EJS 2024 has come and gone!

Now it’s my 2nd year to go and this year with my wife.  Her first time!  It was exciting hearing her reaction to such a different environment than what we are both used to in S.E. Texas.

1. Bill
2. Steve
3. FU Bob
4. Dutch
5. 2J
6. Dan
7. Jason
8. Rick
9. Rich
10. Carrie
11. Dwayne
12. Garrett
13. Chuck
14. Roger
15. Jess
16. Mark
17. Jodie
18. Mike
19. Julieanne
20. Greg
21. Susie
22. And me!

Smaller Cheaper 4×4 Jeep?

2016 EJS one of the concept Jeeps was a V6-powered, no-frills Jeep that looked much like a small Wrangler.  Just a foot longer than the much older jeeps.  No lockers, open open.  Rumors are that Jeep may be planning on something based on this concept for as little as $15k.  Toyota is also working on something similar, could Ford be far behind with a cheap Bronco?

This is very exciting news as it would allow more people to get a good off-road Jeep and save much over the very pricey larger Jeeps, and even much cheaper than the side-by-sides.

I wonder if Greg’s Unofficial Use Only YJ grill would fit.  Imagine a small Jeep Wrangler with square headlights.  Haven’t heard about Greg’s YJ grill for your JL/JT, head over to unofficialuseonly.com and check it out!

What do you think? Would you spend $15 for a dedicated trail rig, that you could drive on the road as well?

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

GlueTread 4×4 Sidewall Emergency Tire Repair Kit | Puncture Repair Anywhere | No Need to Remove Tire | Sidewall Tubeless Tire Patch Kit | Includes Accelerator (Eliminates Curing Time) $59.95

EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR TIRE: Repair existing tire by repairing slices, or punctures in your off-road tire. GlueTread products are more cost-effective than buying a brand-new tire.

EASY TO APPLY: Repair a damaged tire without removing the tire from the vehicle.

LARGER SURFACE AREA: Slightly thicker than the External Patch Kit and with more surface area, the 4×4 Sidewall Repair kit is designed specifically for larger damage.

MULTI-PURPOSE USAGE: GlueTread can be used on multiple types of tires, including ATVs, UTVs, Tractors, golf carts, and more.

ELIMINATE CURE TIME WITH THE ACCELERATOR (INCLUDED): The SxS puncture repair kit comes with a 2oz bottle of spray on the accelerator which eliminates curing time allowing the tire to be inflated immediately without keeping you waiting on the trail.

https://amzn.to/49evAAI

Is the 4×4 Future Smaller?

Rumors are flying about Jeep and Toyota developing compact 4×4.  Think of the Jeep Renegade but more of a true 4-wheel drive.  We’ve been talking about how difficult it is to put enough battery in an EV to make it a realistic alternative to an ICE vehicle.  As a stopgap and pressure from governments around the world. A clown car small Jeep might fit the bill.  We could be more European!

The compact 4×4 could be a fully EV like the new Jeep venger, hybrid or hybrid generator.  The good news is that a simplified electric vehicle could be much cheaper.

You may be aware of Toyota’s NEW $12k pickup truck.

No anti-lock brakes. No airbags. Crank windows.  No armrests.  Lots of plastic and rubber.

So we see signs that automakers are looking for a way to make the cost of a new vehicle much less.

Jeep EcoDiesel V6 issues

Jeep’s EcoDiesel engine has such a bad reputation in his latest teardown video. Originally found in the last-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee and versions of the Ram 1500, they’re well-known for failing prematurely, with tough-to-find parts and lots of extremely tight packaging.

In a recent teardown Eric from “Do Cars” found damaged pistons, after it smacked into a valve.  Bearings disintegrated, leading to the rod cap detaching from the rod.

The rod cap bounced around in the crankcase before wedging itself between the crankshaft and the block, seizing the motor.

Eric suspects a lack of maintenance and a lack of surface area for the bearings is what led to the failure. Seeing as how he takes engines like these apart for a living, we suspect he’s onto something. Eric has taken apart numerous EcoDiesels and says they’ve all had similar problems with the bottom end.

I’ve never had a vehicle with a diesel engine, but I have heard a lot of good things about them over the years.  Certainly in the transportation industry, they are almost mandatory for maximum towing and longevity.

I guess this is like what we learn about gas engines.  Just because they make one doesn’t mean it’s a good one.

Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update

I’m currently at MOAB, EJS 2024.  I’m having memories of last year’s trip.  What fun.  One of the things I experienced was low-power steering fluid.

There’s no excuse for not checking fluids, but I have to admit with 7,000ish miles on the Odo I just drove it to EJS.  700 miles(?) 19ish hours.

I heard the classic whine of the power steering pump out on the trail.  When I was done I headed to Orileys and picked up a few things.

Yep, the power steering fluid was low.  Did it just get hot and evaporate or spill over from the heat?

I haven’t had any issues since, so I’m not sure what happened.

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

T Slot Nuts for Toyota Tacoma Bed Rails Cleats Bed Rack Rail Accessories for Tundra Pickup Truck Deck Bike Mount W/Stainless Button Socket Cap Screw (4 Packs) $12.99

https://amzn.to/43u2UCq

Elvis, ahh 392, has left the building

Have you ever spent an unGodly amount of money for concert tickets simply because you had to be the performer?  Well, think of this that way.  The FINAL V8 Jeep Wrangler will cost $101,890.

The question is, if you knew Elvis was going to die soon, would you have spent ANY kind of money to see his last concert?

If your answer is yes, well you bastard you should have tried to save his life!  You make me sick…  but I digress.

Unlike Elvis, you don’t have to worry about losing an eye when that over-stressed body suit button loses the battle and rockets into the audience.

The Final Edition 392 Wrangler has bronze accents, Mopar accessories, and special commemorative plaques.

Only 3700 units will be produced in total and it starts at $101,890.

The treatment starts off with decals for the hood and front fender vents, and the 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels feature a bronze finish. A winch, a Mopar grille guard, and Mopar rock sliders come standard, and the Jeep includes a 0.5-inch suspension lift kit that brings ground clearance up to 11.5 inches. Inside, the interior features black Nappa leather and gold stitching, along with a special shifter medallion and plaque commemorating this as a Final Edition model. Jeep also throws in a fold-out table and an 83-piece toolkit

My 2 story house was $108k, but like I once heard on Blue Bloods.  You can sleep in your Jeep, but you can’t drive your house to work.

So many Antennas

We’ve spoken about this in the past, but it’s time for a refresher.  In a recent prior Round Table recording, I was asked some questions that led to an antenna discussion.

Antennas on Jeep all work the same way and are governed by the same physics principles whether it is CB, GMRS, classic AM or FM news and entertainment.

How long antennas are, or aren’t directly related to the frequency they are used on to transmit or receive.

GMRS General Mobile Radio Service radio antenna length is .5258 feet (or 6.31 inches)

CB Citizen band radio antenna length is 9.072 feet (or about 109 inches)

FM news and entertainment antenna length is 2.36 feet

AM news and entertainment antenna radio length is 311 feet.

Now I know you’ve seen antennas for CB, GMRS, and especially for AM/FM good time radio that were longer or shorter.  Usually shorter.

Antennas can be shorter but things are done to them so that your radio THINKS it’s the right sized antenna.  That doesn’t mean it works better, it actually works worse.

This is why I’ve said before, when you put that stubby, or 50 caliber bullet antenna on your Jeep, you are making radio reception worse (much worse) than the factory antenna.

If you haven’t noticed, the factory Jeep antenna is much shorter than the 311-foot antenna you need for AM New/Entertainment radio.

Most of us don’t use AM radio any longer, but if there is an emergency and you’re fleeing to safety you might need that factory antenna to hear the lies the government tells us anyway.  Oh wait, yeah keep that short antenna.

Find a place to store your factory antenna in, or on your Jeep so you can swap it if necessary.

Finally to wrap it up, the antenna “wire” coax length.  An old wives tale, or in this case, CB’rs tale is that the coax should be in multiple of the lengths of the antenna, 20 feet, etc…  WRONG!  The coax is designed to be invisible to the antenna system.  And if your antenna is installed properly the length of the coax should have no effect on how well the antenna performs.  The shorter the coax the less signal loss and the better overall performance of the radio and antenna.

You’ll have to cut your coax to length and then replace the connector on the end, usually on the radio side, but either is fine.  No twisting wire splices, there has to be a connector soldered to the coax end.

Newbie Nuggets with Wendy

Holding up fingers as you pass other Jeepers

Have you passed other Jeepers on trails and wondered how many were in their group? It’s helpful to know because if their group has more jeeps than yours and you pulled over, it would be helpful info to know when the last jeep passed. 

How do you let the other group know how many are in your group? We hold up the number of fingers for the number of jeeps. 

In a nutshell, you are telling the other on-coming group how many are in your group so they 1) stay put and let us pass and 2) they can count the jeeps as we pass and once all are through, then they can continue on their ride. Sometimes the trail is very narrow and there isn’t room for both groups to pass each other. Someone has to stop, pull over, and let the other group through. If you are alone (I don’t always recommend that) and you come across a group, you may be the one backing up to make room for the other group.

I can’t tell you how many other drivers have no idea why we were putting our fingers up. The look and the responses are priceless. Some think we are doing the Jeep wave, others hold up the same # of fingers, and others just ignore us.

We have started to roll down our window and tell them how many are in our group but there are still so many people that don’t understand the hand signals. One time a group shook their heads in agreement like they understood, but then proceeded to continue on. We knew there was no way we all could pass, so Bill had to shout at them to STOP and say wait till we pass. 

For anyone new to jeeping off-roading, there is an unwritten code in the off-road world to let others know how many are in your group. I get it, if you have never been told what this all means, how would you know? Well, I’m sharing this info for you so that YOU will know and YOU can help educate others that you wheel with. 

Basically, the lead jeep holds up the # of fingers to represent the # of jeeps behind the leader. Then each person behind that should hold up the number they have behind them, etc., etc. The last Jeep 4 holds up a closed fist to represent there are no more jeeps behind them. Now in today’s sensitive culture, I understand holding up a fist may seem strange, but a closed fist in the off-road world means there isn’t anyone behind us. So don’t worry about the snowflakes out there!

I do think it’s our responsibility to mentor others, but when you deal with 4×4 drivers who are not in a Jeep it’s a whole different world. If that driver happens to have off-road experience from riding motorcycles or quads chances are good they probably know what it all means. Today’s new drivers of side-by-sides and Jeeps have to learn as they go. If you are experienced, teach the new drivers the code and let them in on the secret of the fingers. It’s good manners on the trail and you can set an example for others to follow. 

(https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver) 

Trails 411: https://www.jeep4x4school.com

Fabrication Freezy, with Larry – JeepingMo

My favorite EJS vendors

With EJS starting this week and the vendor show being on the Friday after this show airs, I thought I would share some of my favorite vendors and products that I use and can endorse, and are going to be at the show.  And I’ll have a link for the vendors at the show.

And I just want to say that there are a lot of good vendors and products at the show, but I can’t cover them all.

For airing backup, there are two products that I have and use on the trail.

We all know the Power Tank, is a great way to air up without needing a compressor.

If you want to run a compressor, I very much like my MoreFlate model.

Both have worked great and are high-quality products.

Now one that I have covered many times to organize your tools is Adventure Tool Company.

They make high-quality tool rolls and tool storage solutions, they have something new in every EJS that I have seen, so check them out.

If you’re looking for Trail welders, there are a couple of units there also.

Premier power welder is a unit that is installed in your rig and lets you stick weld on the trail.

As an attachment to it is the bun trail spool flux core welder.

Now if you want a portable solution that you don’t need your rig there for, or carry batteries for. Check out the Karnage mig welder that is enclosed with the batteries in the case.

If you need lights, there is Tyri off-road lighting. I have seen their lights on the trail.

They look like high-quality products, I don’t have any Tyri lights. But I know Tony does, and I know he loves them.

Then there is Rockslide Engineering with their products, I love the step sliders we have from Rockslide. We have beaten them and they have done great. If you want a step that you can slide a heavy rig on, rockslide has them.

 Now there are many quality products at the show, and you couldn’t go wrong with any of them, so if I didn’t reference them don’t send in the hate mail. But you can call in and tell us about your favorite vendor there.

Now one product that I am installing after the recording of this show is Racing Optics.  They make a windshield protectant film for your Jeep windshield.

You can also see videos on most of these products at https://www.youtube.com/@JeepingMo.

So reach out and tell us what your thoughts on the show are.

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

Laird Technologies – 450-470 Unity Antenna, Black $22.00

6” long, great for 450-470 MHz which is perfect for GMRS or 70cm HAM band.

You’ll need to purchase an NMO mount and coax unless you already have an antenna mount.  This will work better than a “Ghost” antenna.

https://www.amazon.com/Laird-Technologies-450-470-Quarterwave-Antenna/dp/B0079555WM

Jeep Concept Vehicles

We here at the Jeep Talk Show have been wondering if Jeep was going to be at the Easter Jeep Safari this year!  As you may remember Stelantis had pulled out of several events last year, including SEMA.  We thought, surely, they would be at EJS, and they are!

Jeep has concept vehicles, that either I’m looking at NOW, when you’re hearing this, or will see during this week as I and several team members and listeners are at EJS 2024.

I’m hoping that this will be a yearly event that Jeep Talk Show each year.

Jeep describes its vehicles as “an entirely new collection of attention-grabbing, mission-capable concept vehicles.”  Featuring a wide range of Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar.  Can you say Jim Morrison?

Jeep has published small teasers about these concept vehicles.  Looks like five Wranglers based on one Gladiator, and a Grand Wagoneer.  As I recall this is similar to what was revealed in EJS 2023.

Stay tuned to the show, and our social media for first-hand JTS reporting and images.  No telling who we might be speaking to about the Jeep concept vehicles.

Towed Jeep Goes Up in Flames

A man who was driving a car and towing a Jeep on Monday afternoon, March 11, pulled to the side of I-55 in Festus, unhooked the Jeep that had caught fire and fled while authorities dealt with the fire, authorities said.

The Festus Fire Department got a call about the vehicle fire at approximately 2:20 p.m., Chief Jeff Broombaugh said.

“A car was towing another vehicle on southbound I-55 just north of Hwy. A when a (Missouri State Highway Patrol) trooper followed it after seeing smoke from the towed vehicle,” Broombaugh said. “(The driver) pulled over. The state trooper tried to put (the fire) out with an extinguisher but could not.

“Herculaneum was first on the scene; then I got there. It was already about 50 percent involved. The gas tank had ruptured and was leaking gas. We got it out and remained on scene for about an hour.”

Broombaugh estimated traffic on I-55 southbound was stopped for 20 to 30 minutes.

The Jeep was destroyed by the fire and nothing else is known about the vehicle, he said.

No firefighters were injured during the incident, he added.

Cpl. Dallas Thompson, spokesperson for the Highway Patrol, said the trooper was busy dealing with the fire while the male driver fled.

“The driver unhooked and pulled forward from the (Jeep),” Thompson said. “The trooper turned to talk to fire personnel and the driver took off.”

Thompson said the matter remains under investigation, but the condition of the Jeep after the fire left little evidence behind.

The Festus and Herculaneum fire departments extinguished the car fire.

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

Godora ECO-Friendly Poo Gel Powder with Spoon, Fast-Absorbing Camping Toilet Chemicals, Rapidly Biodegradable Eco Gel for Portable Toilet, for Outdoor Portable Bedpans & Emergencies $13.99

https://amzn.to/3TiicFN

 

Jeep Profit Slides

As a child, you may have fond memories of playing on a slide.  What about when that slide was as hot as the surface of the sun, and instead of sliding you melted down the slide and left skin behind?

This is more like that.  North America Stellantis fell 15.4%. They say this is due to production disruptions and costs related to new labor agreements.  We’ve been accused of beating up on the UAW so let me point something out here.

Certainly, your profit may go down if you are sharing that profit with your workers.  I believe the hope is that if you have happier workers their job performance will improve and the company will make additional profits.

Globally Stellantis profits are down 10%.

If you’re hoping that EVs will help bolster profits I don’t see it.  EVs are more expensive to make and require deep investments, and everyone besides a Chinese company and Tesla is losing money selling them.

Range anxiety, where to charge on trips, and longevity of the battery packs, I think, are contributing to would-be EVs purchasing their first.  I believe that until an EV is made that is just so much better than an ICE vehicle it will be slow to be adopted by the majority of the public.  Or if the price of the EV was very low.

What makes a Jeeper?

Webster says the first known use of Jeeper was in 1927 and is used as a mild oath.

Do you mean like when I was in Boy Scouts and I would pledge an oath?  That was everyone, right?

AI says “Jeepers may refer to a hardcore fan of Jeeps. Jeepers are known for being active and exploring the land.”

A phrase used in Scooby-Doo by Daphne to shout in surprise when something shocking occurs

A mild exclamation of surprise, similar to “Oh my god” or “Bloody hell”

I think a Jeeper is someone who either goes off-road or has the desire to go off-road.  They select a Jeep model that can be modified for rigorous off-road use.  They feel they are part of a family of Jeep owners and believe there is no man left behind, on or off-road.

Newbie Nuggets with Wendy

Filing a “flight” plan

We have talked about what to do to find a run or group to go out with others but what if you just want to get out and you don’t know anyone OR maybe you are experienced and are tired of waiting for others?

Well, you CAN go out alone (we don’t recommend it) but you need to take precautions to make sure IF things go wrong you can be found or get help if needed.

So filing a flight plan is just what it sounds like. Pilots file them when they fly anywhere and so should you.

A flight plan has a few elements and is very easy to put together. I Have a “master” sheet with the info needed and I simply “fill in” the info needed for each trip. This actually can be filled out whether you go alone or with others – it’s a great habit to get into.

Flight Plan:

1)   Date of trip (start and end) is it one day, a few days?

2)   Time departing

3)   Time expected to return

4)   Destination: (trail route/coordinates) Actual coordinates are the best

5)   If going with others: contact info of the leader

6)   If overnight: hotel/campsite info and location

7)   GMRS channel

8)   Ham frequency

9)   Your contact info: phone # of all in your vehicle

10)Emergency contact – who can “they” call if needed

Now, this needs to be given to someone who is home or a friend or someone you can trust will monitor that you didn’t return.

Make sure you notify the holder of the flight plan so they know you returned and they don’t send out the National Guard.

NOTE: All of us know our local wheeling trails and this may seem silly to do because “we are in our backyards”, but you never know and things can and do go wrong. I highly suggest this for any new trails or areas you are not as familiar with. Again, always try to go out with someone, but if you do go alone, letting loved ones know what your plans are for the day makes good sense, and trust me IF you ever need serious medical attention, you will be happy someone knew where you were and how to find you. 

https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver

Trails 411: https://www.jeep4x4school.com/

Fabrication Freezy, with Larry, JeepingMo

LeMons 

When you think of a road racer what comes to mind, is the Mustang, Camaro, or Corvette. Maybe a Ferrari or Lamborghini.

Now I know what you’re thinking, it’s a show about Jeeps.

Well, I have been thinking of building a car for the 24 hours of lemons.

And what I am targeting is a 2wd XJ,  so what an XJ.

If this was a couple of years ago the $500 car requirement would be easy.

Now any of the safety equipment like the cage brakes and tires don’t count towards the $500.

So why lemons? I would like to do some racing, and Ultra 4 is far too expensive. If I an an unlimited budget that would be my first choice, racing on the rocks would be fun.

But the $100k plus that I think it would take is not in my budget, maybe at some time if I can find the sponsors.

I am going to try and find a 2wd XJ that needs work, it will need to be gutted and a cage put on it.  It will still be a jeep, with no rocks or trails but it should be a fun way to race on the cheap.

Now I did think of doing the Gambler 500,  but what I could find they are only in Colorado and Oregon. If there were more of the gamblers I might go that direction.

So jeepers if you know of any budget-friendly races that I can modify some type of Jeep and do some races please let me know. If you know where a 2wd XJ is that maybe you want to sell cheap or donate reach out to me.

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

Yorktown Tool Roll® – Original $199

Comes in black, coyote, Orange, and Chartreuse

Made in the USA

If you are in the trades you know how important good quality tools, and how you store and move tools to and from the job is.  If you want something that isn’t going to let you down have a look at Atlas 46.

You can see the specs of this tool carrier in the show notes for this episode 986, or at Atlas46.com

Flat Lay Pouch: 16″ x 19″ x 3″

4 x Tool Pouches: 16″ x 3″ x 3″

All Purpose Pocket: 16″ x 5″

Smallest Wrench Slot: 5.5″ x 1.375″

Largest Wrench Slot: 8.875″ x 2.375″

https://www.atlas46.com/online-store/Yorktown-Tool-Roll%C2%AE-Original-p88260008

 

https://realtruck.com/onx-offroad-elite/

On tonight’s episode…

News story(s); Is the Wrangler Doomed?  Jeep Gladiator Update; Skid System Install! Must have for your jeep; Led Work Light Rechargeable Magnetic Mechanic! #jeeptalkshow #jeep #jeeplife #jtschicchat

https://realtruck.com/onx-offroad-elite/