Jp Trails

Posts Tagged ‘Arizona’

TEST

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

Are you ready more EJS 2010?  We are!  Looks like the Mopar underground is ready too with these four really cool Jeep and Ram concepts.  Look for live coverage of the 48th Annual EJS right here on Jp Trails.com.

Mopar® Releases Sketches for 44th Annual Easter Jeep® Safari

Auburn Hills, Mich., Mar 12, 2010 – Mopar® is getting ready for Moab. Chrysler Group LLC’s fifth brand is preparing to reveal a truck-load of “Moparized” vehicles at the 44th annual Easter Jeep® Safari in Moab, Utah which takes place from March 27 through April 4.

The following are select sketches of the Jeep Wrangler J7, Jeep Patriot Extreme, Jeep Wrangler Trail Boss and Ram Power Wagon.

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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There are many expedition/camping trailers on the market today. Most of them lack what we call SIMPLE and lightweight! Some have complex suspensions and some really neat features but what do they all have in common? Very expensive! Our vision is to bring a light weight expedition trailer to market that 85% can afford. We are targeting 400-500lbs empty using strong light weight materials. The plan is to use a high line style fender that will allow a 33″-37″ and strong 3500lb axles with a standard Jeep bolt pattern. Also we plan on a rooftop style tent and room on board for a spare tire and accesories.

We have taken our idea from the drawing board to the fabrication shop for our first prototype. We hope to have a semi completed trailer for the TDS Safari and Moab EJS to test for durability. You can follow our progress on our Face Book page www.facebook.com/jptrails

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Due to the recent weather we are forced to cancel the Mud Springs trip on the 24th. We also looked into other trails and ALL area Phoenix trails pose a large risk to safety. We are replacing the trip with a family snow run up to Flagstaff  to Wing Mountain. Click below to join up.

http://www.meetup.com/Jp-Trails/calendar/12398851/

Jason De Monto
Jp Trails

How about a very late Merry Christmas but a very early Happy New Year?

We just finished up the Sunflower Mine Loop Charity run with a great turn out of 17 Jeeps ans a whole lot of donations to St. Mary’s food bank. I was asked a few times how did you get so many to show? Simple, post on all the local and national Jeep forums! I actually crossed posted this on Jkowners.com,Virtualjeepclub.com and of coarse here on Jp Trails.com. I figured with a charity event the more the merrier! I again want to thank everyone who participated today I had a great time and had the opportunity to meet many new jeepers.

Our next run:January 2010 Mud Springs

Thanks to Tantjjim for the pics!

Jp Trails pics

Thank you John aka Hivemind:Pics Here

Its that time of year again turkey,football and the 2009 Phoenix International Auto Show!  Now this year Jeep stepped of their game by bringing a smaller version of camp Jeep to Arizona a real no brainer in my opinion. Arizona is a hot spot for Jeeps and what a great marketing tool.  Get prospective buyers in a Jeep and while your at it show them what they can do! The only disappointment was the actual Jeep display, no concepts and just the current line up of Jeep brand vehicles.  The Phoenix auto runs through Sunday Nov 29th. You can catch Camp Jeep at your local auto show.  I hope you enjoy the little video we put together.

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Me,George and Ryan went out to Desoto Mine yesterday.  It was a nice day for wheeling about 75* although I prefer the trail in the rain and snow. The trail was in good condition and while dry a stock Jeep would be plenty fine. We started about 9am and hit the trail close to 10am.  We decided to check out the mines which I rarely do since we ride this trail in the winter in which is very slippery and yes its a long way down! We decided to hit the lunch spot a bit earlier than typical due to our small group at 11am. The rest of the trail was uneventful and we hit Senator Hwy around 2pm and decided to run to Crown King to eat at the Mill. We arrived in Crown King just before 3pm which is last call for ordering in the winter. The Mill has a ton of history behind it and is very neat inside.  The food was ok, I like the Saloon better believe that or not! I recommend anyone to eat there and check it out.

Mill at Crown King

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