Police Search for Indiana Jeep Thief Who Uses a Crane

Posted in Blog 

Just when you think you have seen everything something new pops up.  Seems a used Jeep was stolen from a car lot in LaPorte, Indiana by using a crane to lift the Jeep up onto a flat bed truck.  The Jeep was a 2008 JK equipped with a plow.  The article described the Jeep as rare but we aren’t sure how that it.  Still amazing.  Full Article..

Police Search for Indiana Car Thief Who Uses a Crane

photo courtesy ABC News

CJ Transmission Swap 5 to 4 Speed

Posted in Blog 

QUESTION: I have a 1983 CJ-7 with a 258 six. It has a T-5 five speed transmission with (I believe) a Dana 300 transfer case. The transmission blew apart and I need to change it out. Do I have to change the transfer case too or will the Dana 300 bolt up to a Jeep 4 speed? The front axle pumpkin is on the passenger side as you look at it from the front.

ANSWER: Your Jeep should have a Dana 300 transfer case and since you mentioned that it has a 5 speed it’s about 99.9% sure that it’s a Dana 300.  Yes a Jeep 4 speed from similar years will bolt to both the engine and transmission without any special adapter.  The problem will be is that most of the Jeep 4 speed transmissions are shorter in length which will cause the rear and front driveshaft to not fit without modification.  There may be other differences like where the shifter and transfercase shifter comes through the floor.  Funny how a minor change can open a big can of worms.

See the Jeep Transmission Tech section for specifics on transmissions.

AEV Procal Module for Jeep Wrangler – 2012 Version Now Available

Posted in Blog 

AEV Procal Modules for the Jeep Wrangler allow customization of the Jeep’s computer to allow tire size changes, speedo recalibration, and more.  The 2012 model of the Wrangler brought with it a new engine and automatic transmission.  AEV adjusted the Procal to support the new engine/transmission combination.  Some other features of the Procal.

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Jeep CJ Factory Body and AMC 401 V8, is it real?

Posted in Blog 

QUESTION: Hello,I just bought a 1980 Jeep-I’m not sure what model it is-CJ5 or 6 or 7. It has a factory fiberglass body that I was told come from the factory. It has a 401 V8 motor. The whole front end comes up and makes it easy to work on the motor. Is this Jeep rare? Some info would sure help out. Thanks Mike

ANSWER: As far as we know Jeep never offered a fiberglass body or a 401 from the factory.  This is one of those things we are 99.9% sure of.  On occasion a dealer would make a special model and change engines but I haven’t ever seen a dealer installed glass body.

You say you aren’t sure of what kind of CJ it is.  Check out the Jeep Spotters Guide to help you figure that out.

As far as rare Jeeps are concerned there aren’t many.  Jeeps never seem to carry the kind of value a special car might carry.
Send us a picture of the Jeep, we’d like to check it out.

Mopar to Offer More Than 250 Accessories for New 2012 Jeep Wrangler

Posted in Blog, Technical & Info 

PRESS RELEASE:

In a recent Chrysler press release it was indicated that Mopar will offer more than 250 accessories for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler.  From winch bumpers to grab handles these official Jeep accessories will help you deck out your Jeep.  Many of the accessories will fit previous year Jeeps as well.

Jeep branded wheels from AEV

well equipped 4 door Wrangler

rear bumper

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Quadratec Tent Sale and Show and Shine 2011

Posted in Offroading & Events 

We checked out Quadratec’s 6th Annual Tent Sale and Show & Shine.  The parking lot was littered full of Jeeps as well as the show & shine area.  There was much to see and great deals to be had. Read more

2012 Jeep Wrangler New Color – Crush

Posted in Blog, Technical & Info 

The long awaited arrival of the 2012 Jeeps in the new color called Crush have started showing up at dealers.  The color is very orange and solid.  A real nice color for a Jeep.  Take a look.

2012 Jeep Wrangler 2 Door in Crush

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2012 Wrangler Exhaust Hits Driveshaft with 2.5″ Lift

Posted in Blog 

The 2012 Wrangler has brought a few changes due the new engine and to add another to the list is the front driveshaft hitting the exhaust on a Jeep with 2.5″ or more lift.  See the 2012 Wrangler Model Changes and Compatibility Guide for all the stuff we have found so far.

driveshaft with factory suspension extended

front driveshaft angle

2012 exhaust loop

Above pictures were taken while the Jeep was on a lift with the factory suspension fully extended.  The shocks are the limiting factor.

Teraflex has announced an exhaust spacer to help with this problem.  The spacer will allow exhaust clearance on the front drive shaft on Jeeps with lifts up to 5 inches.

Wrangler YJ V8 Conversion Radiator Issues

Posted in Blog 

Question: I have an 87 YJ. The the previous owner did an engine swap to an small block Chevy 350, but failed to change out the radiator. Recently I have been reading alot of info on the radiator and fan, but all I am finding is info on the fan. I think I have settled on the Flex-a-lite Reman Electric Fan Low Profile Puller #220 fan, but I still need to find a radiator that will work. Please help.

Answer: A few companies make conversion radiators in several varieties that should suit your needs.  Novak, Be Cool, and Advance adapters are the leaders in Jeep V8 conversions.  Both have bolt-in radiators that will keep your V8 equipped Wrangler cool.  A V8 conversion without proper engine cooling will cause a lot of stress to both the driver and the engine.

Some links..

Novak Conversion Radiators

Chevy to Wrangler Conversion Radiator by Be Cool®

Advance Adapters V8 Conversion Radiator at 4WD.com

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac 285/70R17 Tires Installation

Posted in Projects & Installs 

A few days after the tires arrived at OK Auto we took the Jeep to get the tires mounted and balanced on the Jeep’s Moab wheels.  We also took the opportunity while the Jeep was on the lift to look over the underside of the Jeep  and check for pulled tight brake lines, wires, hoses, etc.

Below are some comparison differences between the factory BFG Mud Terrain tires and the Duratracs.  We chose not to go with a much larger tire which made the 285/70R17 size perfect.

Duratrac to Mud Terrain Comparison

Tire height difference

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