All-Terrain Tires vs. Mud-Terrain Tires

Consumers have a massive amount of options to choose from when it comes to tires. Going beyond the aesthetics of the tires and breaking down the performance, which is better, an all-terrain tire or a mud-terrain tire?

All-terrain (A/T) tires are designed to cover the most amount of terrains including where the vehicle is most commonly at, on pavement. Able to give decent traction on dirt roads and light snow while still coming with mileage warranties, road hazard warranties, smooth rides and general flexibility.

Mud-terrain (M/T) tires were once used nearly exclusively for mud, deep sand or heavy snow. Now, technology has allowed them to expand further and they are widely used in nearly all forms of off-road and many companies have shifted to naming them Maximum-Traction tires.

There has been a gap between the two, however. In recent years, a new option has become more readily available. Hybrid-terrain (or aggressive all-terrain) tires strive to blend A/Ts and M/Ts for a performance minded consumer that still wants the mileage warranty and good road manners of an A/T while getting more traction like an M/T.

All-Terrain Tires

There are many different off-road terrains out there and many of the vehicles that traverse them also spend the majority of their time on the highways and surface streets going about daily life. “Our philosophy with an A/T is something that’s got a broad range of sizes because this is where most of the light-truck market is at.” Explained Martin Castro, Events and Activation Manager for Milestar Tires. “You need to have confidence in things like mileage warranty, 30-day ride guarantee with our Patagonia AT-R, road hazard assurances and having the peace of mind of having the right load rated tires.”

A/Ts will not be amazing performers on extreme or harsh terrains. The tightly spaced lugs and harder compounds work phenomenal on roads, hardpack dirt, and snowy road conditions but they will not grab rocks or sling/float on mud and soft sand the same way M/Ts do.

Good A/Ts come with 40,000+ mile warranties, staggered tread blocks with zig zag sipping to clear debris and water quickly, maintaining better contact with the road. Many of them also carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol which means it was been independently tested and approved for severe snow conditions.

Mud-Terrain/Maximum-Traction Tires

M/Ts are often the gold-standard of off-road performance. Huge lugs with high void tread designs for debris to be cleared, grippy rubber compounds with extra blocks on the sidewalls for airing down. The wide footprint lends itself well to floating on top of mud and sand, and the specifically designed lugs grab and scoop soft terrain or grab tightly to rocks.

M/Ts are, however, durable beasts.

Where M/Ts lack is longevity. The slightly softer compound and extreme use means they just don’t last as long as A/Ts, especially on highways. They tend to be louder due to the high voids trapping air beneath them and often require more frequent rotations to different positions on the vehicle to keep them properly worn.

M/Ts are, however, durable beasts. Able to take a hit far better, tires like the Milestar Patagonia M/T feature a 3-ply sidewall that provides added strength and impact protection. Many M/Ts have smaller portions designed into the bottom of the voids that act as stone ejectors, helping to keep those areas clear and able to grab more terrain. “M/Ts need to have really good traction in extreme terrains.” Said Martin. “Snow wheeling is a huge part of yearly vehicle use for many people, both for fun and necessity so the M/T has to have great floatation and act like a snowshoe on the snow or sand by dispersing the load out.”

Hybrid-Terrain Tires

Hybrid-terrain tires target the best of what A/Ts and M/Ts have to offer. Larger lugs and voids than a standard A/T, stronger sidewalls and extra shoulder blocks while maintaining all-weather road performance and a Three-Peak rating.

“The hybrid-terrain is the evolution of the standard A/T.” Martin explains. “On the Milestar Patagonia X/T, we have combined the strength of the 3-ply side wall and rugged tread blocks on Maximum-Traction tires with the all-weather traction, longevity and smoother ride of All-Terrain tires.”

A good hybrid tire is designed to be aggressive in some areas and tame in others. Expertly designed tread patterns allow for hybrids to gain more traction by stepping up the block and void sizes without severely compromising ride quality, wet traction and mileage expectations. One of the ways Milestar does this is by using a variable pitch tread pattern that alternates the pitch sequence, staggering them in just the right way that produces a quieter ride.

Keep in mind though that hybrid tires are still a hybrid. A middle ground between two ends of a spectrum. They likely will not out perform a M/T on rocks or in mud and most likely wont beat a mild A/T on the street.

The Final Decision

The final decision is up to you. The fact is, most vehicles that are used off-road end up with far many more on-road miles than they do off-road. Every vehicle and every driver are going to have different requirements, even as simple as looks will have an affect on your final choice. As an enthusiast, you’ll need to decide whether you want some performance with lots of on-road benefits, high off-road performance that sacrifices longevity and ride or a blend between the two.

Top 10 Best Off-Road Vehicles

Not all four-wheel drive vehicles are created equal. Many are similar and are very capable in their own ways, especially depending on the type of off-road driving you do and terrain you prefer but some are just flat out better than others. Trying to classify all 4x4s into one list is like trying to herd cats, they’re all going in different directions and don’t care what you say. In an attempt to appease the off-road powers that be, I’ve put together a list of my top 10 best off-road vehicles as a starting point for a “do most everything” vehicle that factors in cost, aftermarket support, usability and a little bit of cool-factor.

10. Suzuki Samurai

The Suzuki Samurai, also known as the Suzuki Jimny outside the U.S. has been around a long time. First production started in 1970 but didn’t hit State-side until 1984 with the SJ413 model. They are light and inexpensive. Aftermarket support is mediocre but just about everything is available.

When it comes to what it is capable of, well, it’s ok in stock form. They have reliable leaf spring suspension design and straight axles front and rear, removable tops and no frills. They are very reminiscent of old flat fender Willys Jeeps with a few modern upgrades like a stereo and even A/C on some models.

9. Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser

The FJ40 gets on the list with sheer brute strength and vintage cool-factor. Toyota’s Land Cruiser line has had a well established grip on the off-road world for a long time and the FJ40 is a big reason for that. Available in soft top configuration as well as permanent hard top versions, they were bigger than Jeep CJs, had a nearly indestructible, though not powerful, inline-6 engine and were the go-to vehicle for people who wanted a vehicle like a Jeep, but didn’t want a Jeep.

The two-door short wheelbase rig used to have strong aftermarket support but these rigs are getting older and harder to find. As a respected vintage vehicle, purchase prices are climbing. Another rig with leaf springs and straight axles front and rear, a stock FJ40 can out-wheel 90-percent of new 4×4 vehicles sold today.

8. Toyota 4Runner

4Runners are also a favorite for the anti-Jeep crowd. There have been many iterations of the 4Runner over the years, the earliest coming with leaf springs and straight axles, then to independent front suspension with a live-axle rear that uses coils to support the body. Overall, the 4Runner has improved with each new body style in some form, though each generation gets more creature comforts and more low-hanging body panels. With the Overland theme growing, 4Runners still have a tight hold in the off-road world.

Aftermarket support varies wildly from generation to generation, but each have their niche. Bumpers, rock rails, skid plates and so much more are available. Toyota has had a long history of reliable motors, from the 22r, the 3.4L V6 to even their V8s, which are available in some of the late model 4Runners.

7. Toyota FJ Cruiser

Toyota’s FJ Cruiser shares a lot with the same year range 4Runner, from 2006 to 2014. The two-door rig added a specific vibe to what is essentially the same platform and on a shorter wheelbase. Aftermarket support skyrocketed when the FJ Cruiser hit the dealer lots. Since then, the support has dialed back but is still available.

The IFS front and straight axle/coil rear is a solid suspension that is good for most off-roading. The suspension is a little more complicated to modify and doesn’t articulate the same as a straight axle, but higher speed activities are generally more enjoyable because of it.

6. Jeep Cherokee XJ

When the Jeep Cherokee XJ hit the market in 1984, it started a chain of events that leads directly to where the Jeep brand is today with the 4-door Wranglers. Available in both two door and four door, buyers had a good option for a compact SUV that didn’t break the bank and could go anywhere.

The XJ had an eighteen model year run on the same platform, with a body and trim refresh in 1997. Loaded with the classic Jeep 4.0L inline six power plant, available in two or four door models with straight axles, it has been hard to beat. Aftermarket support is high and with more than a million XJs on the road, vehicle prices are nominal.

5. Jeep Wrangler TJ/LJ

When most people picture a Jeep, they have an image of a Wrangler TJ in their head. Short wheel base, removable hard or soft top, aftermarket support coming from every angle for anything you could possibly imagine. The TJ was the last Jeep to run the 4.0L I-6 and never had a ton of frills. Rubicon models step the game up significantly, along with the price tag.

Next on our top 10 best off-road vehicles list is the Jeep Wrangler JL. The Wrangler LJ Unlimited is generally considered the holy grail of off-road vehicles, if you can get your hands on one for a decent price. The longer version of the TJ could use most of the same parts but had a wheelbase that was better suited for wheeling in just about any terrain. Prices of both the TJ and LJ have not dropped as fast as many other off-roaders because the demand for them is still high.

4. Toyota Tacoma

Toyota trucks have their own legacy aside from the rest of the brand. Strong, reliable trucks that can be used for nearly any task. Just like the other Toyota’s on this list, they have great motors and a well rounded suspension.

Aftermarket support depends on which generation but as a popular rig for Overlanding, the parts lists is continually growing. While not the best rock crawlers, Tacomas find an easy home blasting down fire roads and sand as much as it does on the highway.

3. RAM 2500 Power Wagon

The Ram 2500 Power Wagon is the Rubicon of Ram trucks. Lockers front and rear, strong and durable coil suspension front and leaf or coil rear depending on year, plus a HEMI V8 powerplant. Power Wagons are beasts that can tackle anything, as long as there’s enough room for the wide solid axles and body.

The Power Wagon comes with a winch direct off the showroom floor, along with its hefty price tag. A truck like this makes a great tow rig that converts to a recovery rig for smaller brethren.

2. Ford Raptor

By far, the Ford Raptor wins the cake when it comes to high speed action capability direct from a manufacturer. Long travel King Shock coil overs, 35-inch tires and a rear locker make it a no-brainer if you want to cover lots of distance quickly.

Price tag is usually the only drawback to Raptors, though first-generation models are starting to dip in price. As a vehicle that wasn’t specifically designed to handle rock crawling, with the help of their long wheelbase and traction controls, they can handle more than you might expect. Every other aspect of off-road is no sweat for a Raptor. The aftermarket loves the Raptor and has a massive amount of accessories and upgrades available.

1. Jeep Wrangler JK

The Wrangler JK revitalized the Jeep brand immensely when it hit dealer lots in 2007. The four door Jeep brought attention from a much wider spread of demographics than any other Jeep, or vehicle for that matter, before it. Soccer moms (and Dad’s like me), mall crawlers, hardcore rock crawlers, overlanders, desert racers and more all have interest in JKs. They a bigger than previous Wranglers, suspensions are much more effective, have huge wheel well openings for larger tires and can balance as a daily driver/weekend warrior better than most.

Last but not least on our top 10 best off-road vehicles is the Jeep JK. The JK ran out of production in 2018 and the JL Wrangler took it’s place. The JL is extremely similar to the JK and in a few years when there are more used ones for sale, will likely make a list like this but for now, they are just too expensive. Early JKs from 2007 to 2011 used a 3.8L engine that Chrysler used in a minivan that wasn’t the greatest. The 3.6L that came out in 2012, along with a 5-speed automatic transmission was a huge improvement. The interior was refresh but otherwise, the Jeep stayed mostly the same. Over a million are on the road and the aftermarket support is the largest of ANY other vehicle in the world.

A Badass Jeep JK Build for 10K? Here’s Your Guide!

There are thousands, maybe even millions of different ways to build and accessorize the Jeep JK Wrangler into a great JK build. There are so many aftermarket parts available, where do you start? We decided to toss our thoughts out there with a hypothetical build using a bone stock JK and a $10,000 budget. That certainly seems like it should be enough money, though most of us build our rigs over time and not all at once.

Here’s we’ll cover the basics and our picks for this Jeep JK build, keeping the whole budget in mind. For consistency, all prices are based on advertised retail price from Northridge4x4.com. We are not including tax or installation as both will vary based on where you are and your level of do-it-yourself ability and necessity.

Lift It

First up, let’s get the 10k-JK build elevated. JK Wranglers have large wheel wells openings from the factory. They can fit a much larger tire than previous model Jeeps without as much lift. Our goal is to get the Jeep into a good height for clearance while improving function. For this, we’d go with the Teraflex 3-inch Lift Suspension System w/ 4 Sport Flexarms & Track Bar.

The kit includes the necessary lift coils and miscellaneous brackets but also goes a step further than the basics by providing new front lower and rear upper control arms, a front adjustable track bar and a rear track bar relocation bracket. The track bar components and new Preset Sport Flexarms will keep your vehicle in proper alignment. The Flexarms also provide better articulation and more strength.

Price: $1400.96

 

Shock It

Shocks are no place to scrimp. Having good shocks is a key factor in a long-lasting rig that doesn’t beat your body up on every mile and every bump. With the immense popularity of JK Wranglers, FOX Shocks made life easy by having direct bolt-in options for different lift heights.

The FOX Performance Series 2.0 Reservoir smooth body shocks brings all of the fancy tech FOX has developed over the years into a simple to install package. Built with lots of aluminum to resist corrosion and utilizing race-proven piston and valving designs, you can’t go wrong.

Price: $269.95 each – $1079.80 for 4

 

Flare It

Adding new high clearance fender flares is a solid Go-To when building this Jeep JK, especially when working on a specific budget. The extra clearance allows for a larger tire without as much lift by removing unnecessary OEM plastic bits and low hanging edges.

MCE Fenders produces OE width flare with 2-inches of extra tire clearance. With only a set of these flares, a JK Wrangler can run a 35-inch tire on stock suspension. Their single wall construction is so durable, MCE offers a “No Fine Print” Lifetime Warranty. Kit includes DOT approved LED side marker lights and retains the OE inner fender liner.

Price: $399.99

 

Wheel and Tire It

With the JK build higher, we can now stuff some new sneakers on it. The 3-inch lift technically is meant for a 35-inch tall tire but because we have chosen high clearance flares for our build, we can step up to 37s.

Method Race Wheels produce a strong and reliable wheel for years of off-road use. There is a wide range of styles available, though there is a smooth blend of classic and modern with the Street Series 309 in Matte Black.

Built from A356 aluminum and T6 heat treated, the 17×8.5 309 has a 2500+lb load rating and also features the Street-Loc V.1 lip with undercut that simulates a true beadlock wheel.

Price: $257.13 each – $1,285.65 for 5

Tires just might be one of the most important choices you make during your build. A reliable Jeep JK build needs reliable tires. The Milestar Patagonia M/T 37X12.50R17 provides superior traction in harsh terrains while giving you excellent road manners.

The solid mud terrain tire has aggressive edges for a great bit, high-void tread design for self-cleaning and uses a 3-ply sidewall for additional protection against damage.

Price: $373.50 each – $1867.50 for 5

Spare It

Anything can happen, even with careful driving and strong tires. It is always a good idea to bring along a matching height spare tire. We’ve included the costs of the spare wheel and tire above but now you need a place to mount it. The stock JK tailgate, though stronger than it’s predecessors, isn’t up to the task of supporting the weight of a larger wheel and tire combo. Not to mention the clearance issues.

Installing a Teraflex Alpha HD Hinged Spare Tire Carrier & Alpha HD Adjustable Spare Tire Mounting Kit solves the issue. The Hinged Spare Tire Carrier replaces the OE tailgate hinges and reinforces the sheetmetal of the tailgate, making it robust enough to easily support a 37-inch tire.

Combines with the HD Adjustable Spare Tire Mounting Kit, the system can accommodate many different wheel backspaces and tire widths.

Price: $700.98

Protect It

We’ve covered the height, flex and traction, now on to protecting the Jeep JK build when out in the dirt. There are a staggering number of bumpers available on the market for the JK. Many of them are good solid pieces and have varying different benefits.

Bumpers

Body Armor 4×4 has been building quality bumpers for years. Using 3/16-inch and ¼-inch thick steel plate, their Mid-Stubby Front Bumper accommodates a winch like the Warn VR EVO 10-S with synthetic rope and has multiple light tabs for future use. A winch is just good off-roading practice and Warn is the winch leader when it comes to build quality and innovation. Body Armor 4×4’s Rear Bumper Base provides a solid shackle attachment point, clears the OE-hitch and looks much better than the factory bumper.

Front Price: $441.99

Rear Price: $331.99

 

Skid Plates

This JK build is a big beast of a Jeep, especially on 37s but there are still plenty of obstacles that may want to give the underbelly a few love taps. For that, there skid plates from Rock Hard 4×4 for the Transfer Case and Fuel Tank. Both are made from 3/16-inch thick steel and are 100 percent bolt on.

Transfer Case Skid Plate Price: $259.95

Fuel Tank Skid Plate Price: $409.95

Rock Rails

When protecting your Jeep JK build from the perils of off-road trails, make sure to pay attention to the rocker panels. The JK Unlimited is long and has a large gap between the tires that likes to get munched by rocks. Bolting on a set of Rock Hard 4×4 Patriot Series “Boat Side” Rock Sliders will eliminate the concern.

The strongest rock slider Rock Hard 4×4 makes is built from durable 3/16-inch steel and has a flat surface designed to glide off obstacles. The boat sides include openings for Hi-Lift Jack use and has an optional diamond tread pattern top for better traction when used as a step.

Price: $899.95

Light It Up

The last bit we’ll squeeze into our $10k-JK is lighting. When travelling and camping, you are bound to be out at night and having sufficient lighting is far safer than not. Genesis Off-Road produces a Double Dually Light Bracket for the hinge area of the A-pillar that accepts two lights per side. Rigid Industries recently released the 4-inch 360-Series LED Diffused Fog Lights that are perfect for lighting up the trail, road or camp.

Bracket Price: $69.00

Lights Price: $349.99 a pair – $699.98 total

Tally It

Lift	Teraflex 3.0” Outback Suspension System	$1,400.96	1	$1,400.96
Shocks	Fox 2.0 Performance Series Remote Reservoir – Front	$269.95	2	$539.90
	Fox 2.0 Performance Series Remote Reservoir – Rear	$269.95	2	$539.90
Wheels	17×8.5 Method 309 Grid Series	$257.13	5	$1,285.65
Tires	37X12.50R17LT Milestar Patagonia M/T	$373.50	5	$1,867.50
Fender Flares	MCE Fenders Front and Rear OE Width Gen II	$399.99	1	$399.99
Front Bumper	Body Armor  Front Bumper Mid-Stubby JK-19532	$441.99	1	$441.99
Winch	Warn VR EVO 10-S Winch with synthetic line	$744.99	1	$744.99
Rear Bumper	Body Armor 4×4 Rear Bumper – JK-2961	$331.99	1	$331.99
Tire Carrier	Teraflex HD Hinged Tire Carrier w/ Adj Tire Mount	$700.98	1	$700.98
Rock Sliders	Rock Hard 4×4 Patriot Series Tread Plate Rocker Sliders RH-6006-T	$899.95	1	$899.95
Skid Plates	Rock Hard 4×4 Steel Transfer Case Skid Plate	$259.95	1	$259.95
	Rock Hard 4×4 Steel Gas Tank Skid Plate	$409.95	1	$409.95
Lights Bracket	Double Dually Light Brackets – A-pillar mounted	$69.00	1	$69.00
Lights	Rigid Industries 360 Series 4in LED Lights (pair)	$349.99	2	$699.98
				$10,592.68

The tally comes out to $10,592.68. It really adds up that fast. There are far more accessories and upgrades that can be done that what is shared here, not to mention all the different options for what we have covered. Now go build your Jeep JK, make it how you want it!

Thinking of Overlanding in Your Crossover? Read This First!

Overlanding isn’t anything new. Societies have been doing it for more years than the automobile has been around. Covered wagons explored and traversed across North America and many of those same paths turned into highways and some even became off-road trails we know and love to this day. All over the world, people have been loading up vehicles and camping out of them for exploration, adventure, and necessity.

To overland, it doesn’t really matter what kind of vehicle you are in. The most common are Jeeps and Toyotas, sure, but they don’t own it. Compact Utility Vehicles (CUVs), especially all-wheel drive models, are well adept at handling the same terrain in most cases. They wont be crawling over giant boulders but they will certainly handle a lot of dirt roads.

CUVs are also known as Crossover vehicles. They bridge the gap between a car/station wagon and a larger SUV. Subarus, small Jeeps, and small Toyotas are among just a few of the many on the market. Loads of auto manufacturers build them.

Is a CUV Good for Overlanding?

The point of overlanding is to get to remote areas off the beaten path and bring your stuff with you. The vehicle is meant to be self-supported and self-reliant. The requirements are extremely vague but at minimum, it needs to carry everything you need for your trip.

Just about any vehicle will do, though some are better suited than others. Cargo space with your gear, a place to sleep, and the ability to get where you’re going. Can your vehicle do that?

Overlanding Gear Checklist

• Vehicle equipped to handle terrain expected on adventure
• Water – Amount depends on length of trip and number of people in the vehicle
• Food – Also depends on trip length, number of people. Coolers and Stoves may be required
• Place to sleep – Can you lay down the seats and sleep in your vehicle? Or do you have a roof top tent?
• Clothing
• Tools for vehicle repairs
• Safety Equipment – This varies based on terrain, the vehicle and how long you will go but there are mainstays that you should always have such as (but not limited to) a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, spare tire with tools to change one, and communications equipment.
• Spare Fuel

Traction

A CUV that has all-wheel drive can generally get you to the remote places you’ll want to go to. Some vehicles even have aftermarket support to boost ground clearance, lengthen wheel travel, and improve the ride along the way.

Many newer CUVs with 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive have improved traction control devices already built in and ready to go like the Jeep Compass with the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System. Through controls on the dash, the driver can select from auto, snow, sand, mud or rock mode to best suit the terrain.

Getting traction is easily one of the most important aspects to think of when setting up a vehicle for overlanding. The vehicle will be travelling lots of miles over varied terrain and needs to be able to handle it all. Many tire manufacturers have all terrain tire options in sizes suitable for CUVs. Some even offer more aggressive mud terrain tires in the same sizes.

Partial List of Suitable CUVs for Overlanding

Here is a short list of newer CUVs and Crossovers that can be good for Overlanding. There a far more vehicles available that could be used so if you don’t see your vehicle here, don’t fret.

• Ford Escape
• Honda Pilot
• Honda Element
• Hyundai Kona
• Hyundai Tucson
• Jeep Compass
• Jeep Cherokee
• Toyota RAV4
• Nissan Rogue
• Subaru Outback
• Subaru Forrester
• Subaru Crosstrek
• Toyota RAV4
• And so many more…

If you are in the market to get a CUV to use as an Overlanding rig, spend some time looking at the aftermarket products available for different models. What you find there combined with the type of off-road travelling you want or expect to do may help guide your decision. Looks for small suspension lifts, tow hooks, cargo racks, skid plates and other items you may usually only think of for Wranglers or Tacomas. It is a niche market but enthusiasts-turned-business owners target many small vehicles you may not expect.

For those that already have an all-wheel drive CUV, load up your gear and get out there! There is no need to have a massively built rig with huge tires to go have fun, enjoy the great outdoors and explore.

To see if you and your vehicle is ready for an adventure, plan one! Put together a plan with specifics including where you will go, the path to get there, the duration of the trip and the time of year you will go.

Go through the process and think along the way, can my CUV do that? Do I have enough space? Do I have the right gear? If not, you either need to modify your vehicle, or change your plan.

Get involved in online forums or local clubs to talk to others with your same vehicle or similar vehicles and find out what experiences they have had. Listen for things they wished they had known before their first adventure.

Then, all you need to do is get out there and enjoy!

What’s the Big Difference Between a Jeep JK and a Jeep JL?

The Jeep scene changed forever when the JK Wrangler Unlimited hit the automotive market in 2007. Jeep was no stranger to capable 4-door off-road vehicles, but the new Wrangler was different. Taking the iconic powers of the previous generations of Wranglers and CJs and transforming them into a more family and daily-life friendly vehicle made a huge impact.

JKs popped up everywhere. Jeep couldn’t make enough of them. The suspension was improved, and extra creature comforts were added. The term “mall-crawling” became a thing because the popularity of the vehicle reached far more demographics of buyers. Loads of people who wouldn’t normally buy a Wrangler were now all over them. It is very possible that the JK Wrangler saved the Jeep brand from total collapse.

After a twelve-model year run, ending with a 2018 model, the JK Wrangler was the most produced and sold Jeep of all time. The vehicle saw various upgrades through its stretch but by-and-large was still the same vehicle. With such a popular vehicle, how could the Jeep engineers and designers top it for the next version of the vehicle?

The JL Wrangler hit showroom floors for the 2018 model year, right alongside the final days of the JK. For non-Jeep folks, the JL Wrangler Unlimited looks just like a JK on a passing glance or with blurry eyes.

What’s the Difference?

The two models look so similar, it is easy to question what the difference between them really is. We are going to explore those differences here.

Exterior: The JK is a classic body-on-frame construction. All the sheetmetal is steel, with lots of classic CJ cues. The JL, however, brought in weight saving aluminum for the doors and various other non-structural pieces. Sheetmetal changes were mostly cosmetic. Turn signals moved to fender flare from grille, pull handles instead of push buttons, rear license plate moved from body to bumper, trivial things that don’t have much impact of the versatility of the vehicle alone but when added up, make a difference.

Four door models of the JL were lengthened by four inches, two inches for two door models. Both stayed the same body width. The longer body allows for more interior space and better passenger comfort.

Another beneficial change to the new model is the fender flares and wheel wells. A larger than factory tire is easier to fit on a JL than a JK, especially for Rubicon (and some Sahara) models. Rubicons get special higher clearance fender flares that offer 2-inches more tire clearance.

Watch Brittany Williams of LiteBrite on Youtube sharing what she likes about the Jeep JL Wrangler:

 

The doors and tops are removable on both models, minus one JL top option, the Sky One-Touch top. Later JK models had an option of a soft top, standard black hard top or a color matched top. JLs continued the same trend and added the Sky One-Touch top that has removable rear quarter windows and a push-to-retract fabric center in the roof.

JK Wranglers have fold down windshield components but require disassembling the exterior of the A-pillar (6 bolts on each side) along with disconnecting roll bar attachment points near the windshield visors. The JL Wrangler improved on this design by extending the roll bar to have A-pillar tubes. With this design, Jeep was able to no longer require the windshield to be load bearing in the event of a rollover and could make folding the windshield down much easier. Remove the windshield wipers and 4 bolts on the interior and it is down.

Interior: The passenger compartment was drastically redesigned and modernized. The gauge cluster has a much more digital aspect to it with a center screen that has settings to keep tabs on all sorts of different levels, functions and features. The stereo was shifted to a true infotainment system on most models, now with access to other controls and features that were inaccessible on JKs.

The seats, door panels and other miscellaneous bits inside were changed and small improvements were made. The rear cargo area now has an optional Trail Rail Cargo Management system. The system allows for easier load strapping along with options to add other mounts and racks.

Powertrain: In 2012, the JK was upgraded to the Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine. Though smaller in displacement than its predecessor, the 3.6L is more efficient and has a strong horsepower and torque output. The same engine continued to the JL with minor changes that are mostly in the computer programming. A Stop/Start system was added to help increase fuel efficiency.

Later in the first model year, the JL Wrangler could be purchased with a 2.0L T4 Hurricane turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine. The JK Wrangler had only the one engine choice each year of its run. Diesel powered JLs are said to be available for the 2020 model year and talks of a Hybrid model have been buzzing around for some time.

Drivetrain: The JL Wrangler gets to benefit from the Torqueflite 850RE, an 8-speed automatic transmission. Previously, the JK used a 4-speed automatic for early models, then a 5-speed from 2012 on. The new transmission smoothed the drive considerably, allowing the computer to not hunt for the correct gear as much. The transfer case stayed the same on both Sport and Rubicon models.

Dana axle assemblies are used in both generations. The JK was much wider than the TJ Wrangler that preceded it, instead of widening the existing designs, Dana created new units with larger ring and pinion gear sets, axle shafts, axle tubes and more. They again upgraded the assemblies for the JL. Slightly wider, slightly bigger, and overall stronger.

The wheelbase was stretched approximately 1.5-inches on 2-doors and 2.5-inches on 4-doors.

Suspension: Both the JK and JL are set up with solid axles and a 4-link plus track-bar suspension design front and rear. The lengths of the control arms stretched minor amounts and some other small tweaks were made to mounting ends for smoother movement through the range of travel. The JK Wrangler had already received much longer and stronger control arms over the TJ Wrangler. For the most part, the suspension was left alone.

In the End, Which Is Better?

At the end of it all, which is the better vehicle? That all depends on what you want out of it. At this point, JK Wranglers are starting to drop in price. They are highly capable vehicles that have a long timeline for bugs being worked out by both the factory and the aftermarket enthusiasts. JL Wranglers are slightly bigger, more creature comforts, better efficiency along with a higher price tag.

Is Dan Fresh’s JL Wrangler the Perfect Combination of Form and Function?

When the 2018 JL Wrangler debuted, the Jeep-world went into a frenzy. Vehicle sales were busy, just as many expected. The aftermarket parts industry spared no time getting started with the design and production of new parts. The new model is extremely capable and stylish, something Dan Fresh of OC Motorsports in Costa Mesa, California wanted to be on the forefront of.

Dan and his crew at OC Motorsports transformed a stock 2018 JL Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon into an upscale culmination of form and function. The team worked with many industry-leading aftermarket parts companies to design a Jeep that could hold its own on the 2018 SEMA Show floor and also be used as a flagship for OC Motorsports events, all while also set to be a dependable race support vehicle.

Dan Fresh is a racer at heart. Over the years, he has been heavily involved and raced in trophy trucks, Jeepspeed, Ultra 4 and many more facets of the racing world. That meant straight from the start that this Jeep would be top shelf.

For any performance vehicle to work as it should, it needs to have great components. Dan and his team worked closely with Fox Factory to set the Jeep up with a full round of newly designed 3.0 Internal Bypass Shocks. The massive shocks also feature finned aluminum recirculating reservoirs with DSC Adjusters for quick tuning.

Shocks like those need to have some grunt supporting them. A Savvy Off Road 3.5-inch suspension lift was installed, including adjustable control arms along with a Currie Enterprises Antirock anti-sway bar in the rear.

The new suspension gave clearance for a healthy set of 40-inch Milestar Patagonia M/Ts, wrapped around matte black 17-inch Method Trail Series 701 wheels. A combination that gives the vehicle both the ground clearance, stance, and raw gripping power a true performer demands. Because the Jeep often goes from off-road to the street and back again, an Innovative JK Products ARB Under Seat Mount with Air Up and Air Down Kit was installed.

The Rubicon differentials were treated to a pair of Dana 44 AdvanTek covers to protect the gears and lockers. The Jeep’s steering linkage was swapped for a Synergy Heat Treated Chromoly Tie Rod and Drag Link kit with the support of a Fox Factory ATS steering stabilizer system. The power and torque are brought to the differentials via a pair of JE Reel 1350 CV Driveshafts.

Attention was also put on the body of the vehicle. Protecting the rails are Rock Slide Engineering Step Sliders with automatic steps. A Savvy high clearance rear bumper was installed, along with a spare tire/camera delete kit. The front received a prototype Savvy Hidden Winch Bumper with Hoop for Dan to test out on the trails and race courses. The body wrap was installed by Versatile Wraps.

Desert racing and adventures require light when the sun goes down and when the unforgiving terrain doesn’t let up. To battle the darkness, a host of Baja Designs LP9 and XL80 LED lights were installed.

The powertrain has been left mostly stock for now, save for a MagnaFlow Rock Crawler Stainless Exhaust System. Though, with the immense capabilities of the OC Motorsports team, there shouldn’t be any surprise if a HEMI V8 finds its way under the hood in the future.

The amount of work done to Dan’s JL is impressive, even more so in that it was all completed in a matter of two days. After proudly standing tall at the 2018 SEMA Show, the Jeep has been on numerous customer appreciation trail runs, desert race testing trips and regularly driven on the street for commuting duties. Soon, the Jeep will be working hard as support for King of the Hammers, Best In The Desert and SCORE International races.

This likely won’t be the end of the modifications for this Jeep, but it is a stellar start out of the gate.

The Silver Stallion: ’68 Ford Bronco

Bryan Battaglini’s 1968 Ford Bronco

There’s something about a well-built classic vehicle that can get any gearhead’s heart pumping. In a sea of long wheelbase late model rigs with Bluetooth connected radios, electronic nanny stability control, and angry grilles, classic off-road rigs stand out as the cool grandpa that blazed the way for the kids. 

Well kids, grandpa has a new hip and he’s here to show you how it’s done, with style. Bryan Battaglini’s 1968 Ford Bronco has got more than enough style and all the right parts. “I love the classic Bronco.” Bryan proclaimed. “It has great lines and will always be a crowd favorite.”

We spent some time with ogling the classic stallion to get photos so we could share this beauty with you. Don’t worry, we didn’t get any drool on it.

Inside and out, Bryan’s Bronco is chockfull of class and style, blending old-school and proven technology with some modern upticks to really make it shine. The body was fitted with fiberglass front fenders, a forced-air hood was installed with gas shocks, then the whole thing was painted in PPG’s Silver Birch paint with a clear coat. A ProtoFab front bumper houses a Smittybilt X20 winch with a complementary ProtoFab rear bumper and a tire swing hanging out back.

Under that performance hood is a 1990 5.0L fuel-injected V8, loaded with shorty headers, an upgraded camshaft, and a large aluminum radiator to keep it cool. The beast exhales through a Magnaflow exhaust system while it pushes power out to the NV3550 manual 5-speed transmission and Advance Adapters Atlas transfer case.

That power gets split to Dana 44 differentials front and rear. Both diffs are loaded with ARB Air Lockers for the extra bite that is sometimes needed. All that traction leads down to a full set of 37-inch Milestar Patagonia M/T rubbers wrapped around 17-inch Level 8 Bully Pro Lock Wheels. On why he chose the Patagonias, Bryan said: “they look killer, have great traction and are very quiet on the road.”

The interior of the Bronc’ is loaded too. The fully Rhino lined interior sports an all-new electrical system with a MegaSquirt MS3 Pro computer and Flaming River tilt steering column. A Pioneer head-unit drives JBL speakers for classic tunes on any trail while riders are sitting comfortably in a set of Corbeau racing seats.

The whole rig sits on a Wild Horses 5.5-inch suspension lift, front and rear and uses dual shock hoops with dual shocks at all four corners. A 2-inch body lift gives the extra bit of clearance needed to not chop the body up for those big Milestar meats.

All said and done, the dust finally settled after a 2-year build time, Bryan is excited to continue vetting his classic rig on new terrains. “I have not put it to its full potential yet,” said Bryan. “It’s great on and off road and even as tall as it is, it still cruises on the freeway great.”

 

Behind the Scenes at Currie Enterprises

Currie Enterprises is one of the biggest names in automotive powersports. At their global headquarters in Corona, California, Currie Enterprises builds high-quality components for street rods, muscle cars, and off-road beasts. 

Frank Currie started the business in the late ‘50s, designing and building rearends for specialty equipment such as scissor lifts, tugs, and personnel carriers. In the late ‘70s, the focus moved on to building rearends for Chevy Vegas that had V8 conversions and needed a stronger differential to handle the power in the custom application. 

With the help of Frank’s 3 sons, John, Charlie, and Ray, the company evolved and grew into the powerhouse that it is today. Currie Enterprises now utilizes a 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to build a wide range of differentials, accessories and suspension components. 

Check out the behind the scenes look at the magic happening in the Currie facility and visit www.CurrieEnterprises.com for more information on how they can help you and your performance vehicle.

Various completed street and off-road axles awaiting will call by their purchaser.

Currie keeps off-road vehicle front and rear differential housings in stock to cut down on build and shipping times.

Housings & axles for 30 common street car vehicle platforms are kept in stock so that they may be pulled and shipped immediately.

Where a housing is born! The axle housing tubing rack.

Currie’s frontend housing assembly technician in action.

100% new GM G-body 12-bolt housing in the bracket jig.

F-350/F-450 unit bearings used in Currie 1-ton front-end applications.

Currie has over 30 different axles cores on hand at all times for different applications.

One of three of Currie’s CNC axle splining machines cutting splines.

RockJock 60 & 70 off-road differentials awaiting pickup by their purchasers.

9” 3rd members for large P.O. customers are built in stages.

One of Currie’s 4 gear set-up technicians doing a precise gear set up.

Ready to go! Finished product awaiting the big brown truck.

Ray Currie’s new 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Rubicon that is equipped with all of Currie’s goodies underneath.

Currie’s over-the-road show rigs. Look for them at a show near you!

Currie holds numerous trademarked names for their famous components.

The Currie Enterprises sales office features Currie family vehicles that get rotated out. The office is currently featuring Frank Currie’s Ford 514 SVO powered ’32 Ford 3 window coupe.

Currie’s world headquarters in Corona, CA.

Super Clean Demello-Built Overlander

Scott Motherstead’s 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, Built by Demello Offroad

The term “Family Adventure” can mean many things. For some, just getting out of the house to go see Grandma can be an adventure. But for others (those of us that have dirt infused in our blood), it means so much more. Scott Motherstead of Costa Mesa, California decided to build up his 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser (FJC) to make sure his kids had something to brag about when they went back to school after an epic weekend.

The goal was simple: build a reliable rig ready for the trails and family fun. Scott teamed up with Demello Offroad in Riverside, California, knowing full well that he and his Toyota would be well taken care of. The team decided to upgrade the 4×4 with ICON Vehicle Dynamic’s Stage 8 Suspension system, featuring ICON’s ultra-reliable coilovers, shocks, control arms, and all other necessary components.

To make sure the extra travel and performance of the upgraded suspension isn’t left in the cold, the Toyota independent front differential and solid rear axle were regeared to 4.88:1 ratio, keeping the factory locker out back.

Travel and gearing are nothing without getting traction on the ground. The tire put to the task is a full set of 35-inch Milestar Patagonia M/Ts wrapped around Toyota TRD wheels with custom OMF Performance beadlocks. Hopes, dreams, and expectations of traction were blown out of the water by how well the Patagonias perform.

Next, the focus was placed on the exterior of the body. Demello Offroad specializes in quality components for Toyotas. They decked the rig out with front and rear bumpers, side bars, and a roof rack LED light bar mount. They then added a Smittybilt 9.5k XRC winch and a host of Baja Designs LED lights.

Everything combined, at the end of an amazing trail day, Scott is able to sit by the campfire with his family, fondly looking at his ‘Cruiser and know that he has made some great choices.

Four Doors Are Better Than Two: Jeep JKU Wrangler

Bert Heck’s Jeep JKU Wrangler

The automotive world has a way of taking a serious hold on us. All it takes is being part of one facet of the culture to pull you into the rest, a gateway drug of sorts. That is exactly what happened with Bert Heck, and why he now utilizes a 2015 Jeep JKU Wrangler Unlimited.

Bert’s gateway was drag racing. For years it was his automotive sport of choice. Though he still enjoys the thrill of a dragster tearing down the track, Bert wanted something for when he wasn’t racing. A friend and co-worker talked him into purchasing a 1998 TJ Wrangler. It was built, lots of fun was had but Bert saw that the longer wheelbase rigs had the fun he’d prefer. Street-able and can wheel anywhere.

Over the span of a few months, Bert transformed his Jeep JKU Wrangler into the beast you see here. With a large amount of friends in the automotive aftermarket industry, Bert knew who to ask to point him down the right path for which parts to use. Their guidance helped the Jeep build go the way it did.

The Jeep is elevated by a front and rear EVO MFG Double D Pro Long Arm Suspension System sporting 2.5 King Coilovers, giving the Jeep a low center of gravity, 12-inches of clean and usable travel as well as having some of the strongest components on the market. Hanging off the ends of the long arms are a front Currie Enterprises RockJock 44 front differential and RockJock 60 rear.

To get ultimate traction no matter where the vehicle went, Bert bolted on a set of Method 101 Beadlock wheels wrapped in Milestar Patagonia M/T 37×12.50R17 at each corner. The Patagonia M/Ts are design for maximum traction, no matter where the vehicle goes, perfect for Bert’s wide range of uses for the vehicle.

To give the Jeep the body protection it deserves, a full range of Poison Spyder bumpers, rocker sliders and corner guards were installed, along with a Warn Zeon 12,000lb winch and a full RockHard 4×4 skid plate system. To keep the spare Patagonia M/T firmly planted to the vehicle, an EVO MFG Pro Series Hinged Gate Carrier was installed on the back end.

The 3.6L V6 powerplant and automatic transmission were left stock for reliability, with the exception of a K&N Engineering air intake and oil filter to give it a few extra ponies.

Keep your eyes peeled for this rig. Bert tends to take his Jeep JKU Wrangler anywhere he can. The pair are no stranger to trails in the West.