Saturday, January 30, 2010

Terminator Salvation and Jeep Team Up

In this week’s issue of Sports Illustrated, Terminator Salvation continued its full on assault of the sports world by teaming up with Jeep to create this double truck ad. The strategy behind the ad is solid, but it misses on an opportunity to speak to a stationary audience.

The strategy behind the ad speaks to the ruggedness of the Jeep Rubicon. The Jeep Rubicon is so capable and comfortable that a robot chooses to take it out to its favorite fishing spot. If a machine that is hell bent on taking over the world and eradicating the human race can trust the Jeep Rubicon to get where it needs to go, anyone can. Imagination aside, the Rubicon is shown in the ad to be the exact vehicle you need to get you anywhere you need to go.
While I agree with the strategy behind the ad, I do not agree with the execution. This is a double truck ad, with entirely too much empty space. The robot fishing in the stream could be easily conveyed in the top two thirds of the ad, leaving the bottom third with space to convey some unique selling points of the vehicle. In my opinion when you have a stationary audience, like you do in a magazine, you should take that time to inform that audience of information you can’t fit into a TV or pre roll spot. This space could also be used to tie into the movie more. Having the unique selling points tie into the movie theme would be an entertaining way to convey interesting points for both the movie and the vehicle.
The ad feels like it was built plainly to appeal to both the movie clients and the vehicle clients. By doing that, both clients were shorted on what they could have been given.
What do you think about this print ad? Does it do anything to make you want to see the movie or drive a Jeep?

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

1982: Suzuki SJ410 (SJ30 or Sierra, Santana, Maruti Gypsy, Holden Drover, Katana)

After more than a decade of proving their 4x4 prowess in countries all over the world, Suzuki introduced the all-new SJ410 (the nomenclature signifying 4-wheel-drive, 1.0 literengine) in 1982. This truck was also known as the SJ30, the Sierra, Santana, and alsore-badged as the Maruti Gypsy in India, as well as the Holden Drover in Australia, or Katana in Indonesia.

Suzuki SJ410 (SJ30, Sierra)
Larger and more modern than the LJ series, the SJ30 expanded on the LJ's pluses and addressed many of the minuses. The 970cc 4-cylinder engine was a larger version of the LJ80's power plant, delivering 45hp and an even bigger improvement in torque, helping to haul its additional 300lbs over that of the LJ more quickly to its identical top speed of 68mph.
Suzuki SJ410 (Santana)

Differences from the familiar Samurai included of course the smaller engine, the narrower track width front and rear with leaf springs mounted further inboard, 12% lower transfer case ratios in high and low range, 10% lower differential gears, a 4-speed transmission, front and rear unboosted drum brakes, a transfer case mounted drum parking brake, seat and dashboard design, lack of a roll bar, and availability of half-door convertible, pickup, hardtop, raised-panoramic-roof, and no-glass hardtop versions. Note: The brakes were still not power on the SJ410 through 1985. The metal grille was kept through 1985 on the SJ410 as well - Eric Bewley.

Suzuki SJ410 (Maruti Gypsy)

Suzuki SJ410 (Holden Drover)
In Britain a "gentlemen's agreement" between British and Japanese industries limiting Japanese cars to a mere 11% of the market left Suzuki, a late comer, with a very small allocation of market share. The popularity of the SJ series forced Suzuki to investigate overseas production. The Spanish company Land Rover Santana SA wanted a product to complement their Land Rover production, so Suzuki took a 20% (later increased to 32%) share holding in Santana. This arrangement resulted in over 60% European content, allowing the vehicles to be exempt from Suzuki Great Brittain's quota

Monday, January 25, 2010

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8…diesel?

Oh please don’t tease me! I’ve been a convert to diesels for a while now. I can’t get enough of them - they’re easy to mod for power, they are as reliable as the gravel in your driveway, they make great noises and deliver more low-end grunt than a linebacker in the bathroom after Thanksgiving dinner!
There’s a rumour afoot that Jeep might gussy up the oil-burner on sale in Europe in SRT-8 duds. *lust*
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8


�We�re always looking for ways to take advantage of the technology we have within the corporation. An SRT diesel would be the best of both worlds.� (For performance with economy.)
In Europe, where large petrol engines are punished with high taxes, diesel SUVs and even high-performance sedans by makers such as Mercedes and BMW are a popular choice. An SRT diesel…

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Prototype


Jeep SRT-8 Road Test
Truck Trends just posted a road test of the hand-built prototype SRT-8 Grand Cherokee - a run up Pikes peak, no less.
Here’s a bit to get you started…
Last Up Pikes Peak: Driving the First Grand Cherokee SRT8 Up an Infamous Mountain for the Last Time
By Chris Walton
Photography by Evan Klein
Truck Trend, May 2006

Through a series of improbable, seemingly impossible, and loosely planned circumstances, I found myself behind the wheel of a handbuilt million-dollar prototype Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Without a single journalist mile on the odometer, I stabbed the throttle a few times to clear its throat, and the echoes sounded like an octet of pissed-off 200-pound Rottweilers. Mile-marker seven on the Pikes Peak Highway, or a nondescript telephone pole, is the unremarkable starting line of the infamous, sometimes deadly Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC). From this vantage point, one can see a series of switchbacks cut into the mountainside eight miles up the road, 3000 feet above. The mountain seems to be saying, “You reckon, do you?” What have I gotten myself into?
Because everything happened so fast, I hadn’t fully researched the ramifications of agreeing to do this. Sure, I’d heard all the tales of how dangerous Pikes Peak is, seen the “Real Men Don’t Need Guardrails” T-shirts, and read about the Unser family’s legacy there. But now it was real: real big, real scary, and there would be real consequences for doing something wrong just once on any of the 156 turns. Postrun research revealed that since 1916, thousands of famous race drivers have made the 12.42-mile run up the 4720-foot ascent to the finish, literally in the clouds at over 14,000 feet. There’s even a record for pushing a peanut up the mountain with your nose. In a four-wheeled vehicle, though, Rod Millen has held the overall driving record since 1994 with a 10-minute, 4.06-second blast–eclipsing the prior mark by 40 seconds. Also, better drivers than me have wrecked there; three have died, as did an inattentive corner worker.
Did I mention I was seated in a prototype vehicle intended for glamorous advertising shoots and there were no fewer than 15 other people waiting to get their hands on the one and only SRT Grand Cherokee that existed at that time? Photographers, videographers, ad-agency observers, and a vehicle-prep team were all clamoring for my temporary loaner as I waited for my walkie-talkie to announce, “The highway is clear. Go, go, go!” Oh, and I had two very brave, back-seat passengers: the freelance writer of the SRT Adrenaline Tour magazine insert (Motor Trend, January 2006) and this story’s enthusiastic photographer.
I glanced at a sheet of paper handed to me just moments before. It was a course map of the Hill Climb. Trying to memorize it, even with enough time, would be like remembering every nuance of a foot-long spider-web crack in a windshield. “This is worthless to me,” I thought. The Australian writer in the back seat urged me to keep in mind that I was the only one in the Jeep wearing a helmet. Doing my best to reassure him, I said that I too had a one-year-old daughter waiting for me at home and that I would only drive what I could see…

Jeep SRT 8 v. Chevy Trailblazer - another comparo

Jeep SRT8 vs Chevy Trailblazer
Yet another “seemingly relevant” comparo is made here with the Jeep SRT8. This time it’s the Chevy Trailblazer SS. While it might be the model most suited to compare to Jeep’s heavy-hitter, it’s not in the same league.
The article is so-so, but until someone gets the two of these onto a drag strip and road course, this is as good as it gets…
As is the case with the SSR, the Trailblazer SS is saddled with a prehistoric four-speed automatic transmission. And unlike the SSR, the Trailblazer isn’t offered with a manual transmission. Shifts are slow and jerky, and the transmission downshifts with the slightest brush of the accelerator. Those downshifts aren’t smooth, either. Senior editor Joe Lorio elaborates: “There are mile-wide gaps between the gears and none of the sophisticated electronic controls [you find on many vehicles] that adjust the engine throttle to smooth out shifting. Consequently, any shift made with urgency causes a heaving ripple effect through the car.” The truck’s 395 horsepower can’t get to the ground with any urgency because of the long first-gear ratio, so city driving in the SS is hardly different than it is in the weaker, short-wheelbase, 5.3-liter V-8-powered vehicles offered on the same GM platform. In contrast to the Jeep, the Chevy is better to drive on winding roads, where it is able to stay in the power band of one gear. But even there, the spotlight doesn’t burn brightly on the SS…

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Rancho steering damper (stabilzer). Perfection for Jeep JK Wrangler


You can now replace the factory 'bicycle pump' that is standard fitment on Jeep JK Wranglers. The original equipment steering damper may by OK for stock Jeeps on smooth roads, but add extra weight, a suspension lift kit, bigger tires, or potholes and corrugations, and you Jeep may experience wheel-wobble and shimmy.
The new Rancho steering damper is beefy, and features a bigger bore (piston head diameter) and body (extra cooling). The internal build-quality is 'bright'. High-quality, typical from Rancho. The unit is an easy-to-fit, bolt-on application, applied to the existing vehicle mountings.
The pic below shocks the comparison between the new Rancho JK damper and the factory Jeep one.
No more to be said. You can get your own at http://www.4wd1.com/wranglerJK.htm#damper

Saturday, January 23, 2010

The Military Willys MB

Reasons: I love anything to do with military history and the proud Jeep heritage from it's birth to it's contribution to the WWII victory.
Great simplicity of design and function.
1944 Willys Military Jeep!

Monday, January 18, 2010

New Parts for Jeep JK and Toyota FJ

Now that gas is over $3 a gallon out here in LA, and close to that elsewhere, the smaller SUV and crossover segments are getting red hot. Two of the newest in this category, the Jeep Wrangler JK and Toyota’s retro FJ Cruiser just cry out for aftermarket goodies. Two of our favorite vendors, Airforce One Performance® and Team Xenon®/GTS® have just what the doc ordered.
Take this Airforce One FJ Cruiser intake for instance. It features 3.5″ diameter polished stainless-steel mandrel bent tubing, along with a powder coated plenum box. This combination keeps the hot-underhood air from heating up the intake flow, and combined with a large-volume oiled-cotton reusable filter basket gives you more hp and torque than the stock intake ever could. Easier breathing means better mileage, too — and we all could use some of that. They offer the same combination for the new Jeep JK. Can’t go wrong at the local meet & greet with one of these polished goodies under the hood.
See these and other intake systems for a wide range of cars, trucks and SUVs at the Airforce One Performance website.
Now that the “get up and go” part of the equation is under control, let’s look at some we-be-stylin’ stuff for that new JK you got sittin’ in your drive. That’s where Team Xenon/GTS comes in, because they’ve got the goodies right here, right now to dress up these pups big time!
JK Step-down flares
This first one is their new “Step Down Design” flare kit that adds approximately 1.6 inches to the stock flare width.
Tubular design
The other flare kit that they offer is the “Tubular Flat Panel Design” that also adds an additional 1.6″ of width. Either way you win with a much more macho look than stock.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Does anyone know where to get a good hitch from, to put on my jeep liberty?




I am looking for a hitch to put on my Jeep. I am going to get a class three hitch, but I don’t know what brand would be the best. I’m looking for a pretty simple installation and one that the wiring won’t be to hard. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Thanks!

Any idea on how to mount a dirt bike on an 05 jeep wrangler?




Just wondering if anyone knew of a kit or something that I could buy so that I could mount a dirt bike on the back of my Jeep. By mounting it on my wrangler that would able me to have it even more secure. Thanks for any help.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

MQ Mk Nissan Patrol | What is the difference?


If you own a 1980's model leaf-sprung Nissan Patrol wagon or SWB, chances are that you're calling it an 'MQ'.

There's confusion for Nissan owners as to whether their 4WD is an MQ Patrol, or its 2nd series variant 'MK'model. So here are the facts:

MQ Patrols have round headlights are were build between 6/1980 and 10/1983.

MK Patrols have square headlights are were build between 11/1983 and 12/1987.

Why does this matter? When it comes to the fitment of aftermarket suspension, the design of the front shackles and front spring eyes, differs between the two models. Most suspension companies consolidate the application, only making the front leafs for the later model MK. If you own an MQ, and you buy a suspension kit, you get the springs for the later MK, supplied together with the matching front shackles and bushes from the MK model, in which then all is good.

What is different about the front shackles and bushes between the two models? The earlier MQ has shackles with straight-wall side-plates. Instead of a tradional rubber or urethane bushes, they use a special metal or brass type busing.

On the MK Patrol, the front shackle side-plates are stepped at the bottom (bowed out), basically like an upside-down y-shape. The bush on the top shackle pin is a metal type, and the bush at the bottom of the shackle (that sits in the spring eye) is a rubber or urethane type.

With the vintage of these Patrols, and the potential for chops and changes to the front end by (a) the fitment of a different grille and headlight kit (say after a smash or panel-beating job) and (b) the possibility of the suspension being previously modified or (c) an MQ/MK aftermarket suspension kit - how can you be sure what to order when it comes to suspension parts (replacement type or otherwise?)

Remember:
  • MQ was build 6/1980-10/1983
  • MK was build 11/-1983-12/1987
AND - CHECK THE FRONT SHACKLE DESIGN.
  • MQ has straight-wall side-plates
  • MK has stepped or bowed side-plates

If you are purchasing a new suspension kit, make sure the shackles will match the new springs.
If you are ordering new bushes, or new shackles for your earlier MQ Patrol, double-check the front shackle design so you know whether to order original MQ ones or the later MK type.

Check out our MQ MK Patrol suspension products here.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Queensland cops test H3 Hummer


The current fleet of Landcruisers used by the police in Queensland is due for replacement and, as part of the review and assessment process, some Hummer H3 vehicles are being tested.

According to a Brisbane newspaper, the Deputy Commissioner, Ian Steward, said the H3 is significantly cheaper than the Toyota, and its efficiency is equal or better.

Really? Can you imagine five big and burly Queensland cops squeezed into the cabin of a Hummer H3?

Then there’s the black H3 that Queensland Police is using in its ‘undercover operations’ fleet. It’s hard to believe. If a black, unmarked, Hummer tried to pull you over, would you think it was the police? Would you stop? We wouldn’t. We’d floor the pedal of the Jeep and head for the closest narrow-gutted street, or any other place that didn’t allow super-wide vehicles.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Jeep Patriot Startech



The Jeep Patriot Startech is here, and I like it! Startech has tuned the Turbodiesel European Patriot to increase its HP by by 40 PS (39 hp) / 29.4 kW from standard 140 PS (138 hp) / 103 kW to 180 PS (178 hp) / 132 kW. Simultaneously peak torque grows to 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm.

Ride-height lowering of some 30 millimeters with the help of STARTECH sport springs calibrated to the production shocks. The finishing touches are applied by light-alloy wheels with diameters of 19 or 20 inches. The largest version features polished STARTECH Monostar IV 9Jx20 wheels with size 245/40 R 20 tires front and back.http://jeeppatriotblog.blogspot.com

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Jeep Wrangler TJ

Reasons: The Jeep TJ was the beginning of a new era for the "universal" style Jeep with more civilized on-road handling combined with much off road improvements as well.
I like the TJ and much of what followed.


Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001)

Note: Both the Cherokee and Comanche were chosen together due to the similar platforms shared by both vehicles.
Reasons: The XJ Cherokee has great functionality in a relatively compact size, with good utility and economy and all the pieces to make a terrific off road rig to boot.
The Comanche MJ shares most of the XJ's attributes, but in a Pickup configuration.
1989 Jeep Cherokee XJ

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is the quintessential Jeep. Soft-top, soft-doors, roll-bar, short wheelbase, rough ride and supremely capable offroad. It's always been a light-weight, small SUV high on fun and low on creature comforts.
With the 2007 model year, Jeep ushers in the latest in a long line of short wheelbase Jeeps, who's spiritual & actual start was in the 1940s. While similar only in concept, the latest Wrangler has the same sense of rugged go-anywhere ability that the original MB embodied.
Jeep Wrangler YJ
With a hose-out interior, optional hard-top and rugged components designed to take a pounding, current Jeep Wrangler owners will feel right at home when the 2007 Wrangler roll onto dealer lots.
The Wrangler name truly came into it's own when the Jeep YJ debuted. The square-headlight Jeep was the successor to the CJ-7 model and brought a range of improvements to the line. The next Jeep Wrangler was the TJ model, which did away with leaf springs in favor of coils at all four corners. This made for a dramatic improvement in on-road ride quality, while preserving the Wrangler's ability to travel pretty much anywhere it was pointed offroad. The Wrangler TJ also saw Jeep return to round headlights.
Throughout it's life, the Wrangler has played host to numerous engines:
  • 4.0L EFI straight-six
  • 2.5L 4-cyl
  • 4.2L straight-six
  • 3.8L V6 (2007)

While the typical Wrangler was short on interior space, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited with an extra 15" overall in length added to the typical TJ version. With an extra 10" behind the driver & passenger seats and 5" behind the rear seats, the Wrangler Unlimited (TJ-L) brought new levels of on-road ride quality to the Wrangler - not to mention vastly increasing the utility of this icon.
Jeep Wranglers have always been one of the last models upgraded - partly due to inherent design limitations, and partly due to Jeep's desire to NOT mess with a profitable model.
This meant that for years, if you wanted an automatic transmission, it was a 3-speed with no overdrive. Today, though, you have a choice of a 6-speed manual or 4-speed auto with overdrive.