Jp Trails

So what is the sPOD?

The sPOD replaces a slew of wires and switches likely located all over the dash of your Jeep. The sPOD simplifies all your accessory installs and makes them neat, professional and safe!

I am not the best at reading instructions so I had to start with my coffee, now I am ready! I started by reading over the very well written instructions and they were in color very nice. I opened the box to find everything very well packed and separated. I like the fact that even one parts bag had everything separated to it didn’t get all mixed together.

There are a few options when ordering the sPOD.  I opted for the low voltage cutoff which saves your battery in the event that something gets left on.  Also I got the stickers to I could label the switches very important if your wife drives your Jeep and your 6yr old lights the pretty colors on the switches. I was also very impressed with the quality of the switches,wiring and fit and finish…nothing is done half ass.

Ok now on the the install.  First I removed the front plastic header and removed the passenger visor/loosened the 3 right A pillar trim screws. Next I inserted the 4 clips that hold the switch panel in place. Next you assemble the switches to the metal frame that replaces the plastic header trim piece. Before you bolt it all together attach the wiring harness and route it through the passenger a pillar and the dash. So far very easy and anyone with hand tools can install one of these.  Also note the slots for the visors, very nice attention to detail.

Ok now we drill a hole in the firewall just above where the passenger put their feet 1″ hole-saw. Install the grommet so the wires do not get cut and feed them through the firewall. Now the dirty part..it has to be dirty right?  This all depends on how well you keep your engine clean…well lets say I should have cleaned it before hand!

Using a Phillips screwdriver disconnect the Source from the mounting plate. We now install the mount for the source very simple using a 15mm socket and some muscle take off the bolts which are ground bolts.  This is important to reconnect them last as your Jeep may not function right if you skip this step! Reconnect the source and route the wires through the holes on the back side. This part had me worried as I am not keen on wiring! No big deal every thing is numbered so its easy to connect and if you have the LVCO connect the positive wire to that.In the photo you will see I did not do that but later corrected it. You will need to also need to connect the pos and neg to the battery.

Now you are ready for the easy part, installing your accessories!  The sPOD comes with new connectors and shrink tube to make your install look professional.  Once connected you simply loosen insert plug and tighten with a Phillips screwdriver pos & neg.  No need for relays since they are pre-mounted on the Source. I decided to just hook up the front locker and I am replacing the front lights.  My rock-lights were cheap Walmart’s so they failed after one year so I will need those too. Oh yeah and pretty much everything else you see missing off the switches I labeled!

Install Time:2hrs  (I was documenting and could install another in 1 hr!)

Install Difficulty:Easy you will need a Philips Screw Driver,1″ Hole-saw/Drill and a 15mm socket/Ratchet

Ending Impression:I can’t believe its taken me this long to get the Spod! Installing all my future/current accessories will be a complete painless breeze!

I highly recommend the sPOD for all your power Source needs and stop kidding your self, switches all over your dash powering who knows what… SUCKS!

You can find the Spod at  www.4x4spod.com or other online retailers.

sPOD Toll-Free: 661-755-8139 or www.4x4spod.com

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I remember it like it was yesterday, ordering opened for the new wrangler unlimited with lots of unanswered questions. How much more will it weigh? Will people actually buy these? When’s a Rubicon coming out? Ultimately it paved the way for a new 4dr Jeep the Jeep Wrangler JK.

Commonly referred by enthusiast as the Jeep LJ, The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited or LJ is one of the most Sault after Jeeps ever made. The dimensions were simple, the wheel base was stretched 10″ and the rear was stretch 5″ over a swb Jeep Wrangler TJ. To achieve this Jeep built an entire new frame and rear half of the Jeep 85% was shared with the Jeep swb TJ.  The end result was  13″ of extra cargo space and 2″ of increased rear leg room. The LJ also featured 1″ thick foam under the carpet for less road noise and a standard 30″ wheel tire group with a Rear Dana 44 axle with trac-lok (lsd). These additions allowed families to consider the Jeep Wrangler as a viable option for camping and exploring the back country. It also allowed the Jeep to be more comfortable and worthy of the interstate.

I found production numbers below, merely 20K more unlimited produced over the rare Jeep Scrambler. Will the Jeep wrangler LJ be rare like the Scrambler?  Who knows only time will tell, for now they do enjoy a radical resale value and the Jeep Rubicon LJ sells for less than $10K less than original MSRP.

2006 Production numbers

SE = 7,943

X = 23,759
Sport = 10,736
Rubicon = 9,818
Unlimited = 14,624
Unlimited Rubicon = 6,742
Sport (right hand drive) = 2,245

Break down:

2004 – 11,822 Unlimited
2005 – 7,450 Unlimited
2005 – 5,854 Unlimited Rubicon
2006 – 14,624 Unlimited
2006 – 6,742 Unlimited Rubicon

Totals:

33,896 – Unlimited
12,596 – Unlimited Rubicon
46,492 – Total

I think its smart for Warn to play in the budget winch game in these economic times.  I may buy one and review it since they are so inexpensive!

http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/line.shtml

We’ve got some big news to share: Our new line of winches start at $399 after an $80 mail-in rebate. Plus, many have new features for increased performance, reliability, and durability.
The all-new WARN VR Series includes the VR8000, VR10000, and VR12000 with 8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 lb. capacities, respectively. All of these units feature series-wound motors for plenty of power; brakes that hold the full-rated load for great control while winching; three-stage planetary geartrains for speed, durability, and reliability; corded remote controls; and 94-feet of durable wire rope. All of these winches are backed by the WARN limited lifetime warranty, too. You can purchase a WARN VR8000 for $399 after the $80 mail-in rebate.
It’s not just the VR that’s newsworthy, though. Most winches in the WARN Premium Series, Ultimate Performance Series, and Heavyweight Series now feature contactor control for increased durability and reliability; redesigned control housings; and a new-and-improved remote control that is more durable, reliable, and easy-to-use than ever. Plus, the 12V winches in these series are also eligible for an $80 mail-in rebate, including the all-new WARN 9.5cti winch with thermometric technology.
With the new WARN winch lineup, our products are now more affordable, reliable, durable, and performance oriented.
Be sure to check out the entire line of WARN products and get full details on our $80 winch rebate at [url]www.warn.com[/url].

ENTRY LEVEL SERIESWORLD CLASS WARN PERFORMANCE AT A VERY COMPETITIVE PRICE.

Don’t let the phrase “Entry Level” fool you: These are dependable WARN winches through and through. With 8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 lb. capacities, the WARN Entry Level Series gives you everything you need in a winch, and nothing you don’t. Includes the WARN Limited Lifetime Warranty.

TEST

If your like me and love Jeeps but want economy your not alone.  I have been searching high and low but with little support from after market companies doing your own swap could me a nightmare! Now there is a solution…HPA Motorsports.  Hpa motorsports will be offering TDI conversions for the CJ/YJ/TJ in the very near future.  There are many versions of the TDI and if you want simple you can convert a electronic diesel back to mechanical pump injection meaning fewer wires and no computers.  The TDI typically produces 90HP/178Ft Tq which may not sound like its enough to switch to a TDI conversion. A simple turbo upgrade or intercooling can net 100-150Ft Tq so now the upgrade has your attention.  I am pretty familir with the TDI motor since I owned a 2005 Jetta PD TDI which I never got below 42mpg on average, my best tank being 47 1/2mpg. Now we’re talking about Jeeps and they are not designed to get into the 40′s….maybe the 30′s..maybe.  I am sharing a company newsletter which I recently received and wanted to share.  Also if your going to Sema the project YJ test Jeep will be there TBA.

http://www.hpamotorsports.com/tdijeep.htm

The past several weeks have been busy ones as our team has been working aggressively to finalize tooling and fitment for the Jeep TDI conversion while at the same time, augmenting our YJ’s running gear with a variety of upgraded parts.

To ensure our YJ was up to the task of transmitting the torque and HP of our TDI swap, both the Dana 30 and 35 axles have been torn out and beefed up. Precision Gear was called upon to outfit these small pumpkins with 4:10 gears and Alloy USA delivered unbelievable axles. The quality of these parts builds back our confidence in these OEM axles.

We have made some minor adjustments to our initial engine mounts to facilitate a seamless integration with the OEM rubber mounts. We have elected to supply a ready to install flywheel along with heat shields for the starter to protect it from the downpipe. Lastly, the downpipe has been re-routed to ensure it mates with off the shelf 2.5” exhaust systems. In our case, a Magnaflow has been strapped to the underside of the YJ.

Our Stage 1 Grouping is now finalized and is targeted to the “Do It Yourself” enthusiast. Take a browse through the product photo gallery to see detailed pictures of the installation. Note: Our engine mounts can either be bolted in or welded on. The installation images showcase the installation using the supplied bolts. Minor clearancing is required on the AX-5 bell housing to accommodate Bosch starter nose

The Stage 1 adapter set is as follows:

• CNC flywheel/crankshaft adapter
• CNC bell housing adapter plate
• Left and Right Male / Female engine mount set.
• (OEM jeep rubber mounts not included)
• Downpipe
• CNC machined Starter flange and heat shields
• (Bosch Starter not included)
• Flywheel and Crankshaft bolts
• Dowel pins for bell housing
• Turbo outlet adapter

Also included is a short OEM parts list to identify starters, engines etc. required for a successful conversion.

Stage 1 package $2599 USD

Our Stage 2 package’s intake track has been finalized. An air to water intercooler has been configured to optimize the space available under the hood, and sustain charge air cooling during low speed off-road applications. With off-road low gear terrain, air to air cooling intercooling as the factory TDI’s are equipped was simply not a good fit. Using a stand alone closed loop water system, our secondary radiator, cooling fan, pump and after cooler can maintain a steady state air intake charge best suited to feed our high torque output.

Our Jeep is bound for a debut at this years SEMA show. Once we return, we will develop the AX-15 adapter for late November release.