Interview Ken Joiiio.Com

Ken is the founder and president of Joiiio. His Twin Cities-based company provides expert hard top removal and secure storage, and they are Platinum-certified Bestop softop installers. Joiiio’s mission is to enable every Jeep and Bronco to enjoy their vehicle the way nature intended it! Topless, doorless, we got you covered (uncovered)!

$70k Limited Gladiator!

Mopar’s Special-Edition Jeep Gladiator Pickup? 

A Mopar customized Gladiator pickup using a factory catalog PLUS a wad of sweaty money is all you need to own one!

Since 2010 Stellantis parts, known as Mopar has released a special limited Gladiator edition.  A custom 2024 Jeep Gladiator pickup.  Featuring some of the optional Jeep and Mopar items from Mopar.

You can own 1 of the total 250 of these and it’s even marked as to which one of the 250 you have!

The 2024 Mopar Jeep starts with the Rubicon trim of the Gladiator pickup, which comes with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 good for 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, linked to a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The standard Gladiator Rubicon starts at $58,825, and Mopar’s custom truck, optioned closer to the Rubicon X which starts at $65,285, will cost more than either—setting you back a stiff $72,190 to start.

Mopar heavy-duty rock rails with step assist, a triple-hoop grille guard, a three-piece and body-color hardtop, a tri-fold hard tonneau cover, spray-on bedliner, front and rear grab handles, and custom Mopar badging and trail graphics, like on the tailgate. Inside, the 2024 Mopar Gladiator features a custom headliner, black trim, and all-weather floor mats. You also get black-painted 17-inch wheels wearing all-terrain tires. While not included in the price, Mopar also encourages owners to explore the optional $2,095 two-inch lift kit and the $1,545 tube door option, since why not try and reach for an eighty grand MSRP?

Owners can also expect a Mopar kit that features a personalized certificate of authenticity with the serialized vehicle-build number, as well as a digital rendering of their vehicle, and a gifted 83-piece JPP reusable tool kit that’s expandable for custom or additional tools as well that’s seemingly valued at around $540. The ’24 Mopar Jeep should be in select dealerships this month.

Stellantis recalls 1.16 million vehicles over rearview camera issue

Chrysler parent Stellantis is recalling 1.16 million vehicles in North America over a problem with software that is preventing rearview cameras from displaying, raising the risk of a crash.

The over-the-air software update recall includes 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles and covers 1.033 million vehicles in the United States and 126,000 in Canada.

The vehicles’ radio software may be preventing rear-view images from displaying.

Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update

Last week I spoke about not getting overly excited about buying mods for your Gladiator just because you picked a good one.

I think it’s like winning a big hand in poker and you just have to keep going while you’re hot!

Lost house, family, and underwear later, well I digress.

With that in mind, I’ve been looking at additional protection by adding more skids!

Now you may say, WHY?!?!?! The Motobilt skid system covers at least 85% of everything under the Gladiator, well what about the lower control arms?  Where they mount to the frame.

I think I have found good bolt-on front and rear lower control arm skid plates.

$279.95 buys you ¼” thick steel, black powder coat finish.

While I was on the site I noticed they have these skids for the TJ/LJ, XJ, JK, and of course the JL.

¼” steel, which should keep from bending over those lower control arm ears.  I’ve already done some damage to my lower control arm rear passenger.

You’re never done with the modifications, and that can be frustrating and fun at the same time.

What do you think are good LCA skids?  What about weld-on vs bolt-on?

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

The Warn ZEON XD 10-S / 12-S Winch

-WARN has developed a new High-performance, High-efficiency motor, and geartrain delivers blazing fast no-load line speeds of up to 40ft/min….THE FASTEST IN ITS CLASS.

-Built to OEM grade standards

-Reliable waterproof construction with an O-ring rubber sealing. This makes the entire winch highly rated for submersion and pressure spray.

-HighLift Off-Road is offering a $200 instant Gift Card at check by using the code:  HLJTSWARN valid June 27-July 7.

Visit HIghLiftOffroad.com to get yours 

We Have a Winner!

We pick the JeeTops giveaway winner!

Allison Parliament of Official Ducking Jeep established 2020 passed away on June 22nd.

Love or hate ducking Jeeps, Allison brought a lot of attention to Jeeps, and Jeepers!

Jeep alignment, home, or professionally done?

Obstacles, straight on, angled, or it depends?

 

It’s Hurricane Season!

Want Your XJ to look like this?

I was cruising Instagram today and I saw a post.  It was an advertisement for a company having a sale for the weekend.

As an XJ fan, and owner since 1998 I looked at this picture and thought to myself.  There is a lot you don’t see here to be able to have an XJ that looks like this.

I’m going to guess this XJ is on 35’s, possibly 37’s there are many modifications and expensive modifications that must be done if you are planning to use your XJ off-road.

33” diameter tires are okay for on or off-road.  It is highly recommended to re-gear your axles. 4.11 for 33’s, 4.56 for 35’s. (assuming you are using an AW4 automatic transmission)

It doesn’t stop there.  If you have a Dana 35 rear you may not want to add any kind of locker with 33’s.  If you have a 97+ Chrysler 8.25 rear axle, you should be able to lock it up to 35” tires.

Larger wheels and tires mean more flex in the uni-body, no frame on an XJ just shaped thin metal.  It’s the shape that gives it strength.  So you may need to weld on frame stiffeners to keep metal fatigue from occurring.

Speaking of metal fatigue, those big wheels and tires are going to flex your steering box that is attached to the unibody.  You might want to add stiffening the steering box to the unibody as well, before it gets ripped off.

There is NO reason NOT to buy the goodies that aftermarket companies are selling, but know that you are just scratching the surface of all the things you’ll want to do if you’re planning on keeping your XJ for a long time.

It’s a great off-road platform, but YJ, TJ, JK, JL, and JT are more robust systems from the factory and usually require fewer additions and fewer $$$.

It’s Hurricane Season!

A turbo inline-six is blowing in to make converts out of die-hard Hemi V8 fans.

The comeback for the V8, specifically HEMI, has been going strong for 20 years, most recently for the 392 Wrangler.

I love V8s.  I loved the 327 in my 72 Nova until I broke a main cap.  The sounds, the smells, but wearing down the rear tires it’s just cool.

What if you could get the horsepower and torque of a V8 from a straight 6, the Hurricane?

The Hurricane engine displaces 3.0 liters and features a pair of turbochargers. Borrowing its name from a classic Jeep motor, the modern edition comes in various tunes intended to pull duty in a wide range of Jeep and Ram models. Two versions are available: a Standard Output (SO) version making 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque and a High Output version (HO) that ups the figures to 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque.

My 327 COULD have made 300 horsepower if I had the much sought-after (at the time) 202 heads.

Do you have a hurricane engine in your vehicle?  How do you like it?  How does it sound?

Newbie Nuggets with Wendy

Dogs and Jeeps

If you have been wheeling you know there are lots of dogs that love 

jeeping… Some more than their owners LOL

Here’s some things to consider before you take Fido with you;

1) Bring plenty of water and a bowl. And towels if you are wheeling near water (lake, beach, pond). 

2) Bring poop clean-up bags – and have a way to store it/trash bag outside your jeep. Pick up after your dog!

3) Be considerate to others – not everyone LOVES dogs (not sure what’s wrong with them lol). Drivers meeting and lunch stops, don’t let your dog roam around – please them on a leash.

4) Have a leash. Dogs need collar (or harness) tags w/ID so if, and when, your dog takes off chasing wildlife you may be able to get your dog back. 

5) Check the weather for where you are wheeling. If it’s hot or humid you need to run the air all the time for your pets – if you don’t have air – DON’T take your dogs. We wouldn’t dream of taking our dogs in the summer in the desert – it’s just too darn hot. Also, our 2008 JKU doesn’t have air conditioning in the back of the jeep so we installed a small fan that Bill hooked up and we can hit the switch and circulate the air conditioning from the front to the back and back seats. May want to consider tinting back windows if you want to take your dog

6) If you’re running topless and doorless, consider tethering your dog so they can’t fall out. Also, consider goggles to protect them from the sun and things that fly into their eyes. Rex Spec makes a great goggle for dogs. 

7) Consider Booties for your dogs’ feet – I know real Men don’t use booties, but if the ground is rock, gravel, pavement, etc, the temps outside make walking on that very dangerous for the dogs.

8) Have a first aid kit on board for your dogs. Yes, they can get a cut, burned feet, snake bites, etc.  And know how to use it

9) Consider having extra food/water etc in case you get stranded and need to spend the night. This includes any meds for them too.

Share some pictures on IG of your Jeep dogs. We love Jeep dogs 

Dog booties: https://www.amazon.com/dog-boots/b?node=3024169011

https://www.rexspecs.com/

https://23zero.com.au/product/rider-seat-organiser/

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

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

Fabrication Freezy, with Larry – JeepingMo

Caring for Your Best Friend

If you take your pet out with you while its hot, please remember a couple of things.

If you’re hot so are they

They need water just like you.

If you can’t walk on the ground barefoot, it is hot for them also.

And never leave them in the jeep with the windows up and no air, unless you’re willing to do the same.

Most of our pets don’t spend all day outside in this heat.

We had an issue with Duke a couple of years ago, his paws blistered and were bleeding. So at times, he has to put on the silly dog shoes.

So put your hand on the ground and see if you can hold it there. If not make sure your pet is protected.

Make sure you have a couple items for them.

Water

Food

Some type of shade.

Just remember, if you won’t do it, do make them.

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

It’s summertime and that means Wrangler and Gladiator owners will be going topless!  We here at the Jeep Talk Show would like to recommend you get rain protection for your Jeep, specifically the expensive electronics in your dash.

Easy storage behind the passenger’s headrest. Quick to deploy.  You need this before that summer shower pops up and you only then remember you meant to buy a Dash Poncho!

Goto dashponcho.com right now

https://dashponcho.com/collections/all

 

 

Interview Adam Jeepin the Saloon

Adam is the founder and event coordinator for Jeepin’ the Saloon. Jeepin’ the Saloon is an annual 3 day Jeep event held on the property of the famous Rattlesnake Saloon on labor day weekend in Tuscumbia, AL.

https://tinyurl.com/mjk53snb

392 in 2025?

Joe Elmore, passed away Monday, according to Nashville Public Television. He was 80 years old and is survived by two sons and a daughter

POWERNATION Joe Elmore is a true icon in the world of automotive and travel television. Joe, the beloved host of shows like “Horsepower TV” and “Muscle Cars,” passed away in the early hours of Monday, June 17. He was 80 years old, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades and touched countless lives. Joe’s rise to prominence in the automotive world began with “Horsepower TV,” where he took viewers into the heart of the garage, transforming ordinary vehicles into extraordinary machines. His expertise and ability to explain technical details clearly and engagingly inspired countless enthusiasts to start their own projects.

But honey, I HAVE to buy a 392 Wrangler for $100k!  This is the last year Jeep is making them!  Thanks dear, look at it as an investment!

Well….

Just when you thought it was safe to fill up at the gas station…

Hemi-powered Jeep Wrangler 392 returning in 2025

Despite the six-figure Final Edition model in 2024 that was supposed to mark the last V-8 offering, the Jeep Wrangler 392 is coming back for 2025.

It’s been three months since Jeep outed the 2024 Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition, saying “goodbye”  As it turns out, that was only goodbye for now because the V-8 off-roader makes a surprise return for 2025. This unexpected announcement is unlikely to sit well with those who thought they were buying a limited-production vehicle.

Indeed, the 6.4-liter Hemi is sticking around for the 2025 model year due to popular demand, according to Jeep. It continues to pump out 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It enables the quickest and most potent Wrangler ever to hit 60 mph in four and a half seconds and do the quarter mile in 13 seconds.

Is it possible that the new management at Jeep, as foreign as it is, may be good for us Jeepers?

Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update

I’m not able to go off-road as much as I like 

Originally the “heat creep” issue with my 98 Cherokee kept me close to home and out of reach of off-road destinations.  Getting the Gladiator changed all that.  Originally the plan was to flat tow the Cherokee with the Gladiator, but that changed when I was able to take the Gladiator off-road.  Just drive to the off-road place, off-road the Gladiator, then drive back home.  Simple!

My most recent outing was a recent Jeep Talk Show event.  I tried more aggressive obstacles this time and that was because of the Motobilt skid system.  It was thrilling to go up and over rocks and shelves.  Hell, I even turtles the Jeep briefly.  I was able to backup and change the line slightly and give it more gas.  I was over it and down.

I can’t say that the skid system made it easier to wheel, but it did increase my confidence that I wouldn’t crush a downpipe, or drag the transmission across a sharp rock.

After the event, I was excited about the great purchase I made with the skid system.

I wanted to buy something else for the Gladiator!  I didn’t know what.  I have a list of things, but what is going to be as great a purchase as the full skid system?!?!?

So I asked my friends, the listeners, and JTS team members.

I was basically told to calm down.  They’re right, and now I’m telling you.  You don’t have to buy stuff for your Jeep to go wheeling, but I would advise on a good skid system.  Then you can stop buying stuff. lol

 

Deadly Force?

On tonight’s episode we’ll be asking you…

What would it take for you to use deadly force to protect your Jeep?

Do you use written documentation of modifications?

Buying an older Jeep, do you research maintenance?

 

Episode 1061 – Cheap Jeep?

2027 Jeep UNDER $25k

Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa also said the brand aims to grow its hybrid and electric portfolio over the next five years.

The Jeep Renegade will return in 2027 with an electric powertrain and a starting price under $25,000.

Jeep will also launch a new generation of the Compass as well as refresh the rest of its gas-powered lineup

After killing off the Renegade subcompact SUV in 2023, Jeep has decided to bring the nameplate back in 2027, only reincarnated as an EV. Outside of an official name and segment, the 2027 Renegade EV will be a new model that has little in common with its gas-fed predecessor.

The End of Off-Road Events

Is the end of off-road events on the horizon?  As we just reported Jeep’s goal is to expand their EV vehicles in the next FIVE years.

A sub $25k Renegade is amazing.  Are car prices going down for a change?  No matter how much you loved your Motorola flip phone the added ease of use and endless amount of applications you could install on a smartphone, well you just had to let that DUMB phone go into that special box of old phones, chargers, and cases.

Vehicles are going to get so cheap, so smart anyone who is going to an event will drive there on the paved roads and meet in a parking lot.  Loud stereo systems and bright lights will be what people show off.

Sure there will be people like the CJs and older Jeepers we see on the trails now, but there will be less and less of true off-road Jeeps.

I suspect your off-road Jeep will become that Jeep that sits under a tarp and gets taken out on weekends and wheeling trips.

Could we see an end to Easter Jeep Safari?  With EVs and the closing of trails, I can see all of this coming to a head.  You’ll be told what you can drive and where you can drive it.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a Jeep and taking it off-road, or taking your Jeep off-road for the first time, get out there and DO IT!

Newbie Nuggets with Wendy

When do you take your Jeep to the repair shop?

Discuss when you decide to take it. And why or why not

What type of shop – dealer or independent?

How do you find a good shop/mechanic you can trust?

What about a buddy? Good idea? How would you know?

How about DIY?  Where is the best info: IG, YouTube?

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

Fabrication Freenzy with Larry – JeepingMo

Welding on your axle

If you wheel at some point you might need to repair a bracket or add a truss to one of your axles.

So let’s look at some of the differences you will go through when welding them on.

If you’re welding to the main tube or existing brackets, things are much easier. There are a couple of simple things you need to do.

  • Remove all dirt and oil from the area.
  • Get the area down to the bright metal.
  • Make sure you have a good ground location close to your weld. You don’t want the current path to go through bearings or electrical components.  And with that, I typically remove the ground on the battery. Now on the new 2 battery systems, I am not sure about the second battery.

Then weld on your bracket or tab. Sometimes you might be re-attaching a broken off-track bar mount or control arm bracket.

One very important thing you want to look for.

if there are cracks in the weld that you need to repair.

You need to cut out the cracks before welding over them.

You might think the new weld will take care of the crack, but man34.y times the weld will crack in the same location if not cut or ground out.

Now when you’re welding to the center section or on the front C’s the process is a little different.

You must preheat cast areas to weld on them, if not there are going to be issues.

You need to make sure the areas are clean and free of grease and paint.

Cast steel and iron will grow and shrink much more than the tubes in the axle.

I remove the gears and ball joints before heating and welding.

I get the housing as close to 400 as I can, then weld it up.

After welding I wrap it up in a welding blanket, you want the axle to cool slowly.

If the axle cools too fast, there is a good chance your welds will crack.

Now you will need to replace the seals and ball joints.

I have seen people weld on a truss and only weld to the tubes and not weld to the center section.

Not the way I would do it, but I know it’s done.

But welding to the tubes and brackets is easy and not a job you should be scared of, it’s a job most can do.

I would use a 220 welder for welding on an axel, but I know 110 have been used.

If you would like some help on this please reach out to me and I’ll do what I can.

https://www.youtube.com/@JeepingMo

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

I recently attended the JTS off-road event and there was one thing that I found I needed the most.  All the people that attended the event.  The team members that made the event happen and took everyone on the trails.  John Lee stops at every obstacle to help a brand new Jeeper get over everyone successfully.

You might like wheeling alone, but I think you should rethink that and go with people, and friends, even if they become your friends on the trails.

Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Show #209 Tech and A soap box moment

This show is dedicated to Leroy. He was the ultimate Jeeper in the Tampa Bay area. RIP sir you will be missed. My apoliges but im compleatly worn down with greif. If you have lost a loved one you know all to well. These past few days have been rough. Scott.