Episode 465 – Two Digs On Tony In One Show!

This Week In Jeep: 

Jeep Diesel Engine Recall

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling the Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel due to a risk of engine fires. The issue stems from the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler. A tube within the EGR cooler can crack due to thermal fatigue. That can lead to vaporized coolant getting into the EGR system, potentially leading to an engine fire in the intake manifold. Symptoms of the EGR cooler problem include loss of coolant and the heater not working. The issue affects 2014-2019 Grand Cherokee models with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine. FCA has not said how many engine fires have been reported, but the company claims that no accidents or injuries are related to the problem. A total of 34,334 vehicles are included in the recall, counting both those sold in the United States and in Canada. If you think you are affected by this recall you can check with your local dealer, just make sure you have your VIN ready. Recalled vehicles will have their EGR cooler replaced with a revised part that is less prone to failure. The recall is expected to begin December 31 and notices should start arriving in the first week of Jan if not sooner.

Jeep Opens Amazon Store

You know the old saying… “There’s only one! – Jeep!” The Jeep brand’s unique “go anywhere, do anything” spirit is now available in the official Jeep Store by Amazon. Jeep enthusiasts can shop hundreds of options for authentic Jeep brand licensed gear and merchandise, specifically designed to experience life’s adventures, … just through the official Amazon store that is. Licensed products and merchandise in the Jeep Store by Amazon include apparel, adventure/camping gear, iconic collections, children’s merchandise, products and accessories for your home too!  Check out things like phone cases, ear buds, key chains, metal signs, insulated tumblers and more, all with the officially licensed Jeep logo on it, and available to enthusiasts just in time for the holidays. If you or someone you know is interested in buying some quality licensed Jeep gear, we’ll have the link to the official Amazon Jeep store in the show notes for this episode at JeepTalkShow.com 
https://amzn.to/3l7kl3P  ← Amazon Jeep Store Link

Jeep Fans Get What They Have Been Asking For (for years)

In the week of July 16th, we recorded Episode 446, where I had told you a story about a Jeep Wrangler concept that was released at the exact same time as Ford unveiled their new Bronco. The Jeep Wrangler 392 Concept was supposed to be addressing a top wish of customers and dealers for that matter, that FCA would offer a V8 option for the new generation of Wranglers. After years and years of horsepower junkies slamming Hemi V8’s into JKU’s, I think FCA finally decided to heed the call, and came out with the 392 Concept. But it was just that. A concept. Afterall, we were told countless times by various heads at FCA that the Wrangler is just not capable of accepting the V8 since putting one in a Wrangler would eliminate the front end crumple zone that is intended to absorb some of the forces seen in a front end crash, thus making the Wrangler unsafe in the eyes of the NHTSA. We all collectively said, “who cares?!?” The V8 in a Wrangler is what Jeepers want. Plain and simple. We now have confirmation that the 392 Wrangler concept will be moving into production. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 packs a  392 cubic inch V8 Engine that will deliver 470 hp and 470 pound-feet of torque, while jetting from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. For those gear heads keeping track, that is roughly 40 percent faster than the V-6 Wrangler Rubicon. FCA said it’s the first time in 40 years that a V-8 has been a factory option on the Wrangler. The Wrangler’s predecessor, the CJ, was the last to have a V-8, in 1981. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 will hit dealerships in the first quarter of 2021, right in time for the Bronco’s spring debut…WHICH BTW …isn’t going to have a V8 option when IT’S released. (na-nana-boo-boo)  Remember what I said about tactical strategery in Episode 446? It’s all coming to light now, just as I predicted….  Pricing will be released closer to the sales launch and we will let you know just how broke you’re about to become once those numbers are released. Unfortunately, the Rubicon 392 will be produced as a four-door model only. I guess they are probably thinking the two-door model just doesn’t have the wheelbase to safely handle nearly 500 horses. I would vehemently disagree, as would likely everyone listening too, but I digress. The exterior features a heavy-duty raised performance hood. FCA said the new grille design will also deliver greater airflow and will aid in cooling off the engine. A secondary air path within the hood structure serves as a cooling backup of sorts for the engine in case the hood scoop becomes restricted by snow, mud or debris. This allows the vehicle to achieve top speed even with a fully blocked primary air path. The model comes with upgraded frame rails in addition to heavy-duty brakes, Fox high-performance shocks that enable improved off-road performance and 33-inch tires. And just because FCA still has Mopar muscle car roots, The Jeep WRangler 392 will have an additional feature that no other Jeep has,…. The Off-Road Plus drive mode button. Pushing this, the company said, allows drivers to lock the rear axle at high speeds while in the 4 High gear. Sounds like a possible 3 wheel burnout option if you ask me! If you get a chance to test drive this Jeep, please give us a call, and let us know your thoughts. 

Newbie Nuggets:

Jeep Wave – do you wave or not?

How many of you are new to Jeeping and on your first drive home from the dealer or wherever you bought your Jeep other jeepers were waving at you? We ‘borrowed” our jeep from a friend for a weekend before we bought it. We test drove it in Big Bear on basic fire roads – we didn’t want to break it since we didn’t own it, YET! I noticed that other jeeps would wave at us. I had no idea that this was a thing. I kept asking Bill, “do you know those people?”. When we look back we get a laugh out of it, but back then it was sort of weird – random strangers giving a jeep wave. Now we know it’s an honor to wave, but is it ALL jeep brands or just Real JEEPS? I guess that’s up to you to decide. We tend to only wave at CJs, Wranglers, TJs, JKs, JLs and JTs. We sometimes wave at Cherokees, although they don’t tend to wave back. Most people do wave back, especially if the jeep is set up. Stock jeep drivers typically don’t wave back, maybe they haven’t gotten the message that it’s OK to wave. I was wondering how this tradition started. I recently saw a post on a local jeep page on the history of the jeep wave and did some digging. Turns out nobody really knows how it started but there are a couple of theories: one is that during WW2 the soldiers driving jeeps on patrol would acknowledge each other, the other is after WW2 ended. There were thousands of jeeps used to transport equipment, supplies and troops during the war, and many of the jeeps’ were brought back to the states and used by the veterans. While driving a jeep down the road and coming towards another jeep, most likely being driven by a WW2 veteran, each person would pay their respects towards one another and hold up two fingers, like “V” for victory. Now, it’s also possible that the wave actually started in the 70’s with off-roaders saluting each other while enjoying the outdoors and adventures. No matter how it officially started, over time, other jeepers thought it was something to do and continued the tradition. There is an unwritten rule that if you drive a jeep, you need to wave, out of respect and courtesy. I always feel bad when I forget to wave and the other jeep waved at me – ughhh. Now I will say I noticed that when on a trail run, or group event, and there are lots of jeepers, they don’t wave. I think it’s because we are all out on a trail and that would get pretty tiring to wave ALL the time. Sort of like when we were at HammerTown for the King of the Hammers Race.  There ARE Jeeps everywhere! No Waving. Even as we drove on the Hwy toward the turn-off for the race, there was no waving. So I guess you’re just supposed to know when NOT to wave? I know there are other vehicles that also have their “wave”, like Porches, classic cars, and Harley Davidson riders. H-D riders lower the left arm down toward the ground and give a wave. Other motorcycles – dirt and street have their wave too, usually just raising their hand up off the clutch. So waving is not just for jeeps. However, the jeep wave is a kinship among all Jeep owners. The Jeep Wave is an honor bestowed upon those who drive the ultimate off–road vehicle: The Jeep! There are all types of jeep waves –some continue the “V” formation from WW2, others just lift their fingers from the steering wheel, while others with their top and/or doors off, may wave outside the jeep or above the windshield. Of course, there’s the occasional over-enthusiastic “Carlton” wave (from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air).  Not sure how to categorize this one…However you do it, know it’s a tradition and jeep owners are responsible to continue the tradition. WAVE ON fellow jeepers, WAVE ON.

Tech Talk With Jeep Talk: 

Jeeps are awesome. We all know this. That’s one of the primary reasons we own one. But Jeeps over the years have lacked some of the simple necessities of regular cars and trucks. For instance, things like cup holders were a creature comfort thought to be not needed in Jeeps for decades! Thankfully the aftermarket, (and then later the OEM) finally came out with solutions. Same goes for interior lighting. Jeeps historically have not had the best interior lighting either. And I’m not talking about just the Wrangler and CJ crowd. Even my XJ has crap for lighting. Jeep did try at least, and a lot of the Jeeps of the 90’s and on had at least some degree of under dash lights to help illuminate the footwell of the vehicle you were about to climb into. Unfortunately, the crappy plastic lens covers on those quickly saw thermal fatigue, and clouded up worse than a pacific northwest afternoon. And if they burnt out before you got the vehicle, there’s a good chance, you didn’t even know they were there to begin with. Thankfully, the aftermarket has some excellent solutions that are not only cheap, but highly effective too. For less than $40 at the auto parts store, or less than $20 online, you can pick up 6in LED strips that are bright and easy to install. With a little cash, time and know-how, you can have exceptional footwell lighting for your Jeep front and rear. All you need to do is stick the self adhesive lights to the bare metal under the dash and under the front seats in the back …then ground the negative lead and tie the positive leads of the LED light strips into your dome light circuit. Be sure to run all the wiring under your carpet, molding and roll bar pads so it looks OEM…. and that’s it… you’re done! Since the draw from the LED’s is going to be negligible, you shouldn’t have to worry about incorporating a relay into this, nor will you need a switch. Providing you tap into the right wire, the lights will automatically come on when you turn the dome light on or open any of the doors. They will also automatically shut off, when the doors are closed.  To find the wire you need to tap into check out https://www.the12volt.com/ It’s a great resource for vehicle electrical information. Everything from vehicle wiring colors and locations, to relay wiring diagrams, load calculators, and even a box building configurator for those wanting to tackle their own subwoofer enclosure design. Of course a regular google search should also provide that wiring location info if you don’t want to waste time on a website.  Once done you will have the floorboards of your Jeep illuminated so well you might just find that lost earring, or favorite pen that’s been missing since last year. 

Jeep Life:

Top 5 Stocking Stuffers

Tony Josh and Wendy…This past weekend Neil and I took the Jeep to check out the Great Sand Dune National Park here in the San Luis Valley in Colorada. It is a pretty cool with sand dunes like the sahara desert on one side and the mountains on the other. We decided to take the 4×4 trail up over the mountain. We knew with limited sun light we wouldn’t make it all the way. So as the sun started to set we turned around. Luckily we did. There was a broke down Toyota on the trail. We helped tow them off the trail then Neil fixed their truck and got them back up an running. In all the episodes we have talked about being prepared and shared what you should bring never in a million years would I have thought you need to tell people to bring shoes. The 3 occupants of the vehicle were all in socks.  Several people had passed them by before we came and didn’t help. Very sad. Luckily we came when we did as temps were dropping below freezing last night.  With Christmas just around the corner it’s time to start thinking about what to get the Jeeper in your life. Here are my top 5 stocking stuffer ideas under $50. I found this really cool Jeep Gear website… Thanks Tony! Jeep Gear has so many, many cool Jeep items… items for your pet, collectibles, clothing, golf items, Jeep models… Even the Renegade just for you Tony and so much more.  https://www.gear.jeep.com/jeep-pop-socket.html First a Pop Socket.  PopSocket is a plastic circle that you attach to a flat phone (or case) with a sticky adhesive. Once you pull or “pop” it out twice, the PopSocket extends like a small accordion. That way, you can slip your fingers in between your phone and the end of the PopSocket, allowing for a more comfortable and tighter grip. A pop socket makes for a Better Grip… Take the perfect selfie… Use it as a stand  It has the Jeep Name on the top Only $9.95 Second… Decals for your Jeep they have everything from butterflies to paratroopers and my favorite one is for the hood. A tire track across the hood. https://www.gear.jeep.com/jeep-treadmark-hood-graphic.html This graphic is a designed to appear as a Jeep treadmark and is made of 3M high performance graphic film. It is applied via dry installation, adheres best on flat surfaces, and is designed to be installed to the center or “dome” area of the hood of the Jeep Renegade. Each package includes one treadmark graphic. It comes in one size 27.3″ x 20.7″ and is available in all the colors on the selector bar. Each graphic comes with instructions and application tool. $24.95 Third is a knit Jeep Hat https://www.gear.jeep.com/jeep-knit-beanie.html 100% acrylic knit beanie Stretch fit One size fits most heads Jeep® 1941 and Star logo 3D embroidered on front left in black Available in maroon $16.95 https://www.gear.jeep.com/jeep-gladiator-socks.html Fourth Jeep Socks Made from combed cotton Crew length Modern knit sock Classic look and comfort One size fits all Jeep® Gladiator logo knit into socks Outdoor scene with Jeep® Gladiator towing a boat, trailer, and motorcycle $21.95 https://www.gear.jeep.com/jeep-on-the-go-cooler-backpack.html This one is a couple of bucks over $50 but I thinks it’s pretty cool. $52.95 Made from 600d polyester with PVC backing Faux nylon webbing Fully insulated cooler backpack 28 can capacity Water resistant Front accessory pocket Attachment harness with stretch cargo cord Padded, adjustable straps Integrated bottle opener  Dimensions: 16″L x 12″H x 6.5″W Jeep® logo screened on front pocket in gray Available in mustard Ever since I got my Jeep I have been making changes, small and large, in my life to start living my best life.   We all work so hard to save money to go on vacation to get away from it all.  Next week I am going to share some tips on how to create a life where you don’t need to escape from.

Must Have Stuff:

TRACGRABBER Tire Traction Device for Snow, Mud and Sand 1 (Jeep sized) PAIR: $89.99 & FREE Shipping  https://amzn.to/3m7ku94  The Trac Grabber is a quick, simple and effective solution when your Jeep is stuck in all types of terrain and adverse weather conditions. Rescue yourself with this must-have vehicle recovery tool. These traction devices can be used over and over again since they are made with durable and premium EPDM rubber, and have reinforced tire straps with heavy duty “D” rings to stand up to the worst of conditions.  Includes carrying bag for easy storage.  FYI: Cheaper models of the same product are meant for smaller passenger car tires. 

Campfire Side Chat:

Last week we had an interview with a company who is making serious horsepower in 4.0L Inline-Six Jeep engines. Raw Horsepower isn’t for everyone, so are you a power junkie needing all the Ponies and Torque you can get? Or are you fine with the stock engine and the reliability that comes with it?  In addition to the hosts, Bob, Larry H., and Roger Mudbug,  and “Wee-Ha” were part of the campfire side chat!

Links Mentioned in this Episode: 

Amazon Jeep Store Link https://amzn.to/3l7kl3P
Jeep 4-1-1 https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver
The 12 Volt Dot Com Web Site https://www.the12volt.com/
TRACGRABBER Tire Traction Device https://amzn.to/3m7ku94