Thriftside, the flush-sided Townside, or a platform/platform-stake bed. Bed lengths ranged from a nominal

7-footer on the J-200 to an 8-plus footer on the J-300. The duallys were offered from the factory only with a platform bed, but a cab and chassis truck could mount any of hundreds of aftermarket beds. For the first time, Jeep offered a little luxury and bling in its pickup line. That included the Custom Cab option and (ta-DAH!) air conditioning. For the first time an automatic transmission (Borg Warner AS-8W) was on the options list, except for the duallys. The duallys came standard with a T-98 4-speed, but the lower GVWRs started with standard 3-speeds and the T-98 or automatic were optional. An unusual option for the non-duallys was independent front suspension. It featured a D44 center section and a swing axle type arrangement. It worked well and people liked the ride improvement, but it was a maintenance headache and expensive, so was seldom ordered. It disappeared in the big ’65 mid-year model year upgrade. There were no engine choices beyond the 140 hp, 230ci overhead cam six. Power was good—for a six—but probably the biggest issue with most buyers was that Kaiser Jeep didn’t offer a V-8 option until

Dual Cool

This is the “notorious” 230ci Tornado—with a non-original air filter. It’s 54 years old and still running, so how bad can it be? It’s showing only 43,000 miles on the odometer, or maybe it’s 143,000, but as far as can be determined, this two-barrel TD-code engine has not been apart.

This is how the double-wide rear fenders were achieved on the Thriftside bed. They simply overlapped another fender out over the first one, smoothed out where they joined, and applied some filler. The body work was decent and is only now beginning to come undone.

1963 Jeep J300 Gladiator DRW By Jim Allen jpeditor@jpmagazine.com

Photography: Jim Allen

Tired, but still ready to rumble. The combination of a 1-ton dually chassis with a pickup bed was not offered from the factory, but getting one built by a Jeep dealer with factory parts is the next-most-official thing. The 8,600 pound GVWR sounds modest for a 1-ton by today’s standards, but since the truck was light, only about 4,200 pounds including the bed, that left 4,400 pounds for passengers and cargo.

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NOVEMBER 2017

DUAL COOL

You can tell this truck was worked, but the owner was in it for the long haul and didn’t put it away wet. He died still owning the truck. The custom-built step bumper came from W.V. Morgan Company, a truck dealer in Sacramento. Not much detail could be learned about that company, but it seemed well connected to the logging industry back in that day. Looks like they did good work because it not only looks well built and useful, it withstood nearly 50 years of labor.

midway into 1965. It’s been said some in the company regarded the Tornado as “enough,” but the lack of a V-8 was less a deliberate choice than it was a lack of resources. Getting the J-Series out there in the first place pretty much burned through the company’s resources at the time. They just didn’t have it together enough to include a V-8 right away. The first dually had been built in October of ’62, but they hadn’t sold like hotcakes. By the same time in ’63, just 233 of the J-330s had been built and even fewer of the J-230s. In June of 1963, an Amber Poly colored Jeep Model J-330 dually rolled off the line in Toledo. It was the 104th J-330 built, and was shipped as a cab and chassis to Sacramento, California. A timberman from Georgetown, California, came down to Sacramento in 1963 looking for a dually truck and made the rounds of dealers. He told the Jeep dealer, W.V. Morgan Company,

The Ramsey PTO winch kit was installed before the truck left the dealer and it was a factory-approved accessory. The 200 series, 8,000-pound capacity overwound winch was operated by a transfer case-driven PTO. It mounted 150 feet of 5⁄16 -inch wire rope and had a 46:1 ratio. The kit added about 280 pounds of weight to the front end. The Gladiator front end is iconic, and the winch just adds another dash of gnarl to it.

Well, yeah, the inside needs some help, but considering a working guy spent 50 years of his life in there, it really doesn’t look so bad. The Custom Cab wasn’t ordered, so it came with the “numb-butt” seat, the basic door panels, and standard small rear window. He did order the AM radio, and that seems to be the only non-work-related item on the options list.

Stormy Powerplant—The Tornado OHC Six The Tornado was designed by A.C. “Sammy” Sampietro, a Kaiser engineer who had experience building racecar engines. It’s a fascinating design that delivered a very “truck-like” torque curve but also had a lot of high-end power potential. In mainline production, Tornados came with either with a one-barrel Holley 1920 carburetor or a two-barrel Holley 2415. The first two digits in the engine number tell the tale: AS and TS are one-barrel engines. AD, ND, and TD are two-barrels. NS is the low compression (7.5:1) export engine with a one-barrel. The two-barrel Tornado with an 8.5:1 compression ratio was advertised at 140 hp at 4,000 rpm and 210 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm—respectable numbers for the day. What Jeep didn’t advertise is that it was actually a 155 hp. Published but unadvertised period-certified dyno tests show the two-barrel at 155 hp at 4,000 and 230 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm. No graphs of the single-barrel 8.5:1 CR engine have been found, but the 140 hp/210 lb-ft numbers would be a good estimate for that engine. The low-compression engine offered for export was 133 hp and 198 lb-ft—the same

78 Jp

as the later M715 military Gladiator. Why Jeep didn’t advertise the higher number for the two-barrels, we do not know. In its 1962 SAE presentation on the engine, the design team cited, “Willy’s conservative policy on published horsepower ratings.” Jeep also offered an industrial version of the Tornado rated at 85 hp at 2,700 rpm and 165 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm. Few of these have been seen. A high performance engine was developed but apparently not offered, at least here in the USA. It had a 9.5:1 compression ratio, a four-barrel carb, dual exhaust, and was rated for 175 hp at 4,800 rpm and 230 lb-ft at 2800 rpm. The OHC Tornado was a bust for Kaiser Jeep. It debuted in the old-style Willys Utility trucks in May of 1962 and became known for oil leaks and oil consumption, with engine failures resulting when not kept topped off with oil. Kaiser Jeep got a handle on this fairly quickly, but not fast enough to save the reputation. It was an expensive engine to manufacture and had too many mechanics scratching their heads. For all those reasons, it didn’t make sense to keep it in the lineup and Jeep replaced it with the 232 ci AMC six early

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in 1965. In a slightly different form, it had a revival in the ’67-’69 M715 military and then went off to Kaiser’s Argentina outpost and was in production until about 1980.

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DUAL COOL

A 3,000-pound rated closed knuckle Dana 44 sits under 328 pound-inch springs. The Dana 20 transfer case seems a little light for a one-ton, but it’s lasted 54 years. The Ramsey STC-2 PTO replaces the pan and meshes with the intermediate gear. It features keyed shafts for front or rear output.

The DRW trucks used nine-leaf, 672 poundinch rear springs over a Dana 70 DRW rear axle with a 4.88:1 ratio. The optional ratio was 5.87. A Powr-Lok was also optional. Aftermarket overloads were added here at some point. Standard tires were 7.00–16 6-ply. With all this stuff, you have to figure the unloaded ride quality is just north of molar-busting brutal and just below hellish.

he wanted a J-300 dually with a regular pickup bed, but was told Jeep didn’t build them that way. He replied, “Well, I’ll go buy a Ford then.” Wanting to make the sale, the Jeep dealer offered to build him a dually pickup. It wasn’t hard. They ordered a new Thriftside bed painted to match the cab, extended the rear fenders, attached it to the chassis of the J-300, made a rear step bumper and—voilˆ— instant dually pickup! The truck was functionally well equipped in other ways. It had the optional power steering, an AM radio, and the factory Jeep compass. The dealer also added Thor auto-locking front hubs and a Ramsey X-246-10R-4SP PTO winch kit. The timberman apparently scoffed at the available comfort options, other than a heater. The logger then used it hard in the Sierra for about 50 years and, in an odd twist of fate, the Jeep spent most of its life a stone’s throw from what has become the spiritual home of Jeep, the Rubicon Trail. The J-300 was in regular use until the logger died at age 87. When we photographed it at the 2016 Bantam Jeep Festival in Butler, Pennsylvania, the custom dually was there with a group from Matthews Automotive in Salem, New York. 80 Jp

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NOVEMBER 2017

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Combine your choice of these quality UK made EBC pads with our sport rotors which arrive with “thermic black” corrosion resistant coated finish for great looking brakes that COST less and STOP faster.

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Ultimate Jeep JK Parts Guide Inside scoop on the latest & greatest parts for Jeep’s most popular Wrangler

By Bruce W. Smith

jpeditor@jpmagazine.com

Photography: Courtesy of the Manufacturers

The Jeep Wrangler JK has become one of the most popular SUVs since it went into production a decade ago, with sales topping 1.5 million through mid-2017. Jeeps have always been magnets for customization/personalization, but the JK elevated that interest to a higher level, the result of which is a seemingly unending supply of specialty products to help tailor each Wrangler JK to its owner’s needs and pursuits. For you JK owners who haven’t been keeping up with the wide range of sweet new products that aftermarket manufacturers have developed just for your ride, we have put together this guide. Here we give you a taste of what’s available, from body armor, lighting, and suspensions to seats, axles, and rollcages—and everything in between. Warning: Browse at your own risk! The following parts and accessories are perfect upgrades for your Jeep Wrangler JK and could lead to severe wallet damage—but also to an awesome, head-turning trail rig!

Body Armor & Recovery

Steinjäger Rock Sliders

Steinjäger Rock Sliders are made in the USA and easy to install. With features like 1- 3⁄4 -inch steel tubing and 18 powdercoated color options, each set includes a mating insert kit with 82 hydrographic pattern options, giving you 10,000 ways to personalize your Jeep. Information: Steinjäger, 309/772-3163, steinjager.com

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Metalcloak Tube Fenders

If you suspect your factory fenders are not quite up to your wheeling demands, Hardline Tube Fenders by MetalCloak have you covered. Available in aluminum or steel, and in Raw Metal or Black Texture powdercoating, they are easy to install and fit seamlessly to provide tire coverage, strength, and clearance. Information: MetalCloak, 916/6318071, metalcloak.com

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Bushwacker Pocket Style Flares

Now available from Bushwacker are these popular Pocket Style Flares in OEM quality finishes that are perfectly color matched to your JK. You get premium protection with the rugged good looks of bolted-on flares that are precision-engineered and made in the USA. Backed by a three-year warranty. Information: Bushwacker Inc., 800/234-8920, bushwacker.com.

NOVEMBER 2017

BUMPER TO BUMPER Poison Spyder has your JK covered.

BFH™ II FRONT BUMPERS

BRAWLER LITE™ FRONT BUMPER

BRAWLER™ MID FRONT BUMPER

BRAWLER™ FULL WIDTH FRONT BUMPERS

BUMPERS | ARMOR | FENDERS | ROCKERS | CAGES

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JK PARTS GUIDE

ADD Front Bumper

Addictive Desert Designs’ JK Stealth Fighter Front Bumper is a sweet modular system that allows you to create a bumper to suit your lifestyle. Choose from multiple options, including Top Hoops, Stinger, Side Caps, and various lighting options, to complete a unique bumper for your needs. The bumper comes standard with a winch mount (up to 12,000 pounds) and integrated towhooks for ease of recovery. The bumper also includes mounts for two front-facing Dually Flush Lights. Information: Addictive Desert Designs, 855/233-8992, addictivedesertdesigns.com.

Rubicon Express Under Armor

Rubicon Express has all the armor you need to protect the vulnerable undercarriage of your JK, be it two-door, four-door, manual, or automatic. Rubicon Express makes skidplates for the engine oil pan, transmission, evap canister, transfer case, and fuel tank. All are CNC laser cut from 3⁄16 -inch steel, then powdercoated to withstand the worst off-road abuse. Skidplates mount up tight to the drivetrain to maximize ground clearance, and the modular protection system allows you to add skidplates as your needs and budget allow. Information: Rubicon Express, 877/367-7824, rubiconexpress.com.

Innovative Creations Stubby Bumper

Tough and versatile, the Stubby front bumper by Innovative Creations offers 1⁄8 -inch external steel construction and 1⁄4 -inch steel mounting brackets. Features include a 12,500-pound winch capacity, a Hi-Lift jack mount, a squared push bar that is able to house up to a 20-inch light bar or an array of pods, and a matte black powdercoat finish. The bumper can accommodate the Jeep factory foglights. A bolt-on skidplate provides extra protection for heavy off-roading. One-year finish warranty and limited lifetime structural warranty. Information: Innovative Creations, 800/626-8746, icionline.com

Motobilt Front Bumper

Adding style and strength to the front of your Wrangler is the purpose of Motobilt’s Hatchet Jeep JK front bumper. The ultraslim design measures a total of 41 inches wide, which allows for closer approach angles. It is available with foglight mounts, stinger, or a combination of stinger/grille hoop. The Hatchet comes winchready, and 2012-newer JKs will need a vacuum pump relocation bracket. Information: Motobilt, 334/219-2333, motobilt.com.

ARB Deluxe Bull Bar

ARB’s Deluxe Bull Bar features an integrated winch platform that accommodates most traditional low-mount winches and narrow-mount pattern competition winches. A bracket is provided for center-of-the-bar control box mounting. Two powdercoat options are applied over zinc for corrosion resistance. The bumper is compatible with 37-inch tires and airbags, and includes Hi-Lift jack points. Information: ARB USA, 888/427-2872, arbusa.com.

Aries Trailchaser Bumpers

The TrailChaser Bumper is available in 20 front configurations and two rear configurations. It features a centersection with a standard winch housing and mounting points for aftermarket lights, D-rings and towhooks. The front bumper version is available with three brushguard options and three endcap choices, including corners with integrated lights. All are available in high-strength carbon steel or lightweight aluminum with a powdercoat finish, and install using existing factory holes. Information: Aries Automotive, 877/287-8634, ariesautomotive.com

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Warrior HD Bumper

Warrior’s heavy-duty full-width front bumper with foglight mounts, D-ring mounts, and brushguard will make any JK stand out. It is front-end protection for the off-road enthusiast who wants rugged construction, a rounded underside to provide greater approach and departure angle, and foglight mounts that perfectly match the factory flare width. Information: Warrior Products, 888/220-6861, warriorproducts.com.

Smittybilt Waterproof Winch

The top-of-the-line, wirelessly controlled Smittybilt X2O 12,000-pound winch has been enhanced in almost every area for increased enhanced performance and durability. The new 6.6HP amphibious motor is connected to a threestage planetary gear system with revised gear ratios for increased pulling and lightning-fast line speed. The completely waterproof, state-of-the-art, 500-amp solenoid has the versatility to be mounted in a variety of locations depending on your application needs. Lifetime mechanical warranty. Information: Smittybilt, 888/717-5797, smittybilt.com.

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Paramount Rear Bumper

The new E-Z Glide Rear Bumper represents the latest generation in Jeep Wrangler JK rear bumper design from Paramount Automotive. These bumpers allow you to reach the rear storage area by opening the tire carrier and tailgate at the same time, giving you features that might come in handy at the mall but also the strength and durability to endure off-road. Information: Paramount Automotive, 909/781-6492, paramount-automotive.com.

NOVEMBER 2017

BUILD YOUR JEEP

BETTER ETT WITH

REAL

PERFORMANCE UPGRADES Jspec Coilover Conversion

Steering & Trackbar Components

Jspec Suspension Systems Accessories Bracing & Protection Shocks & Mounting

Sway Bar Components

Suspension Components

D300

517-278-1226 JKSmfg.com

JEEP JK PARTS GUIDE

Poison Spyder BFH II Rear Bumper

Metalcloak UnderCloak Armor

The high points on some trails seem designed to modify your JK. That’s why the UnderCloak Integrated Armor System by MetalCloak provides engine, oil pan, and gas tank skidplate protection. The 3⁄16 -inch clear zinc-plated steel skids have boat-sided edges that easily slide up and off obstacles. Critical attachment bolt heads are protected in skid-guard washers over slotted holes for easy armor reinstallation after undercarriage service is performed. Information: MetalCloak, 916/631-8071, metalcloak.com

Poison Spyder’s BFH II Rear Bumper is “Built for the Hammers” (BFH) with the best ground clearance and departure angle possible. The bumper is no wider than the Jeep JK Wrangler’s rear body tub, with angled facets to improve its ability to slide over the rocks while still protecting the corner of the tub from drop-offs and ledges. Newly redesigned to be used with or without the companion weld-in rear crossmember and new highclearance recovery tabs. Installation requires cutting framerails. Information: Poison Spyder, 951/849-5911, shop.poisonspyder.com

Rugged Ridge Kinetic Rope

Helping each other out on the trail means coming prepared with the right equipment, such as Rugged Ridge’s Kinetic Recovery Rope. The elasticity of the rope stores pulling power for extra recovery energy while protecting attachment points and bumper components. The 7⁄8 -inch rope is 30 feet long, which helps keep the towing vehicle on solid ground. Information: Rugged Ridge, 770/614-6101, ruggedridge.com

Pacer SJK Bumpers Aries Trailcrusher Bumpers

Most types of winches can be mounted in the Aries TrailCrusher front bumper, which features a winch-and-shackle rating of 12,500 pounds, no-drill installation, and a carbide powdercoat finish. Welded shackle mounts accept shackles with a 7⁄8 -inchdiameter pin and are also perfect for attaching tow straps, cables, chains, or ropes. Information: Aries Automotive, 877/287-8634, ariesautomotive.com

Smittybilt Body Cage

A slight miscalculation by the driver could put a JK on its side or top when tackling challenging trails or running the desert or dunes. Smittybilt’s new Exoskeleton protects the body of two- and fourdoor 2007 and later Jeep Wranglers and fends off rocks and obstacles to keep driver and passengers safe. The 1.75x0.120-wall tubing attaches to the body at 14 points and has a windshield crossbar for roof access, and there are four crossbars for rack and tent mounting. Information: Smittybilt, 888/7175797, smittybilt.com.

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A cool feature of Pacer Performance Products’ heavy-duty SJK Series bumpers is they are designed to mount a Derale Performance transmission and/or a power steering remote fluid cooler. This keeps the cooler protected from damaging branches, brush, and rocks. Pacer’s SJK bumpers are engineered using 7-gauge laser-cut and formed steel. The bumpers feature increased approach angle, standard cable winch mount holes, integrated mounting for OEM driving lights, and dual-purpose towhooks. Information: Pacer Performance Products, 323/2663850, pacerperformance.com.

Superwinch’s new premium winch line, the EXP Series, is packed with innovation. It features 8,000-, 10,000-, and 12,000-pound capacities and is rated to IP69K, wire or synthetic rope. Your choice of an integrated design or nonintegrated design for remote solenoid-box installations. The EXP Series winches are an ideal size for mounting on JKs, with the strength to handle the toughest tasks. They look sharp on any model. Information: Superwinch, 800/323-2031, superwinch.com.

Warrior MOD Rack

Rugged Ridge XHD Armor

Compatible with both soft and hard JK tops and giving complete access to the freedom panels, Warrior’s MOD Rack provides a massive load capacity for the heaviest cargo. The integrated wire loom management in the side rail gussets allows for off-road lighting/CB radio wire organization and protection. The side rail accessory mounting system offers a fully configurable solution for carrying off-road jacks, LED light boxes, axes, and shovels. Information: Warrior Products, 888/2206861, warriorproducts.com.

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Superwinch Premium EXP

Off-road hazards can put your JK’s rocker panels at serious risk without Rugged Ridge XHD Armor Cladding. The 3mm-thick, powdercoated steel plate shields conform tightly to contours for a uniform fit. XHD Armor Cladding secures to the body firmly with the supplied black button-head hardware for a clean, finished appearance. Available for both two- and four-door JK models, and compatible with OE and aftermarket fender flares. Some drilling required. Information: Rugged Ridge, 770/614-6101, ruggedridge.com.

NOVEMBER 2017

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ALUMINUM JK TUBE FLARES • Heavy duty aluminum for strength and durability, can easily be painted • Increased clearance for larger tires and more articulation

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THE ORIGINAL

CREATOR & INNOVATOR OF PREMIUM FENDER FLARES, PROTECTING YOUR JEEP SINCE 1967

JEEP JK PARTS GUIDE

Poison Spyder Vented Inner Fender Kit

OCF Front Stubby Bumper With Stinger Bar

Off Camber Fabrications (OCF), a division of MBRP, is pleased to announce the updated Stinger Bar and Stubby Winch Bumper combination for the 2007–2017 Jeep Wrangler JK. This bolt-on winch bumper and stinger bar offers form and function to your weekend trail rig or all-out rockcrawler with a lightweight yet extremely durable bumper configuration. Each bumper works with the factory foglights or aftermarket lights, holds up to a 15,000-pound-capacity winch, and can be bolted on in your driveway in a few hours. Information: Off Camber Fabrications, 888/636-7223, offcamberfabrications.com.

The Poison Spyder JK Vented Inner Fenders dress up the look of your front wheelwells with beautiful CNC laser-cut, bead-rolled, brake-formed aluminum panels with stainless steel mesh vented inserts. The main panels are made of 16-gauge 5052 aluminum, while the vent panels are heavyduty stainless steel wire mesh. The beads stiffen the product for strength, and the vents promote airflow through the engine bay, helping your Jeep run cooler. These semigloss black inner fenders look great with Poison Spyder Crusher Flares, but they are a great addition to any Jeep JK Wrangler, whether it still has the stock flares, aftermarket plastic flares, or another manufacturer’s metal flares. Information: Poison Spyder Customs, 951/849-5911, shop.poisonspyder.com.

Evo Chromoly JK Sport Cage

The Evo Manufacturing Chromoly Sport Cage is laser cut, CNC press brake formed, full fixture welded, 4130 chromoly steel. Installation is bolt-on with some drilling. It captures the thick weld seam in the doorsill and runs up to the top of the windshield frame. The dash crossbar ties into this reinforced gusset on the passenger and driver sides just above the dashboard. The windshield frame and A-pillar are bolted directly to the cage, and the factory header bars are connected to it by an included 4130 structural, formed-plate crossbar. A 4130 center backbone combines with the crossbar to make a “T” that adds strength and rigidity by securely connecting the A-pillar and B-pillar. The backbone is predrilled for overhead radio mounting, lights or other accessories. It ships in raw steel but can be painted or powdercoated. Information: Evo Mfg., 714/879-8913, evomfg.com.

Rampage Products Trailguard Bumpers

Bushwacker Aluminum Fender Flares

Increase your JK’s tire clearance with flares that stand up to off-roading and trail-crawling abuse. Bushwacker’s new aluminum fender flares boast rugged good looks and provide protection from the trail. A lightly textured black powdercoated finish can be easily painted. Hardware is included, and there is little to no drilling/trimming. Made in the USA. Limited lifetime warranty. Information: Bushwacker Inc., 800/234-8920, bushwacker.com.

Warn Elite Front Bumper

If you want winch compatibility and protection in your front bumper, check out Warn’s Elite Series Front Bumper for the JK. A low, recessed winch mount provides ultimate winch protection, and a wrap-around design offers strength and style. Features include recessed ports and mounts for auxiliary lights, recessed jack points for increased recovery options, and eyelets for D-shackles. Mounting fasteners are hidden inside the bumper for a clean finish and reduced corrosion. Information: Warn, 800/543-9276, warn.com

Rampage’s featureloaded new steel bumpers are ideal for larger tires and push the limits with tighter approaches to tough terrain angles. The front bumper includes an integrated winch plate designed inside the front bumper; the rear bumper with tire carrier and accessory panel adjusts to mount the spare tire in two positions. Information: Rampage Products, 800/241-7219, rampageproducts. com.

Engine

GenRight New Aluminum Inner Fenders

The all-new GenRight aluminum inner fenders are available for two- and four-door Jeep JK Wranglers. The one-piece design allows for flawless installation and features a unique mesh vent with a laser-cut GR logo to keep your engine compartment cool and looking sharp. Laser-cut and CNC-formed for a precision fit, the fenders feature 6061-T6 aluminum construction for maximum durability and corrosion resistance, can be ordered in a powdercoated black or natural aluminum, come with all the necessary mounting hardware, and are made in the USA. Information: GenRight Off Road, 805/584-8635, genright.com.

88 Jp

Dakota Customs Hemi Jeep JK Conversion Kits

Dakota Customs offers comprehensive Hemi Jeep JK conversion kits for Wrangler model years 2007–2018. As a leading supplier of Hemi JK conversions, Dakota Customs offers a kit that’s complete with all the parts required for a working Hemi swap. Information: Dakota Customs, 605/716-4123, dakota-customs.com.

jpmagazine.com

Rubicon Express Exhaust Spacers

Exhaust spacers are needed for all 2012 and later JKs with 3 inches or more of lift, or that have clearance issues between the driveshaft and exhaust crossover at full droop. The Rubicon Express spacers move the exhaust cross-pipe towards the rear by a simple installation between the driver and passenger head-pipe flanges and the flanges of the cross-pipe. Information: Rubicon Express, 877/3677824, rubiconexpress.com.

NOVEMBER 2017

ANY TRAIL. ANY TERRAIN. MAXIMUM TRACTION.

A/T SPORT

TIRES

ProCompUSA.com/TireRebate

XTREME MT2

WHEELS

SUSPENSION

LIGHTING

Receive up to a $100 mail-in rebate on a set of four (4) A/T Sport or Xtreme MT2 tires. Purchases must be made between 07/01/17 and 09/30/17 in the United States and Canada. Redemptions must be postmarked by 10/31/2017. See your authorized Pro Comp tire retailer for more information. Visit ProCompUSA.com for further promotion details.

JEEP JK PARTS GUIDE

Hypertech Power Tune Flex-a-lite Performance Radiator

Flex-a-lite’s direct-fit all-aluminum radiator brings performance cooling to Jeep Wranglers by increasing coolant capacity and airflow compared to stock. The construction using extruded side tanks is far stronger than the stock plastic and aluminum composite OE radiator. Two variations of the Flex-a-fit radiator accommodate the factory V-6 engine (water inlet and outlet in the original positions) or most HEMI/LS engine swaps (inlet and outlet on the passenger side). Information: Flex-alite, 800/851-1510, flex-a-lite.com.

Hypertech’s Max Energy 2.0 Power Programmer for 2007–2014 Wrangler 3.6L and 3.8L JKs (2200 and 2300 CARB Emissions Certified) delivers up to 19 hp and 18 lb-ft of torque. It also allows you to correct speedometer/odometer for 22.5- to 44-inch tires and 2.82:1 to 5.38:1 rear axle ratios, adjust throttle response, idle settings for 4-Lo and winching, and it reads and clears diagnostic trouble codes. Other settings disable the traction control system and the tire pressure monitoring system, and enables the differential locker control on Rubicons. Information: Hypertech High Performance, 901/382-8888, hypertech.com.

Heatshield Intake Barrier

I-M Shield from Heatshield Products is probably the least expensive horsepower-per-dollar modification you can make to your Jeep. The shield adheres to the bottom of the intake manifold, creating a thermal barrier between the top of the engine and the bottom of the intake manifold. The proprietary HP Core Technology of a dense layer of high-temperature fiber material mated to a heat-reflecting surface helps air passing through the manifold stay cooler, resulting in a denser air charge and increased engine power. Information: Heatshield Products, 844/7232665, heatshieldproducts.com.

Suspension

Metalcloak Compound Suspension

BDS Long-Arm 4-Link

If your JK is already lifted and has the shortarms, take it to the next level of off-road prowess by upgrading to a BDS four-link long-arm suspension kit. The kit includes quarter-inch frame brackets, installation hardware, and heavy-duty adjustable UCA/LCA forged flex ends for improved strength and greater articulation. These upgrade kits can be used on JKs with current lifts of 4-8 inches. Information: BDS, 517/279-2135; bds-suspension.com.

MetalCloak’s 41⁄2 -/51⁄2 -inch JK suspension features a bind-free front radius arm along with rear controlarm corrected geometry. The Lock-N-Load upper control arm eliminates stress and allows the suspension to move freely, without binding. MetalCloak’s exclusive DB3 drop brackets in the rear provide amazing control arm geometry, solving the problem of low-hanging control arms. Available with or without MetalCloak’s 6Pak shocks. Information: MetalCloak, 916/631-8071, metalcloak.com

JKS Sway Bar Links

JKS brings a new level of sway bar control with the Flex Connect link. Designed as a bolt-in upgrade for JKs lifted 2-5 inches, the JKS link uses internal springs to control body roll and sway bar performance for a variety of terrains. The Flex Connect works with your factory sway bar and can be tuned by swapping to one of JKS’s softer spring sets; and allows for increased articulation connected or can be disconnected for full suspension travel. Information: JKS, 517/278-1226, jksmfg.com.

OME Bypass Shocks

JK owners with a 2-inch lift can now enjoy the benefits of Old Man Emu’s BP-51 High Performance Bypass shock absorbers previously available only for taller lifts. The package consists of two front shock absorbers, two rear shock absorbers, and two fit kits. The shocks and mount kits ar available individually or in a complete kit paired with appropriate springs. Information: ARB USA, 888/427-2872, arbusa.com

90 Jp

Energy Suspension Body Mounts

JKs handle all types of terrain, from muddy trails to urban asphalt, but the OE rubber body mounts wear out and are too soft for serious off-road use. Energy Suspension’s replacement 1-inch polyurethane body-mount bushings are firmer and provide more tire clearance and greater stability. The four-door kit includes six-position mounts, the two-door kit four. Both kits come with heavy-duty, zinc-plated hardware. Available in black or red polyurethane. Information: Energy Suspension, 888/292-1250, energysuspension.com.

jpmagazine.com

Zone Offroad 4-Inch Lift Kit

Zone Offroad’s complete 4-inch suspension lift elevates the on-road comfort and off-road capability of stock JKs. The kits include coils specific to two- or four-door vehicles, bumpstop extensions, brake line brackets, sway bar links, an adjustable front track bar, and a rear bracket, along with your choice of hydraulic, gas-charged, or custom-tuned Fox shocks. Lift makes room to run 35- to 37-inch tires. Information: Zone Offroad, 888/998-9663, zoneoffroad.com. continued on page 94

NOVEMBER 2017

TAKING YOUR JK TO

NEW HEIGHTS PREMIUM SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND OFFROAD ACCESSORIES FOR JEEP VEHICLES

LONGARM KITS AND UPGRADES

BDS FORGED FLEX END CONTROL ARMS

FOX SHOCKS AND STEERING STABILIZERS

D299

JEEP JK PARTS GUIDE

continued from page 90

Rubicon Express Steering Stabilizer

Steer easier and reduce wear and tear on your JK’s steering components with the Neutral Force Steering (NFS) Stabilizer from Rubicon Express. Traditional steering stabilizers create a nonlinear steering response or a push to one side as the shock wants to extend on itself. By contrast, the NFS Stabilizer offers adjustability and a negative spring inside, which offsets the force generated by increased gas pressure caused by the shaft displacing fluid inside the stabilizer. Information: Rubicon Express, 877/367-7824, rubiconexpress.com.

Pro Comp 2 1⁄2-Inch Lift Kit

A little lift goes a long way toward improving a JK’s ride and off-road prowess. One of the best is this all-new 21⁄2 -inch lift for two- and four-door JKs from Pro Comp Suspension. The kit delivers a great ride both on-road and off and features new coil springs tuned perfectly for JKs, front bumpstop extensions, front sway bar drop brackets, replacement rear bumpstops, rear track bar bracket, a cam bolt kit, and shocks. Kits are available with top-of-the-line Pro Runner or ES9000 shocks and sit tall enough to easily clear 35-inch tires. Lifetime warranty. Information: Pro Comp USA, 800/776-0767, procompusa.com.

Rubicon Express Long Arm

The Rubicon Express four-link suspension upgrade, which is for JKs already equipped with either the 31⁄2 - or the 4 1⁄2 -inch Rubicon Express Standard & Super-Flex Short Arm Kits, delivers unmatched articulation and control, making it perfect for the hardcore off-roader. With improved suspension geometry, this kit provides better traction while eliminating “rear steer” and bushing bind. This system is easy to install and adjust. All Rubicon Express products are made in the USA and backed by the company’s Advantage Lifetime Warranty. Information: Rubicon Express, 877/3677824, rubiconexpress.com.

Currie Hi-Steer

This bolt-on Currie Currectlync steering system for the Jeep JK Wrangler offers a new heavy-duty bolt-on tie rod and drag link, as well as the option of a standard or a flipped (high-steer) drag link! All that the high-steer option requires is simply drilling the passenger-side knuckle taper and installing the supplied tapered sleeve. Features include 11⁄2 -inch-diameter tube tie rod, a 11⁄2 -inch-diameter solid forged drag link, forged tie-rod ends, and premium jam nuts and adjuster. Includes a heavy-duty steering stabilizer shock mounting kit. Information: Currie Enterprises, 714/528-6957, currieenterprises.com.

TeraFlex Alpine Suspension

The TeraFlex Alpine Cross-Trail 4 is a long-arm suspension developed for the JK driver who craves Baja handling with highway control off-road in a dependable and maintenance free system. The 4-inch lift kit is fully inclusive when paired with the optional Falcon shocks. The CT4’s long flex arm system provides full suspension articulation while reducing vibration and harshness for superior ride quality and performance over any other long-arm configuration. Information: TeraFlex Products, 801/713-3314, teraflex.com.

94 Jp

Rancho 2-Inch Lift

SteinjÄger 2 1⁄2-Inch Lift Kit

You want your 21⁄2 -inch lift kit to have the same character as your JK, so Steinjäger provides 18 powdercoat color options. Control arms, track bars, and Panhard bars are all made in the same USA factory. Steinjäger’s vertically integrated manufacturing system means that a high-value, high-quality, American-made lift kit is now available for Jeep owners. Information: Steinjäger, 309/772-3163, steinjager.com

Fabtech JK Front Coilover Shock Conversion

This bolt-on coilover system provides your Jeep JK Wrangler with increased front damping capacity for aggressive off-road use. Upper hoops replace the factory coil spring buckets, while the lower mounts attach directly on top of the axletube centerline. The system allows the installation of Dirt Logic 2.5 Resi Coilovers for superior ride quality on and off-road. Information: Fabtech Motorsports, 877/432-2832, fabtechmotorpsorts.com.

jpmagazine.com

The new 2-inch Rancho progressive sport kit for 2007–2017 Jeep Wrangler JKs includes RS5000 shocks and front- and rear-progressive rate coil springs to improve on- and off-road performance. The kit also includes rear brake line brackets and front bumpstops. Completely compatible with the ESC system found on Jeeps, the Rancho performance sport kit can fit 33-inch tires, or up to 35-inch tires with trimming, and allows for reuse of OE wheels and tires. Information: Rancho Performance Suspension, 734/384-7804, gorancho.com.

Skyjacker FOX Dual Steering Stabilizers

The same functionality as Skyjacker’s other dual steering stabilizers but now with a new Fox option. These stabilizers damp the harshness of highway driving and the shimmy that comes from running heavier, larger tires and wheels, and place control back in the driver’s hands. The 2-inch-diameter 6061-T6 aluminum design dissipates heat three times faster than steel and will not rust. Available in white, silver, black, or Fox aluminum body. Information: Skyjacker Suspensions, 318/388-0816, skyjacker.com.

NOVEMBER 2017

N W O R U O FIND Y

JK Accessories

• Redundant sealing pack system utilizes main seal, wiper seal and scraper seal

OFFICIAL SHOCK & SUSPENSION

WWW.SKYJACKER.COM

JEEP JK PARTS GUIDE

Skyjacker Coilover System

Skyjacker’s new bolt-on LeDuc Series coilovers have been tuned and tested by Curt LeDuc with application specific valving for maximum performance on- and off-road. They are available as a full kit or a coilover upgrade option for the 2007–2016 Jeep JK. The kit includes front and rear coilover shocks as well as front and rear component boxes. Optional air bumpstops are also available. These coilovers are made in the USA, can be returned to stock, and feature direct bolt-on capabilities, adjustable ride height, increased articulation, improved stability, adjustable secondary spring rate engagement, and a lifetime-guaranteed coil spring. Information: Skyjacker Suspensions, 318/388-0816, skyjacker.com.

Skyjacker Ball Joints

The improved Rock Ready ball joint design distributes the load between the upper and lower ball joints, significantly lengthening joint life. The USA-made tapered roller bearing carries axial and radial loads. The polyurethane wiper seal prevents contamination and is mounted internally to prevent tearing and friction between the knuckle and ball joint face. A 32mm powdered metal bearing replaces the undersized OE plastic bearing for increased load capacity. The HEXAD Grease System features six equally spaced grooves that disperse grease throughout the bearing with every turn of the wheel. The Rock Ready ball joint design allows clearance for RCV axles without modification. Information: Skyjacker Suspensions, 318/388-0816, skyjacker.com.

JKS Manufacturing JK Coilover Conversion Kit

Looking to raise the bar and take your JK’s capability to the next level? Upgrade your front suspension to Fox 2.5 DSC coilovers with the bolt-in JK Coilover Conversion Kit from JKS. The kit includes the modular brackets to tie into the factory coil buckets and can be used with most lift kits. Coilovers use a 10-inch stroke and come preset for 312⁄ inches of lift with a threaded body for adjustability. The DSC reservoir allows for easy highspeed and low-speed compression adjustments. Information: JKS Mfg., 517/278-1226, jksmfg.com.

JKS Manufacturing J-Axis Control Arms

JKS rewrites the book on control arm technology with the J-Axis Control Arms. These arms offer vastly improved suspension articulation while giving superior control on the road. Rather than using a flex end like other arms, these arms use a fine-threaded body to allow the arm to rotate on an internal brass bearing. This allows the ends to use large rubber bushings to absorb road vibrations and better bushing life. Information: JKS Mfg., 517/278-1226, jksmfg.com.

JKS Manufacturing 3 1⁄2-Inch J-Konnect System

Rubicon Express Heavy-Duty Forged Track Bar

The new Rubicon Express JK Wrangler front forged track bar features heat-treated steel construction designed to eliminate the deflection caused by oversized tires or extreme side load. It features an adjustable sleeved collar, allowing for precise axle alignment while still on the vehicle and preventing the need to disassemble the suspension. OE-style bushings are used for ultimate control and handling. The highclearance design allows for fitment from 0 to 6 inches of lift with clearance throughout the suspension cycle. Information: Rubicon Express, 877/367-7824, rubiconexpress.com.

Jspec systems are designed to take your Jeep to the next level for dual-purpose capability on- and off-road. Engineered to outperform, these complete systems bring together many of JKS’s premium products in a package built to perform right out of the box. Building on the standard 3 1⁄2 -inch Jspec systems with dual rate coil springs, track bar correction, sway bar disconnects, and Fox shocks, the JKonnect system adds the J-link control arms, drag link flip kit, and front and rear track bar reinforcement gussets. Take your JK to the next level with a Jspec system. Information: JKS Mfg., 517/278-1226, jksmfg.com.

Drivetrain

G2 Driveshafts

G2 Axle & Gear has come to the rescue of Jeep Wrangler JK owners once again with new doublecardan drivelines. Factory JK drivelines are notorious for vibration and accelerated wear in lifted applications. G2’s dynamically balanced drivelines have a 10-year warranty and provide a whopping 32 degrees of motion, curing such issues. They fit all JKs, front and rear, and are made from heavy-duty 2 3⁄4 -inchdiameter DOM tubing for strength, with 1-ton rated 1350 Series U-joints for durability. Information: G2 Axle & Gear, 877/852-7720, g2axle.com.

96 Jp

Rubicon Express SyE Kit

Rubicon Express’ new slip yoke eliminator (SYE) kit is designed to eliminate driveline vibrations while increasing the strength of lifted Jeeps running the NP231 transfer case. By converting to a fixed yoke, it allows for the use of a longer driveshaft with better operating angles to help eliminate vibrations. Each kit includes a replacement output housing, a heavy-duty main shaft, a rear output yoke, and all necessary hardware. Information: Rubicon Express, 877/367-7824, rubiconexpress.com.

jpmagazine.com

Dynatrac Front Axle

If you are worried about that Dana 30 front axle bending or breaking, Dynatrack’s Dana 44-based JK front axle upgrade is the only way to go—and it provides more ground clearance than a Dana 30. The Dynatrac ProRock 44 offers unmatched strength with 3-inch-diameter axletubes; U.S.-made, heavyduty Pro 44 end forgings; and thicker suspension brackets. The axle comes with pressed-in suspension bushings, ball joints, and the rock-proof nodulariron Dynatrac diff cover. Information: Dynatrac Products, 714/596-4461, dynatrac.com.

NOVEMBER 2017

Dakota Customs Hemi JK Wrangler Conversion Kits

Model Years 2007-2018

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7hrbARKlTFVajlvRW9CdFFsclk

Hemi Engines Offered: 5.7L 400HP 6.4L 500 HP 7.0L 630HP 6.2L Hellcat 707HP* *Only at Dakota Customs

Industry exclusive stainless steel long tube headers and mandrel bent exhaust system.

Dakota Customs offers comprehensive Hemi JK conversion kits for Wrangler model years 2007-2018. As the undisputed leaders in Hemi JK conversions since 2006, our kits come complete with all custom parts required. OEM parts are available upon request.

TEL: 605-716-4123 Email: dan@dakota-customs.com Website: www.dakota-customs.com

JEEP JK PARTS GUIDE

Revolution Gear & Axle 35-Spline Shaft Upgrade

Revolution Gear & Axle offers this D44 Chromoly Rear Axle 35-Spline Upgrade Kit for the 2007–2015 Jeep JK. The kits are made in the USA and come with the bearings, seals, and retainers prepressed together and ready to install. The kit is backed by a comprehensive lifetime warranty that covers all failures, including bent shafts. Revolution Gear & Axle’s shafts are made from 4340 chromoly for maximum strength and a lifetime of trouble-free performance. In addition, wheel studs are included in the kit but not installed into the axles. Information: Revolution Gear & Axle, 844/213-4327, revolutiongear.com.

Synergy Front Axle Truss

Finally, a Jeep JK axle truss that replaces the front axle bushings and weak passenger-side upper control arm mount, which are prone to premature failure when paired with lifts and larger tires. Synergy Manufacturing’s CNC-formed, 3⁄16 -inchsteel truss integrates dual durometer bushings into the design, eliminating the weak links in the factory housing and significantly improving performance in a maintenance-free package. The axle truss also significantly improves the strength of the front axle to resist bending. Information: Synergy Mfg., 805/242-0397, synergymfg.com.

Wildwood Disc Brakes

Stop your big-tire’d JK on a dime with Wilwood’s replacement disc brake kit. It features aluminum Superlite 4R radial-mount four-piston calipers at all four corners. Front 14-inch rotors matched with either 12.88- or 14-inch rear rotors are also available SRP drilled-and-slotted, or GT pattern. Slide in a set of BP-10 compound metallic composite SmartPads to complete the easy bolt-in setup. Information: Wildwood Disc Brakes, 805/388-1188, wildwood.com.

Teraflex Hub Conversion

The TeraFlex JK front locking hub conversion kit, which allows for flat towing, replaces the JK Dana 30/44 axles and delivers several major benefits over a factory unit-bearing design. Reduced bearing load, increased wheel bearing distance, and forged 4140 chromoly spindles deliver ultimate strength. The unique hub design completely seals the OE wheel speed sensors from mud, rock, and other potentially damaging contaminants, ensuring clear constant data transmission to maintain all ABS and ESP functions. Information: TeraFlex Products, 801/713-3314, teraflex.com.

ARB Air Lockers

Upgrade your JK to true four-wheel drive with ARB Air Lockers. A pair of Air Lockers gives the JK on-demand traction to tackle the toughest terrain, whether it be rock, clay, gravel, sand, snow, or mud. Package includes front and rear axle Air Lockers, a compressor, and accessories for tire inflation. Available in three axle configurations, including the most common aftermarket axles. Information: ARB USA, 888/427-2872, arbusa.com

Dynatrac Big Brakes

JKs shod with big tires need stopping power, and the Dynatrac ProGrip Brake System does that by providing up to 30 percent better braking over stock. Kit comes with 13 1⁄2 -inch front rotors and 14 1⁄4 -inch rears, performance friction pads, and new caliper brackets. The increased braking power reduces nosedive and dramatically improves vehicle control during mild and hard braking, both on-road and off. The kit retains the factory master cylinder and doesn’t require bleeding. Information: Dynatrac Products, 714/596-4461, dynatrac.com.

Interior

Synergy Rear Axle Truss

If you are a run-’em-hard JK owner, Synergy Manufcaturing’s rear axle truss kit is for you. The single-piece, weld-on, CNC-formed design significantly reduces installation time and greatly increases axle integrity. Recommended to be used in conjunction with Synergy’s matching front axle truss mentioned earlier. Compatible with both Rubicon and non-Rubicon Jeeps. Does not require additional bumpstop spacer height. Information: Synergy Mfg., 805/242-0397, synergymfg.com.

98 Jp

Steinjäger Cargo Nets

Keeping your cargo in and brush and other debris out is the goal of Steinjäger’s premium cargo nets. Made in the USA with five color options, these nets are constructed with double back straps for easy installation and adjustability. Information: Steinjäger, 309/772-3163, steinjager.com

jpmagazine.com

Corbeau Trailcat Seats

The Trailcat is the latest addition to Corbeau’s performance seating lineup, and they are a perfect fit for JKs. The low thigh bolsters make it great for lifted Jeeps because of the ease of getting in and out, while the design accommodates the use of three- and four-point harnesses for added safety. At the same time, the kidney bolsters are still aggressive enough to hold you in place and eliminate body shifting while driving. Stitch patterns available in either black or white. Information: Corbeau, 801/255-3737, corbeau.com.

NOVEMBER 2017

JEEP JK PARTS GUIDE

Smittybilt Seat Covers Poison Spyder Trailgate

Not a big fan of your JK’s cumbersome, swingout tailgate? Replace it with Poison Spyder’s sleek, aluminum dropdown TrailGate. Use it as a seat at outdoor events, as a lunch table, or as a workbench for trail repairs. The gate panel is CNC laser-cut and precision brake-formed from 3⁄16 -inch aluminum plate. The kit includes CNC-machined billet aluminum heavy-duty hinges, locking flush-mount latches, limiting cables, brackets, weatherstrips, and hardware. Information: Poison Spyder, 951/8495911, shop.poisonspyder.com

“Function with form.” That best describes Smittybilt’s new G.E.A.R. custom-fit seat covers. Fitted with cargo pockets, which are a great place to store first aid supplies, flashlights, matches, and other essentials where they are easy to reach in your Jeep Wrangler JK. Crafted from 600 Denier ballistic nylon, the water-resistant G.E.A.R. seat covers are fitted with zippered map pockets, MOLLE (modular lightweight load-carrying equipment) pouches, and webbing to lash even more gear to your Jeep. Front seat covers include a total of five individual MOLLE/ PALS pouches, while the rears have two. Information: Smittybilt, 888/717-5797, smittybilt.com.

Tuffy Security Deck

This innovative JK Deluxe Security Deck Enclosure from Tuffy Security Products creates a large, lockable steel storage area that works in conjunction with the power door lock system. The weight-bearing lid hinges open and is secured by Tuffy’s patented security system. The 16-gauge front and side panels can easily be removed without tools so larger items can be transported. It functions with the OEM compartment cover and OEM subwoofer. Information: Tuffy Security Products, 800/348-8339. tuffyproducts.com.

Accessories Smittybilt Air Power

Warrior Tailgate Table

This fully lockable, theft-proof JK tailgate storage system features interchangeable and customizable panels that offer storage on the inside and outside of the table. Each panel is removable, making transporting your gear simple. The tailgate table comes with a complete PALS system for MOLLE/Tactical Bags and accessories, maximizing the Wrangler’s available cargo space. In addition, integrated hangers have been added to each side and bottle openers have been added to the top and bottom of the table. Information: Warrior Products, 888/220-6861, warriorproducts.com.

Bestop’s new Trektop NX Glide combines versatility, durability, and extreme ease of operation to enhance the Jeep Wrangler experience. The top is the first-ever fastback-style soft top with the ability to fold completely back for total open-air driving. With a sleek folding-frame design and zipperless windows, the Trektop NX Glide allows for cruising in bikini mode, as a convertible, or with the top fully closed. Offers years of open-air enjoyment and requires less hardware than conventional soft tops. Information: Bestop, 800/845-3567, bestop.com.

After traversing tough rock trails or cruising through sandy dunes, the last thing you want is to waste time airing up your JK’s tires to drive on the highway. The Smittybilt Compact Air System makes refilling tires fast and easy. It comes with an adjustable integrated regulator with 250 psi, capable of pumping a massive 32 cfm to fill tires fast and run small air tools. The compact air system is portable so you have the flexibility to take it wherever. Information: Smittybilt, 888/717-5797, smittybilt.com.

Bubba Rope Kinetic Recovery Kit

Magellan OHV Nav System

Bestop Fastback Soft Top

Accessories

Steinjäger Tire Carrier

Steinjäger’s Internal Tire Carrier employs four clamps to mount up to a 35-inch tire inside of the cab of a two-door JK. A Baja style wing nut and polyurethane centering device hold the tire securely. Made in the USA, with 18 powdercoated color options. Information: Steinjäger, 309/7723163, steinjager.com

100 Jp

This kinetic energy recovery rope kit from Bubba Rope is sized right for the JK’s vehicle weight, and it comes with a 20-foot rope and a pair of matching Gator-Jaw Pro synthetic shackles. The JK recovery kit weighs just 4 pounds. The stretchable rope is tough, with a breaking strength of 19,000 pounds, while the matching shackles have a breaking strength of 52,200 pounds. Multiple colors available. The kit includes a lightweight mesh duffle bag. Information: Bubba Rope, 877/499-8494, bubbarope.com.

jpmagazine.com

Purpose-built from the ground up for off-road enthusiasts like JK owners, the new Magellan TRX7 CS OHV navigation system comes with a rear-facing 5MP camera so photos can be attached to user-generated waypoints while in the field without subjecting a smartphone or camera to the elements. Video can also be recorded without the need to attach another device to the vehicle. The TRX7 CS is waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof. Information: Magellan, 909/394-5014, magellangps.com.

NOVEMBER 2017

2017 NEW PRODUCTS

AVAILABLE FOR JEEP®JK 2007- 2017

E TIM ESS LIFOEN EXPR E

Hassle Free Warranty.

G We BUild it so you can use it. IC RUB ANTA ADV

JK PROGRESSIVE COILS •

AVAILABLE IN 2.5" AND 3.5" KITS

•

Low center of gravity allows for full articulation and improves high speed performance on- and off-road Softer rate at full extension and stiffer rate at full compression helps adapt to terrain changes

JK HEAVY-DUTY FORGED TRACK BAR RE1683

• • • •

Direct bolt-on design, OE style bushings Heat treated forged steel construction Adjustable sleeved collar High clearance design for full clearance throughout suspension cycle

JK HEAVY-DUTY TIE-ROD BAR WITH FORGED ENDS • •

RE2601

• •

Greaseable / replaceable 1-ton tie rod ends Heat treated Chromoly adjustment sleeve allows tow angle adjustment without removing bar from vehicle Offset design provides clearance for larger axle housings and covers Machined billet aluminum steering stabilizer mount included

NFS STEERING STABILIZER •

RXJ2002

• • •

Negative spring offsets the force generated by increased gas pressure to allow for return to center Machined 6061 aluminum ends with teflon lined spherical bearings 13 stages of adjustability 2" body diameter with Torco RFF 5 Racing shock oil

866.533.7706

JEEP JK PARTS GUIDE

Teraflex Sun Visors

Paramount Automotive Bull Bar

JK owners love their LED light bars. Paramount Automotive has taken an innovative approach to redesigning the traditional bull bar to make mounting it even easier. The twin 30-inch, 180-watt LED bars provide immense downrange illumination, bolting into place in just a couple minutes. The bar is finished in a high-quality textured powdercoat and includes rubber pads to protect the front of the mounting arms. Information: Paramount Automotive, 909/781-6492, paramount-automotive.com.

JK sun visors block the field of vision while driving, diminishing both safety and the outdoor view, while TeraFlex’s visors restore the full outdoor view to both the driver and passenger. The impact-resistant, deeply tinted lens protects from UV rays and eye-strain for a premium travel experience while still providing a sharp, clean view. The simple design uses a stainless steel rod and hardware for unique industrial aesthetics and long-term functionality. Information: TeraFlex Products, 801/713-3314, teraflex.com.

SmittYbilt Mesh Top

Let the cool air flow, keep the heat and glare of the sun off, reduce wind noise, and add some privacy in your JK with the Cloak Mesh from Smittybilt. The PVC mesh netting panels install easily under both hard and soft tops using special bungee cords. Provides versatile combinations for covering the top, sides, and rear. Information: Smittybilt, 888/717-5797, smittybilt.com.

Steinjäger Hook Strap

Rugged Ridge Jack Holder

Your off-road jack better be readily available when the need arises, which is what drove the design of Rugged Ridge’s off-road jack hood mounting brackets. Built with lightweight, high-strength 6061 T6 aluminum, the brackets are finished with a durable textured black powdercoat. Your off-road jack is secured with large thumbscrews that can be easily operated while you are wearing gloves. Rugged Ridge matched function with form in a skeleton-style design and laser-etched logo. Information: Rugged Ridge, 770/614-6101, ruggedridge.com

Rampage Products Trail Doors

Now you can enjoy the feel of the trail while staying protected from the rough and tumble of the great wide open. The thick steel-construction, safari-style tube Trail Doors from Rampage feature strong and stylish removable nylon webbing for hardcore trail runs and a center bar for added protection. Information: Rampage Products, 800/241-7219, rampageproducts.com.

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This little accessory, which can save your hand, provide better grip, and make winch cable pulling easier, can also easily identify your rig with one of five color options and a stylish design. Made in the USA.

TeraFlex Cargo Rack

The TeraFlex Alta Cargo Rack is an easy way to increase storage space for extended overland adventures. It sits conveniently above the spare tire to keep the cargo out of harm’s way. The rack mounts securely to the TeraFlex Alpha Hinged Tire Carrier through a steel support structure and includes mounting points for additional accessories. The rack measures 20x46x4 inches and has a maximum total load capacity of 75 pounds. Simple bolt-on installation. Information: TeraFlex Products, 801/713-3314, teraflex.com.

Rampage Trailview Tonneau Top

This exclusive truck-look top combines the fold-back Rampage TrailView Soft Top, which can be converted to an open safari brief top, with the coverage of a snug-fit tonneau cover. A rear raintight curtain includes side windows for enhanced visibility. The rear window can be removed, and the tonneau cover zips into it and can be removed. Information: Rampage Products, 800/241-7219, rampageproducts.com.

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Information:

Steinjäger, 309/772-3163, steinjager.com

Amp Research Powerstep Xtreme

For those who live and work in challenging environments, the Powerstep Xtreme is the perfect accessory for your Jeep JK. Powered by dual drive motors, this electric running board is USA-made specifically for snow- and ice-filled subzero winters and mud-caked rockers. The highly textured powdercoated finish resists corrosion and maximizes grip. Five-year/60,000mile warranty. Information: Amp Research, 800/3096823, amp-research.com.

NOVEMBER 2017

HARSH OFFROAD CONDITIONS CALL FOR THE FINEST MATERIALS IN A SHOCK. ONLY DIRT LOGIC SHOCKS HAVE A STAINLESS STEEL BODY AND NITROSTEEL® PISTON ROD FOR MAXIMUM CORROSION RESISTANCE WITH OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE. GET THE BEST, GET DIRT LOGIC.

2.5 RESI COILOVER • STAINLESS STEEL BODY • 7/8” NITROSTEEL® PISTON ROD • 2 STAGE EIBACH COIL SPRING • BILLET RESERVOIR

2.25 SHOCK • STAINLESS STEEL BODY • 7/8” NITROSTEEL® PISTON ROD • BILLET RESI & NON RESI

AVAILABLE FOR • 3” / 5” JK SPECIFIC • UNIVERSAL LENGTHS 10” / 12”/ 14” • COILOVER CONVERSION KITS

WWW.FABTECHMOTORSPORTS.COM

THE COMPLETE WRANGLER SYSTEM.

FRONT BUMPERS

HEAT REDUCTION HOOD

SNORKEL

DUALSPORT SUSPENSION

REAR BUMPER & ACCESSORIES

WHEELS

A EV– CO NV ER SIO NS.COM

JEEP JK PARTS GUIDE

Lighting & Electrical Pro Comp LED Headlights

For increased lighting performance on-road and off, a pair of Pro Comp’s state-of-the-art 7-inch high/ low beam Luxeon ZES LED headlights in your JK are the way to fly. These plug-and-play headlights are made of top-quality components to ensure reliability in the harshest environmental conditions. A total of 20 Luxeon ZES LEDs provide maximum brightness at 6,000 Kelvin, while the die-cast aluminum alloy housings provide the best in heat dissipation. Lights have built-in antiflicker module. Lifetime warranty. Information: Pro Comp USA, 800/776-0767, procompusa.com/lighting.

Aries LED Lights

Aries LED lights are built with grade-A Cree LED chips and an IP68-standard breather. They boast waterproof and dustproof aluminum construction and more than 50,000 hours of life. They are CE and RoHS certified and have a IP68 and IP69K waterproof rating. The LED lights are available in: 2-inch flushmount lights; 2-inch work lights; single-row 10-, 20-, and 30-inch ligh tbars; and a double-row 50-inch light bar. Information: Aries Automotive, 877/287-8634, ariesautomotive.com

KC HiLites Modular Light Bar

The KC HiLites 50-inch Gravity LED Pro6 Light Bar is an industry first, allowing JK users to take full control of their lighting needs. Featuring KC’s patented Infinity Ring system, the Pro6 LED combo-beam light bar is fully modular, expandable, and adjustable. The Infinity Ring system via its unique hinge design allows users to easily transform the eightlight Pro6 light bar between a straight and curved orientation for the perfect beam shape. Information: KC HiLites, 888/689-5955, kchilites.com.

sPOD Control Center

Forget wiring up the switches, relays, and fuses that came with those new accessories you are about to install on your JK. Instead, install Precision Designs’ sPOD SE, an eightswitch, solid-state electrical management control system that comes complete with battery cables/circuit breaker, a control harness, mounting brackets, switches, and a covered power distribution center for a turnkey solution. Plug those new accessories into it and you are ready to go. The system is fully programmable for the following modes: Dim, Fash, Strobe, Momentary, and Switch Linking. Information: Precision Designs, 661/755-8139, 4x4s-pod.com.

J.W. Speaker J2 Series LED Headlights

The J2 Series from J.W. Speaker comprises three new models. Model 8700 is 7-inch round LED headlights for the Jeep JK and offers dual-burn highand low-beam optics so that when you turn on the highbeam the low-beam stays on, providing long-distance and wide-pattern illumination. Model 239 includes a new 312⁄ -inch round LED turn signal and a smoked lens option. Model 6145 rounds out the selection with an upgraded LED foglight kit and a black or hydro-dipped carbon fiber design. All three models feature plug-andplay installation. Information: J.W. Speaker, 800/558-7288, jwspeaker.com.

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Painless Performance Power Center

Need a quick, easy way to wire up as many as eight accessories in your JK, complete with fuses and relays? The Painless Performance Trail Rocker JK power center mounts six LED switches overhead using existing mounting holes and includes all the wiring already done, complete with labels. The kit includes a bolt-on bracket to mount under the hood with 200 amps of fused protection. Includes all high-quality TXL wire for accessory outputs, too. Information: Painless Performance Products, 817/244-6212, painlessperformance.com.

Paramount Automotive LED Bars

JK owners love their LED light bars. Paramount Automotive has taken an innovative approach to redesigning the traditional LED bar to make mounting it even easier. The twin 30-inch, 180-watt LED bars provide immense downrange illumination, bolting into place in just a couple minutes. The LED bar is finished in a high-quality textured powdercoat and includes rubber pads to protect the front of the mounting arms. Information: Paramount Automotive, 909/781-6492, paramount-automotive.com.

jpmagazine.com

NOVEMBER 2017

Madee in th

Does Your Jeep Deserve Dynatrac Elite Axles? Elite ™ Axle-Set

Hard Core™ Axle-Set

For people who will not settle for anything less than the very best drivetrain for durability, quality and extreme performance!

You can’t buy a lower priced, stronger, better quality, more dependable, U.S.-made bolt-in JK axle solution!

• Ideal for 37- to 44-inch tall tires

• Ideal for up to 40-inch tall tires

• Best-in-class strength and ground clearance front and rear ™

• Nothing compares to the ProRock 80 nodular-iron, standard-cut housing with 10.25-inch ring gear • U.S.-made heat-treated, 40-spline, full-floating 4340 rear axle shafts ®

• ProRock XD60 front axle with exclusive 1550 LT highstrength, military-grade, aluminum knuckles • Better steering on-road and off, and less wear on axle and steering components • Dynatrac-exclusive U.S.-made, forged, double-heattreated 1550 35-spline front axleshaft assemblies • Dynatrac HD BallJoints™ already installed; the last balljoints you’ll ever need

Learn more at www.dynatrac.com or call 714-596-4461

• Front and rear axles have ½-inch-thick wall tubing that is more than 3× stronger than stock JK Dana 44 housing • Dynatrac U.S.-made, forged, double heat-treated 4340 front axleshafts with 1480 U-joints • U.S.-made, forged, heat-treated, 35-spline, full-floating 4340 alloy-steel rear axleshafts • Dynatrac HD BallJoints™ already installed; the last balljoints you’ll ever need • Rear axle features Dynatrac full-floating wheel ends with 1-ton heat-treated fixed spindles, 1-ton wheel bearings and Dynatrac-exclusive 10-bolt flanged floater wheel hubs

JEEP JK PARTS GUIDE

Smittybilt Light Bar

JK owners looking for a cool way to light up the night will find Smittybilt’s XRC light bar a great fit. Every bar features race-designed side supports manufactured out of a single solid piece of coldrolled steel. This is a complete bolt-on and requires no drilling or modifications to the vehicle. The main crossbar is manufactured using 11⁄2 -inch race tubing that features five light tabs, each able to support up to a 9-inch light, or for mounting a single 50-inchwide LED light bar. Information: Smittybilt, 888/7175797, smittybilt.com.

Rugged Ridge Brake Light Ring

Suspension lifts and aftermarket wheels and tires can obscure your JK’s center brake light. Rugged Ridge’s LED Brake Light Ring adds a surprisingly brilliant ring of torch-red LEDs behind your spare tire. Guaranteed to grab the full attention of everyone near. Works with JK rim diameters from 15 to 20 inches. Waterproof connectors make it impervious to the elements for consistent, all-weather performance. Information: Rugged Ridge, 770/614-6101, ruggedridge.com

Warrior LED Taillights

Almost every trail-use Wrangler JK has seen a broken plastic taillight at one time or another. But not if you upgrade to Warrior Product’s JK Steel Tail Lights. A direct replacement for the OE lights, these LED versions are considerably brighter. The kit includes: two stop/turn taillights, two reverse lights, and four side marker lights. Feel free to use these beefy factory upgrades as a step to reach gear on your roof rack. Information: Warrior Products, 888/220-6861, warriorproducts.com.

Wheels & Tires

Mickey Thompson SD-5 Black Wheels Mamba Hot Wheels

The Mamba M22 is a one-of-a-kind, meshinspired wheel design featuring a matte black finish with ball-cut machined spoke accents and drill holes. The wheel offers M22 sizes to fit both lifted and street JKs in sizes 16x8, 17x9, 18x9, 18x10, and 20x9. The 18x10 wheel stands at a proper -24mm offset for solid clearance and that aggressive look to set your JK part from the pack. Information: Mamba Wheels, 800/645-3878, mambawheels.com.

Aev Borah Dualsport JK Wheel

The Borah DualSport for the 2007 and later JK Wrangler is American Expedition Vehicles’ (AEV) most versatile wheel to date. Designed as a dual-purpose wheel, the Borah DualSport is available in a variety of configurations with either a fully functional beadlock ring for running very low tire pressure off-road, a protection ring designed for street use as well as wheel protection off-road, or no ring for a simple, minimalist look. Information: American Expedition Vehicles, 248/926-0256, aev-conversions.com.

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If you want to drive a head-turning JK, slip on a set of Mickey Thompson SD-5 Blacks. The new design includes an open lug cap with dimensional milled spokes and an attractive spot-faced outer lip. The SD-5 Black is available in sizes from 15x8 to 20x9, with appropriate bolt circles and backspacing to fit all Wrangler JKs. These wheels are the perfect combination of style and function for today’s Jeep enthusiasts. Information: Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, 800/222-9092, mickeythompsontires.com.

Pro Comp Beadlocks

Black or machined silver, the new 17-inch Vapor Pro 2 Beadlock wheels from Pro Comp are the strongest, safest performance beadlock wheel available according to the manufacturer. More than two years of research and development, backed by countless miles of Baja racing, conquering the Mojave Desert, and dominating the Rubicon Trail, ensures that the Pro Comp Vapor Pro 2 true beadlock wheel will withstand any punishment your JK can dish out. Information: Pro Comp USA, 800/776-0767, procompusa.com/wheels.

Pro Comp Sport Tires

Run a set of Pro Comp’s new A/T Sport tires under your JK and you will be rolling to your next adventure with the confidence that you have the right treads for the street or trail. The unique rubber compound is the perfect balance of on- and off-road use. The 60,000-mile written warranty is the best in the market, while the Pro Comp Forever Warranty against material and workmanship defects gives peace of mind. Offerings include 15- to 20-inch rim sizes with diameters up to 37 inches. Information: Pro Comp USA, 800/776-0767, procompusa.com.

jpmagazine.com

NOVEMBER 2017

NENA KNOWS JEEPS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1. We teach hand positions at 8- and 4-o’clock to allow a natural “thumbs out” position and more relaxed shoulders for those long drives. You don’t want your thumbs to get caught in the steering wheel during a sudden jerk of the steering wheel, nor do you want your arms in front of the airbag if it deploys. Even the steering wheel design of many late-model vehicles favors the 8- and 4-o’clock position. 2. Your right leg should have equal support from hip to knee when your heel is on the floor and the ball of your foot is on the throttle, with your ankle at a 90-degree angle. With your leg supported properly, you have more control on the pedals, and more stamina over the long trail. 3. Everyone can agree that two hands on the steering wheel is better than one, and having your eyes at a level high enough to see the gauges, above the steering wheel, and over the hood helps you avoid potential disasters. 4. Your heel should be resting on the floor, your ankle making a 90-degree angle between your leg and your foot, with the pressure on the throttle coming from the ball of your foot, not your toes or arch. This allows full range of motion for a smoother throttle control. Jp Pro Tip: When you are in a particularly rough patch of terrain, slide your throttle foot over to the right and brace it against the transmission hump to prevent your foot from bouncing around on the throttle.

By the seat of your pants By Nena Barlow jpeditor@jpmagazine.com

Photography: Nena Barlow

It seems like everyone is selling products hyping enhanced performance and reduced fatigue these days, but I can promise you that proper driving position increases effectiveness, efficiency, and your trail performance while reducing fatigue, and it works without expensive pills! Simple solutions are often overlooked. Drivers complain about discomforts of long days in the seat or ability to see obstacles on the trail. When we begin one of our 4WD courses with proper seating, leg, and hand placement, it often conflicts with how our clients have been driving. However, most report by the end of the day that they feel more in control and less tired. First, your seat height should be adjusted so that your hips and knees are equally supported when your foot is in position on the throttle. This allows even pressure on your backside and less leg fatigue after hours in the seat. The seat adjustment forward should allow you to be able to completely depress the brake and clutch

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while your knee remains slightly bent, not fully extended. Your seat height and steering wheel tilt should allow you to see all of the instruments without leaning forward. Second, you may need to adjust the seat up or down, forward or back, so that the heel of your throttle foot is resting on the floor, and the ball of your foot is on the throttle pedal. Your ankle should make a 90-degree angle between your foot and your leg. Once your seat position is adjusted, the placement of your hands on the steering wheel affects safety, effectiveness, and fatigue, too. Many driving instructors, including those at Barlow Adventures, now recommend that you place your hands on the steering wheel in the 8- and 4-o’clock positions. This accomplishes three things: keeps your shoulders down in a more relaxed position, sustainable over hours of rough terrain; keeps your thumbs from wanting to wander inside of the steering wheel, which can be hazardous if you hit something and a steering impact whips the steering wheel around; and it keeps your hands and arms out of the path of the airbag. This 8- and 4-o’clock position on the steering wheel often feels odd at first, but it keeps your shoulders down in a more natural and relaxed position, allowing a fuller range of motion of your neck, and therefore, better field of vision. This steering position also lends itself to better control. Effective steering is a consistent, smooth motion when pulling the steering wheel down in the direction you want to go. Your right hand should

jpmagazine.com

4 stay on the right half of the steering wheel and your left hand should stay on the left half. For example, to turn right, move your right hand to the top of the wheel and pull down with your right hand, while your left hand slides down to the bottom, and then pushes up while your right hand slides back to the top, and repeat as necessary to complete the turn. If your steering actions are so abrupt that you have to cross over your arms to complete a turn, you are not effectively controlling your vehicle. Looking farther down the road and planning ahead also helps eliminate these sudden and jerky corrections. Most new drivers tend to look too close to the front of the vehicle while driving. Good driving is constant scanning as far out as you can see down the road so you have more time to plan your driving corrections. If you are a four-wheeler who is always leaning forward to look at the 10 feet of trail in front of the hood, or leaning out the side window to watch your driver front tire the whole time you are on a rough patch, you are not looking and planning far enough ahead. It is a lot more mental work to develop constant situational awareness and map out the plan in your head, but it will pay off with smoother driving. Last but not least, don’t forget your seatbelt. Adjust it so it crosses between your shoulder and your clavicle, not on your neck, and not below the apex of your shoulder. And, please, always wear it. I challenge you to adjust the way you have been sitting in your rig, and please let us know your results.

NOVEMBER 2017

GETTING YOUR GEAR STOLEN

IS NO ADVENTURE

STEEL SECURITY CONSOLES

JEEP CARGO SECURITY STORAGE

SECURITY GLOVE BOX

These universal ﬁt, high security, steel consoles feature Tuffy’s patented pushbutton latch system. The lid also latches closed without having to be locked.

Tuffy’s Security Deck Enclosures create a secure storage area protected on all sides. The patented design quickly and easily installs with and without an OEM hardtop.

This 16 gauge steel, high security glove box is an ideal replacement for the plastic factory glove box. models for jeep cj, yj, tj & jk.

CONCEAL CARRY SECURITY

SECURE CONSOLE INSERTS

STORAGE SECURITY COVER

Tuffy security drawers mount inconspicuously under the seat out of sight of would-be thieves. Patented locking system, easy install. models for jeep cj, tj & jk.

The security console insert turns the JK center console into a heavy-duty lockable storage area, while maintaining the reﬁned curves of the factory center console.

The JK locking cubby cover replaces the existing flimsy cover that comes from the factory. It creates secure storage in the hidden floor compartment.

made in the usa

SERIOUS THEFT PROTECTION

Find a dealer near you. | 866.348.8339 | tuffyproducts.com/jp

JEEP SHOTS By Ali Mansour jpeditor@jpmagazine.com

Righteous TJ

Like Father, Like Daughter

Boy or girl, the Jeep hobby has always been gender neutral. We have to guess 16-yearold Lauren was pretty excited when she got the keys to her ’02 Wrangler Sahara. After all, she had been wheeling with her dad in his ’98 Wrangler Sahara for some time. Dad’s ’98 has a few more mods as it’s currently equipped with a set of Rubicon TJ axles, 36-inch IROK tires, Raceline beadlocks, tube fenders, and a full interior cage.

Pastor Scott Kraniak of Centereach, New York, sent us this shot of his ’98 Wrangler off the beaten path. It features a 4.0L inline-six engine, five-speed manual, and 4.56 differential gears. The 2-inch Pro Comp lift makes room for the 33x10.50 BFG Mud-Terrain tires, while front and rear ELockers make sure each tire bites for traction. A custom rear bumper, Smittybilt winch, and onboard air are just a few upgrades in the big book of mods.

CJ Great

Ross Schultz of Temple, Texas, has one of our favorite Jeeps to come out of the 1980s—an ’81 CJ-8. Under the hood, you’ll find a 401ci AMC V-8, which has been fitted with an Edelbrock cam and intake, roller rockers, headers, DUI distributor, and an Atomic EFI conversion. Backing the V-8 is an NV4500 transmission, which is mated to a Dana 300 transfer case. A Dana 60 front axle resides up front, while a GM 14-bolt found its way out back. Both axles are filled with 4.56 gears and Detroit Lockers. A custom multilink front suspension using 14-inch-travel King coilovers works up front, while 63-inch rear leaf springs from a Suburban work with a set of Bilstein shocks out back. Getting traction to the ground are 37x12.50R17 BFG KM2 tires that are mounted on 17-inch TrailReady beadlocks. Custom bumpers, a modified GenRight ’cage, Warn winch, and hydro-assist steering also made it to the build. Schultz states he built this Jeep to take his family out wheeling.

Father & Son Project

We love reading about family Jeep projects. This particular ’86 CJ-7 buildup was a collaboration between Michael Hardick and his son Jeffrey Hardick of Canon City, Colorado. It’s powered by a 327ci GM small-block V-8 that spins a T-5 transmission. The suspension was freshened up thanks to Skyjacker leaf springs and TeraFlex shackles. The 2-inch body lift along with the 35-inch-tall tires mounted on 20-inch wheels help add to the stance. A custom front bumper holds a Warn 9,000-pound winch, while Truck-Lite LED headlights help shine the way at night. The fresh paint job comes thanks to Joshua Foreman and Relik Restoration.

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jpmagazine.com

NOVEMBER 2017

JEEP SHOTS

A Resto Down Under Martin Coates of Newcastle, Australia, says he’s been reading Jp Magazine since the first issue. The story of his CJ-3B is one we’ll let you read in his own words. “I’ve loved Jeeps for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I spent hours in Jeeps exploring the dunes and shoreline at the northern end of Stockton Beach where my parents had a small holiday house. We used my older brother Trevor’s Jeeps to launch fishing boats or to travel down to our beach fishing spots. He owned several Willys MBs and a Kaiser-era CJ-6. He also restored a Willys CJ-3B, and is the person to blame (or thank) for my Jeep obsession. I’ve owned a CJ-5, ZJ, WJ, TJ, two JK Unlimited Rubicons, and a Cherokee KL Trailhawk. But, there was still one Jeep itch I needed to scratch—I wanted to own a Willys. In 2010, I began looking to find one that wasn’t too far from where I live in

Now.

Newcastle. I didn’t have a large budget or much mechanical experience, but this restoration was going to be about the journey—not just the destination. In early 2011, I found a CJ-3B which had spent its last 20 years on a farm in the upper Hunter Valley, around 150 kilometers from my home. It was rough, but seemed reasonable and the price was right, so I brought it home. The speedo and data plates were missing, so I didn’t know its age or mileage and the previous owner didn’t know either. With information from the CJ-3B website cj3b.info, I started disassembling and buying parts—the learning had begun. I bought tools, a manual, and started with the chassis, axles, brakes, and suspension. My intention was just to make it driveable, but the ‘bug’ bit me hard and next thing I was removing the body and having it sandblasted. I bought an MIG welder and tried to patch up the old body

Back in the day.

Write Us!

A Great Idea! Al LaFontaine had a good idea in the year 2000, but we’re not sure if we can give him complete credit for it. He writes, “If you look at the Sept. ’00 edition of Jp Magazine, you will see a photo in Sideways from me. There was no feature called Jeep Shots at that time. And if you still have my original letter, you will see that I suggested this idea at that time and included a pic of a black/red CJ-7 by a huge saguaro cactus as an example of the kinds of photos that could be included. I am thrilled to see this feature is going strong, and 16 years later, I have a potential addition for Jeep Shots.” Many years later, Al and his wife Deborah still have their ’94 Jeep Wrangler YJ. It’s been extensively resorted as rust had gotten the better of it. A completely rebuilt powertrain, frame, and body all make for a beautifully rehashed Jeep.

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for months, but the metal was so brittle, and my welding skills so poor, it would just burn away. Finally, after showing the tub to Neil at Marathon Spares in Tamworth and discussing the costs involved to restore it, I decided to bite the bullet and buy a replacement tub. I wanted a classic looking Willys with skinny tires and a side-mounted spare. As time and budget allowed, I worked on my 3B in the garage (thanks to my patient wife) and progressively built my knowledge, innovated fixes, and inched closer to my goal. I found a good local panel beater/spray painter who ‘got’ what I was trying to achieve and settled on a color. With the engine, driveline, and transmission checked, cleaned, and painted, the MD Juan tub was fitted to the chassis with only minor adjustments required. I bought and fitted a wiring harness and had the seats upholstered in red. I refurbished the original Ross cam and lever steering system, fitted a new alternator, radiator, carburetor, and starter motor. After nearly five years of work, my Willys was finally roadworthy, checked by an engineer and registered for road use under the new NSW historical vehicle scheme. Since then, I have made numerous adjustments and tweaks. With each one it just seems to be getting better. I don’t know if it will ever be truly finished. It still deserves a top, a winch, and at least one locker. Sadly, my brother passed away in 2000 at age 52 from cancer, so he never got to see my 3B. So, to keep his memory alive, I named my Jeep ‘Trevor’ in honor of him.”

jpmagazine.com

Want to get your Jeep into Jeep Shots? Send some photos (each at least 1,600 by 1,200 pixels) and a description, including all mods and upgrades, to jpeditor@jpmagazine.com. Be sure to write “Jeep Shots” in the email subject line so it will get to the right department. Or, snail mail it to: Jp Magazine, Jeep Shots 831 S. Douglas St. El Segundo, CA 90245

NOVEMBER 2017

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LIGHT YEARS AHEAD.

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YOUR JEEP By John Cappa jpeditor@jpmagazine.com floor. When it does this, the pedal has no resistance until almost at the floor. There is no brake fluid leaking anywhere. Thank you for your help. Hopefully, someone will have an idea on what this is and how to fix it. David Bergman Via email Inconsistent brake issues can be a real bummer and difficult to solve. It sounds as though you have replaced nearly everything, so I will assume that nothing is worn or leaking and that all of the air has been bled out of the system. This may be a reach, but I once had a similar problem on a Jeep I performed a front disc brake swap on. Like you, I replaced the master cylinder, thinking it was intermittently failing. The problem persisted. I eventually found that when I turned the steering to full lock, one of the calipers was hitting a shock bolt, forcing the caliper piston back into the bore. When I went to hit the brakes after this, the pedal would go to the floor initially, and then function normally. Like your problem, it only happened at slow speeds and when I was turning sharp. Perhaps some axle or suspension modification you have made is causing contact with one or both of the front brake calipers or brake line bolts when turning. Check the calipers and lines for marks that would indicate contact with something and make any needed changes to eliminate the caliper contact.

New Tread Dilemma

Five Flattie Fenders

I have a ’74 CJ-5 and I have found that getting aftermarket parts is a challenge. I just received my August ’17 issue of Jp and saw the CJ-7 on the cover. I realize that the cover CJ is newer than mine, but I really like the front fenders on that Jeep! Do you know of any vendor that makes a flat tube fender that will fit the ’72-’75 CJ-5? Great magazine, keep up the good work. Bob Via email Those particular front tube fenders are Smittybilt (smittybilt.com) XRC units, and although the company’s website doesn’t show them for the CJ-5, so many parts are interchangeable or adaptable between the 7 and 5; a call to the company’s tech support at 310/762-9944 could net you the answer to that question. If not, there are many different smaller companies that specialize in older CJ-5 aftermarket components. Companies such as Extreme Custom Parts (extremecustomparts. com) offer CJ tube fender conversion kits (requiring some fab and welding) that will provide the look you are going for.

114 Jp

Braking Bad

I am having an issue with the brakes on my ’99 Jeep Cherokee. It does this thing where occasionally the brake pedal will go almost to the floor before the brakes engage. It is very random and only seems to do it at very low speeds. I thought that this would be a worn master cylinder, so I replaced it. The Jeep still has the same issue. I thought maybe I had a bad wheel cylinder in the rear since they were old, but they were not leaking. Rather than just replace the wheel cylinders, I went and did a disc brake conversion. It still has the same exact issue. Nothing changed. Then I thought maybe I had a bad front caliper, since everything else had been replaced, including bleeding the brakes several times. I went ahead and replaced the front calipers, pads, and rotors. The same problem persists. I’m not sure where to go from here. This is a simple braking system. There is no ABS, but I can’t seem to fix this issue and everyone I ask has no idea what it can be. Again, this issue is random and only happens at low speed and low rpm. The Jeep still stops, but not until the pedal nearly reaches the

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I just put new tires on my ’12 Wrangler JK that came with Goodyear P255/75R17 tires with a load rating of 2,523 pounds and a max air pressure of 44 psi. I switched to BFG T/A K02 LT255/75R17 tires with a load rating of 2,405 pounds and a max air pressure of 50 psi. These numbers look funny to me, but I got them off of the tires. Now, having thumbed through a story in an older issue of Jp (“Load Range and Max Air,” June ’15), should I start at 35 psi? This is what the old tires were at and the tread wore well. So how would I know how low I can go with the air pressure without damaging the tires on pavement and how would you be able to test it? Can I paint a line across the tread and look for wear? Paul Brose Via email

NOVEMBER 2017