Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Jeep Wrangler Sports Parts


Finding parts for a Jeep Wrangler doesn’t have to be a daunting task.  There are all sorts of sports parts out there.  You just need to start out knowing which ones you want.  There are so many of these parts in fact, that there is no earthly way that we can talk about all of them here and now.  For the purposes of this article, we will concentrate on Sport Bars.

Xtreme Rack Sport Bar

This bar is manufactured by Go Rhino.  This bar takes the personalization and safety features of your Jeep a step farther.  Installation of this bar is simple since it just bolts on.

Features at a Glance

·         While these bars may have the look of a roll bar, they should not be used as such

·         Corner tubes can be gotten in various colors if you wish

·         Comes complete with holes pre-drilled for auxiliary lighting if you wish to add some

·         Installation is simple.  Just bolt it on and go.

·         Modern design is super edgy

This Sport Bar will give you the endless opportunity to customize the look of your Jeep.  You can have black corner bars combined with stainless steel transverse bars and uprights, build one that is totally stainless steel or all black and even just add stainless or black inserts various motifs that let your personality shine through.  The point is this: you can mix the parts and colors up to create a sport bar that is unique to your Jeep and your personality and tastes. 

Go Rhino has been coming up with, designing and then making stylish, innovative and very functional aftermarket Jeep accessories since 1975.  It wasn’t until 2004 that they formed a partnership with another company by the name of Xtreme Racks.  The two companies combined and decided that they would narrow the gap that exists between durability, rugged good looks and functionality. 

Go Rhino pioneered the grille guard industry 30 years ago when they created the first modular one.  Since then, they have earned a reputation for bring products to their customers that are known for their superior quality and innovation. 

Today, Xtreme Racks and Go Rhino have a very wide range of attractive, durable, innovative and highly functional products for Jeeps, trucks and SUVs.  Just for starters they make things like garage and shop organizers, off road bars and racks, truck racks, hitch steps, universal steps, side bars, brush guards and modular grille guards.  For more than 35 years now, Go Rhino has been able to take pride in the fact that they offer products that allow Jeep, truck and SUV owners to get the most use they can from their rigs.

Check out some of their other Jeep Wrangler sports parts today and see what you can’t live without!

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Parts


There are all sorts of parts that you can get for your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.  In fact, there are way too many of them to go over all of them here and now.  Furthermore there is too much to say and not enough space to even talk about a few of them today.  It was difficult narrowing it down to just one part but you will find that without this part, you will find it very difficult to enjoy any sort of ride in your Jeep.

XHD Rubicon Jeep Seats

These seats are made by Rugged Ridge – a division of Omix Ada.  No matter if you are on the trails or just on your daily commute, these seats will keep you comfortable and give you all of the support that you will need to conquer anything that gets in your way.  These seats were race inspired and are made not just for the Rubicon but also for the Cherokee.  They feature a seat belt harness cut out that is built in to the head rest.

These seats have been custom made to give you comfort even when you are on the trails.  Some of the features include raised springs that are heavy duty, dense foam packs, a low profile and wide bolsters just to name a few.  As far as durability goes, the interior frame is welded and has a powder coat finish.  The bolts that connect the base and seat back are grade 8.

These seats have been designed to be easy to swap in and out of your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.  They don’t even necessitate the use of any sort of adapters.  In addition, the seat covers are made from a rugged vinyl and are made to be tough enough to handle all of the off road abuse that you yourself can handle.  They come in factory colors too.  The best part though is that they come with a 3 year warranty.

Features at a Glance

·         These seats come complete with a 3 year warranty

·         Choose from colors that are factory matched

·         The bolts that connect the seat base to the seat back are grade 8 and DOT approved.  These bolts have been heat treated

·         The girder system was CAD designed and because of this, the seats are twice as strong as the competition

·         Interior frame has been welded and then given a rust resistant powder coat

·         The seating surface is low profile which means that there is less interference for the steering wheel

·         Bolsters are wider than normal so that they can deliver easier exits and access as well as more comfort

·         Seat covers are made from automotive grade vinyl and have been designed to be able to handle all sorts of off road abuse

Jeep Wrangler Islander Parts


For those who may have never heard of a Jeep Wrangler Islander, we will start with that.  The original Jeep Islander was produced between 1988 and 1993.  It was an options package for the Wrangler YJ.  There were several color options available that included white, teal, sunset yellow, Pacific blue and bright red.  Here are some of the other features that it included:

·         It was available with either half doors or full doors

·         There was a center console that had cup holders

·         The floor was carpeted

·         There were optional Alloy wheels that had a 5 spoke design

·         The interior was gray and the seats were the high back style

·         The fuel tank held a full 20 gallons

·         The Islander logo was featured on the spare tire cover and the front fenders

·         There were sunset graphics on the hood as well as on the lower body

·         Side steps and wheel flares were color coordinated with the body color

2010

In 2010, the Islander was reintroduced.  This is a special edition that was only sold for a limited time.  This was an optional package and sold for $1,120.  This version of the Islander was available in the following color options: surf blue pearl, brilliant black crystal, bright silver metallic and stone white.  All of these color options were clear coats.  The model was distinguishable by the decal of Tiki Bob on the hood of the Jeep as well as latitude and longitude coordinates.  These coordinates are meant to represent a location that relates to the Islander theme.  It also featured side steps in black as well as 17 inch MOAB wheels and 32 inch tires.

This version of the Islander was available on the Wrangler Unlimited and the Wrangler.

Inside the Islander, you will find that the seats had surf blue inserts with a dark gray background and featured blue stitching as well as a Tiki Bob logo embroidered on the rear of the seat.  The steering wheel has been wrapped in leather that features blue stitching and there are rubber floor mats made by MOPAR.

Now, as stated before, you could purchase this option for $1,120 new.  What if you had an older Jeep that you wanted the Islander package for? 

That is actually easier to achieve than you might think.  All that you need to do is to find the correct paint colors for the body as well as a paint shop that will do it for you.  Once that is done, all that is left is to get our accessories.  Each one of the Islander accessories can be found in various places online.  Whether it is the tire cover or the MOPAR floor mats, all you need to do is look for them, buy them and install them and you are good to go.

Jeep Bumper End Caps


Jeep bumper end caps are made and used for a variety of reasons.  No matter why you are looking for them, they are made by a few different companies and are generally fairly easy to find.  Let’s take a quick peek at a couple of your options.

Stubby End Cap Kit by VDP

VDP has been in business since 2002.  They make everything from sound bars to tonneau covers for Jeeps.  The crew that is employed by VDP are all off road enthusiasts themselves and as such, they know exactly what kind of accessories Jeepers want and need.  Each one of the products made by VDP has been designed to upgrade the style of a Jeep.  Even more critical than that though is that they are all made to withstand the rigors of the trail.

Before VDP became their own brand, they made many popular accessories that other companies branded.  However, when their biggest client folded in 2002, there was a mad scramble for the top notch Jeep parts and accessories that had been branded by that specific company.  VDP realized this and that was how Vertically Driven Products was born.  Since the inception of the company, they have kept up with the demand for their products and they also constantly work to expand their product line and have now added truck and UTV parts and accessories to their product line.

With the Stubby End Cap Kit made by VDP, you can totally transform or even just repair your OE front bumper.  These end caps will turn your bumper into an off road stubby bumper that gives you more clearance for your tires.  With the easy to install do it yourself kit, you can reduce the width of your bumper by a full 17.5 inches in order to get that custom look and those higher approach angles you need.  The kit comes complete with instructions on cutting that are extremely easy to follow as well as all of the fasteners that you will need.  The end caps are constructed from a roto molded plastic that has a thickness of 3/16 of an inch and has been given a textured finish to match. 

Please note that for proper installation there is a necessity for both cutting and drilling.  This kit comes with a warranty for a year.

Jeep Wrangler Bumper End Caps by Rough Country

When you want the functionality and the aggressive look of a stubby bumper without the cost of a new one, check out the end caps made by Rough Country.  This is a DIY kit that comes with a pair of bumper caps that are UV resistant as well as all of the necessary hardware for installation and full, detailed instructions.  The entire process will take approximately an hour to complete and will shave 11.5 inches off the width of your bumper ON EACH SIDE!  Not only will this add to the style of your Jeep, it will also greatly improve your approach angles.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Instatrunk Security storage


All that you really need to know about the Instatrunk Security Storage is right there in the name.  With this product, you will be able to ‘create’ instant trunk-like storage space that locks in the rear cargo area of your Jeep.  This will allow you to be able to store gear or other personal items in the back of your Jeep and as long as your tailgate is locked, your belongings will be safe.

Specs

With this product, you get nearly 2.7 cubic feet of enclosed space that can be used to store whatever you like.  The space will be 11 inches high and 35 inches in length.  The width of the space is 11 inches. 

The storage space is enclosed by a black box that is made from 16 gauge steel and as such is very heavy duty.  The finish on the box is a black powder coat and this coating will protect the box from scratches, dents and dings.  When you are using this box, it is automatically secured and locked as soon as you close and lock the tailgate of your Jeep.  The only way into this box is by way of the tailgate.

This box also comes with built in accessories.  Bestop has armed this box with a small beverage cooler that you can pull out when it is needed.  This accessory can also be utilized as an armrest.  Also included is a storage tray.  There are differences in the different models of this storage system.  Some of them include small lights or first aid kits.  Some of them even have outlets for you to charge your electronics. 

Bestop

Bestop has been in the Jeep industry for long enough to know what works and what won’t.  They know the needs of the Jeep owner and cater to those needs with products that stand not only the test of time but also the test of a true Jeeper. 

Putting this intuitiveness to the test, they created the Instatrunk.  Like all of the products hat Bestop makes, it has been constructed from only top of the line materials.  The attention to detail is apparent in this product as it is in every Bestop product. 

Because Bestop makes all of their products to OE specifications, they are all easy to install and that includes the Instatrunk.  As soon as you get this bad boy and go to put it into your Jeep, you will understand. 

Just as all of the Bestop products are made using top quality materials, innovative design and to the OE specs, they are all also covered by a warranty.  All of the warranty information can be found in the packaging materials with the Instatrunk.

 

Monday, October 13, 2014

Hyline Offroad Products

Hyline Offroad Products are all made with pride right here in the USA.  It all began with the production of sheet metal more than 30 years ago.  The owners felt that it would be a natural move to go into specialty products for Jeeps and so they did.  Since then, Hyline has become known for making aftermarket off road products for Jeep owner no matter if they are hard core off road warriors, weekend trail blazers or really any Jeep owner who wants to get all of the latest and greatest off road accessories for their Jeep.
The Hyline production facility covers 35,000 square feet and is located in Perkasie, Pennsylvania.  This state of the art facility is where all of the magic happens.  The manufacturing capabilities that they have there include E coating, automatic laser cutting, robotic welding, MIG welding, CNC bending, TIG welding, metal finishing, powder coating and more. 


Design and Quality Control


Hyline – as stated above – takes pride in the fact that they help the local economy by making all of their products here in the USA.  They are of the opinion that this is an important aspect in offering you the top notch parts and accessories that you need for your Jeep.  By making all of their products in house, they are better able to control the designs and the quality of the products. Each one of the parts and accessories that they make is inspected thoroughly and then tested before it is able to be put on the market.  Each one of their jobs uses bar code tracking which allows for them to track each component as it travels through the process of production.


Jeep Parts and Accessories


If you check out the Hyline web site, you will be able to find their complete line of Jeep parts and accessories.  This line of products includes things like apparel, skid plates, body armor, bumpers, and engine cooling hoods and other parts and accessories. 


One of their most popular items is the Front Recessed Winch Bumper for the JK.  With this bumper, you will have the ability to install your winch once the bumper is installed on your Jeep.  There is a winch delete plate included in your purchase and this plate is easy to attach to the bumper before adding your winch.  When you are ready to install the winch just take the delete plate off and mount your winch in the same spot.   


This bumper has been constructed from steel plate measuring 3/16 of an inch in thickness.  It has been laser formed and CNC cut before being robotically welded and then hand finished.  The included D ring mounts are 5/8 of an inch thick and are great for use as recovery points due to their being welded both front and back.

Advance Adapters

Advance Adapters is a company that is focused on designing and developing things such as engine mounts, transmission conversion adapters, transfer cases, engine adapters and more for trucks, SUVs and Jeeps.  It all began in Downey, California back in 1971.  Their very first product was a hit.  It was an adapter that combined the speed of the Munice Car 4 with the transfer case from a Jeep Dana 18.  This innovation took off with far more gusto than they had anticipated and it gave them the opportunity to finance further ventures and products as well as giving them the confidence necessary to grow any business.

Eventually, Advance Adapters moved to Talc Street facilities in Santa Fe Springs, CA.  From there, they grew more and moved to larger facilities in Paso Robles which is on the Central Coast of the great state of CA.  Time passed as it tends to do and while it did, Advance Adapters was steadily acquiring more warehouses and facilities that enabled them to manufacture their products on a larger scale.  Eventually, they were able to make their first business acquisition with the purchase of Sidewinder Winch.  Granted, this was a company that manufactured winches, but since many SUVs, trucks and Jeeps have a need for winches, this was a good move.  However, do to the fact that they weren’t able to run both businesses at that point in time, the winch business soon closed its doors.  Since that costly endeavor, Advance Adapters has concentrated on what they know best…specialty adapters.

Currently, you can find the Advance adapter facilities located in Paso Robles Airport.  They have a warehouse with 44,000 square feet and this site is where all of the Advance Adapters magic is created.  In these facilities, you will find the administration, planning, fabrication, production and testing for all of the products that they make.  Their current product line is even more extensive than you may realize and includes things like overdrives, headers, motor mounts, linkage brackets and more!

Some of Advance Adapters more popular products include the engine conversion parts, overdrives, Rubi Crawler, SYE kits, Atlas Transfer case, Ranger torque, Saturn overdrive and many other components.  Each of these components is extensively tested while they are being manufactured.  Because of the strict accountability, these products and all products made by Advance Adapters are all famous for the longevity you get from them. 

Today, you can find all of the Advance Adapter products that you need right at your fingertips with the use of the internet.  In addition to having access to all of the parts they make, they also have a top of the line customer service team that is always ready to help you with any questions that you may have.

Exterior Jeep Parts


When you own a Jeep, you know that a great thing to do with them is to personalize them or to equip them to handle the trails, dunes or even boulders.  The main way to accomplish any of those things is with some exterior parts.

AEV Brute Pickup Conversion

This is for those who want to totally transform their Jeep into a pickup truck.  This conversion kit is compatible with any of the Wrangler TJ models.  Originally, it was designed more than 12 years ago and it actually won the award for Daimler/Chrysler Design Excellence in the same year that it was introduced.

This is sold as a kit and will turn your Jeep into a hardtop pick up and the top is a bit higher too so you will actually be gaining some head room.  It comes with two skylights as well as a stamped steel bed which automatically translates to more cargo room.

One of the great things about this kit is that when you get it, 90% of the work has already been done for you. 

XRC Roll Cage Kit by Smittybilt

The new reinforced roll cages that Smittybilt makes come complete with all that you will need to add strength to the OEM roll bar.  By adding this kit to your Jeep, you will be ensuring that you have the ultimate support in the unfortunate event of a roll over. 

Made from 1020, .120 wall steel tubing, you know that you are getting raw strength.  This kit includes a knuckle system too.  With this system, the knuckles will attach to your existing roll bar and then use a pivoting fastening point that is unique to this system for one end while grade 20 fasteners are utilized at the opposite end.  This system makes this the most solid and strongest mount available for any Jeep.

Each one of these cages made by Smittybilt has been designed so that installation is easy and doesn’t require any mods at all.  Simply bolt the cage in and you are ready to hit the road, trails, dunes, boulders, etc. 

Features at a Glance

·         Works with both 2 and 4 door models

·         Kit comes complete to you with 6 pieces

·         One end of the knuckle fastening system features a pivot that is exclusive to this system

·         Comes with a 5 year warranty

·         Installation is simple and requires no drilling, cutting or welding

·         Is compatible with all soft goods including both factory and aftermarket soft tops

·         Front down bars feature tubular grab handles

·         Uses grade 20 fasteners

·         Finished with a powder coat in satin black

Yes, both of these options are for large exterior Jeep parts, but there are also a whole world of smaller ones.

Body Styling Parts for Your Jeep


It would be great if Jeeps came one of a kind, wouldn’t it.  On the other hand, one of the great things about being a Jeep owner is that you get to dress it up and give it your own style. 

Accessorizing a Jeep doesn’t have to cost you a ton of money either.  Yes, there are body styling accessories out there that cost a pretty penny, but there are also loads of ways to add your personality to your Jeep without breaking the bank to do it.

Body Moldings for Jeeps

If you happen to own a Patriot or a Cherokee then you might want to look into some of the body moldings that are available.  These will not only add to the personalization of your Jeep, they will also offer protection to the finish and paint on your Jeep.  These body moldings will assist in guarding your Jeep from scratches, nicks and dings.  You will find these body moldings are made by various manufacturers so look around and see which brand will be the right fit for you.

Fuel Door Filler Cover

When it comes to this type of accessory, there are loads of various styles and manufacturers to choose from.  If you are worried about fuel theft then you can look into getting one of these door covers that locks.  If not, get one that doesn’t lock. Many of these covers will be made from aluminum or steel and you can find them with a mirror finish or even in black.  This is a great low budget accessory that can be had for less than $100.

License Plate Brackets

There are times when it may seem like the placement of the license plate on your Jeep just isn’t right.  There are options that will correct this though.  License plate relocation brackets are quite readily available.  You may even choose to keep the tag where it is and just get a new set of brackets or holder for it.  Various manufacturers make these brackets.  Some of them are Smittybilt, Tough Stuff and Rock Hard just to name a few.  This is another accessory that is under $100.

Aluminum and/or Stainless Side Molding

When you want to add some shine to your Jeep, this is a great way.  These moldings fit along the bottom of the sides and doors of your Jeep.  They are made by various manufacturers including Warrior.  Generally, you will find these moldings with a diamond plate finish and they are typically compatible with OEM doors.  Price for these moldings can vary greatly but you can usually find them between $100 and $500.

These are just a few of the budget friendly ways to add some body styling to your Jeep. 

Bestop High Rock Grille Guards


Bestop has been in business now for more than half a century.  Bestop is known for making some of the best accessories for Jeeps on the market today.  When Bestop first got their start, they simply made replacement tops for Jeeps.  This was done in their facilities that were ten located in their Boulder, CO upholstery factory.  The first tops that they made were specifically for WWII circa Jeeps.  Demand for the tops they were making soon outran the demand for the upholstery that they originally made.  Before long, Bestop had earned a reputation that was known around the world for the quality of these Jeep tops.

Beginning with the Jeep tops, they didn’t rest on their laurels.  They soon began expanding their product line and now that line includes one of the largest varieties of Jeep parts and accessories that you will find from any company in the industry.  Additionally, each one of the parts and accessories that are made by Bestop are held to OEM specs, meaning that you get the perfect fit for your specific Jeep.    

High Rock Grille Guard

This is a tubular grille guard.  It works in conjunction with the High Rock front bumper.  This grille guard is not only functional, it is also durable and stylish.  There is a center hoop measuring 2 inches and this hoop has a 2 stage powder coat.  The first coat is actually what is called an E coat while the second coat is a durable powder coat in black.  Because of this coating, the grille guard is protected from moisture and the overall finish is one that is extremely tough.

When you purchase this Bestop product, you will also receive all of the hardware necessary for proper and safe mounting as well as detailed instructions for installation.

 High Rock 4 x 4 Front Bumper

This is the aforementioned bumper that the High Rock Grille Guard works with.  This bumper has been designed so that it will allow you to get a high front access for your Jeep.  This is to allow you to get the maximum amount of ground clearance whether or not you have installed a lift kit on your Jeep.  This bumper is made to fit your specific year, make and model Jeep.  This is a great bumper to have when you want to tackle some boulders.

It is possible to get the bumper and not have the grille guard, but for those who have rock crawling or trail blazing in mind, it is always best to get the maximum amount of protection for your rig.  The best way to accomplish that goal is to get both the bumper as well as the grille guard.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Jeep Mud Flaps


Whether you know it or not, lifted Jeeps are required by law to be equipped with mud flaps in most states.  The mud flaps do more than just help with covering the larger tire sizes, they also work as a barrier for debris being thrown up from those very same tires and whoever is behind you. 

If you live in a state where these accessories are a requirement or even if you don’t, they are some pretty important accessories when your Jeep is lifted.  They are not really hard to install either.  In fact, some of the manufacturers make them so that they can be easily removed for when you are on the trails and then put right back in when you hit the highway again.

When compared to other trucks or SUVs, Jeeps need a different type of mud flap.  Typically, you would put a steel mount on your Jeep and then use this in conjunction with a bracket to hold the mud flap in position.  Most mud flaps can be mounted to your Jeep (or removed from it) in less than half an hour.

Aries

Aries is a company that makes mud flaps for Jeeps…among other Jeep accessories.  The 111900 happens to be an 18 inch mud flap made specifically for a lifted Jeep.  It will assist in limiting the amount of snow, road debris, rocks, mud and water that is thrown up.  This debris can actually damage your Jeep or even the vehicle of the person behind you on the road. 

The 111900 features a bracket that is universal and the bracket has a variety of mounting holes.  This means that in addition to working on Jeeps, they will also work on most trucks.  The flaps themselves are 12 inches wide and 18 inches long.  They feature a 22 inch hanger that has been constructed from carbon steel.  This hanger can be cut if you need to fit it to various wheel and tire configurations.

Also featured with these mud flaps is a quick release system that allows for easy removal.  The release is accomplished by way of a quick release pin.  These are durable rubber flaps that have been powder coated black. 

While you might need to do a bit of cutting or drilling for installation, it is still an easy process.  The flaps are mounted right to the frame of your Jeep.

You will find these particular mud flaps sold in sets of two and they do come with everything that you will need to install them.  They also come with a 3 year warranty.

Mud flaps for Jeeps are made by other companies, but these flaps made by Aries definitely merit you taking a look at them.