Putting It All Together
Chapter 4: Transfer Case and Driveshafts
Speedometer
Modes, Naming, and Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive
Factory Transfer Cases
Transfer Case Swaps
Driveshafts and Upgrades
Putting It All Together
Chapter 5: Axles and Traction Systems
Axle Gear Ratio
Traction Systems
Factory Axles
Factory Axle Modifications and Upgrades
Axle Swaps
Putting It All Together
Chapter 6: Suspension and Steering Systems
Lift Kits
Components, Upgrades, and Modifications
Body Lift
Steering Systems
Steering System Upgrades and Modifications
Alignment
Putting It All Together
Chapter 7: Chassis and Body Protection
Protecting the Underside
Protecting the Ends
Protecting the Body
Protecting the Occupants
Putting It All Together
Chapter 8: Tires, Wheels, and Brakes
Tire Types
Tire Size
Air Pressure
Rotation
Spare Tire
Wheels
Brakes
Brake Upgrades
Putting It All Together
Chapter 9: Electrical and Lighting
Electrical System Upgrades and Modifications
Headlight Upgrades
Extra Lighting
Clutch Starter Switch
Putting It All Together
Chapter 10: Recovery and Air Systems
Recovery
Winch
Tow Straps
Onboard Air
Putting It All Together
Chapter 11: Interior, Tops, Gear, Tools, and Other Good Stuff
Interior
Tops and Doors
Communications
Navigation
Fuel and Water Storage
Tools
Fire Protection
Clothing
First Aid
Food and Water
Storage
A Jeep Owner’s Garage
Towing
Before and After the Trail
Putting It All Together, What Else?
DEDICATION
To my wife, Jennifer, and to my son, Austin, who both probably understand the phrase “It’s a Jeep thing” better than anyone.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
After many years of running a Jeep lifestyle website called jeepfan.com, I found myself an author of a Jeep CJ book. Fresh off the completion of the CJ book, I was busy writing this one. This lifelong obsession with the Jeep has kept me active in the Jeep community for more than 40 years. There have been so many people along the way who have appreciated my love of this vehicle and so many who have helped me grow my knowledge and abilities. First and foremost is my family, my wife Jennifer and son Austin, who have listened to countless hours of talk about Jeeps, accompanied me on trail rides, answered help “come hold this” requests with builds, and so much more. My wife once asked me why I like Jeeps so much. I’m not sure I was ever asked that so simply, but after thinking about it, I really can’t say. Perhaps, like many of us, we like them just because of the way they make us feel. The look, the experience, the common ground that most of us Jeepers share. I’m not sure it matters.
My father, who truly is responsible for all of this since he introduced a Jeep into my life at three years old, spent countless hours on his Jeep, which later became my first Jeep and our first build. My father scared the wits out of me on the trail with this 1970 CJ-5 when I was a kid; this thrill of off-roading eventually spread to me, allowing me to scare passengers in my own Jeep. The look on someone’s face when you tell them they might want to put on their seat belt for this section of trail is priceless.
Special thanks to my favorite parts suppliers, installers, and manufacturers, who helped me with the good stuff: Quadratec, OK 4WD, Extreme Terrain, ARB, Novak Conversions, TeraFlex, Off Road Only, and Genesis Offroad. An extra shout-out to the great people who work at these places and went out of their way for me; Jim, Vinson, Eric, Trevor, Peggy, Frank, and Sean.
Thanks to the followers of jeepfan.com, a site I have run since 1997. It has allowed me to share my knowledge of the Jeep and connect with people all over the world.
Lastly, I must not forget my close circle of Jeep friends: Ralph, Mike, Glenn, Matt, Bryan, Brian, Rich, and Mark, who always provide an opinion, advice, and a helping hand.
INTRODUCTION
The Jeep line has been in production since 1941 and has given us many models, each with its own special qualities, but the TJ series could be considered one of the pioneers of a new era of Wrangler. The 1997–2006 Wrangler redesign led to huge refinements in on- and