Jp Trails

Posts Tagged ‘jeep’

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.

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.

Jp Trails Moab Adventure

April 1st-5th 2010 Ever been to Moab? Here’s your chance for a great Moab Getaway! Moab is the best destination to use your jeep and see spectaculuar scenery. Jp Trails will lead you through 5 days of adventure on Moab slick rock.

Day 1:Moab Rim (TR-7)

Day 2:Poison Spyder Mesa (TR-6),Golden Spike (TR-7),Gold Bar Rim(TR-7)

Day 3:Backwards Bill (TR-5)

Day 4:Hells Revenge (TR-6)

Day 5:Cliff Hanger  (-6)

More info

http://jptrails.com/jamboree-events

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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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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