If you read my Part #1 and Part #2 of the Aussie Locker experience you will know I had recently installed this brand locker in my rear Dana 44 axle on my Jeep and was wanting some real world experience with them before I gave my final verdict.

To do that, I had waited to have Read the rest of this entry »

I have been lurking on Ballistic Fabrication’s website  for some time now and been pretty impressed with the products they offer.

I got the time and opportunity recently to use Ballistic’s Flex Joint in a set of custom fixed lower control arms I built for a fellow wheeler on a budget and was really impressed with their quality.  Similar to the Rubicon Express Flex Joint but with a machined housing eliminating the snap ring on one side, and $10 cheaper than the Rubicon Flex Joint. (this is a picture of Ballistic’s Heavy Duty Flex Joint I used in that project)

A little jealous after making those, I decided to do something for myself using some Ballistic products. Read the rest of this entry »

When I first got my XJ I had initially installed a simple “3 lift kit as at the time I had a limited budget to lift so I had chosen to do fixed lower control arms and keep the uppers stock so I could do full leaf springs. Well almost two years later and I sit at “4.5 lift now. I have been swapping out parts here and there to slowly accomplish my ultimate master plan.

One of the things I had not address yet was my upper control arms which the OE versions are not known for their incredible strength, but now the time had come to address their deficiency.

I had two options; build my own or buy something off the shelf.

Option one; Fabbing up my own would be cheaper, but my problem is this. It is very hard now a days to do any sort of fabbing work on a short time frame simply for the fact with a child under two and the wife half way along with our second child, almost impossible.

Option two; I found myself tied with which to choose, as there are many brands on the market that are all really the same just different style flex joints and if they are adjustable or not. Definitely wanted something adjustable even though “4.5 of lift according to many charts show the upper arms stay the same length as stock.  Then there was the cost, OUCH! (Your kidding right, you want that much for a set?)

I found a perfect moment, Rough Country recently re-designed their controls arms to use a Johny Joints style end instead of their old style which copy Tera Flex’s original design. This was simply 1/2 the arm was  male threaded and screwed into the other 1/2 of the arm that was female threaded. Creating the adjustability and a lot of unrestricted flex.

Now in my personal opinion I really like the idea Read the rest of this entry »

I finally got around to updating the “Current Jeep” Page on the LUVMYJP page.  Here is a break down and a link.

Current Jeep: 2008 Jeep Wrangler JK

• MOPAR: Red Rock, Unlimited, Rubicon, Hard Top, Soft Top
• TeraFlex 2.5” Standard Kit
• TeraFlex 1” Spacer
• Fabtech PreRunner Bumper
• SmittyBuilt 8000lb Winch
• SmittyBuilt Synthetic Winch Cable
• (5) BFG MT KM2 35×12.50R17
• AEV ProCal Module
• ForMatt Fab CO2 Tank
• Warn Winch Plate
• BullDog Tow Strap
• PowerTank Roll Tube Mounts
• (2) Riddler Dif Covers
• Best Top Hard Top Cart
• AEM Silver Air Intake System
• DayStar JK Dash Panel
• Entry Handles
• Fire Extinguisher Holder

[Link]

When: Saturday April 18th 9:00am
Where: Chinamen Gulch (Buena Vista, Colorado Area)

The LUVMJP and TrailDriven Team will be hitting the trail with The Colorado Chapter that day.

Here is the TrailDamage Link for that trail.

View Larger Map

Our Second in a long line of Four Minute Reviews (FMR) takes a look at TeraFlex’s JK Wrangler 2.5” Performance Budget Boost w/adapters.

The kit is the first of its kind.  A 2.5″ Budget Boost?  I remember back when BBs were 2″ and really measured 1.75″ of lift.  These pucks are actually 2.5″.

You will gain enough to clear 35″ tire on your JK Wrangler.  1.25″ spacer are needed to complete the steering clearance.  What Jeep and BB has offered that combination in the past.  35 ” tires? great!

The kit comes very complete.

I picked up the new JK ProCal Module today. Quite a sweet little unit. Check it out.

AEV’s ProCal Module is a hand-held powerhouse! This essential tool provides JK owners an easy, low-cost way to make a variety of useful changes not offered by the dealer or any other re-programmer.

The ProCal Module allows the user to reprogram several factory parameters including:
• Tire size
• Gear Ratio
• One Touch Lane Change
• Daytime Running Lamps
• Low Tire Pressure Indicator
• Smart Bar Indicator Disable (after Smart Bar removal)
• Clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes

While the module is plugged into the OBD port, the ProCal Module can also:
• Set a Temporary Extended Idle
• Provide a Dead Center Steering Wheel Indication
• Clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) / Turn of the Check Engine Lamp

For AEV HEMI Builders Kit customers, The ProCal Module will:
• Program the Vehicle’s VIN into the new PCM Controller
• Program the Pedal Calibration and Tolerance

Full Info Here

In the last ten years of owning two different brand winches I have used them collectively 11 times. If you do the math that is 1.1 times a year, not a lot huh? Either I am lame and take the super easy trails and bypasses or I am just that good not to get myself stuck. What is funny though, I only used it on myself once.

So it sucker punched me when my current winch remote failed on me with such little use. My wonderfully reliable Mile Marker 9500si came with a remote that was made of a soft rubber material and looked like it could be really abused……….WRONG!

Here is what Mile Marker’s Remote looks like. (Excuse the crappy pics, my 7 seven month old Kodak is out for repair, and that is another article.)

In the last three years I have used this Mile Marker in some tough spots and it has worked flawlessly each until the end of the last pull. I was re-spooling the line when it cut out on me for a brief second and I had to press the remote a little harder.

Read the rest of this entry »

• LUVMYJP LUVMYJP Weekly Tweets for 2009-03-09:
  LUVMYJP TrailDriven.com is down:
  The forum (traildriven.co.. http://tinyurl.com/by5u4v #
• Spoof “Trail Rated” by getting your “Trail Driven” sticker at http://www.traildriven.com. #jeep #

• LUVMYJP TrailDriven.com is down:
  The forum (traildriven.com) has been placed in suspense do to some lice.. http://tinyurl.com/cahsvw #
• Why do Hummer owners assume I bought a Jeep because I didn’t have enough money for a Hummer? #
• Is the Jeep waive dead? sheesh! #

The forum (traildriven.com) has been placed in suspense do to some licensing issues.  I hope to have it remedied in the next few minutes.

“The brackets mount in the door hinge and maintain a stock location for the mirrors when the doors are removed. I had a prototype set last year for a little bit before it got cold. The image of my Jeep is with the prototype. The notable difference is the pin design which supports the stock hinge screw bolt for a complete factory look.”

[Info Link] [Retail Link]

So if you read my Part 1 post, I got through the initial assembly of the Aussie Locker into the carrier. To reflect I had a factory Trac Lok in the Dana44 and since the Aussie Locker will not fit into a Trac lok case I had to get an open carrier to put it in. So for most people putting an Aussie Locker into an open axle the install will be easy. For me because I have to switch carriers I now have to have the Ring Gear reset, basically half of a Ring & Pinion install.

So far my experience with the Aussie Locker has been pleasant, everything has been as expected and experienced no issues. This continued with swapping out the carriers Read the rest of this entry »

Okay so  I decided that trying to afford ARB lockers or any other selectable locker was not in the range of my budget and to keep the budget under control I was only going to lock the rear.

I also wanted something that was very simple. For example in my last Jeep I had a Detroit Locker in the rear and I loved the thing! Awesome offroad, the street driving took a while to get use to, definitely had its quirks but was pretty much indestructible. However a Detroit was even out of my budget range. This leaves me with  “Lunchbox” style lockers, which in general simply replace the spider gears, so they are pretty affordable.  Several brands on the market, pretty much all the same save construction and minor design differences.

I have been reading nothing but good things about Aussie Lockers for a couple years now. They are priced just right  at around Read the rest of this entry »

So in the effort to get my wife off the FORD kick, I convinced her to look at Jeep specifically a Commander. Why? We wanted something that can hold more than five people, has four wheel drive, and tough. We picked a 2008 Commander Sport with upgrades of; Quadra trac II,  and the 4.7L V8 (not the HEMI, I can not see my wife staying out of trouble with her lead foot.) I really was hoping for the Quadra drive system with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials. They had none on the lot, and it was not a major priority as they come normally on the Overland editions and are pricier. (out of our planned price range)

At first, I was blamed for just wanting another Jeep in the household.  After a couple days though she actually told me she likes it and wanted to know if we could lift it a little and put bigger, more aggressive tires on it. WOOHOO! ……I luv my wife.

Not the best pics, but to show it off;

I started looking into after market stuff. Wow! Not a lot yet, and Mopar Read the rest of this entry »

We pulled down the forum until Monday morning.  LUVMYJP is rolling out a new forum and URL.

The new forum will be under the TrailDriven.com name and badged as such.  This will new format will encompass all things “trail driven”.  The team has been working hard on this concept for over a year now.  We are sure it will be a winning combination.

This blog will continue to live under the plate URL which I have personally come to know and love.  This was my first URL, even before BIGoffroad.  I still own the Colorado plate and my new JK wears it with pride.

What made you fall in love with the Jeep brand?

For me it was the Grand Wagoneer.  I have never owned one, but boy I have always wanted to.  When I was in High School a would have given my left nut for a Grand Wagoneer.  Any color would have worked…just as long as it had the faux wood paneling.  Dang I love that.

Now that you know some history here is a good link.  Check out these incredibly restored units.  God gosh, if I had cash.

What was your first Jeep love?

[site link]

I was search around a few weeks ago for my brother in law.  I was looking for an inexpensive XJ for my Niece.  I came across a great little site.  The site shows eBay auctions for salvage title and other wrecked automobiles.  What a great place to find a new Trail Builder.  I will be searching there if I ever feel the need to build a Trailer Queen

[site link]

This may have been around a while but it’s still worth posting.  Above is just one photo showing Jeep’s 2007 advertising campain in Denmark.  Click the jump link to see the rest of the photos.  Great idea.

I’m not sure it would fly here in the US.  Too many people would be upset about it.  The above image alone would leave the left front tire in a flower bed.  Inranging the tree hugging community.  What do you think?

[site link]

Mopar did us a great service and disservice by allowing DVD audio from their 6 Disc/DVD radios. It’s fun to listen to the King of the Hammers Video but it’s quite another thing to watch it!

If you have the 6 disc/DVD radio from Mopar your now in luck.  I have access to the cable you see below.  No more soldering that left over Christmas video cable.  Just buy this production unit. Connect this cable to the back side of your radio.  PIN 6 and PIN 7 slots allow video to be seen via an LCD. It’s that easy.

SPECS:

• 36 inches in length
• semi flush mounting
• mounting screws

They sell for $49.95 and will be shipped free via USPS.  I will have some in stock after the first of the year.

(The later production units will only have a two prong, flat, radio end.  Current unit has a blank third slot.  Only two of the current prongs are live.)

Our new sticker.  This is literally the first sticker off the cutter.  I should have them up for sale after Christmas.  Start telling your friends.

Shameless I know.  I have actually had requests.  Order here

My old Jeep; the one I sold 8 months ago, pictured on the left of the blog, is up for sale again, and again and again.  If he sells it the owner will be the 4th owner in 8 months.  Not sure why, it’s a hell of Jeep, rides like a Cadillac.

Check out the Craigslist link

Tags: Cherokee, Craigslist, Jeep, Pickle, XJ

I updated the forum to the new release.  I have also removed the banning of certain email addresses.  The new registration process should help curb spammers getting in.

Hopefully this new update will spark some interest and allow some users in.  The forum software has some great tools.  I don’t even run banner ads on it, yet.

Thanks and enjoy the forums.

I finally got the call that my JK bumper was in.  I payed for this thing back in August.  Fabtech was having some production issues…blah, blah.  All I can say is Troy at BIGoffroad was wonderful through the whole process.  I got a smoking deal.  If you have any interest in Fabtech, or anything else for that matter don’t hesitate to call Troy.

The bumper came in plain back powder coating.  I was tossing around the idea of coating it in the Jeep’s Red Rock color.  The plan right now is to install it and see how it looks in black.

The other thing I was confused about was the factory fog lamps.  I was not sure what to do with them.  Then I found the picture below.  This guy used some 3″ PVC to make “cans” to hold the factory lights.  Awesome idea!  I sure wish I could find a picture of how he closed off the back of the light.  I will mount my lights a little closer to the front, but I sure love the idea.

EDIT: I found some more links to his build

Poor Boy Fab Shop; that’s me, Skully’s at home DIY projects! In this ever crappy economy most of us see an ever depleting disposable income. (Although I will admit if I did have the money I still like to fab my own stuff, its fun and saves money for the more expensive toys.)

For owners of any 4 wheel Drive the secret is to get as big of a tire as possible with the amount of lift you can afford. For XJ owners it can be a pain to figure out how to get the big tires under your vehicle as most lift kit makers state for XJ’s 4.5″ of lift you can run 32″ tires. Problem I find that not so accurate. I have 4.5″ of lift with 31’s and still rub in the front and rear.  The front of an XJ you can cut to yours hearts content to give yourself room. The rear of an XJ is a little more complicated being it is a Unibody and the pinch seam and lower quarter panel gets in the way. Even with minor to major cutting most still do some form of Bump stop Read the rest of this entry »

While most of my fellow Jeepers went to Fall Fling as was mentioned in a previous post by JohnJohn. I was unable to attend, but did not want to stay home and do nothing. So to be one of my last trips of 2008, I hooked up with 3 other guys of the naxja.org board, and made a family wheeling event. We had wives, girlfriend, and kids all raring to go!  ………It was also going to be a snow run as 1-3 inches were predicted by noon, it didn’t happen, lying weathermen!

I really wanted to do something I haven’t done before, but two of the guys in the group voted against me and chose Mill Creek / Bill Moore combo.  We did decide not to run Red Elephant up, as it can be nasty in wet conditions. So starting Bill Moore from Empire, just after the beginning switchbacks to the top, one of us in the group started to get really sick, and ended up turning around on the trail.  (it sounded like altitude sickness.)

…..with three of us remaining we trekked on, but somehow missed our turn to Mill Creek, ending up going backwards on Read the rest of this entry »

I got back from Moab about 4:30 today.  Boy I’m tired.  I have some video that needs editing and some photos to upload.  I should get around to that some time tomorrow.

Here’s a quick tease.  It’s a trail call “Pickle”.

We’re taking this show on the road next week. Moab, UT for the annual NAXJA Fall Fling. This is the 25th anniversary of the XJ Cherokee. While I don’t own a Cherokee any longer I have had 4 or 5 of them in the past. Thanks to my old buddy Fred, I have been a NAXJA member since almost the beginning.

The Fling was started a few years ago, 99 I think. Some guys from the newly formed Colorado-XJ list were heading out to Moab. This happened around the same time some of our Rocky Mountain sharing Utah buddies where there. This was right around the time NAXJA was getting it’s feet wet. We didn’t call it fall fling then though. <If these details are wrong, please comment and set the story straight>

The event form then on was put together by the Intermountian NAXJA Chapter. Today the event has grown to 125+ XJs. This year the event will giveaway a XJ. I lifted, locked, highly modified rig.

I will posting video from our new Kodak Zi6 HD Camcorder. Kodak has given us a unit to test and will do just that. The Moab dust will be tossed around this new camera. We’ll see how it holds up.

Life moves fast. Grab it in HD.

- Take stunning HD videos (720p at 60 fps)
– Easy upload to YouTube™ with built-in USB
– Record hours of video—up to 32 GB worth
– View on any HDTV with the included cables
– Edit and share videos with the included software CD
- Rechargeable batteries and charger included

This was kinda tricky. The rear safety bar has a mount for the softop on it. The seat belt roller is also sort of in the way. Here is what I did. Post your questions by clicking “Add Comments” at the bottom of this post.

My personal opinion here; I hate tire reviews written a month after they put them on. A review for a specific tire should be written after you done wore them out.  So here is mine……….

I am a long time BFG fan. In 10 years I ran two different vehicles and four different sets of BFG’s on them. (1) Set of BFG A/T’s which are great on everything besides mud. (3) Sets of BFG M/Ts which are an all around great tire which I managed to abuse quite regularly and still got 60,000+ miles on each set. They only sucked on the street on snow and ice until I had them siped which kind of helped, but there is no perfect tire for all terrains.

Last year I had an epiphany; “How do I know if there is anything better if I have never tried them?” So I decided to try Interco’s Trxus M/T’s. I read plenty of reviews of satisfied customers who ran them and I thought I will give them a try. I bought a set May ‘07 and it is now September ‘08. They have taken plenty of abuse as I have put 30,000+ miles on my XJ in almost a year and a half and they have also been on eight off-road trails in Colorado since putting them on. Read the rest of this entry »

It was so beautiful up there, the family was in love!

The trail has changed a lot though since I have been up there, which has been about three years.

I guess more of the private property has been closed off and many of the areas and trails are not accessible as they once were.  Some of the trail I remember got deeper with ruts and mud holes. Since the trail is mostly spring run off areas it will eventually be rated a 7 instead of a 3, but overall still an easy trail system.

All the times I have been up there in the past I never knew there was a hiking trail to a placed called Champion Mill. I guess they do not advertise it and it is on private property but the owners are nice to let you hike to it as long as you are responsible. I found it on the internet by accident and this made me want to go see it!  ….the power of the internet…… Read the rest of this entry »

Our very first FMR (Four Minute Review).

Storing your Jeep’s hard top can at times be challenging.  In the past I have tried everything.

The pulley systems that pull the hard top off the Jeep and then suspend it in the rafters was ok.  However it never seemed to pull it high enough.  It was still “in the way”.  This method lead to some sleepless night wondering if I tightened everything.  I was afraid it was going to fall.

More recently I have it sitting on some cinder blocks at one end of the garage.  While this was the easiest and cheapest method it was not free of worry, and was still taking up a ton of space.

A few days ago I ordered what has turned out to be a great solution.  BIGoffroad mailed me out a HOSS™ Hardtop Cart for my JK Unlimited.  Here is link to the installation guide.

It’s pretty straight forward.  Putting it together was simple.  The top now just rolls around the garage when I need it out of the way.

Anyone running this bumper?

It’s painted blue in these photos, but comes in Black normally.  I’m digging it.

Any thoughts from you fellas?  Thanks.

pics from [4wd]

All-Terrain Lawn Mower Association

A whole forum dedicated to this?

Does lifting a lawn mower defeat the purpose of the device?  I’m just asking.  Please no ill will intended here.

[ATLMA]

Vilnus, Lithuania

Here are a few more photos form that visit.

With all the major corporations making web videos to promote products it’s hard to believe this video is real.  I think it’s still pretty funny.

Looks like the plate is in Slovakia.  To bring some of you up to speed, my plate was “lost” and has been traveling around the world for the past four years.  On it’s journey it has seen international places of interests like the Leaning Tower of Piza, Chitsunitza in Peru, skied the Alps in Austria, Norway, China, Australia, South Korea, even supported the troops in Afghanistan.  As for it’s American locations…it’s been almost everywhere.  The plate has traveled on the famous Route 66 highway, visited historic Boston.

The infamous XJ group NAXJA is responsible for this little trek.  Enjoy the full set up pictures here.

JKS Manufacturing Eliminates Track Bar Failures on JK

JKS Manufacturing has just released a highly effective and economical solution to a problem that has plagued many owners of the current Jeep Wrangler. The problem involves the factory track bar mount on the rear axle housing. Vehicle owners and industry specialists have reported an alarming number of rear track bar failures due to insufficient bracing of the factory mount. Most failures occur after the vehicle has been lifted, especially when aftermarket extension brackets are involved. However, some have even experienced failure on stock applications.

For the complete press release, click here >

I don’t ask for much from any of you. I’m not asking to support me, maybe a click on a google ad from time time. Maybe a request to order some stuff through my Amazon link.

Now I ask for a small favor. My boys are selling Boy Scout Popcorn this year. 33% of the money you spend goes directly to their Pack. 33% goes to popcorn costs. The rest is used to buy prizes and promo stuff used to get the boys excited about selling.

By the way, the popcorn is pretty tasty too.

Jacob = last name A-L Use Code: TEMD2TZ

Trevor = last name M-Z Use Code: TEMD2SU

UPDATE: added some more pictures

Thanks to Chris and all the guys and gals with Edge Offroad.  I’ve known Chris for years and it was really nice to get out with him and his crew.

We all ran Jenny Creek backwards today.  I had never run it that way before.  Great change of scenery.  The JK did great, only used the lockers once. At the end of the day I got a little high centered on the exit/entrance.  I pushed the locker button and was off.

This was the first trip for me on rig with 17″ wheels.  I’m use to 15″ rims.  They get aired down to 15psi or so.  The BFGs on the JK worked very well at 22psi.

On the way back down Rollins Pass I developed a knocking noise…NOT FROM MY HEAD, from the Jeep.  I could not for the life of me figure out what it was.  It would only knock during suspension movement. After I got home I aired up and pulled out the “creeper” to try and find the knock.  It sounded like a rock had gotten in the frame and was bouncing around in there.  I looked everywhere, nothing.  I am chalking it up to the D-ring in in the rear receiver hitch.  i was probably getting more noise than i am use to out of it.  The knock  has a huge frame to reverberate the sound.  In my unibody XJ I never heard it.  I guess the fast speeds on the way down the dirt road loosened up the screw and allowed it bang.  I hope that was it.

All in all the JK performed excellent.  It is so nice to trail something that doesn’t creak, squeak and smell like diff oil.  The JK is very capable and comfortable.

More pictures

Forum Thread Discussion

One of the things I wish Jeep had done to the JK was to add some storage on top of the radio.  Just under the OEM plate that covers the radio is the compass. So placing stoarage, ie a place for your cell phone above the compass could cause the compass to be off.  I never use the compass!  I live in Colorado.  Moutains = West. It’s easy from there.

Daystar came out with a replacement center dash.  I got one with delivered with a CAI from BIGoffroad.

More pictures

Forum Thread Discussion

Just follow the directions. It was easy. I picked it up from BIGoffroad. Troy delivered it to me for a mere $275.00. I bought a few other things too. Thanks.

If you need anything for your rig call Troy. Great prices and even better service.

More pictures

Forum Thread Discussion

That’s right folks.  Must of you know I sold the XJ a month or so ago.  It truly was a sad day.  The “Tippy Pickle” went to a good home.  No, really it went to a great home.  An XJ lover, and not some punk first timer.  Enjoy her and wheel her.

Last night I picked up my 9th Jeep.  Let’s recap.

1. 1997 TJ Red
2. 1999 XJ White
3. 1988 XJ Red
4. 1998 XJ Green
5. 2001 TJ Rubicon Silver
6. 1971 Comando
7. 1989 XJ Tan
8. 2006 Jeep Commander
9. 2008 JK 4dr Rubicon

Red Rock Chrystal Pearl, Black Hard & Soft Top, Tan interior, 4dr, Auto, Rubicon, 3.8L V6, PW, PL, Tow Package, Cruise Control, Air Conditioning, 6 Disc, Remote Start, Clear Bra, Tire Cover, Deep Tint Windows

The plate has moved on to Bean Town…I mean “18-1 town”. Yes I’m still bitter about the World Series.

NAXJA Link to get the whole story

Got my third replacement battery for the XJ yesterday. Wal-Mart offers 3 year replacement on any of the “MAXX” model car batteries. Thank goodeness they do.

This years design does not offer the extra side posts. I was using those connections for my headlight harness, air compressor, and winch. I guess those will be red-neck on to the main battery terminals now.

So she’s powered up and ready for the Spring and Summer.

Times are tough, I know. When a worthwhile cause comes across my desk I try and pony up.

Every year the girls in my family get together to walk in Denver’s “Race for the Cure”. I think it’s high time the men of the Paulsen family back something just as worthwhile.

Chris is a Jeepin buddy of mine. While I don’t know his background with this disease I think it a pretty worth while cause. He has dedicated his time to race. Let’s back him up.

Click the image or the link is here.

Not related to Jeeps, but I will do my best to figure out a way to relate it.

All of you with “Trailer Queens” have daily drivers. Your “Queens” probably have cages, would your homebrew cage hold up this well?

When SmartCars were first released I thought they were a great idea. I’m not really all that “green”. I liked them because they looked easy to park and the gas mileage would save me money.

I saw probably more TV coverage than the average person did on these things. FoxNews had them on one of there morning shows, probably about 8-10 months ago. They asked a lot of questions about the frame, tube cage, etc. Some very good safety questions. I was fairly satisfied with the answers. Since I have never seen one in person I was a little hesitant at defending them when someone started bashing them from a angle of them being dangerous.

After seeing this video… I would drive one; and if I was in the market for a car right now I would seriously consider buying one.

This is an amazing video.

Show that Motor Head in your family just how much they mean to you. Nothing says Merry Christmas like Chevy block Orange. Pick these ornaments up here.

Fellow LUV MY JEEP’ers,

I am looking for tech writers & link posters. Topics include anything to do with Jeep, 4×4, Wheeling, new products, camping, etc. If you see a link and want to post it please use this forum area. I’ll do the work and post it on this front blog page.

Once you start posting a few ‘news’ articles I’ll give you a user ID to post your links, tech and news on the front page. Become a Contributor by post some sweet off the wall

links and products. The goal here is to make this a true user based Jeep Site where users decide the daily blog content. The first of it’s kind.

Check out this way cool sleeping bag concept from Lippi.
It’s ideal for summer festivals, a comfortable option for couch potatoes and a fantastic choice for everyday camping.

Lippi Selk’Bag1 Characteristics:

Total Weight: 1950 GSM.
Filling: Polyester Hollow Fibre Bonded, 1X200g/sqm, Good Performance, Elastic.
Shel / Lining: Nylon 210T / 70 Deniers, Soft Touch.
Extreme Temp: -8.4 Degrees Celcius*
Limit Temp: +5.5 Degrees Celcius*
Comfort Temp: +9.7 Degrees Celcius*
Sizes: Small / Medium
Large / Extra Large

* As tested by European EN 13537 standard (EU NORM)

Extreme: Lower extreme temperature where the risk of health damage by hypothermia occurs not feeling cold (related to standard man and in standard conditions of use).

Limit: Lower limit of which a sleeping bag user with a rolled-up body posture is globally in thermal equilibrium and just not feeling cold (related to standard man and in standard conditions of use).

Comfort: Lower limit of the comfort range down to which a sleeping bag user with a relaxed posture such as lying on the back is globally in equilibrium an just not feeling cold (related to standard woman and in standard condition of use).
[site link]

This week at the Consumer Elctronics Show in Las Vegas(CES), Jeep is releasing consumer electronics? Huh?

According to AutoBlog it sports a 3.5″ Touch Screen LCD. It’s going to be packed with features.

• a GPS (hopefully with some actual offroad maps)
• built-in MP3 player
• a video player
• an eBook reader

[site link]

…and of course how to pay for it.

Read the rest of this entry »

Jay Charles has set up a live RC SUV and controls. So…you say. Did I mention that you can control the car via his website?

You got it folks. This hummer has been equiped so you can see and control it’s action via the WWW. Jay and his family’s feet can also be seen trolling around the house. Run it in to the kitchen, living room, etc. No ads up on the site yet, come on Jay get with the times. You should really be making money at this.

The WWWRC is obviously not running 24 hours day, but when it is…it is so much fun.

This concept is called the Hilux. By Toyota and tricked out with the help of Arctic Trucks.

When TopGear star Jeremy Clarkson decided to go to the North Pole by car, he chose a Toyota Hilux that was modified by Arctic Trucks for this very special task. It was much harder than originally planned, but they did it – they managed to get to the North Pole in a Toyota Hilux. The model is an extraordinary piece of engineering – it kept going through the harsh conditions, even after suffering damage.

I would probably drive it if someone gave it to me, but it’s no Jeep.  How about you would you drive it?

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Ok I would totally wheel the crap out of this thing. I saw a SmartCar up close and personal a few weeks ago and actually tilted my head and could see a time when I would drive someting like that.

Now this prototype is very appealing. The engine and transmission were adopted from the Unimog. The OM 352, a six-cylinder diesel engine with a capacity of 5,675 cc, was given a prominent and clearly visible position on the front axle. It delivers 84 bhp – an impressive figure for the smart forfun2. The diesel version of the production car has a 41 bhp engine.

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Rub a couple of cotton balls in Vaseline, then store them in you glove box with some flint and steel. LifeHacker says this makes a great fire starter.

Popular Mechanics says that a cotton ball smeared with Vaseline or ChapStick is “a foolproof fire starter.” The Vaseline works as your fuel, and once you get the Vaseline-soaked cotton ball lit, the flame should continue to burn under pretty much any condition. The Popular Mechanics article is rather light on details, so I also found a post on the Survival and Equipment weblog detailing how to make single-use petroleum jelly candles using cotton balls, petroleum jelly, and aluminum foil. You will, of course, still need a flint or match to get the cotton ball started

I’d like to get my hands on this…

[Site Link]