Author Archive

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  Trail & Street Fix for Jeep JKs that have VSC Issues after Installing a Lift Kit

  June 28th, 2010 by Jay Barnett

  

  Jeep JKs have a very sophisticated computer monitoring system that does a continuous check while driving to ensure your ABS brake system and the Vehicle Stability System are operating properly. Adding lift kits and larger tires can affect the way the system gets its information.

  After installing my lift kit, while driving to get an alignment, my Jeep went nuts. My steering wheel was off center, causing the VSE to engage. The Jeep computer thinks I am turning but the wheels are going straight. It triggers the brakes to apply, throwing the Jeep into an uncontrollable spin. Here is why….

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  Installations, Off-Roading Adventures, Upgrades 3 Comments

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  Axle Gear Upgrade for 2007 – 2010 Jeep Wrangler

  May 24th, 2010 by Jay Barnett

  We have just run into a 2007 JK Jeep oddity. When looking to do a gear upgrade on your Jeep, be aware that not all 2007 JKs have Dana 44 rear axles. There are a few that have Next Generation Dana 35s with 4:10 gears from Chrysler. They are easy to spot because the axle cover has a different shape than a Dana 44.

  Currently there are no gears, axle shafts, or lockers available for this Jeep. Since they are in such limited supply in the United States, it is doubtful any manufacturer will spend any time or money to make upgrades for them.

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  Upgrades 12 Comments

  G2, Gear Upgrade, Jeep Wrangler, Upgrades

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  Off-Roading on Foot at Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

  May 14th, 2010 by Jay Barnett

  It’s springtime and the trails are calling me and my JK, but this weekend I tried something different. Instead of navigating my Jeep on a trail somewhere, my wife and I hiked a trail.

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  Off-Roading Adventures, Seasonal Guides No Comments »

  Antelope Valley, Hiking

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  Jay’s Jeep Adventures

  May 12th, 2010 by Jay Barnett

  Just wanted to make ya’ll aware I am not just a “Jeep JK” Jeep Bastard. My first Jeep experience was a 1978 Jeep CJ5 that I have no picture record of. Next was a 1979 Jeep J20 pickup that I still own, but it’s in storage.

  

  My first hardcore experience was Sledge Hammer in Johnson Valley, CA around 18 years ago. The CJ7 I ran that day ran a lot of trails over a 20-year span. My last experience in that Jeep was the Jeepers Jamboree 2003. That run was marred with a broken right rear axle, no rear brakes, and a severely broken frame. Read more

  Off-Roading Adventures 4 Comments

  Jeep CJ, Jeep TJ, Jeep Wrangler, Pro Comp

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  Off-Roading in Moab Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

  May 5th, 2010 by Jay Barnett

  I am a member of the Red Rock 4 Wheel Club in Moab. Each year I help out by assisting on trails as a guide and helping other off road enthusiasts over obstacles they may be unsure of. This year on “Big Saturday” I was a part of the team assisting 38 Jeeps on Moab Rim Trail. It is rated 4 on a scale of 5 – not an easy run, but not the hardest either.

  The second obstacle on the trail is the “C” turn and it has two phases. The first part is a 3-step staircase. The second phase has several steps but they’re smaller and easier to climb. For the first phase, you line up your Jeep towards the left on the staircase and ease up over the 3 steps. Sometimes you get a little wheel spin if your tires don’t grip the slick rock. Some shorter wheel base Jeeps have to bump the throttle a bit to get up over the last rock step.

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  Off-Roading Adventures No Comments »

  Moab, off-roading

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  Jay’s 2007 Jeep JK Upgrades

  April 8th, 2010 by Jay Barnett

  

  My name is Jay Barnett but my co-workers and friends call me Jeep Bastard Jay. I got that nickname from an old friend (it’s a long story), but I have stuck with it ever since. I have been with the company for a LONG time and currently help the DSI department. Well, enough about me. Here’s my Jeep story.

  Back in 2007, Jeep released their new Wrangler called the JK and from the moment I saw it I knew everyone was going to see me on the trail with the newest and greatest Jeep vehicle. The only problem was that California didn’t have any of them, so before I could pack I was on a plane flying to Dallas, Texas to bring home my bright red Jeep. The good thing about working here and having one of the first JKs in California is testing the aftermarket parts for vendors.

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  Upgrades 2 Comments

  Jeep JK, Pro Comp Shocks, Pro Comp Tires, Pro Comp Wheels, Smittybilt Bumpers, smittybilt winch, Upgrades, Volant Intake, Xenon Fender Flares