Episode 504 – Did Your Jeep Come With Gorilla Glass?
This Week In Jeep
Jeeps New Color and Windshield Tech From JPP
In 2012, the Mopar and Jeep Brands launched JPP, or the Jeep Performance Parts division to meet a specific need: delivering a cutting-edge portfolio of off-roading parts to cater to die-hard off-road enthusiasts. As part of the Mopar family, JPP uses specifically designed, built, and quality-tested accessories to ensure serious off-roaders have access to high-end, hard-core quality Jeep vehicle parts. Last month, in July of 2021, Jeep added a couple of cool things to its JPP catalog. If you want to add power, capability, and performance to your late model Jeep without sacrificing any warranty… check out JPP. The latest addition, and it’s a cool one, is the Gorilla Glass replacement windshield. and as you would guess, it’s made from the same chemical-strengthening tech used on cell phone screens. Now, those shopping for a new Jeep can skip any aftermarket hassle and order a Jeep Gladiator or Jeep Wrangler with Gorilla Glass directly from the factory, or at least be secured properly by the time it arrives at the dealership for pickup. Surprisingly, the new factory-installed JPP windshield with Corning Gorilla Glass costs only an additional $95 to the beginning MSRP.
A shockingly low figure considering some of the price points on other options.
To make the windshield durable, lightweight, and more resistant to damage from any off-road debris that can cause chips or cracks, it comes with an ultra-thin inner ply with a 52% thicker outer ply. Many drivers don’t pay attention to it, but the danger of cracking a windshield increases significantly when going off-road. Especially if there are already rock chips present. On top of the new windshield tech, new paint color has been revealed too. And better yet, it’s not one single shade of Red. The new bold, stand-out color by Jeep Performance Parts is called “Gecko Green.” If you want this bold vibrant green paint job on YOUR brand new Jeep, it will only cost $245 extra. However, if you want to change the color of your current Jeep to this new Gecko Green, I think you can probably add a zero to that number and keep going. Gecko Green is only available for a limited time and only on all Wrangler and Gladiator models. It is a part of Jeep’s palette of vivid, specialty colors that aren’t always available. Similar to its High-Impact Paint colors, Jeep has limited runs of rare paints, and once they are gone it is nearly impossible to get your hands on them again. The 2021 model year added Nacho Orange and Chief Blue to its paint list. The 2022 model year gets Gecko Green, and orders for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler in this shade end this month, August 2021. Orders for the Jeep Gladiator in Gecko Green are available until early October 2021. Tony, I know the color doesn’t suit your fancy, but what do you guys think of a Gorilla Glass windshield?
And So It Begins
Jeep is installing or possibly has already installed, Level 2 charging in the town of Pollock Pines, near the jumping-off spot for the Rubicon trailhead. Though Jeep claims the Wrangler 4Xe is Rubicon-ready, there’s no charging near the downhill end of the world-renowned trail on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range near Lake Tahoe. Wrangler 4xe drivers can rely on the gas engine, but many will want to tap into the all-electric range for the instant torque, which allegedly enhances its off-road capability. The Rubicon chargers are one in a series Jeep has committed to building in partnership with Electrify America, the non-profit EV charging network. In addition to the Rubicon chargers, Jeep has announced two other sites for its first trailhead installations: Moab, Utah, arguably the offroad mecca of the world, and Big Bear, California, a common jumping-off point for many Southern California mountain trails. Ultimately, Jeep said it intends to have charging stations—open to the public but free to Jeep owners—at or near all 56 of its popular “Badge of Honor” trails. For those who don’t know, Jeep owners can apply to get a special badge to display on their vehicle for each trail completed in the Badge of Honor system that spans 21 states across the country. According to the Electrify America website, Jeep claims these first three changing stations should be operational by now, and that the network as a whole will be completed by spring of 2022. Since I have two of these trails here within a two-hour drive of me, I plan on doing a full report of them once they’re here.
Newbie Nuggets with Wendy
Selecting a Jeep
So you want to buy a new (or new to you) jeep? Where do you start? I know you are probably thinking, it’s a JEEP talk show and I already have my jeep? But there are new listeners who may be thinking about getting a new or used jeep or maybe they have been riding shotgun for so long, they want their own jeep. I could go into depth with this topic and I’m sure our long-time listeners will be chiming in as well, but I am going to keep it simple and just open the door for starters.
First, you have to decide WHAT you plan to do with your jeep. We talk about that all the time but you have to answer the question: am I planning to do fire roads, or climb boulders and black diamond trails. Do I want to drive to the store and mall crawl or do I want to camp and sleep in my jeep? Or maybe you want to start with a jeep and build it as you learn and expand your trail experience. Whatever you decide this will help you stay focused on that purchase.
There are lots of models to consider these days and costs associated with owning a jeep (check out episode 437 and what owning a jeep is really like: Uh HUH). I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that “when I buy a jeep, I can go anywhere?” Well, that’s only true if you buy one already set up with the tire size you want and the gears and all the equipment that comes with wheeling “anywhere”. I think most people start out with a stock jeep and build from there. That’s part of the fun. Models today include the JT, the truck model, the Sahara, a good base model, the Rubicon, which has lots of upgrades to get you started, and even the 4xe which if you are into “saving the planet” I guess is one to consider. But what about the diesel version that’s out and also all the older versions like the TJ, YJ, or even an older CJ or even an XJ. You could easily find an older Rubicon to get started with. However, the used Jeep prices are going up. Don’s Sport S now sells for more money than he paid for it brand new. Jeep momma and her Colorado 4×4 – The Jeep Rescue League South is into restoring very old relics and bringing them back to life. Nostalgia may be something you want to consider as well.
Decisions on what to buy are not as easy as ‘go to the dealer’ pick out a color and BAM you own a jeep. Unless you have oodles of money and can make and change everything to fit your desired lifestyle, most of us start with something new or used and build from there. There is a lot of research that goes into this decision. There isn’t an easy chart that says: “if you want to do easy trails this jeep model is for you”. Every model can do everything; it’s just how much time and money you want to put into it. We have lots of episodes on various levels of wheeling on the show and talk about wheeling with others and we find things to add to our jeeps, or tire sizes to upgrade to, or “well ….the skies the limit”.
Finding your jeep can be an easy thing once you narrow down the type, model, and possibly the year. New jeeps offer amazing technology and older jeeps not so much. You may be cranking down a window instead of pushing a button to operate it. It doesn’t matter what jeep you have, or get, just get one and start wheeling. You will learn as you go.
If a new jeep is what you desire, connecting with a good dealer is a great idea. If you’re a JTS listener and are in the Houston area check out South fork Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram where Tony just bought his JT, or Redlands Jeep dealer in So Calif where we take first-time buyers on their first trail ride. If you are in North Carolina, go see Travis Estes, a member of our very own zoom people. He’s at the Maus Jeep dealer in Albemarle (al ba marle) NC. I’m sure there is a great jeep dealer in your neck of the woods. Just do your research and get some recommendations.
If you are looking for something gently used, word of mouth is a good way to go. Ask your fellow jeepers if they know of anyone selling a jeep – most of us know someone selling their jeep. They may be trading up or down or just need to move one along to make room for the next one. Sometimes finding an older jeep already set up can save you money too. You can just upgrade small things or improve upon what’s already there as time and funds permit. You can start wheeling challenging trails sooner, but make sure you have a trusted mechanic to go over the jeep just to make sure you get what you paid for and not something that’s been well used and ready to break.
Other options to find jeeps for sale are FB pages and local jeep group pages. Many groups have separate “Stuff for Sale” pages. Offer up and other apps have items for sale too. And these can be good to offload items you have upgraded – sell items you no longer use to pay for items you want/need for your jeep. Yep, we do it all the time.
Selecting a jeep can be a fun process, but do your homework and then go out and find that “perfect” jeep. No matter what you buy you WILL modify it to your liking so take it home, use it, figure out what you want to add, and run the trails and get out and enjoy.
.https://www.houstonchryslerdodgejeepram.com/
Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update
Almost rolled it! 
Last Friday night, late, Deadpool sent me a message about going to Hidden Falls, tomorrow. My lazy a$$ told me, no, but having a Jeep that I knew could make it out there and back, and having another opportunity to go off-road, I agreed.
We met Jeep Talk Show listener Don S. at Buckies in Katy and headed out to the park. Stopping along the way for some breakfast.
It was just three jeeps, Deadpool in the lead with his 2020 JLU 2.0 Turbo, Don in the middle with his brand new 2021 Nacho JLU Rubicon, and I followed it up with the 2021 Jeep Talk Show Gladiator.
I was able to make use of the ON X app this trip, and the record function. The ON X does “know” where the trails are at Hidden Falls but I still couldn’t find their names. Recording my speed and trails taken makes it easy to go back and track. I’ll be using this feature more in the future.
At one while messing with the ON X app or playing with downhill descent I stopped paying attention to the trail. Well, all of the sudden my passenger side dropped violently and threw me in that direction. Right Front. Before I could even think about hitting the gas to get level again it recovered.
If you haven’t already learned this, pay attention when you are off-road, no matter how easy you think the trail is.
On the next Gladiator segment, I bought a bumper!
Must-Have Stuff Pick-of-the-Week for your Jeep!
Mopar Windshield for 2007-2018 JK Jeep Wrangler
Made with Gorilla Glass $674.99 https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/gorilla-glass-jeep-wrangler-jk
Protect your Jeep Wrangler JK Windshield with the Mopar Gorilla Glass made by Corning.
It is common to crack or chip your windshield glass due to the vertical angle of the Jeep windshield. The Gorilla Glass is a stout upgrade to help prevent this common occurrence.
Giving your Jeep that added protection from stones and road debris. For your safety, an experienced technician should install your new windshield glass.
NOTE: Amazon has this same windshield for over $200 more.
Camp Fireside Chat
Sway Bars Are Overrated … Change My Mind
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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/
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