Episode 960 – Why 14 Bolt?
Wrangler Safety Rating
The Jeep Wrangler has a 4-star rating for frontal crashes and 3 stars for rollover from the NHTSA. However, the 2020 generation of the Wrangler received a “Marginal” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s driver-side small overlap crash test after flipping over twice.
Some say that Jeep Wranglers are unsafe due to their higher center of gravity and the potential for rollover accidents. However, the safety of any vehicle can vary depending on factors such as model year, specific features, and driving conditions.
2023 Jeep Wrangler Sales
According to autoblog.com, Jeep sold 156,581 Wranglers in 2023, which is almost 20% less than in 2022. According to JL Wrangler Forums, Wrangler sales are 15% down for 2023. 4Xe is expected to reach 50% of total Wrangler sales by the end of 2023.
In 2023, Jeep sold 1,527,090 vehicles, including 343,552 in the fourth quarter.
- Sport trim: Starts at $30,295
- Willys Sport trim: Starts at $33,000
- Sport S trim: Starts at $33,890
- Willys model: Starts at $37,285
Newbie Nuggets with Wendy
What Items should you carry in your Jeep?
There’s so much information to cover when trying to inform new Jeepers on “What Items Should You Carry in Your Jeep.” There are literally hundreds of things you can add to your Jeep. Some are more useful than others and some are more necessary than others.
So, as you start collecting stuff to include in your jeep, I put together a list of BASIC items you may want to consider – it’s just the basics:
1) Tow Strap – So you can pull your buddy out. Use an actual rated tow strap-not a rope. Ropes will stretch and break. Straps usually have a 20,000 lb. rating (or higher)
2) Tow hooks/attachment points – Sometimes known as Recovery D-rings or Shackles. Important if you get stuck and your buddy needs to “latch” on and help pull YOU out. I also recommend soft shackles (2-3) but you will need at least one metal D-ring
3) Basic tool kit – a good set of tools. This would be at a minimum a couple of screwdrivers, a small set of wrenches, an adjustable wrench, pliers, channel lock pliers, a set of Vise Grip pliers, and some work gloves. Put in some duct tape and baling wire, zip ties and a ratchet tie-down strap, and self-healing silicone tape (Josh’s favorite) – you would be surprised how many times we have used these items on others that have broken down. Sometimes you can “mend” just enough to get off the trail.
4) First Aid Kit – you would be surprised how many bumps and bruises you get climbing in and around obstacles -, make sure it has more than just a few bandaids – AND know how to use what’s inside.
5) Fire Extinguisher – Class ABC stored securely & easily accessible. Most Official jeep runs (planned events by a group) require board
6) GMRS or Ham Radio – We’ve discussed options on previous episodes. GMRS is the go-to nowadays. You can pick up two radios off Amazon for around $50.
7) Trash bag (hangs off the back of the Jeep) – This is essential to any Jeeping experience. Pack out what you brought. Don’t Litter, and take ALL of your trash out with you. In fact, pick up any other trash you see along the trail. There are all kinds of pouches that hang off the spare tire, so the trash stays out of the jeep.
8) Some additional items might be extra water bottles, maybe some sunscreen, the always-important toilet paper, paper map of the area you are in. Don’t forget staples for your dog and kids too.
REMINDER: these items should be dedicated to the Jeep and always be there if needed. Don’t remove them – it’s always better to be looking at them than looking for them!
(https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver)
Trails 411 website: www.jeep4x4school.com
Fabrication Freezy with Larry, JeepingMo
14 bolts axles
“Everyone who is looking at making the switch to one-ton axles has thought about the 14-bolt rear axle.
There are several reasons everyone likes these axles and uses them for their one-ton build.
Now there are a couple of versions of the 14 bolt, so let’s look at some of the differences.
The name comes from the 14 bolts that hold on the diff cover.
And there are a couple ring gear sizes 9.5”, 10.5” and 11.5”.
Not all 14 bolts are full floating axles, there is another version that runs the semi float axle just like the Dana 44 in most jeeps.
The semi-float rear is easily spotted, while I thought they only had 6 lug nuts. I found out while getting information for this segment, there were some built with 8 lugs but they are rare.
The easiest way to spot one is the hub. The full float will have the tell tail axle flange in the center of the drum or rotor.
There are also some differences in the diff cover.
The version Chevy was using was also known as a corporate 14-bolt, because of its association with GM’s corporate structure during the 1970s.
It was in use from 1973 until today.
Now Dodge uses a version of the 14 bolt called the 11.5 AAM, and yep it has an 11.5 ring gear in it. But they also have a 10.5” ring gear model.
So why does everyone like the 14-bolt full float rear?
They will take a lot of abuse and will hold the weight of a built rig. With a •GAWR: 8,600 pounds max.
Another big asset to the housing is the pinion support, the pinion is supported on both sides of the gear. This doesn’t let the pinion flex under high-load applications.
You can get some models with disk brakes, but most axles you will find will have drum brakes.
But that big heavy monster comes at a cost, it is 550 pounds compared to Dana 44 at 140 pounds. and they have lower ground clearance are part of the deal.
There is a way to shave 2” off the bottom of the center housing, and it is then covered with a plate to keep the diff protected.
Now with all of that, it is a sought-after axle for people looking to build an axle for their off-road rig, they are not that hard to find, just make sure you get the full float axle.
We could easily take the entire show and talk about the 14 bolt, this is just a high level to get your search started.
Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!
Brown Dog Offroad XJ 4.0l $379.95
Motor Mounts for your 4.0L YJ, TJ XJ, and MJ
Factory motor mounts 2.8, 2.5 2.4, and 4.0l depending on model