The word Jeep is almost synonymous with four-wheel drive, and for good reason. From the earliest flatfender to the brand-new-for-'03 Wrangler Rubicon, no other brand of American vehicle has hit the trail with as much dirt in its history as Jeep-or so much accumulated respect. In fact, none other than automotive great Enzo Ferrari called it America's true sports car. One good thing about all this history and fame is that there are plenty of goodies available for your Jeep. With that in mind, we've decided to focus on some of the interesting pieces that you're likely to want, whether you're looking to turn your Jeep into a sick trail rig with gobs of travel or are looking to eliminate your rig's weak points. Whatever it is you're trying to accomplish with your Jeep, chances are you can find the parts you need in the following guide.
Super Joint
The Super U-Joint, new from the makers of the Ox Trax, is something you might want to take a look at. It uses no needle pins, no clips, and is watertight. On top of that, it is rebuildable and greaseable, and its unique barrel design, with webbed joints and a one-piece trunion pin and cap, add strength to the areas most prone to failure. Because it is made from high-tensile carbon steel and aerospace alloys, the Super U-Joint's patented design is said to be able to provide extreme strength-up to 120 percent stronger than stock U-joints. For further information contact Superior Axle & Gear, Dept. FW, 3954 Whiteside St., Los Angeles, CA 90063, 888/522-2953, www.footeaxle.com.
Use Protection
To help your TJ glide over the toughest trails, you'll want to take a look at the Under Carriage Protection Package from Rock-It Parts. The package includes protection for front and rear differentials (pictured), radiator, oil pan and steering box. The plates are constructed of 11/44-inch and 11/48-inch steel. The streamlined design does not add unnecessary weight or compromise ground clearance. They are powdercoated for durability and long-lasting good looks. All necessary hardware is included with the kit. For further information contact Rock-It Parts, Dept. FW, 1137 W. Katella Ave., Orange, CA 92867, 714/639-4933.
Air Locked
One of the single most effective modifications you can make to improve the ability of your Jeep is the installation of a locker. A selectable locker that can be turned on and off by the driver is even better than a straight mechanical locker because it eliminates some of the common quirks that conventional lockers offer. ARB offers the Air Locker, which runs open until activated by the driver. When the driver activates it, it locks up and sends full power to both wheels. The locker is activated by an onboard compressor, which also means that a reliable air source is available when it comes time to air up. ARB has enough applications to cover whatever axles may be in your Jeep, including Dana 30, Dana 35, Dana 44, Dana 60, AMC 20 and Chrysler 811/44-inch applications. For further information contact ARB USA, Dept. FW, 20 S. Spokane St., Seattle, WA 98134, 888/427-2872, www.arbusa.com.
Stronger Shaft
Are you giving your Jeep's transfer case a workout? If so, you might be interested to learn that Advanced Adapters now has the 32-spline rear output shaft upgrade available for Jeep Dana 20 transfer cases. The kit adds 2 inches of length to the transfer case but it eliminates the weaker 111/48-inch-diameter, 26-spline shaft and replaces it with the much stronger 131/48-inch, 32-spline shaft. The kit also allows the use of different speedometer pinions to compensate for larger tires or gear changes. It can be added during a rebuild or as an upgrade to a stock case. For further information contact Advance Adapters Inc., Dept. FW, P.O. Box 247, Paso Robles, CA 93447, 800/350-2223, www.advanceadapters.com.
Big Fans
Flex-a-lite now offers dual electric fans for '73-'86 six-cylinder CJs with the stock 2-inch radiator. The fans are said to make more horsepower and torque available by replacing the factory direct-drive fan with an electric fan. Each unit features dual 12-inch high-volume fans with an impact-resistant nylon shroud that measures only 2.6 inches thick. The CJ fan requires no modifications for installation and includes all the necessary brackets. Each fan also comes with an adjustable thermostat that can be set from 140 to 220 degrees and includes a built-in A/C relay. For further information contact Flex-a-lite Co., Dept. FW, P.O. Box 580, Milton, WA 98354, 800/851-1510, www.flex-a-lite.com.
Half a Top
Looking for something interesting and unusual to completely seal your Jeep's cockpit from exposure to the elements? If so, that something now is available from Bestop for the '97-'02 Wrangler in the form of the Bestop Halftop. The Halftop combines features of Bestop's Bikini, Windjammer and Duster tops, and uses your Jeep's original factory top's mounting points. It features a fold-back sunroof for instant open-air driving and a zip-out rear window that exposes a built-in mesh screen for ventilation. For further information contact Bestop Inc., Dept. FW, 2100 W. Midway Blvd., Broomfield, CO 80020, 800/845-3567, www.bestop.com.
Mobile Welding
Mobile Welding & Power recently introduced the Mobi-Arc and the Mobi-Power. The Mobi-Arc is a highly efficient, completely solid-state control and delivery device designed to connect to virtually any alternator. During normal driving the alternator is regulated at an automotive-friendly 14 volts. When welding leads are connected to the control unit and an arc is struck, the Mobi-Arc automatically and instantly switches the alternator into a high-current mode and electronically protects the vehicle's battery and electrical system. The Mobi-Power provides the same function and control technology as the smaller Mobi-Arc, but also provides a UL-approved 120-volt DC power outlet. For further information contact Mobile Welding & Power Inc., Dept. FW, 805 Niantic Ct., San Diego, CA 92109, 858/488-2305, www.mobi-arc.com.
Gears for Your TJ
Precision Gear continues to add new gearsets by introducing these 4.88 ratio gearsets for the front and rear axle of your Jeep TJ. Manufactured from high-strength 8620 steel, these matched sets ensure that you'll be able to gear down and get there with confidence. Complete installation kits and locking differentials are also available. For the dealer nearest you, contact Precision Gear Inc., Dept. FW, 12351 Universal Dr., Taylor, MI 48180, 734/946-0524.
Get Tuff
The 4-inch-lift EZ Flex suspension system for the Jeep TJ from Tuff Country is designed with the hard-core enthusiast in mind. The unique threaded lower control arms allow a greater range of movement, thus increasing articulation. When installed with antiroll-bar disconnects, RTI scores of 1,100 are said to be possible. EZ Ride coil springs are said to offer superior ride characteristics and performance whether on the trail or pavement. Control arms include polyurethane bushings for durability, and track-bar relocating brackets are laser-cut and powdercoated. The EZ Flex systems are also available for the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. For further information contact Tuff Country EZ Ride Suspension, Dept. FW, 4165 W. Nike Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84088, 800/288-2190, www.tuffcountry.com.
Box for Your Jeep
From Tellico 4x4 comes the JeepBox line of aluminum storage chests and consoles. All items are handcrafted from aluminum diamond-plate and use lockable paddle latches and hydraulic gas struts. A patented insulation injection process is used to ensure that JeepBox will not rust, leak or rattle. For further information contact Tellico 4x4, Dept. FW, P.O. Box 819, Gardendale, AL 35071, 877/465-5729, www.tellico4x4.com.
Better Bodies
If you need a new body for your Jeep, then JP Off Road has your Jeep covered. All JP bodies are handmade aluminum that is said to be 30 percent stronger than steel. These rustproof items are said to be direct bolt-on replacements for the factory body, and pricing is comparable to steel or fiberglass. Standard aluminum bodies are available for all years and models, including the CJ-5, CJ-7, CJ-8 and a bobbed CJ-8. Competition bodies are also available for normal-width J-buckets, 48-inch wide J-bucket, CJ-7C and bobbed CJ-8. Cool accessories include clear plastic racing hoods with built-in fenders that are flexible and strong. Aluminum dashes and tailgates also are available. For further information contact JP Off Road, Dept FW, P.O. Box 14651, Spokane, WA 99214, 509/893-1488, www.jpoffroad.com.
Beefy Bumpers
TrailReady has the all-new Xcelerator winch-mount bumper system available for all Wrangler and CJ models. Designed with maximum approach and departure angles in mind, the 31/416-inch steel bumper features a triple-hoop guard, recessed light openings, dual heavy-duty shackle mounts and a built-in steering box protector. For further information contact TrailReady, Dept. FW, 1304 80th St. S.W., Everett, WA 98203, 425/353-6776, www.trailready.com.