Episode 498 – Jeep Just Turned 80 – What’s Ahead?
This Week In Jeep
What Is Jeep’s Future As The Brand Turns 80
The saying goes you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but as Jeep turns 80, the adventure brand of Stellantis NV is looking to make some of its biggest moves yet.
On the docket over the next 10-plus years, Jeep CEO Christian Meunier says, is electrifying the lineup to become the world’s greenest SUV brand with a fully battery-electric model in each segment by 2025, adding autonomous capabilities and maybe even going fully underwater.
And why not? Hell, I foresee Jeep brand spacecraft in my lifetime, or at the very least Martian Jeeps in some form or another. Jeep, the first multi-planet automaker. It could happen! But in all seriousness, Jeep has come a long way since the federal government ordered up general-purpose military vehicles from Willys-Overland Motors in 1941 for World War II. It has pioneered 4×4 capabilities, launched the first premium and compact SUVs, and appealed to customers and corporations around the globe. In response to the Bronco alone, Jeep has introduced the 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 392, the first factory-built Wrangler SUV with a V-8 in nearly 40 years. This week at the Chicago Auto Show, Jeep is showing the Wrangler Xtreme Recon package, its response to the Bronco’s off-road Sasquatch package.
I’m pretty sure Jeep is going to have no problem keeping its King of the offroad title for the foreseeable future as Jeep looks ahead to 2030. Speaking of the future, Jeep has released a new teaser video talking about and showing what’s next for Jeep. I’ve got to be honest, it gave me goosebumps thinking about what some of the technology they show could mean for the future of the automotive world as a whole, let alone the offroad community. To date, this is one of the most interesting “future of Jeep” videos I’ve seen in the last 10 years.
Jeep has planned for some incredible heads-up display tech that we will likely see as soon as 2025, along with biometric facial recognition, that will unlock and power up your Jeep as you walk towards it. In July of 2025, we will see Jeep to Drone pairing capabilities, allowing you to create stunning aerial videos on or off-road, day or night. By 2030 Jeep promises to have fully autonomous off-road capabilities, remote vehicle tracking, and the ability to lie flat in the Jeep while stargazing through a panoramic sunroof as the vehicle drives itself.
And in another scene, they’re basically saying that you can have the Jeep meet you at the top of the mountain while you hike up the trail. Doesn’t sound quite as much fun as wheeling your way up, but I’m super curious to see how this new tech Jeep is highlighting will play out. One thing is certain, Jeep is moving its DNA into the Electrified space, and there is no question they are doing it in a fashion that will put them way out front of many of the other automakers. There is definitely a push to market the 4xe Wrangler in this video too. I lost count with the number of times they emphasized “four BY ee” in this. OK, I GET IT… but Jeep needs to understand I’m mispronouncing it on purpose as it’s one of the dumbest acronyms I’ve ever heard of.
Regardless of my feelings, you should check out the video for yourself, if nothing else to see what “could be” for the Jeep brand as it celebrates another birthday.
Why Is July 15th Jeep’s Anniversary/Birthday?
July 15, 1941, marks the day that Willys-Overland signed its contract with the U.S. War Department to begin production of the Willys MB for the military to use during World War II. Ford also built a version of the truck, which it helped engineer, and was awarded a patent for it in 1942, but Willys-Overland and its successor companies have kept the style of vehicle in continuous production through today’s Jeep Wrangler. Willys-Overland filed a trademark application for the name Jeep in 1943 and started selling “Civilian Jeep” CJ-2A, models in 1945, but it wouldn’t be until 1950 before the trademark was finally approved. The automaker has fiercely protected its signature look, and trademark styling through countless legal battles to keep it from becoming a generic term for an open-top SUV ever since. As it has for all of its major anniversaries, Jeep is offering a lineup of limited edition 80th Anniversary versions of all of its models that feature unique trim and commemorative badging. The brand was also recently named the most patriotic automaker of all companies in a survey of U.S. consumers for the 19th year running. Happy 80th Birthday Jeep!
Newbie Nuggets with Wendy
4 Wheel Drive
One thing I have noticed over the past year when working with newbies is how many people are unaware, or unsure, of how to use their 4 wheel drive. Sure there are 2 shifters sitting there in your jeep and there are numbers on both but what the heck do they mean and how and when would I use them?
There are two shift levers in your jeep. Everyone driving any vehicle today knows the main shifter has the letters P, R, N, D, 2, and 1 on it and what they do, and how to drive. This shifter connects to the transmission and is used for normal everyday driving.
The other lever you will find in your jeep is the shifter for 4 wheel drive. It has 2H, 4H, N & 4L on it. This shifter is connected to the transfer case, which transfers power from the transmission to the front and rear driveshafts giving you 4 wheel drive.
Of course, anyone who has been driving off-road for years, or most of their life, knows this info instinctively, but being new and with very little off-road experience when I started Jeeping, I had no idea when to use these features. And from the number of new students we teach, this seems to be a common theme. The dealers don’t take the time (or don’t know how to explain) or the new buyer’s brain is filled with so many other things the dealer is explaining; like how to set the air temp, or turn the jeep on, how to make a call, etc., or they figured the customer would just read the owner’s manual. (Not a bad idea by the way)
So for those who want to know, but were afraid to ask, here is some basic info on what the gears do and when to use them. Once you wheel more you will become familiar with the process and won’t need to “think” about when to use 4 wheel drive, but for us beginners this is a good guide to get started.
2H – also known as 2 High or two-wheel drive. This is where the transfer case shifter stays for normal everyday driving. Two-wheel, rear axle drive like most cars and trucks. This is a good mode to keep your jeep in as you travel to and from your destination on the highway, even off-road, like easy fire roads and trails.
4H – also known as 4 high – is used when you encounter slippery road conditions like when the roads are covered with snow and ice or the trails are muddy and slick from light rain. This will help to maintain better traction and control.
N – Neutral. This is where you would leave it if you were to flat tow your Jeep on all four wheels behind a motorhome or truck.
4L – also known as 4 low. Now, this is where all the fun crawling happens. This lower gear allows you to crawl slowly over rocks and obstacles because the driveline (wheels) turn much more slowly for the same engine RPM. This allows the engine to provide much more torque to the wheels while going very slow. You probably would also be in 2nd gear or 1st gear to really feel the benefits of this lower gear. The top speed of the Jeep might be about 20 MPH when in 4L. It is only for slow-speed driving over rough terrain or obstacles.
NOW the hardest part is putting your jeep in one of the modes listed above. Not really, but I had to get your attention. 2H or 2 wheel drive is where you want the transfer case shifter to be when you have the jeep transmission in drive and on normal paved road conditions. This is where the shifter should be for your daily driving.
The 4 wheel shifter has a diagram showing the movement of the shifter that is usually in a rearward and slight jog to the right diagram. The most forward position is 2H. The second position is 4H and is “pulled” back toward the rear of the jeep to the “next” position. This momentum is not as easy as it sounds so you may need to add some oomph to get it to move. You can be moving, or slowing down to put the jeep in this mode. Great for when you notice you need some additional traction and you can simply shift into this gear while negotiating the slippery terrain. Keep in mind to let off the gas as you shift from 2H to 4H. The front and rear wheels should be going at the same speed when you engage the transfer case into 4H. If you are spinning the rear wheels in the snow or ice, and try to slam the shifter into 4H, the different speeds of the front and rear driveshafts connected to the transfer case could cause internal damage as it tries to go into 4 wheel drive. (Could get expensive). Once the terrain doesn’t require 4H go ahead and push the lever back into 2H. It’s not too healthy for the Jeep to run in 4H on dry pavement for very far.
The last position is 4L. Now this has to be done while the jeep is stopped and the transmission (not the transfer case) is in neutral (the other shifter).
Once the transmission is in neutral you simply “pull” the transfer case, or 4 wheel drive shifter back all the way to the last position. This will include a slight shift to the right as you pull rearward. Some may be straight back but most have a slight jog. Now this WILL require more strength or oomph! I know on our jeep (2008 JKUR) I really have to use both hands and pull as hard as I can to get it into 4L. On newer jeeps today this is a bit easier but don’t be afraid to use some strength. Sometimes when it just won’t go into 4L it’s because the internal transfer case gears are not quite lined up properly to engage easily. Sometimes when this happens you can just release your foot off the brake pedal a bit and allow the Jeep to move slightly if you’re on an incline, like a 1/2” or 2” while pulling back on the shifter. Then as soon as it’s engaged put your foot back on the brake and the transmission back into 1st or 2nd gear and away you go, up and through that obstacle.
When you’re finished crawling or wheeling, the reverse is what you do to get back into 2H. First come to a stop, with your foot on the brake, put the transmission in neutral, grab the transfer case or four-wheel drive shifter and shove it forward with a strong push all the way into 2H. Don’t forget about that jog to the left this time.
Once back in 2H put the transmission into drive and continue on your way. SIDE NOTE: It’s not too healthy for the Jeep to run in 4L on dry pavement. Besides, it would be so slow it would take you two days to get home while everyone else on the road honks at you.
You can experiment for yourself as you learn when to use 4L vs 4H. Sometimes the best way to learn is to just try it. You will see and feel the difference as you wheel. Sometimes 4L will be your only option because it’s so steep you need the extra torque from the engine with the lower gears. Sometimes you may think you need 4L when 4H would have worked. Although, if you’re off-road on a steep, slippery trail, 4L will always be your best bet. So go out, experiment, and learn what your jeep is capable of.
Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update
The Jeep Talk Show TEXAS Off-Road Event is now history! What a great time, I want to thank Mac Armstrong for getting us connected with NB Trail Team 6 that was scheduled to be at Hidden Falls on July 10th, and the reason we selected that date for our listeners to attend.
We had 5 Jeeps turn out for the JTS event.
Mac, previously mentioned that was part of both groups, Jimmie, John Lee, Mike B (John Lee’s friend from work), Andrew. Three of the five are Zoom People!
It was great getting to meet everyone and even better to take the JTS Glad on level 5 trails. Easy Peasy, but I do believe the 2” Mopar Lift led to far less scraping.
Stay tuned because Jeep Talk Show TEXAS will be making another run to Hidden Falls, I’m thinking August or September. Give us your feedback on a date that would be good for you!
We’ve spoken several times about making the trails cleaner, and even making sure if you dump oil, transmission fluid, etc… you clean it up. One thing we haven’t mentioned is polluting the air on the trail. Not from the exhaust from your Jeep, but from your lungs. I’m talking about smoking on the trail.
Speaking for myself, I don’t care if you smoke, it’s legal, and if you like doing it, great. What I have an issue with is me having to endure smelling it. Your personal choice takes away from my enjoyment of the trail.
I know smokers have been run out of buildings, out of your vehicles (if kids are riding with you), and even out of your home. Banished to frigid, burning, or wet outside, like an animal! Now I’m bitching about you smoking outside?!?!? Yes, I am.
Very few people will answer “YES” to the question “Do you mind if I smoke?” Fewer still will ask you to not smoke around them so I’m asking you to take it upon yourself to consider the people around you. If you don’t see them smoking chances are good they don’t like the smell either.
Now I’d like to know from you. How do you feel about people smoking on the trail. Are you a smoker? If so, what do you think about smoking on the trail?
Oh and before you ask, yes this includes vaping as well. Why the hell do I want to smell pancakes with maple syrup on the trail, I mean unless I’m camping and waking up to the smell of REAL food. Hmmm do they make bacon-smelling VAPE juice?
Tech Talk with Jeep Talk
Jeep TJ Self Check/Diagnostic Procedures (OBDII)
So let’s say your Jeep just threw a code. What does that even mean some may ask. This is the term used to describe what is happening in the Jeep’s computer system when one of the many sensors sees a fault. It can be something as simple as a loose gas cap, or the engine getting a little too hot. Or it’s something more serious that could mean serious repairs are needed. Either way, when that check engine light comes on, you need to know what it means as soon as possible. When that light comes on, there is a code, or a series of codes, that are stored in the Jeeps computer. These codes are a series of numbers that correspond to a specific item on a list. This list of OBD codes or On-Board Diagnostic Codes can be found from many sources online. But you need to know what that 4 digit number is before you start digging. Ordinarily, this information would only be accessible by a technician with the right diagnostic equipment, such as a diagnostic scan tool, or code reader. Since you’re not a fancy Jeep technician with such tools, you can get the same info using nothing more than your key. To do this, you’ll insert your key into the ignition, and without starting the Jeep, turn the key from off to on, three times.
At that point, your ignition will be in the on position, and your odometer will display what the OBDII code is, which is causing your check engine light to illuminate. Write down what the code is, and turn to your search engine to find what it means. There could be more than one, so pay attention. When it’s done displaying the codes, it will actually say “dONE” and return to the normal display status of your odometer. Of course… “While you’re in there” …you can do a full instrument cluster self-diagnostic test too. This will start a series of self-tests of every single bulb and micro motor that comprises the instrument cluster. It’s actually a pretty cool thing to watch, as the microprocessor energizes everything one by one, and even does a three-stage needle sweep cycle on all the gauges. It’s also super easy to perform. With the key off, simply hold down the trip meter reset button and keep it depressed as you turn the ignition on. Hold it for a second or two and release. The cluster should then start the self-diagnostic procedure. All that’s left is to sit back and watch the show. So why would you do either of these procedures? Well first off, if you have a check engine light on, and you don’t know why, and you don’t have a code reader, and you’re really not too thrilled about driving into town to the local shop that will read it for free. Your only option is to pull that code yourself to see what it is you need to repair. Secondly, if you have a stuck gauge, maybe your gas gauge is perpetually reading your tank as 1/4 full even though you just filled it up. To determine whether it’s the sending unit or the gauge, you can do this self-check and see if the needle sweeps in that portion of the test. There are of course many other reasons to do either one of these procedures, so hopefully, if you have one, this will help.
Jeep Life – With Jeep Momma
Gambler 500
Tony Josh and Wendy…. Remember the movie Cannonball Run… Well, here in Colorado they have something similar. It’s called the Gambler 500. “the Gambler 500 is a mostly off-road Rally-Style Navigational Adventure using cheap, impractical, or fun vehicles.” “It is a two-day event, with a party at the midpoint and another at the end of day two.”
This event is created for people that are out for an amazing adventure that a normal person may never experience. The other aspect of this event is that we use this opportunity to leave the area in better shape than we found it, by picking up trash along the way. This is a very important tenant of the Gambler 500 spirit.
The general spirit of the Gambler is to take a “beater” and/or Impractical vehicle and punish it over 500 miles of back roads, off-road and on-road and through “situations” that a person with a fully functioning brain would not normally attempt.
There you go right there… that would be Neil to a tee. So we registered a vehicle for this event. Our 1970’s DJ5… The Jeep DJ, Dispatcher Jeep, Postal Jeep, or Mail Jeep…The Jeep DJ, Dispatcher Jeep, Postal Jeep, or Mail Jeep, was originally built by Kaiser Motors in the 1960s as a variant of the CJ series Jeep. The automotive branch of the business was sold to American Motors in 1970. The DJ series Jeeps were produced under AM General, of Kaiser-Jeep Corporation since 1971, which handled military and government automotive programs. When AMC joined with Renault in 1980, a French company, the US government found it unacceptable to buy federal vehicles from a foreign company, so it forced AMC to spin-off AM General as a separate company.
The DJ-5 series Jeeps were made from 1965 thru 1983 (or 1984, depending on your source). They were traditionally Right Hand Drive for postal carriers. Many used the long-running AMC straight-6 engine 3.8L & 4.0L, though earlier models used the contemporary kaiser drivetrains, and the post-1979 used various GM & Chrysler 4-cylinders, and even a horrible Audi 4 in 1979 (had a tendency to overheat and blow). They were also only 2 wheel drive, with a straight tube axle in front (like a dana axle with the pumpkin removed). Some mines even used kingpin front joints! To correct a common misconception: The DJ5 is NOT “just a CJ with a hardtop and 2wd.” The DJ5 does share many common parts with the contemporary CJ series, but it is unique enough to not be considered a “modified CJ.” Today, a small percentage of the DJ-5’s are still in service, and many are still being used as postal delivery vehicles. especially out west. There were a few sources in the 1980s that would actually rebuild your DJ5 to “like-new condition” for continued use. one of these companies used a fiberglass body like a kit car (see photos section)!! There are a few parts sources servicing the DJs (see below), and most parts are available. But the DJ is not considered highly desirable for many reasons: They are metal cans with no creature comforts. And they are top-heavy with metal roofs and doors. A few folks have restored them for nostalgia’s sake, a few have hot-rodded them, and others we will be modding ours for the “race”. You can get as imaginative as you want. One year a group of folks puts a hot dog cooker at the end of their vehicle. I have been put in charge of the accessories, Neil is in charge of the mechanical parts. We are identifying this mail Jeep m-a-i-l Jeep as a m-a-l-e Jeep. So I need to make this jeep as manly as I can. The drivers will be wearing Daisy Duke cut-offs with lumberjack red and black plaid shirts unbuttoned of course with the sleeves cut off. I am still working on the accessories for the Jeep so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This race is August 13 to 15 here in the San Luis Valley of Southeastern Colorado in a teeny tiny town. Racers will be primitive camping here in the high desert. You too can register. Coloradogambler500.com Tony, I am sure you will have tons of inappropriate ideas. Nicky G has already chimed in. He said to put a ton of beer cans all over it and a sign that says we don’t need your stinkin directions. It should be a fun time. Next week on Jeep Life… Does that campfire smoke follow you around the campfire? I will share some tips to make it stop.
Camp Fireside Chat
What Piece Of Technology Do You Wish Your Jeep Had?
…sorry Tony, the BlueTooth air fryer and gravy dispensers are back-ordered.
You can join us around the virtual campfire every Thursday night at 9:45 pm when we record the latest episode. Subscribe to our newsletter to get weekly reminders and how to join via Zoom, or follow us on Facebook (https://facebook.com/jeeptalkshow) for notifications.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
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/
Interact With The Show! https://jeeptalkshow.com/contact
Jeep Talk Show on Facebook https://facebook.com/jeeptalkshow
Rat Bastards Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ratbastard
Rat Bastards Webpage https://ratbastard.lol
RADesigns Products LLC
(shifters and shift controllers)