ORR Jeep Blog

4Wheel Drive Hardware announce their 2007 Jeep Wrangler JK giveaway today. You can enter here for a chance to win.

The grand prize is a 2007 JK that will be tricked out over the next couple of months with all sorts of aftermarket upgrades. Here’s what the website says: “We begin the modification with the latest 3 ” Jeep Lift Kit from Pro Comp Suspensions and added a set of Pro Comp Wheels and 35” Xtreme M/T Tires. We will pay special attention to performance upgrades, like a new Exhaust System from Borla. Other upgrades will be inside the Jeep with a set of MasterCraft Seats, security from Tuffy Consoles and more! Next we will be upgrading the Drivetrain as new Ring and Pinions, Lockers, etc. become available from our vendors.”

They’re one of the most common mods Jeepers make after installing a lift kit and bigger tires. You guessed it—fender flares. Jeep fender flares come in just about every style, color and configuration you can imagine. Most often, people install them to comply with local regulations for on-road driving with oversized tires. But for many, they just look cool.

Another use all together is the cut-out fender flare. Cut-out flares are designed for people that have actually trimmed the body of their vehicle to provide clearance for taller tires. Cut-outs not only cover the tires, they also trim out the body for a clean look.

Many products, such as Bushwacker’s Extend-A-Fender Flares are completely customizable, meaning you can paint them to match the exact color of your vehicle.

Other options like Bushwackers line of Pocket Style Fender Flares give you the look of pockets without welding, cutting or drilling your vehicle.

Of course, if you’re just looking for to replace your old worn, sun-damaged OE flares, you’ll find a host of options that bolt right to the existing holes with minimal time and effort.

Check out the Off Road Report’s Review of Jeep Winches. Continue…

As I look through Jeep catalogs, websites and countless other sources, I always feel rewarded when I find a new product that’s unique and cool. The AEV Brute Conversion Kit definitely falls into that category.

In keeping with its innovative line of aftermarket Jeep products, AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) has released the Brute conversion kit for 1997-2006 Wranglers. At first glance you can’t help but see the similarities between the Brute kit and the old Jeep Scramblers from the ’80s.

The kit essentially turns your Wrangler into a mid sized pickup complete with a 14 gauge steel bed. Another interesting feature is the “frame extension” component. According to AEV “a new 24 inch frame extension fits seamlessly into your existing frame extending the wheelbase of your vehicle.” The frame extension also features an integrated winch mounting plate for the rear of the vehicle.

The half cab isn’t just your old Scrambler version either. The hard top comes complete with creature comforts like integrated dome lights, side accent skylights and a third brake light. And, of course, it’s fully removable for summertime fun.

The AEV Brute kit will take around 60 hours to complete and requires only “basic skills and tools.” With a price tag of $8995 it’s certainly not for the faint of heart or light of wallet. However they do offer the kit in stages which could help you spread out the cost of the project.

Last January Jeep unveiled its new Trailhawk concept vehicle. The Trailhawk is built on a 4-door Wrangler Unlimited frame, but features styling more in the Grand Cherokee realm.

The Trailhawk features a lengthy 116-inch wheelbase and rides on 22-inch five-spoke rims wrapped in custom 34-inch tires accented by red brake calipers.

The Trailhawk’s side windows retract completely into the body leaving no b pillar between front and back windows for an open, airy feel. The diagonal quarter windows at the rear corners of the vehicle are also fully retractable. Two glass panels run lengthwise over the front and rear seats and are fully removeable. With all of the windows down and overhead panels removed the Trailhawk gives the same open air feel as a topless Wrangler.

Other non-standard features in the cab include a center stack compass/inclinometer, moveable track-mounted console and a fold-away touchpad navigation system.

The cargo area features a bunch of cool toys including a removable, portable “audio pod” sound system. Each “pod” features an integrated dock for your MP3 player. In front the of the speaker pods, removable Firewood Orange jerry can boxes are available for storing and carrying firewood, first aid items and more. The drop-down tailgate boasts nice storage features including integrated cup holders and a sliding cargo tray.

I couldn’t find any info on the drivetrain, but I have to assume the Trailhawk will use some sort of Hemi configuration.

The 2007 Jeep Wrangler has been extremely well received in the automotive community. So it’s no surprise that an ever-growing list of awards has been piled on Jeep’s latest version of the original SUV.

Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine bestowed its 4×4 of the Year award on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Of the 25 years Petersen’s has given out the award a Jeep vehicle has won 11 times.

From Four Wheeler the all new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon garnered Four Wheeler of the Year award for 2007. “In a highly competitive test group, the Wrangler stood apart from the field,” Four Wheeler editor Douglas McColloch said.

Popular Science gave the ‘07 Wrangler its “2006 Best of What’s New” Products competing for the award must represent a significant step forward in its respective category.

Popular Mechanics gave the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon its Automotive Excellence Award for Off-Road Ability. Said PM’s Ben Stewart, “On extreme off-road trails the Jeep’s systems work together so well, it’s almost like cheating. This is simply the gold standard of four-wheel drive.”

Last but not least the ‘07 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited earned the U.S. Government’s five star rating for driver and front passenger front-impact crash testing. Safety features including advanced front air bags, electronic stability program (ESP), all-speed traction control and electronic roll mitigation were determining factors leading to the coveted five star rating.

Last Friday, a buddy from work mentioned he was going to be geocaching over the weekend. What the hell is geocaching I asked? He proceeded to tell me about it.

Essentially, geocashing is a game you play with a GPS unit. Various clubs and organizations around the country hide these “caches” which are usually trinkets or small rewards. The club gives information in the form of GPS coordinates or waypoints that help the user find the reward.

I immediately thought this game would be cool for Jeepers. After some quick research I found that Jeep actually sponsors a geocaching event each year. You can get info on the event here: http://jeep.geocaching.com/

There are dozens of other sites dedicated to geocaching and many of them have off road-specific adventures for Jeepers and other 4×4 enthusiasts.