Jp Trails

Archive for the ‘Long Term Test’ Category

For most of us TJ owners if you want to gain a better break over angle you need to upgrade to a tucked transfer case skid.  Adding this type of skid alone  will have side effects like no room for the transfer case to move up.  Then we need to add a body lift which makes room for the transfer case, now our engine sits a 1″ or so too low not lining up the fan to the radiator etc…

So now your in the market for a  motor mount lift or (MML) to re-align your drive train closer to stock.  There are several choices out there from replacing the motor mounts to adding a spacer below the factory motor mounts.  This is where Jks Manufacturing comes in by doing  just that by adding an aluminum 1″ spacer below your factory motor mounts.  By doing a spacer you retain factory OE mounts which have far less vibration that some of the alternatives.

Our long term test started in 2005 when I need a way to move the transfer case up.  Lets look at the five years of moderate wheeling with 37′s.

Part Type:1″MML

Part #:PN 8100

Manufacture:Jks Manufacturing

Length of test:5 years

Miles tested:91,500 miles

Test Vehicle:2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (LJ)

Drive train:Stock 4.0 auto trans

Tire Size:37″ BFG

Lift:3″ AEV/Nth/1″ Day Star body lift

Test Results:Moderate wheeling adapter bolt(s) snapped at 92K mies

Recommendation:Strengthen Adapter bolt from grade 5 to grade 8

Product Durability (1-5):4

Do you really need a steering stabilizer? I read this forums all the time and there are a number of Jeep guys and gals out there that believe you do not need a steering stabilizer!  Lets just think for a minute…..ok if your Jeep did not need a steering stabilizer Jeep themselves would not have spent the money on installing one in your Jeep when it was new! Right?  Ok, now that we are agreeable that YOU do need a steering stabilizer lets look at our long term test subject.

The steering stabilizer before is a repainted Old Man Emu or OME for short. Why is it painted? Peer pressure I guess.  I has the OME installed when I first went with 37′s on my LJ so that would have been in 2005 and the Jeep would have had 3000 miles on it. Now the LJ has 87,000 miles on it so that is a net of 84,000 miles! I think that is more than impressive due to the fact of how many trails the Jeep has seen and with 37′s on it the whole time!  Lets take a closer look…..The bushings were slightly worn and the preasure of the stroke seems a bit less than what the shiny new one feels like. In fact I feel so good about the worn OME and I am going to give it away to another Jeeper!

Why did I change it? I developed a slight shimmy at 48mph and at 75mph and felt it was time. Yes its that simple!  Just a tip for those of you that run a Currie steering system, Keep the top bolt that fits on the drag link.  Why? The factory style bolt that is included with the OME  measures an inch longer which could have interference with your track bar. My guess….that would lead to self destruction of the OME.

The verdict? Would I buy another? You really had to ask? OF COARSE! I would highly recommend the OME steering stabilizer for any Jeep Brand product. In case you wondering I am proud to flaunt my yellow OME.

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