Shop Buddy

Who do you count on to help out when you need to lift that heavy bumper into place or figure out how to make those new steps fit when they are missing some bolts or mounts? Most likely this is one of or the same people you wheel with. They are always willing to lend a hand, tools, or a garage to get you back up and running.

For these awesome folks, I raise my beer and extend my gratitude for another job well done. I have a friend I can always count on to help out who is great with all things mechanical and since I am good with electrical, we can cover most things we encounter in the shop. Finding a buddy to work on your Jeep with and help when they need a hand too, is a big part of the Jeep community. This camaraderie is an important part of the experience, we all learn from each other and share that new knowledge with someone else. In this way we all get a little bit more capable.

Between his three Jeeps, my current JK and other friends that we have helped out, we have installed:

• 3 lift kits
• 1 pair of electric running boards
• 3 full sets of bumpers, 1 with a tire carrier
• Four aftermarket soft tops 
• 2 sets of tires (my other friend has tire mounting and balancing machines)
• 2 Brake Controllers
• Built a roof rack from an old Trampoline set (this was all him)
• 1 Set of fenders
• a full set of skid plates
• a winch
• S-POD "like" wiring and switch system
• Too many lights to count
• and numerous oil and filter changes

About the only things we have not done ourselves were the gear upgrades and LSD I added to my Jeep. That work I took to a professional shop (Globex Performance) so I knew it was done right.

My point here is that, if you don't have one yet, find someone you can count on to help you out and make sure you are there to do the same when needed. Your local Jeep club is a great place to start. Google "Jeep Clubs Near Me" and take your butt to a meeting and meet the other members. Volunteer to help someone with a project even if it's just to supply the beer. Learn from watching others more skilled than you and then you will be better off the next time you need to add something or replace a worn part. The rest of the time enjoy the friendships you have and get out there on a trail!