Tires: Pit Bull Rocker 37×13.50×20
Feb/072
We have ran Pit Bull Rockers on other vehicles, they are a great tire. One of the great features of a Rocker is the load ratings, you don’t have to worry about them on most vehicles. In addition, Pit Bull makes their tires a little wider than normal to give your vehicle an extra aggressive stance and more traction. Also, the tires make a much less annoying noise than something like a TSL. They still make noise, it just isn’t annoying. Oh yeah, did we mention that they ROCK off-road?!?
Here are the pics:
Wheels: KMC XD Rockstar 20×10
Feb/076
Breaking the PARADIGM!
Like it or not, the Jeep has 20s. We’ve sold hundreds of lifts and drove numerous lifted vehicles. You might think we are wrong for doing this, but we aren’t. There are many benefits to running 20 inch wheels on and off road.
Here are the on-road benefits:
- Less deflection of the tire when turning the wheel
- Less dangerous if a tire blows out at higher speeds
- Weighs less for better performance
Here are the off-road benefits:
- Less sidewall to roll on and be damaged
- Weighs less for better performance
Many people think that the wheels are more vulnerable to damage. They might be slightly more vulnerable, but we still have over 8 inches of sidewall all the way around, which is better than the stock tires and wheels. In addition, we went with an aluminum wheel so it can be repaired and the wheel is designed for off-road, so it has recessed valve stems that keep them protected.
About the wheels: These are 20×10, 4.5″ backspacing and dual drilled with both 5×5 and 5×4.5 lug patterns. From what I understand this is a new lug pattern for this wheel and we might have got the first set for a JK in the country. The size is perfect for running the 37×13.50×20 tires we have.
2007 Wrangler JK Lift Kit Install
Jan/074
We selected the Superlift 4″ kit because of Superlift’s reputation for quality lifts and the value of the lift. The kit includes everything needed to lift the Jeep including shocks and an adjustable front track bar. Honestly, this is probably the easiest complete lift kit to install we have encountered. The only others that would be similar in difficulty would be a CJ lift if the stock bolts weren’t rusted.
We were concerned about vibrations and wobbles, but there are absolutely none. The longer control arms from the factory make lifting the JK a lot less problematic than the TJs were. Additionally, there is no drilling required with the front track bar to cause possible slop up there. Finally, the new steering setup is much better than the older Wranglers.
Read on to the next page to see our write-up on the installation of this kit and tips to make the install go smoother.
Adding a New Key
Jan/072
From time to time we have to give the Jeep to other people (for warranty service, cleaning, valet, or just loaning it out). Giving out your entire key ring with other car keys, house keys and flash drives is not a good idea. Also, if you ever loose a key it is more expensive to get a new key made when you only have one key, due to a different (dealer only) programming process that is required. We highly recommend getting a third key as a “valet” key.
Our local dealer wanted about $60 for a blank key and $35 to program a key, the local locksmith wanted to charge $35 to program any key we brought them as well. We got the key and had it cut for less than $30 total.
The following is the process to get yourself hooked up with a spare key for minimal cost. For this write up we will be using a Rock Key that works just like a factory key with the transponder, but looks and feels better. The Rock Key has the same type of transponder built in, so everything is 100% compatible with your stock Jeep.
- Purchase a Rock Key.
- Get your rock key cut by a local locksmith. We prefer locksmiths over Lowe’s, Wal-Mart, etc. because they are usually better trained and if the key is cut wrong you will have to buy a new one.
- Get two of your existing keys and your new key and hop in the Jeep.
- Insert the first key that is already programmed into the ignition switch and turn the ignition to ON for 3-15 seconds then turn the ignition OFF and remove the key.
- Insert the second key that is already programmed into the ignition switch and turn the ignition to ON within 15 seconds of removing the first key. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound and the key indicator light on the dash will begin to flash. Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key.
- Insert your new key which has not been programmed yet and turn the ignition to ON within one minute of removing the last key. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound and the key indicator light will stop flashing.
- Your new key as now been programmed and should work as a normal key.
Notes: (1) The key indicator light is a little red LED light on the far right side of the instrument cluster. (2) Our Jeep didn’t chime, but the key still programmed correctly.