COVID-19 Plans (Sheltering in Place) or is it Wrenching in Place!!!

So by now I don't think anyone in the world is living life in a normal way. We are (hopefully) all doing our part to avoid contact with one another and flatten and ultimately reduce the spread of COVID-19. While this is our new "normal", we are also all looking forward to the days when we can get passed this and meet up with friends and family like we used to. Video is great but nothing really compares to a handshake when you meet someone or a hug from a loved one. We are all social beings and this isolation is taking it's toll on our sanity.

Equally as bad, small businesses are being really hard hit. In our community, many of the people/companies we purchase products and services from are small businesses and doing their best to hang in there. I am trying to do my part by ordering from local restaurants as often as we can afford and by buying gift cards for other local services that I can't get today but hope to when things return to normal.

This also applies to Jeep parts of coarse! If you have the ability to place an order or two with local companies that work in your community and Jeep with you, it would help them quite a bit during this downturn.  As I mentioned earlier, I just ordered a few parts. I purchased from Northridge 4x4 a SUPERCHIPS FLASHCAL F5 Programmer to update my speedometer since I went to the 35" Duratracs. I am not sure exactly how off it was but on the highway I think it was at least 5-7 mph out a sync.

The installation is very straight forward, you connect it to your PC first, update the software and then head out to your Jeep. The next step is to crawl under your dash on the drivers side and disconnect two connectors and plug them into the bypass. The pictures that come with the programmer will show you exactly where they are and they tend to come out relatively easy but they are in a tight spot so you will have to contort your body a bit and wedge your hand up behind the OBDII Connector. Once that is done you simply connect the Flashcal F5 to the OBDII port and turn on your accessories. Don't fully start the vehicle, but just press the start button without your foot on the break. You might need to do it twice. Once done, you can navigate the menu to see adjust what you need to. The Flashcal F5 can:

• Tire Size Adjustment: 25” – 40”
• TPMS On/Off (Remove Dash Screen)
• Gear Ratio Adjustment: 2.73, 3.07, 3.21, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56, 4.88, 5.13, 5.38
• Transfer Case Low: 2.72, 3.00, 3.80, 4.00, 4.10, 4.30, 5.00
• Sway Bar Disconnect in 2HI (up to 25 MPH, disconnects sway bar)
• One Touch Lane Change On/Off
• Fog Light Dropout On/Off
• Daytime Running Light Dropout On/Off
• Auto Park On/Off (live feature)
• Auto Start/Stop (refer to user manual)
• Reads & Clears Diagnostic Trouble Codes
• Daytime Running Light Location
• High Beam
• Low Beam
• Turn Signal 
• Fog Lights
• European / Fender Lights

In addition to the Flashcal F5, I also purchased Clayton Off Road Overland + control arms and front links but that is an install for another day... Once I can get some nicer weather for that install...

Until then, stay healthy, stay sequestered, and as always...

The Journey is what counts, Adventure Awaits!

2020 Daytona Jeep Beach Build (Updates)

2020 Daytona Jeep Beach Build (Updates)

So to expand a little on my plans pre-Jeep Beach, I wanted to share my plans both real and "stretch" goals.

As it sits, I plan to purchase:

• Clayton Off Road Overland+ Control Arms
• Clayton Off Road Adjustable Front Sway Bar End Links
• Superchips Flashcal F5 Programmer

These are what I will purchase and install first. I am really interested to see how I do on Metalcloak's Corner Travel Index rig that they bring to the local shows. Last year, I scored a 710 which was a rather average score that I was happy with. This year with the new Control Arms and the additional flexibility they will afford, I would really like to see that number increase into the high 700 or even the low 800 range...

I am replacing my Front Sway bar links as they are the stock rear ones from when I did my lift. (It swapped the rear links to the front and replaced the rear with new ones). By using the fully adjustable ones from Clayton Off Road, I can really dial in the length I need and fine tune another aspect of my build.

As for the Flashcal, that one is pretty obvious, I never adjusted my speedometer when I increased my tire size from 33" to 35" and while at slow speeds, it's not a big issue, at 65-70 mph. I think I am around 5 mph off!  I am traveling faster than my speedometer says breaking the law and I don't like to speed!

I also shared that I am working on a new idea for Aero Doors and that is something really exciting to me. I love the idea of building my own product that no one else has and seeing people's reactions. This will be awesome if I can get it finished in time. I am working with a buddy and we both have full time jobs so it will be a little tight but worth it in the end I think!.

Now for the "Wish List" of things if I could afford all I want before Daytona (which I can't)!

• AEV Front and Rear JL Bumpers! Still non-orderable after all this time but I am still waiting as they are so cool!
• Front Diff Skid Plate - I am leaning towards Rancho's Performance Front Diff Glide Plate for the Dana 44 - JL Rubicon as it seems to be the best option for me since the MetalCloak requires the use of their Diff Cover and I already upgraded that!
• Gladiator! Still on the list but at least a year out!

I will update once I have pulled the trigger and have parts to install, until then...

The Journey is what counts, Adventure Awaits!

It’s been a while...

I fell a bit out of the habit over the past few months sharing what’s new. Works been a bit crazy and to be honest, I have not done too much new to my Jeep, winter is not my favorite time of the year. To catch you all up, this is what my Jeep looks like now:

Here’s what I did over the past few months:

• Graphics! Went “old school” and designed my own decals based on an 80’s CJ...
• Installed my Metalcloak rear differential skid plate...
• Installed KC HiLites SlimLites to match my Pro’s
• Installed Dana Track Diff Covers front and rear
• Enjoyed driving over 20K miles “breaking it in”...

I have also been playing with my own design for some Aero Doors... still a work in progress but I am getting pretty excited about the possibilities.

Today I spent the day test driving a new Gladiator Rubicon and was really impressed. What a fun vehicle with tons of possibilities, if it only cost a little less... $59K sticker with $4300 back from the dealership but still not cheap! I think what I liked most about it was all the new ideas for the build that started circling in my mind... maybe next year...

Anyway, I have started planning for Jeep Beach in Daytona in April. Really looking forward to that roadtrip. I have, sitting in my shopping cart the following upgrades:

• Clayton Off-road Overland+ Control Arms
• Super chips Flashcal (to fix my speedometer)
• Clayton Off-road Front Sway bar Links

Additionally, I am contemplating skid plates and still waiting for AEV to release their bumpers! This last part has been taking forever, hopefully they will decide to release them and delight their loyal customers soon.

The Journey is what counts, Adventure Awaits!