Stellantis moving to Texas
In this Jeep Talk Show flagship episode, Wendy, Larry, and Tony discuss exciting developments, including the possibility of Stellantis moving to Texas. Larry dives into the parts he’s picking for his build, while Wendy gives tips on how to winterize your Jeep for the colder months ahead. With five episodes every week, there’s always something new, fun, and informative. Subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Is Stellantis leaving Michigan?
Gov. Whitmer negotiated to keep them there! Stellantis is talking with Governor Gretchen Whitmer about leaving Michigan, and the Chrysler Technology Center (CTC), behind.
Stellantis has reportedly slashed testing of its own products in favor of outsourcing the work to Roush, though the company has modern facilities at the CTC and Chelsea Proving Grounds.
The Chrysler Technology Center and headquarters have 5.4 million square feet of space, but the number of white-collar and UAW working there has diminished as Stellantis has been slashing its workforce. Around 1,500 UAW workers remain there along with an unknown number of managers, engineers, and professionals.
Will Stellantis move to Texas, Florida, or Tennessee?
Stellantis to close Arizona Proving Grounds and sell the property
Stellantis will close its Arizona Proving Grounds this year as it works to sell the property.
It was one of numerous facilities, including the Auburn Hills headquarters and technology center, that the automaker, which has been facing numerous challenges related to sales and financial guidance in recent weeks, had negotiated during last year’s contract talks with the UAW for the ability to unload.
The company, which will maintain its proving grounds in Chelsea, Michigan, confirmed its plans for the 4,000-acre property in western Arizona on Friday.
“Stellantis continues to look for opportunities to improve efficiency and optimize its footprint to ensure future competitiveness in today’s rapidly changing global market. As agreed to during 2023 UAW negotiations, the company is continuing to market the Arizona Proving Grounds for sale and therefore, will cease use of the facility by the end of the year,” according to a statement provided by spokeswoman Jodi Tinson.
The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer Is The Brand’s Safest Model
Jeep is one of the few brands that has actually earned more awards from the IIHS since the Institute tightened its criteria. In 2022, the Compass was the only Jeep with a Top Safety Pick award. In 2023, the Compass lost its award while the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L both earned one, and in 2024, the Wagoneer joined the Grand Cherokees in the winners’ circle.
None of these models earned the coveted Top Safety Pick+ in 2024, but the Wagoneer boasts the most impressive safety ratings of the bunch.
Share Photos, Voice Memos, and Text From Anywhere: Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus delivers almost flawless communication from the field via voice, text, and images.
According to Garmin, you can send all the sights, sounds, and more info from the backcountry.
Because it’s Garmin, I went into this with the gut feeling the device would be awesome and work exactly as the brand claimed it would. Let’s be honest: Garmin knows the GPS game.
However, I was a little skeptical about the quality of images and voice messages, and curious how reliably they’d go through. New gadgets are always a playground for quirks. So, did it measure up in all the ways I initially assumed?
In short: The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is a huge step up in technology and capability. Though the price is a bit steeper than its predecessors, it’s worth every penny to those who appreciate the new perks — think technophiles, parents, and influencers
Best Fall Foliage Drives for SUVs and Trucks
What’s better than the fall?
Instead of baking in summer’s sweltering heat, fall brings much-needed relief before the doldrums of winter sent in throughout the United States. Plus, fall means football season (Go Broncos!), plenty of seasonal treats, and, of course, the changing of hardwood forests from summer’s green to the stunning colors of fall. Those looking to take advantage of the short window of time that brings fall’s beautiful colors should take some time to head out in their truck or SUV to view this natural majesty in person.
Whether you’re looking for soaring mountains or rolling hills dripping in color, we’ve assembled the best fall foliage drives from coast to coast.
Ready to get out there? Let’s hit the road!
Head over to realtruck.com/blog and search for the best fall foliage drives SUVs and trucks
https://realtruck.com/blog/best-fall-foliage-drives-suvs-trucks/
Newbie Nuggets with Wendy
Winterizing tips for your Jeep
I can’t believe it’s almost winter. We have been getting in the low 30s at night here in Big Bear. Brrr. Pretty soon the white stuff will be here and wheeling will change for us. Not looking forward to any ice skating on the trails, prefer fresh powder over ice any day. Do you winterize your jeep?
1) I’m sure if you run topless, you are starting to think about putting that top and doors on.
2) Do you change your tires to a snow tire versus what you run at other times of the year? In our area we don’t change the tires, we just run what we have and the Nexen Roadian MTX tires have performed very well in the snow too
3) What about other things like checking fluids & tire pressure?
4) Do you change the engine oil or other fluids before the cold sets in
5) How about the windshield washer fluid? Maybe in your area, it’s something to consider depending on the weather.
6) It’s also a good time to clean out the inside of the jeep and double-check that ALL your recovery gear and tools are in their bag. I’m sure if you are like us and wheeled over the summer, you may have used that strap, or soft shackle a time or two. I know we have used our gear for others. We are always happy to help a fellow Jeeper on the trial.
7) And what about your first aid kit – check to make sure you have all that you need. Slippery surfaces in the winter can cause all sorts of damage.
8) Don’t forget to inspect your fire extinguisher. There is an expiration date so check to make sure yours is still good to go.
9) If you carry a flashlight, check the batteries or better yet replace them, just like your smoke detectors at home, every time there is a time change, change the battery. Nothing worse than a dead battery in your flashlight.
10) If you travel with your pets, do you need to change out the water, or better yet, take it out? If you are in snow country or extreme cold, that water will be frozen each night and may even cause a leak. Would hate for you to be on the tail with your pets and not have water if needed.
What other things do you do to winterize? We would love to hear from you, check out Jeeptalkshow.com/contact
(https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver)
Fabrication Freezy with Larry – JeepingMo
Last weekend we went to an old-fashioned pick-and-pull yard. Most of the yard is 60s and older. There were a couple of old Willys wagons from the late 40s, with point-front grills. I was picking a couple of older builds I have in the works, one of them will be a will it make it home video from Denver to St Louis.
There are not many old-school pick-and-pull lots that go past 1990.
This yard is so full that you need to climb over cars to move through the yard.
When you hear this show we will be about to head out and start the adventure. I am taking my oldest to see and experience the trip with me.
I’ll update everyone on the next show.
Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!
Tools!
As I’m sure you are aware I have a butt load of Steersmarts parts to install. Cooler weather has hit S.E. Texas which means conditions are right to install, but do I have the tools I need? I have many tools that I’ve used over the years but each new Jeep poses the possibility of socket sizes I don’t have. The JL/JT steering box/pitman arm nut is 42mm. The nut that comes with the Steersmarts Sector Shaft brace is 43 mm. Thanks to a discussion on our Discord server Matt mentioned the factory nut WASN’T 43mm, so now I’ve ordered a 42mm.
I’ll be going through all the nut and bolt sizes to confirm I have everything I need to complete the installation without having the “make it up as I go along!”
I hate spending big $$$ on a set of large sockets, but I now have a 33mm 36mm 43mm, and soon a 42mm socket, so I’m building the set as I go.
HARRINGTON Deep 6-Point Impact Socket 3/4″ Drive 43mm Metric 40Cr Alloy Steel Spindle Axle Nut Impact Socket $17.99