JPFreek Adventure Magazine - Jeep and Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Magazine » Freek Garage

Towing Shackles & D-Ring Fabrication and Installation on Jeep JK

JPFreek — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:34:17 +0000

In the fall of 2009, I bought a Jeep Wrangler and joined the, “I Live, I Drive, I Am” crowd. The vehicle purposely has very few “bells and whistles” because I found that in order to buy one bell, I had to buy a package of six whistles which I really didn’t need. Read more ...

Cooling System Upgrade for your Jeep Wrangler

Mike Fissel — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:31:28 +0000

This upgrade was done on a Jeep CJ but you can do the same to your YJ, TJ or just about any Jeep.

After installing a new performance 360 in my CJ, the factory-style radiator struggled to keep the temps down. Even in 80°F weather, the temps rose to 220°F+ quickly and never went south. Read more ...

Choosing the Right Mods for Overland Travel

Mike Fissel — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:30:25 +0000

I’ve been overlanding since 2007. Not a long time but long enough to get a good idea of what works, what doesn’t work, and what you need in the terms of vehicle modifications. The good news is most stock high clearance Jeeps can do overland travel in their stock form. There are a few things that in my opinion can make it easier to traverse the more aggressive parts of a trail and make for a good looking rig. Read more ...

Balls On Your Tow Hitch

Mark Filonowich — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:29:13 +0000

Recently, as I have been driving around town, I have been noticing a trend. Many trucks (and larger SUVs) have their balls showing. Not the offensive, chrome plated kind swinging from the bumper, but the actual (chrome plated) kind still in the receiver, ready to tow a trailer. I have three good reasons you might want to take out your balls. Read more ...

Tow Tech

Mark Filonowich — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:49:19 +0000

Towing a trailer is a skill many Jeep drivers find themselves needing at some point in their lives. Whether you are pulling a small fishing boat or a pop-up camper, a car hauler loaded with your precious Jeep cargo, or a massive 5^th wheel vacation home…there are some common sense principles that hold true for any load. Read more ...

Getting In Touch With Your Senses

Mark Filonowich — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 03:36:46 +0000

Breathe deeply, close your eyes, and lean your head back. Let the stress flow from your body as a peaceful aura washes over you. Try to relax and get in touch with your senses. That doesn’t sound like good advice for a Jeep driver…or does it? Actually, using your senses is a critical part of driving well. Read more ...

Jeep Diesel Engines

JPFreek — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 17:45:26 +0000

There’s been a lot of discussion amongst Jeep enthusiasts for years about the viability of diesel engines in Jeep vehicles within the North American market. To further add fuel to the “fire,” we thought we’d share a listing of the diesel engines currently offered by the Jeep brand outside of the United States. Read more ...

Autoanything Provides List of 5 Aftermarket Jeep Parts for Your Jeep Vehicle

JPFreek — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:13:27 +0000

Our friends at Autoanything.com are the newest sponsoring vendor of JPFreek Adventure Magazine and have prepared a list of five aftermarket Jeep parts to personalize your rig. Check out their listing below and click any of the links to take you to their site to pick-up the latest items for your Jeep vehicle. Read more ...

Outfitting Your Jeep Vehicle 101: Snorkels

Alan & Jackie Ellis — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:37:47 +0000

Installing a snorkel on your Jeep vehicle can provide a number of benefits while traveling off-highway including better breathing for your air intake system and protection from high water crossings. Read more ...

A Girl and a Winch

JPFreek — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 19:58:13 +0000

During a temperate spring day on 8,600 acres of non-standard woods in Orange, Virginia, I learned about vehicle self-recovery. I had no idea I would learn so much and actually enjoy myself.

A small group gathered around to get the day’s agenda from Garrett and J.B. of Overland Experts (OEX), an off-road and overland training company that offers various curriculum for both civilians and military personnel. While most of us on this day were civilians, there were a couple of military guys who threw their muscle into the day’s effort. Read more ...

Fuel Economy Tips

Mark Filonowich — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 19:37:04 +0000

I’m not sure I remember how cheap gas used to be. I mean, as a little kid you don’t really think about it…not until you have to buy it yourself. Many, many years ago I wanted a dirt bike and I knew it required high octane (premium) gas. At 99 cents a gallon I pretty much decided I couldn’t afford a dirt bike. A buck a gallon gas…can you even imagine that now? Read more ...

Driving Skills: Left Foot Braking

Nena Barlow — Mon, 02 May 2011 00:07:53 +0000

Left-foot braking is the act of using your left foot on the brake pedal, while simultaneously using your right foot on the throttle. Left-foot braking is a finesse skill to use in four-wheeling, specifically in 4wd low range circumstances and especially if you drive an automatic transmission. Read more ...

Land Use and the “Ride Along”

JPFreek — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 01:56:21 +0000

Getting to know our politicians so that we can get them on our side is probably the biggest challenge we face as off-highway enthusiasts in the upcoming years, and especially as we move into the future. Without their support and active involvement in our sports, we’re doomed. Read more ...

TJ Tailgate Conversion

Mike Fissel — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:45:00 +0000

Over the years I have owned a number of Jeep CJs, from a CJ5, three CJ7s, and two Scramblers. With the end of the CJ we were introduced to the new YJ Wrangler and as things would have it, two of them eventually made it into my stable. Read more ...

Pressure Situations

Mark Filonowich — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 02:49:50 +0000

Pressure situations happen to all of us in many aspects of our lives. Most of the time, too much pressure can lead to serious problems…at work, at home, at school…even in your tires! Let’s take a few minutes in this issue’s column to talk about correct tire pressure. Some folks barely give it a second thought but for anyone exploring the backcountry or doing some heavy hauling, tire pressure is a critical part of safe and successful travel. Read more ...

Expedition Checklist

JPFreek — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 01:35:28 +0000

Planning an expedition or overland journey in your Jeep vehicle? The following list details all the items suggested for a successful time on the trails: Read more ...

Practice Makes Perfect

Mark Filonowich — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:54:11 +0000

Technology is an amazing thing. I hit my high trajectory golf balls with my graphite shafted, titanium-faced driver further than I ever could have with my old woods. Unfortunately, I now have to go deeper into the woods to find the ball that I sliced out of bounds. Of course, instead of spending my money on these fancy widgets, I realize now that I would have best been served if I had spent time on the practice tee, perfecting my technique. Read more ...

Jeep D30 to D44 on a Budget

Mike Fissel — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:51:50 +0000

For years many have said that I am running on borrowed time with the front axle in my CJ. The stock D30 has been in my CJ since I got it in 1997 with the only modification since then being the 4:10 gears installed a few years ago. I was told it would never hold up to the abuse it gets but it has never let me down. It was abused for several years with a V8 304 and 35 BFGs. Until recently the old weak D30 still hadn’t died but I knew it would eventually and thus began to look for an upgrade. Read more ...

I’ve Got the Winter-time, No Jeepin’ Blues

Mark Filonowich — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 02:12:12 +0000

It’s the coldest month in northern Minnesota and I’ve got the wintertime, no Jeepin’ blues. I can already hear you saying that I’m a wimp and should “man-up, Barbie” and get out on the trail, but hear me out. The weather forecast is for almost 20 degrees below zero this weekend, my heater only works on warm days, and there’s not much daylight yet. I’ve got a list of Jeep repairs/upgrades as long as my arm, and a heated garage to do them in. I’m not going Jeepin’ for a reason…and it’s not just because the season is freezing. Read more ...

The Hunt for the Ultimate ZJ

Mike Fissel — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 01:07:57 +0000

The word “ultimate” is a pretty powerful word and a description that is subject to interpretation. The ultimate Grand Cherokee in this article will be the result of over a year of research and planning plus my 30 years experience owning and building Jeeps. Read more ...

Choosing the Right Rubber for your Rig

Mark Filonowich — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:24:40 +0000

My favorite letter gets reprinted about once a year in each of the 4WD magazines. The name changes, and the exact model Jeep varies, but the basic story is always the same. It sounds something like this: I’m a high school student with no money and I’m dreaming of putting 44” Swampers with a 12” lift on my uncle’s old 4 cylinder Willys. What is the best way to do this without spending more than $200? Read more ...

Wheeling with Feeling

Mark Filonowich — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 04:41:10 +0000

The Jeeping community is filled with many different kinds of people from all walks of life. No matter how different we all are, we share a common interest…an interest in that “Jeep thing” which many folks will never understand. Read more ...

Removing & Fitting a Tire

JPFreek — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 22:23:33 +0000

This is the “ultimate in tire repair with hand tools.” You’d have to perform this task if your tire is completely shredded, or the repair you have to perform is major and cannot be done by breaking and removing one side of the tire from the rim. What I like about this task is that once you’ve mastered it, everything else with tires is easy sailing. Read more ...

Reparing Synthetic Winch Line

Wil Kuhns — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 01:24:38 +0000

Anyone who has used a winch has seen, or will eventually see, a winch cable break or snap at some point. This dangerous condition has lead many Jeep and four-wheel drive owners to switch to synthetics for safety and weight savings. However, many people aren’t prepared to repair their winch line should it finally give-way. Read more ...

Karma in the Jeep World

Mark Filonowich — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 01:24:17 +0000

Recently, I was on a camping trip with my son and we were sitting around the campfire telling stories. He’s only 9, but a very bright kid and we talk about some pretty amazing concepts. The subject of Karma came up (if you do good things, good things will happen to you — if you do bad things, bad things will happen to you) and I shared with him this story from my own Jeeping experiences. Read more ...

Installing a Warn 9.5Ti Winch on a Mopar Bumper

Adam Rosenfeld — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:21:20 +0000

So, you’ve just bought yourself a brand-new Jeep JK outfitted a with Mopar Off-Road steel bumper with winch mount but you’re trying to figure out how to install your new Warn winch. Read more ...

Tire Clinic – Major Sidewall Repair

JPFreek — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:21:31 +0000

You’ve just passed through a gnarly series of rocks and ruts in what seemed like a very difficult traverse in your Jeep vehicle. Then, all of a sudden, you find your tire has been severely damaged from an adjoining rock. You’re in the backcountry, far from civilization. What do you do? Read more ...

From Beater to Beauty

JPFreek — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 03:44:05 +0000

The TJ Wrangler model is 13 years old now, leaving plenty of options for the potential buyer. It also means that there are more “well-seasoned,” high mileage Jeeps looking for a second lease on life. Read more ...

Trail Winching Techniques: Recovery For More Drastic Traction Failure Situations

Mark Filonowich — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:29:15 +0000

Getting stuck is part of Jeeping. Not that you are trying to get stuck (although I know some people sure look like they are); sometimes it simply happens. Occasionally, your Jeeping takes you to places where safety requires an extra measure of security. Read more ...

Recovery Techniques for Traction Failure Situations, or simply, “Getting Unstuck”

Mark Filonowich — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:15:59 +0000

My wife used to think I enjoyed getting us into “predicaments.” Why else would I drive a perfectly good Jeep into the mud and over the rocks? She must have married a special kind of idiot who would do something so foolish again and again. Read more ...

From Zero to Hero

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:01:42 +0000

For many of us, the purchase of a Jeep is the beginning of a relationship; with the vehicle itself, with Jeep clubs, with new experiences, and new addictions. Read more ...

What’s in a Swaybar?

admin — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:23:34 +0000

Sway bar, anti-roll bar, torsion bar, torsion beam, torsion spring. All of these terms are interchangeable, simply meaning a bar that can “twist” without breaking. Read more ...

Eco-Friendly Adventures

Mark Filonowich — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 18:05:31 +0000

“It’s not easy being green,” sang Kermit the Frog. Read more ...

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Group Dynamics in Sticky Situations

Nena Barlow — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:44:33 +0000

“Hellooooo! Can someone please tell me where my right tire is at?” I yelled, as my Jeep teeter-tottered on two wheels. Read more ...

Fuel Economy Tips for Jeep Owners

Frank Ledwell — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:17:47 +0000

Improving the fuel efficiency of vehicles is a key topic in the minds of consumers and manufacturers. While auto companies make progress in technology, there are quite a number of tips that any driver can employ to achieve world-class fuel economy. By far the most important factor in the reduction of fuel consumption is the driver. The rule is simple: slow down and take it easy. Read more ...

Good Driving Ethics Help Keep Trails Open for All

Tom Severin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:17:24 +0000

This is a good time to review the code of ethics that all conscientious drivers live by. Sometimes we become a bit complacent, and forget the fundamentals that have guided drivers for years. Read more ...

So, I Had a Talk With My Jeep – Project TJ

Mark Stephens — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:13:54 +0000

When Brooke told me she was pregnant, I considered this crazy thought for a long, stressful 24 hours: sell the TJ, cash out. Put the backseat in, give it a good wax job, and prepare to send it off with a college girl who likes it since it’s red and convertible. The horror. For a last hurrah I’d have to tell her, “Be sure to change the snorkel fluid once every 3000 miles.” Read more ...

Practical Tips From the Driver’s Seat

Mark Filonowich — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:34:28 +0000

Everybody wants a Jeep that looks good and is highly capable off-road, and after purchasing a new Jeep, the question almost always crosses one’s mind: How should I spend my aftermarket dollars? Lift kit or bigger tires? Read more ...