What's in a Jeep?: July 2021

Prep Work for the 2021 Uwharrie Jeep Jamboree

With our Jeep Jamboree quickly apporaching, I started going throuhg my build list to figure out what I "Have to do", "Want to do" and "Can't afford" to do right now... The list is short of the "Have to Do" and long on the "Can't afford" right now...

On the "Have to Do" side of things are:

Increase lift from 2.5 to 3.5
ahh, that's all that fits

"Want to Do" includes:

Artec JL Full Bellypan - 4 door 2.0L ALUMINUM (They have a great sale currently going on 17.76% off)
Re-gear to 5.13 gears
37' Tires
ARB Compressor to replace my portable Viar

"Can't Afford" right now includes:

Artec JL Full Bellypan - 4 door 2.0L ALUMINUM (They have a great sale currently going on 17.76% off)
Re-gear to 5.13 gears
37' Tires
ARB Compressor to replace my portable Viar

Funny how that works out...

We all know how our plans are larger than our wallet allows for at the time but we make do the best we can. I ordered from Northridge 4x4 the Rock Krawler 3.5 triple rate springs as I have been happy with the ride on my 2.5s so I figured this was a safe way to go. This should help add just a little more clearance to my undercarriage for the parts that are missing aftermarket skids. I already have them for my differentials and e-Torque battery, and while having the full belly skid plates would be best, this was an inexpensive option that should help some while also allowing for full flex of my Clayton Overland+ control arm set.

Once they show up, I will take some before and after pictures and measurement to see what I actually end up with ride wise.

2021 NJ Jeep Invasion - July Edition!

Well COVID fears have eased and Hurricane/Tropical Storm Elsa passed through quickly which put everything in place for an excellent long weekend in Wildwood NJ! This year, beach parking was a little divided because of some kind of construction on the beach but all worked out fine.

We had the typical vendors out for the show like Globex, OK4WD, Hurrey's and Quadratec along with some of the most reliable manufacturers like ARB, Artec, Revolution Gears, Midland, and many more. Also you can see from this rig, some of the builds were over the top, this was not my favorite but you have to admire the work that went into this. I always enjoy attending this show and look forward to going back next year. If you are interested in attending next time, keep watch on their website: NJ Jeep Invasion

The Journey is what counts, Adventure Awaits!

2021 Daytona Jeep Beach

We finally got to attend our first Jeep Beach in Daytona this past April. With COVID, last year, our plans had to be put on hold but this year, freshly vaccinated, we headed down for some fun in the sun...

First of all, it is a huge Jeep Event as I am sure you are aware. There were Jeeps of every variety all over the place. You truly could not look in any direction and Not see one. It is really well run and organized and there is something to do for all ages. The vendors are out in force and it was great catching up with people I have not seen since the Coal Mountain Jeep Jamboree.

You spend much of the time on the beach hanging out with like minded people, quite a bit of time on the Daytona Race Track and the rest in local restaurants and bars.

They host rides in the surrounding area (expect lots of Mud), you can purchase "track laps" on the speedway in your Jeep and raise money for local charities. This is your local Jeep event on steroids!

Would I go back??? I think it is an event anyone interested in Jeeps should attend at least once in their life but as I stated above, it is your local Jeep event on steroids. Meaning, there is not too much different other than the size between this and something like the NJ Jeep Invasion. If we are in or around Daytona again when the show is underway, I would definitely drop in for a day but I am not sure I would go only for this event. Maybe I will change my mind with a few more crappy winters when I need to escape NJ again for some fun in the sun.

Now, there are more vendors around then at your normal event and it was great seeing some of the different products they had on display. On the Spider Web shade Jeep, I spied these awesome aluminum tube doors that really are well made. They let me know they are produced by a company called Alumitrail and you can find them on Facebook. You can get them either in bare aluminum or powder coated and run around $1050 for a set of 4 with mirror mounts. These will be added to my build list once I get past the must have items like skid plates.

The only real purchases I made were from a company called EZ Trunk. They produce a folding truck that is lockable for Wranglers and a system that holds up your soft top rear window like you can with a hard top. This was my favorite find and still is! It makes loading and unloading your soft top Jeep a joy. No more getting wacked in the head with your rear window and you can drive around town with it in the up position for added airflow. Game Changer for me!