Episode 520 – “Let’s Go Brandon!”
This Week In Jeep
Jeep Boss Feels Sorry For “Fake SUV” Owners
It was in episode 518 that we shared with you a story of how Jim Morrison, head of the Jeep brand for North America took a well-earned jab at the Ford Motor Company at a recent event where the press just so happened to be. It was made very public that Ford would likely NOT be bringing a Bronco to the show since it was raining that weekend, and we all now know the fiasco Ford is on right now over their hardtop issues. In an interview with Muscle Cars Magazine, Morrison discussed the company’s upcoming 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, in particular the new Trailhawk 4xe trim level that we just so happen to have reported on in Episode 518 as well… The plug-in hybrid is intended to be the most capable off-road model of the Grand Cherokee lineup, and reportedly, was even able to tackle the Rubicon trail in stock form. Morrison used this example to once again, hit Ford where it counts. He said he would actually feel sorry for (Ford Explorer Timberline) customers that get tricked, asserting that the Trailhawk’s closest rival would not be able to keep up off-road. As if that blow wasn’t enough, Jim Morrison then hit Ford below the belt with this…. He says ((QUOTE)) “You can paint a tow hook red, but it doesn’t mean that behind the tow hook, it would even hold up in the right moment that it needs to.” He wasn’t done there either, he went on to point out using a press photo of the Trailhawk trim Grand Cherokee, pointing out that in said picture, the Jeep was climbing a 65-grade incline, and that the Ford Explorer would have never even made it that far. Jim is clearly out to pull the rug out from under Ford and he’s not being shy about it.
2021 SEMA Award Finalists Announced
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a member organization dedicated to advancing the automotive and automotive aftermarket industries, announced finalists for the 2021 SEMA Award, a recognition presented to new vehicle models that provide the aftermarket with the best platforms for customization. Voted on by SEMA Show exhibitors, winners will be announced at the annual trade-only event on Nov. 2-5, in Las Vegas Nevada, where the show has been held since 1984. This year’s award program includes a new category for mid-size trucks, which the Gladiator has taken center stage in. Other categories include car, a full-size truck, 4×4/SUV, and sport compact. Exhibitors identified the top three finalists in each category that best showcase their products and accessories. Although Jeep doesn’t have a vehicle for every category, the Wrangler is certainly taking center stage in the 4×4/SUV of the year category too. The Ram truck from Jeep’s Parent company Stellantis is making waves as it gets a nominee for the Full-Size Truck of the Year. All in all, Jeep and its parent company have a vehicle in every category but Car of the Year and Sport Compact of the year. What? …you didn’t expect the Compass or Renegade to get a nod for sport compact did you? All the vehicles from all these categories represent today’s most popular models based on their potential for customization.
Aftermarket manufacturers are investing in these vehicles specifically for their ability to have upgraded performance, styling, comfort, convenience, and safety. The award program creates awareness for aftermarket products and highlights the ongoing collaboration between SEMA, automakers, and aftermarket manufacturers to bring quality products to market. SEMA also helps aftermarket manufacturers with product development through the SEMA Garage, measuring sessions, 3-D printing, technology transfer, and more. If you would like to learn more about the SEMA show and all it entails, we’ll have a link for you in the show notes for this episode at Jeeptalkshow.com
SEMA Show: https://www.semashow.com/
Newbie Nuggets with Wendy
Bill’s Radiator flushing
So Bill decided the Jeep needed a bigger radiator, and as we know, while you’re in there…
As most of you who listen to the show regularly know, we have a 2008 JKU Rubicon running 37” tires and 4.88 gears. This is normally a great combination for most things we do with our Jeep and overheating is rarely an issue. However, we live up in the mountains and some of our runs are down off the hill, as we say. The problem is when we have to return back up “the hill.” The 2008 Jeep transmission has horrible shift points and it is impossible to keep the engine RPM in the proper torque curve necessary to keep good power rolling uphill. This usually means we are in 2nd gear doing 40-50 MPH at about 4,000 RPM waving people to go around. Not ideal. It really puts stress and load on the engine. It also means that the Jeep has a tendency to overheat on warm days. You know, anywhere above 70 degrees! LOL
So, Bill did some research and found an all-aluminum JK radiator from AFE with almost double the heat exchange surface. He was pretty sure this would fix our problem. It certainly couldn’t hurt.
https://afepower.com/bladerunner-performance-radiators
He received the radiator and began the installation. Other than a small modification to the fan shroud, it was a clean “bolt-in” project. However, as we all know and have experienced, “while you’re in there” you always find something else that needs attention. In this case, the upper and lower radiator hoses had 99,000 miles on them and they crackled and crunched as they were removed. Usually not a sound you should hear from rubber products. Soooo, that meant new hoses. No problem, he ordered them and got them installed after a few days.
Now for the fun part. Most coolants, or antifreeze, are good for 100,000 miles. When Bill drained the old radiator into the clear gallon jug he said it looked like mud! Not anything remotely looking like antifreeze. Again, no problem. Just “do a flush,” he says. So, since all of the antifreeze never drains from the engine block and heater core located inside the cab, the proper way to exchange the old antifreeze with the new antifreeze is to “do a flush.” The best is to refill the radiator with distilled water, run it to temperature, maybe even take it for a drive to get it flowing really well, drain it – lather, rinse, repeat – until you start to get clear water draining out of the radiator.
Well, nine drain-refill cycles later and a second trip to the market for more distilled water; Bill finally got the fluid clean enough for his liking and put in the new recommended antifreeze fluid. He’s finally confident and happy with the results.
At this point, it’s also worth mentioning that Bill is not the most patient man. So his method included draining the hot radiator into the old water jugs without waiting for the cooling system to cool -not really a problem. He attached a clear hose to the drain petcock on the bottom of the radiator so he could observe the fluid draining into the clear jug and switch the jugs out if it looked like it was going to overflow. This process actually worked really well without spilling a drop and the process was going well. But did I mention that Bill isn’t the most patient man?
On one of these iterations draining a “HOT” radiator, Bill looked at the drain hose as it was draining and it appeared to him that the fluid was only trickling out indicating the pressure had been relieved from the cooling system and radiator. Not being “TOTALLY STUPID” he folded up a large towel and grabbed the radiator cap. Twisting it slowly so as not to allow it to pop off in case it was still under pressure. He didn’t want to get scalded. It made a hissing sound that he interpreted as “sucking” since the fluid was only dribbling out by this time.
NOPE! It wasn’t sucking. Fortunately, Bill’s smart enough to stay clear just in case and this was one of those times. When he turned the cap to its final release position it blew off! He said it looked just like Old Faithful in Yellowstone. He darted out of the way and didn’t get burned but had the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze on him and his clothes for the rest of the day. He was working under a tree outside his shop that is about 30’ tall. The antifreeze was dripping from branches almost at the top of the tree! LOL! I only wish I could have been there with a camera and taken pictures or better yet, video. Hey, Bill, let me know next time you try something like this so I can be ready LOL
The added benefit from this little mishap was that he was able to “flush” more fluid than the other cycles. Although he doesn’t recommend this method, it did work out well in the end (aside from the added clean-up LOL)
Now that everything is topped-off with new antifreeze Bill noticed a huge reduction in the temperature gauge coming back up the hill yesterday so he said it was definitely worth the money, effort, smell, taste, and clean-up.
For those of you that are not comfortable with wrenching on your own Jeeps, it’s recommended to find a reputable shop and PAY someone else to do this for you.
Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update
We’ve mentioned snorkels here before and while they can be used for traversing high water they were created for dusty trails. Get that clean(er) air from higher above the ground.
The other great thing about a snorkel is cold air or cooler than the engine bay. From the first time I saw the ads for “cold air intakes” costing hundreds of dollars, I was shocked to see it was still in the engine bay. Seemed to me that the cold air isn’t in the engine bay unless you’re in the Artic and you haven’t started the motor yet!
I was very impressed with the Rugged Ridge Snorkel for the Jeep JL and Jeep JT Gladiator. Other than it being a true cold air intake and sucking in air that is less dusty, there are no holes to cut into the hood, and it won’t cover up that beautiful Jeep Talk Show sticker!
This snorkel is 100% removable and I can put it back to factory at any time. It comes with a high snorkel or a low snorkel. Many of you will remember the XJ/TJs with their cowl snorkels, where you suck in air from the grill just under the windshield wipers, well this is similar to this.
I’ve gone back to our friends at Northridge4x4 to order this Rugged Ridge snorkel and I found a $100 off coupon, plus they have free shipping on orders over $70. I’m expecting delivery next Tuesday, and well I have a surprise for this install that I’ll be talking about in an upcoming episode. Discord people you know, so don’t spill the beans!
Must-Have Stuff Pick-of-the-Week for your Jeep!
Smittybilt 2733 Tire Repair Kit $31.99 https://amzn.to/3Fvb5ls
Even the toughest tires can have a rough day on the trail. Sharp rocks, a jagged tree root, or even something as small as a nail can leave you stranded with a flat when you least expect it. That is why Smittybilt has created a new tire repair kit designed specifically for off-road enthusiasts. It includes everything you need to mend a punctured tire. This well-equipped kit comes with:
30 Self Vulcanizing Plugs, Rugged Aluminum Hand Tools, Folding Knife
Pair of Needle Nose Pliers, Extra Valve Stems, Dual Head Tire Pressure Gauge
Side Wall Wire, Interior Tire Patch, Reamer Tool, Insertion Tool
Also included is a compact soft pack that everything fits in, for easy stowing in a glove box, door pocket, or even under a seat; and is ideal for any Jeep regardless of size.
Be prepared for the unexpected!
Campfire Side Chat
Let’s Talk Carnage!
What’s the last thing that broke on your Jeep and how did you fix it?
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Links Mentioned in this Episode
AFE Radiator: https://afepower.com/bladerunner-performance-radiators
SEMA Show: https://www.semashow.com/
NEXEN Tires USA https://www.nexentireusa.com/
Trails 411- POWERING Your Adventure https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver
The 4×4 Radio Network http://4x4radionetwork.com/
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