For those of you with a ZJ Grand Cherokee, an XJ Cherokee, or a TJ or YJ Wrangler, you may have tire rubbing issues when you turn full-lock, due to taller or wider tires. Wheel spacers, like THESE, sometimes help if your tires are set too far in, but if your tires are set too far out, due to aftermarket wheel backspacing, steering stops are your friends.

Mid 80's to early 2000's Dana 30 Steering Stop adjustment

There is a well-written article with step by step instructions on adjusting your steering stops, located over at 4x4xplor.com that you should check out, if this is a problem for you. Literally 5 minutes and a few 5-cent flat washers can fix this really annoying problem!! Here’s the link: http://www.4x4xplor.com/steerstop.html

For you JK Wrangler and WJ Grand Cherokee guys with tire-rubbing problems, the concept is the same, but will require a bit more work. You can have someone tack-weld a flat-washer into position (same place, just no bolt pre-existing from the factory), or I supposed you could also drill, tap, and find a bolt that works, too. (then again, I have a welder handy, so for me, 2 minutes tacking in a washer is a LOT easier than drilling and tapping, lol.)

KevinsOffRoad.com - Adjusting Your Steering Stops for ZJ, XJ, TJ, and YJ

This was a news story that ran on ABC News, that drives home the point, quite effectively, on how much difference buying US-made products makes to our Country, our cities, and our neighbors as a whole. Their point is simple: if only 5% more US-made goods were purchased by home builders, we’d create close to a quarter-million new US jobs. Check out this video:

Here is a printable vendor list of US-made products, for when you’re in the market for something: http://www.kevinsoffroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/PDF-Made-in-America-Vendor-List.pdf

Here is an interactive map that ABC News did, so that you can find suppliers in your state, or surrounding areas:
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/MadeInAmerica/page/map-find-made-america-goods-13917383

Meanwhile, we’re doing our parts, and keeping a bunch of Americans working, here at KOR. We *NEVER* purchase something foreign if we can get around doing so. Every single one of our KOR-branded products are Made in the USA, with the exception of our steering stabilizers and offroad lights. As soon as we find a suitable US-manufacturer for them, we’ll swap over too. Every one of our laser-cut parts, every CNC bend, every weld, every powdercoated finish, and every hardware package is created by US-labor, and will continue to do so. Our goal for 2012 is to grow by 50%, so there will be 50% more US-Dollars being spent, from our company account, on US-manufacturers. Unfortunately, the trend in our industry is to outsource as much product as possible to China, and other off-shore sources, sending the profits directly out of our country, and benefiting not our neighbors, not our friends, but to people in foreign lands. The biggest names in our industry are doing this, day in and out, and are slowly eroding America’s manufacturing industry, putting your neighbors, friends, and loved ones out of work as their industries slowly close down.

We challenge you to print out a copy of the US-vendors, and share it with the people you work with, and the people you hang out with. Many people would be HAPPY to purchase a new US-made product, if they only knew where to get one…and even if the cost is a few bucks more. if by spending an extra buck or two, we’re keeping 50% of the cost of the product right here, keeping US-workers working; damn it…that’s a good investment, so far as I can tell. Join the Made In America Challenge today, and share this post on your Facebook accounts. Together we can make MASSIVE changes in our economy, re-establishing America as an economic strength once again, and ourselves (and loved ones) benefiting directly from the movements we make.

VERY Passionately,
Kevin, the KOR krew and our Families

KevinsOffRoad.com - This Is Why It’s Important To “Buy American”…

HOUSTON, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ —

The Jeep® brand has introduced a new, production-intent concept version of its award-winning Grand Cherokee, a unique model with distinctive yet stealthy exterior cues designed to attract new Jeep Grand Cherokee enthusiasts and customers.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120125/DE38761 )
Showing the vehicle publicly for the first time this morning at the Houston Auto Show, Jeep also announced that it has created an online contest for consumers to name the new production-intent Grand Cherokee concept. The person who chooses the winning name will have an opportunity to win a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
“Highlighted by a unique platinum-chrome front-end appearance and distinctive black-gloss 20-inch wheels and exterior treatments, our new Grand Cherokee concept provides a completely new look – one that is edgy and aggressive, and certainly different than any Grand Cherokee on the road today,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Jeep enthusiasts have always appreciated limited-edition models and the ability to customize their vehicles. This new Grand Cherokee comes with a unique, ‘factory-customized’ stealth appearance directly from Jeep, and is certain to attract interest from an array of potential customers.
“We plan to garner feedback from consumers at the Houston Auto Show, and via our online Jeep ‘Name My Ride’ contest,” Manley added. “If the level of excitement is what we anticipate, this new Grand Cherokee will be in Jeep showrooms this spring.”
In the U.S., Grand Cherokee sales increased 51 percent in 2011 vs. 2010. In Texas, sales increased 226 percent. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was named “SUV of Texas” the past two years by the Texas Auto Writers Association.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Production-intent Concept

With the Laredo X package as its starting point, the new production-intent concept Jeep Grand Cherokee combines a variety of exterior design changes to create a unique model with an aggressive, chrome and “blacked-out” look.
The vehicle’s grille surround appears in Black, and mesh grille texture in Platinum Chrome. A Platinum Chrome lower fascia applique completes the unique front-end appearance. Black headlamp bezels and a Black liftgate light-bar continues the “blacked-out” theme throughout the vehicle’s exterior.
The production-intent concept rides on 20-inch tires that surround one-of-a-kind Black-gloss aluminum wheels for Jeep.
Based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X package, the production-intent concept model includes standard leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 9-speaker 506 watt amp sound system with subwoofer, iPod/MP3 connectivity, Parkview™ rear back-up camera, ParkSense® rear-park assist system, Keyless Enter-N-Go, Chrysler Group’s Uconnect hands-free communications system, and more than 50 advanced safety and security features.
Shown in Houston as a Brilliant Black 4×4 model, a Deep Cherry Red 4×4 version will be on display tomorrow at the Washington (D.C.) Auto Show.

Jeep “Name My Ride” Contest
Also announced at the Houston Auto Show, consumers now have the opportunity to name the Jeep Grand Cherokee concept vehicle, via Jeep.com/namemyride or m.jeep.com/namemyride (mobile site). The Jeep “Name My Ride” contest begins today. The Jeep brand will compile entries and narrow them down to three favored choices. Consumers will then have the opportunity to vote online for the winning name, to be announced in May. The person who submits the chosen, official vehicle name will have a chance to win a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Customers can visit Jeep.com/namemyride to submit a name for consideration, and for more information and complete contest rules.

2011 Jeep sales highlights
In 2011, Jeep brand sales increased 44 percent in the U.S. – with each Jeep model up more than 30 percent – while industry sales rose 11 percent. Globally, Jeep sales increased 41 percent in 2011. December marked the best Jeep sales month since 2007. Jeep Grand Cherokee sales were up 51 percent in 2011 in the U.S., with more than 127,000 units sold.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand’s legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability. It offers improved fuel economy (up to 23 miles per gallon), a driving range of more than 550 miles, superb on-road ride and handling, a world-class interior cabin, more than 50 safety and security features, and a variety of advanced technology features.
Contributing to Grand Cherokee’s class-leading capability is the combination of Jeep’s Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system and the Jeep Selec-Terrain™ traction control system that lets customers choose the 4×4 setting for the optimum driving experience on all terrains.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with three 4×4 systems, and with either V-6 or V-8 powertrains.

Jeep Brand
Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup includes Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC

KevinsOffRoad.com - Jeep® Introduces New Production-Intent Concept Grand Cherokee at Houston Auto Show 1/25/2012

For those of you who don’t already know, I went along with a local Jeep club to Alaska (July 2011), and saw some BEAUTIFUL views and places.

Anyway, our trip was covered in this month’s JPFreak magazine, which is a great mag, and you can check out online here: JPFreak January 2012

Also, one of our WJ customers is an AMAZING photographer, and he’s taken some really cool pix of his WJ Build he did on his 2001. Pix are right here: http://goo.gl/3tY6I

Here’s a whole bunch of Alaska trip pix that I took, after I got separated from the group due to a bent axle shaft in Montana delayed me 4 days. http://goo.gl/xhFYk

That’s all I’ve got for you today!!

KevinsOffRoad.com - Alaska Excursion Coverage, and AWESOME WJ pictures!

The Duke did it…and so will I!!

I’m on my way to Alaska on July 1st, 2011…all the way to Ivvavik National Park and back, touching the Arctic Circle and hitting every National Park (well, most of them) on the way up and back before our return to Phoenix, AZ on August 1st, 2011

I’ll be posting updates along the way…photography, video, and comments. As you could imagine, I’m REALLY looking forward to this!!

Photos are on our Picasa Account HERE :

Video updates are on our YouTube account HERE

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June 30, 2011 -

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July 1st, 2011 – Flagstaff, AZ > Fillmore, UT – Uneventful drive. Took some pretty pix of the trip.

From Alaska Expedition 2011

ALL PHOTOS ARE LOCATED HERE

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July 2nd, 2011 – Fillmore, UT > Dillon, MT – Again, uneventful driving…but pretty!

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July 3rd, 2011 – Dillon, MT > Glacier, MT

On the way from Dillon to Glacier National Park in Montana, I heard a noise coming from the rear end, getting louder. After a quick inspection, found differential oil smoking out of the driver’s side tube. Not good. I checked the fluid level, and it was good. I decided to drive BACK to Missoula for a new bearing, but when I saw my rear tire wobbling left/right, I decided not to risk driving, so I was towed in to O’Reilly’s Auto Parts Missoula (the guys there were EXTREMELY helpful and friendly! If only we got this sort of service from EVERY auto parts store, lol) in town, and tore it apart.

Turns out the driver’s side bearing was in the process of eating the bearing race on the shaft as it was seizing, and there was not much left of the bearing itself. It must have been close to red-hot inside, because, to make matters worse, the 5 minutes I spent on the side of the road was enough to bend the shaft with the weight of the Jeep on it while it was “malleable”. Tomorrow’s the Fourth…everyone is closed. So, I got a hotel room downtown, and did a little bar-hopping (which was GREAT fun…what a great town and people!) instead of sitting in the room, lamenting being “temporarily disabled” for a few days.

Not exactly what I had in mind

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July 4th, 2011 – Had a very timely run-in with a local at the grocery store, who knew of a guy in town who could help with my plight. I left him a voice mail, but don’t expect to hear from him until Tuesday, due to the holiday. Looks like I’ll be enjoying a Fourth of July celebration along with 100k Missoulans!

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July 5th, 2011 – If the people could be any nicer in this town, I’m not sure how. I have gotten nothing but outstanding service, friendly, patient people, and extremely knowledgible people at the three parts counters I’ve been to, and the machine shop as well. I think the great Missoula secret is that they kill all the rude people, such that they don’t breed. It’s unreal…seriously. I’ve never been to a Checker/O’Reilly’s Auto Parts where EVERY counter guy not only knows his stuff, but is full of suggestions, and genuinely interested in helping me out of a spot. I love this town.

And, another “shout-out” goes to Dutchman Motorsports out of Portland, OR, who went out of their way to accommodate me, and get a shaft out the door at 3pm, via Priority Overnight, after calling in the specs at 11am. In other words, they had the shaft ready to ship in less than 4 hours, built to spec, totally custom, and for a VERY reasonable expedite fee! These guys have saved my bacon, and I’m truly appreciative. If you’re looking for custom axle shafts for your project…give Derek a shout at Dutchman Motorsports …I think you’ll be glad you did. Parts are on their way, and I’ll have the Jeep back on the road by tomorrow.

PS: By the way, make certain that your differential cover’s fill plug BOTTOM is approximately 1″ below the centerline of the axle tube. My hybrid D60 with 9″ outers has an OX locker in it, and the level of the OX cover’s fill plug is about an inch or so too low to get the correct amount of fluid into it due to the pinion angle pointing upwards, at the differential. I don’t think this is a flaw of OX…I think it’s just my pinion angle not allowing me to get the right amount of fluid into the diff, which means that the axle tubes don’t have any fluid in them, aside from the fluid that’s carried down the axle shaft from the carrier. I am going to park the Jeep nose-down into a ditch to fill the oil up to the proper fluid level, and hopefully that’ll be the LAST time I burn up a bearing.

PPS: If you’re swapping to beefier axles, I HIGHLY recommend considering full-floating axle shafts. The issue of burning up a bearing and damaging my axle shaft would not be a problem at all with a full-float setup.

PPPS: Missoula is outstanding. What a great vibe, beautiful women with dresses and long hair, friendly people, good food, and relatively cheap. Hell…I might come back to the downtown area on vacation sometime…this is outstanding! Hit the Rhino, Red’s and Iron Horse on the first night, and then Tamarack Ale House Brewery and Top Hat tonight. I freakin’ love it here!!

Missoula, MT – Voted best place to break down and have to stay for a few days.

====================

July 6th, 2011 – Got the axle shaft in at the hotel, which was overnighted in from Dutchman, per their promise, and got the axle shaft installed. I decided to inspect the passenger side also, just to make CERTAIN that there were no problems with the bearing on that side. That side was leaking a bit, so it had dirt and grime all over the place. Even being careful, when I went to remove the retaining plate, I dropped a bit of dirt down, into the bearing. CRRAAAAAAPPPP!! Decided to tear it all down, and put a new bearing on that shaft as well, because who knows if it was damaged from lack of fluid…better to be safe, especially since I already had all the tools out, and knew the people would could help with pressing on the bearing. Buttoned it all back up, parked the nose of the Jeep downhill, and filled the diff fluid as much as I could. I also parked it with the passenger axle tube lower than the driver, so that the fluid would fill the passenger side tube up before it spilled out the fill hole.

From Alaska Expedition 2011

From Alaska Expedition 2011

So, around 6pm, I got on the road to Glacier, finally, and enjoyed the late afternoon and evening there. Took a short 3 mile hike around the falls, took lots of pictures, and was TRULY grateful for being back on the road again. My buddies were already in Alaska by this time, I was only 4 days behind, and with a lot of driving, I think I can catch them on their way back from the Dempster Highway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v

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July 7th, 2011 – Big Arm, MT to West Glacier, then to Lake McDonald and East Glacier to camp

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July 8th, 2011 -

Left my campsite in Glacier and headed over to Elk Summit trail head,

From Alaska Expedition 2011

where I hiked an approximate 8-mile round trip before I headed out of town for Banff. The first two miles of this trail were mostly flat, the second two miles included a 2,500 foot elevation gain, peaking out at 7,600 ft. elevation. I gave in at 7,000 ft…that was MORE than enough for me. What an unbeleviably beautiful, but STEEP, trail.

From Alaska Expedition 2011

From Alaska Expedition 2011

Was going to try to make Banff, AB tonight, but stopped in Calgary to figure out exactly what I was going to do about my schedule being all goofed up. Decided that driving to Alaska was out, but that a ferry, a cruise, or a flight would still work out for me. I spent a few hours online, researching my options, and soaking my poor legs and knees from the hike yesterday, in the hot tub at the hotel. Just because I’m behind on the itinerary, doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy myself on my OWN trip…one with no deadlines…just making it up as I go! True choice, and free spirit…I can live with that!!

As a result, I also wound up seeing BC-DC , who is an AC-DC cover band, playing at a local bar just outside of Calgary in High River, AB. In one word: Outstanding! These guys did an AMAZING job of both old and newish AC-DC songs, of which I’m a huge fan of. Check out this quick video I took:

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July 9th, 2011 -

Drove from Calgary to Banff National Park after spending a half-day in the AM at the library and the travel agency, attempting to figure out exactly what to do about Alaska…boat, fly, or what… Beautiful place! I’m going to list Banff on my list of places to come back to.

From Alaska Expedition 2011

From Alaska Expedition 2011

Since I’m off schedule anyway, I figured I might as well spend some time checking out the town. What a great place…VERY pretty. I really like it here!

From Alaska Expedition 2011

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July 10th, 2011 – I woke up today to the chirping birds of the Johnston Campground, just outside of Banff. Got a little rain last night, but the tent kept me nice and dry. Oddly, the staff here in Banff National Park is super-nice…but the tourists almost couldn’t be bothered to say “hi” to me…even after I initiated. Odd. You leave the place you’re at…you’re in beautiful areas…enjoying scenery…and don’t want to have a thing to do with other humans? Humans are strange. Why not stay inside your house, just like every other week, if you’re that anti-social?

Enjoyed Banff for the AM, and then headed off to Lake Louise, AB to enjoy the sights there. Wow…how pretty is THIS place!!

From Alaska Expedition 2011

From Alaska Expedition 2011

From Alaska Expedition 2011

From Alaska Expedition 2011

From Alaska Expedition 2011

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July 11th, 2011 – Stayed the night at Canyon Hot Springs last night and tonight. Needed a day to do a little organization, catch up on e-mails, and figure out the rest of my newly-found flexible itinerary. I realized two days previous that the ONLY way to catch the rest of the group is to drive right by all of the sights that they stopped at on the way up, and basically drive like a Over-The-Road trucker in order to catch them. Well, that ain’t my cup of tea, so I weighed my options, and decided that I’d instead, fly out of Seattle into Anchorage, and either rent a car, or hop on a tour and spend 5 or so days doing that. I set out on this trip to see Alaska, and though it’s not exactly the way I had planned…I can still both enjoy my trip AND the sights, AND get to the end point…Alaska…by doing it this way. I heard a quote, paraphrased, which went, “The measure of a man is how solid and sturdy he can build a house with the bricks thrown at him by others”. In this case, I was dealt a hand, in which I needed to learn a lesson on how to repair my Jeep’s bent axle shaft and bearing in an Auto Parts store parking lot, AND, how to make the best of being 4 days behind. Well, this is how it’s going to be done…flexibility…the mark of a great trip, lol.

From Alaska Expedition 2011

From Alaska Expedition 2011

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July 12th, 2011 –

From Alaska Expedition 2011

Menandered my way South and West from Lake Louise / Banff, through Revelstoke, Shuswap Lake, Kamloops, and Chilliwack (all in BC), and turned south at Point Sumas, WA before I got to Vancouver, BC.

From Alaska Expedition 2011

From Alaska Expedition 2011

From Alaska Expedition 2011

I drove through the border crossing, and was IMMEDIATELY rewarded with $1.00 off per gallon of gas, compared to Canada. Wow…there is a HUGE difference, just crossing the border…and we complain about OUR taxes. Craziness!! The highest I saw fuel today was at Salmon Arm (Shuswap Lake area) at $1.35/L, which translates to $5.13 CAD per gallon, which is around $5.50/gal USD after all the exchange rates and fees and such. At those rates, can you imagine that a head of lettuce or fresh fruit or beef is more expensive too, due to the increased cost of transport? Hell, even the bags of ice were $3.00 each…more than double what we pay in the States…and this is ICE for God’s sake…not like Canadians don’t have and abundance of water or freezers. Bear in mind that we’re not any more than a few hours north of the CAN/USA border here. I hope they like their socialized health care…cause hell…that’s a lot of extra $ flying out of Canadians’ pockets on a monthly basis.

Enough with the politics…saw some really amazing stuff today…glad I took the path of least resistance, lol.

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July 13th, 2011 -
Woke up in Mt. Vernon, WA this AM, back in the good ‘ol US of A, and spent the morning getting ready for my flight tomorrow: non-stop from Seattle to Anchorage. It wasn’t what I had planned originally, obviously, but it’ll get me into the heart of Alaska, from which I can venture out on a tour or with a rental car, to see the area sights. We’re working with what we’ve got, here…but I’m thoroughly enjoying the idea of sitting on a plane for 6 hours round trip, versus driving 8 days straight up and back…which allows me to see more of Alaska. Again, not ideal, but what we’re looking at, due to my delay in Montana repairing the Jeep.

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July 14th, 2011 -
Seattle, WA to Anchorage, AK via Alaska Airlines, then drove to Seward, AK via Seward Highway

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July 15th, 2011 -
Kenai Fjords Glacier Tour on tour boat, then drove Seward, AK to Soldotna, AK via the Old Seward Highway through Kenai National Wildlife Preserve

This is Northwest Glacier, just after a chunk broke off at the top of the glacier. I didn’t get the original “calving”, but I got the “ice-fall” coming off the top…absolutely amazing!

More of Northwest Glacier…Video 2/4

Video 3/4

Video 4/4

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July 16th, 2011 -
Soldotna, AK to Homer, AK

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July 17th, 2011 -
All day in Homer, AK on a Sea Kayak tour (True North Tours), plus dinner with Russ and Ralph at Fresh Sourdough Express (amazing organic and locally grown restaurant/bakery

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July 18th, 2011 -
Homer, AK to Denali NP, AK

Meanwhile, back in Phoenix, my neighbors were having a HUGE dust storm…check out the time lapse video on this…too cool!!

July 19th, 2011 – Denali National Park

KevinsOffRoad.com - North, to Alaska…go North…the rush is ON!!

We have a post for our 2011 Alaskan Expedition up, located here:

http://www.kevinsoffroad.com/north-to-alaska-expedition-trip/

KevinsOffRoad.com - Alaskan Expedition 2011

The product page on our website is here:
Hard-KOR Safari-Style XJ Cherokee Roof Rack

Here are more photos of the Safari Style Roof Rack we manufacture for the Jeep Cherokee XJ

KevinsOffRoad.com - Safari-Style Hard-KOR Roof Rack for XJ Cherokees

KevinsOffRoad.com - 2011 – Green Valley – Mexico Border Expedition

We are filling our eBay store with a WHOLE BUNCH of used Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Cherokee, and universal-fit parts that we’ve had laying around taking up space. NOW YOU GET TO BENEFIT FROM KEVIN’S (SOMEWHAT MENTALLY ILL AND TOTALLY UNHEALTHY) PACKRAT-LIKE TENANCIES!!

All auctions end on March 29^th or March 30^th, and we currently have 40 items up for auction, adding even more as the week moves on.

Here is our KOR eBay store link:

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/kevinsoffroad/m.html?_trksid=p4340.l2562

Here are a few of the items we have up for sale:

Here is our KOR eBay store link:

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/kevinsoffroad/m.html?_trksid=p4340.l2562

Click now so you don’t miss out on this once a …what?…half-decade event, lol.

Kevin’s crazy pack-ratting is over! (temporarily, at least…maybe longer.)

REMEMBER, ALL CURRENT AUCTIONS END TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY!!

KevinsOffRoad.com - Spring Cleaning…Your Chance To Save On Used Parts!!

This is, without a doubt, the worst song I’ve ever had the displeasure to watch on video. It literally will make your ears bleed.

If this is considered part of the “Manufactured Pop” genre, then this producer is the equivalent of the Chinese manufacturing connection for the children’s toys at a half-off 99-cent store.

This could be a fun post…if you have heard something you think is worse, embed a video or audio file in your comment below, or post a link

You’re welcome for sharing, lol

Kevin

Worst Song Ever

KevinsOffRoad.com - Video for the absolute WORST song I’ve ever heard…

Contact Us sales@kevinsoffroad.com KevinsOffroad.com 602-841-3355 3464 W. Earll Dr. Ste. C Phoenix, AZ 85017  Sign up for our exclusive Facebook Specials by "Liking" our FanPage, and then check out our cool Jeep Videos on YouTube if you need to waste some time at work, lol.  Click below for our profiles       Special U-Turn Steering Price Pick up this cross-over steering upgrade for your ZJ Grand Cherokee, XJ Cherokee or TJ Wrangler though the end of April 2011, and save $50!   Corrects steering problems found on factory steering components on lifted Jeeps. Replaces Y-link and stops toe-in changes while you drive. Upgrades strength, and protects you from breakage on the trail. All Bolt-On, easy to install in your driveway in an afternoon. 1.25″ OD 4130 Chromoly DOM tubing, which is radially-welded in a state-of-the-art fixture for perfect accuracy, and then heat-treated after the manufacturing process to ASSURE that it’s the toughest thing on the market that you can bolt to the front end of your Jeep. Click Here for Pricing and Detailed Information… KOR U-Turn Steering Upgrade Blow-Out Promotion

KevinsOffroad.com, 3464 W. Earll Dr Suite C, Phoenix, AZ 85017 602-841-3355

KevinsOffRoad.com - $50 off the Beefy U-Turn Steering Setup

A friend sent me this link today:

http://www.rubiconexpress.com/

As of 6:30pm, MST, 2/9/2011, it said…

“To Our Loyal Customers and Friends,

Wow…that’s crazy.  This economy is a bear…no two ways about it.  Only the companies who are able to dodge and block, and reposition are the ones who are able to survive this slow-down in consumer spending, it seems.  I purchased a track bar from Rubicon Express back in probably 1994 or 1995…back when they had a 10 page catalog, and most of it was Teraflex and Currie parts that they resold.  They’ve been in the industry for a while.

Anyway, I wish them well…I hope this reorganization goes well for them, and they come back putting out good quality US-built parts (but I have serious doubts…because VERY few (if any) of the “Large” companies in our industry are still using US-Based workers, unfortunately.)

In a somewhat-related story, I stopped by Best Buy today looking for a cell phone cover, and noticed while I was there that they had a really tacky (non-corporate) spray-painted stencil sandwich-board sign in front that said “Big TV Sale Today”, in addition to two banners that read, “Trade in Your Used Video Games For Credit” and “We Tint Windows”.  With Wal*Mart increasing their electronics sale, I doubt that Best Buy will be around for long.  Their prices are REALLY out of line if you price the same thing out online (even including shipping), Wal*Mart, Sears, K-Mart, and even Radio Shack seems to have better prices!  Hell, they wanted 25% more for an off-brand snap-on cell phone cover, than my Verizon store wanted for a Motorola-branded one!  I think a good portion of their sales came from CDs (which ain’t no-body selling much of these days), and are attempting to make up for it by increasing their profit margins.

Anyway, I wish Rubicon Express well.  Best Buy, I can’t offer the same sentiments toward, frankly.  I thought Circuit City did a FAR better job, and have turned up my nose at Best Buy since then.

Kevin

KevinsOffRoad.com - Rubicon Express Closes Up

KevinsOffRoad.com - Protected: KOR Dealer Program

KevinsOffRoad.com - Sending Money Manually

Posted Originally at WSJ.com : http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704170404575624561382205910.html

Post your comments below

By JEFF BENNETT

LOS ANGELES—Chrysler Group LLC, which is trying to turn itself around with the help of its partner Fiat SpA, has plans to cooperate with the Italian company’s super-luxury brand Maserati.

In 2013, Chrysler will begin producing a premium sport-utility vehicle to be sold as a Maserati in markets around the world, according to Sergio Marchionne, who serves as chief executive of both Chrysler and Fiat.

The Maserati vehicle will be made from the underpinnings of Chrysler’s new Jeep Grand Cherokee and be assembled at its Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit, Mr. Marchionne said in an interview at the Los Angeles auto show.

“This is just a great architecture,” Mr. Marchionne said. “Why wouldn’t I put a Maserati on it?”

The plan signals a broadening of the cooperation between Chrysler and Fiat, which has management control of the American auto maker and owns 20% of its stock.

Under Mr. Marchionne’s turnaround plan for Chrysler, the company is preparing to launch a series of small cars based on vehicles developed by Fiat. It will also produce Fiat models that will be sold in the U.S., and help return Fiat’s Alfa Romeo brand to the U.S. market.

A few Chrysler models are also supposed to be sold outside of North America under Fiat’s Lancia brand. The first will be the redesigned Chrysler 200 midsized sedan, Mr. Marchionne said.

Cooperation between Chrysler and Maserati would add a new dimension to the ties between the U.S. auto maker and Fiat at a time when Chrysler is starting preparations for a possible public offering of stock in 2011.

On Friday, the Obama administration’s auto czar, Ron Bloom, said it is unclear if the company will be ready for an IPO next year. But he added that “the company is on a good trajectory.”

Mr. Bloom also said Mr. Marchionne briefs U.S. Treasury officials once or twice a month and gives notice on major decisions. The U.S. government financed Chrysler’s restructuring in bankruptcy court last year, and is a minority shareholder in the auto maker.

Chrysler reported a net loss of $84 million for the third quarter but made money on an operating basis. Mr. Bloom said Chrysler’s financial performance has bested expectations and efforts to rejuvenate the company’s product line—considered a critical weakness—appear to be going well.

“Our view on Chrysler at the moment is so far so good,” Mr. Bloom said in an interview.

The Maserati will be built alongside the Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango, possibly creating the need to hire workers for a third shift at the Chrysler plant, Mr. Marchionne said.

Maserati, which was acquired by Fiat in 1993, is known for luxury sport sedans and sells such models as the Quattroporte along with the GranTurismo coupe and convertible. Maserari models start at $118,000, well above the Grand Cherokee’s starting price of $30,000.

Mr. Marchionne first hinted at using the the Grand Cherokee architecture to produce other vehicles during a conference call earlier this month.

“It would certainly give us a unique opportunity to try and use all the amount of work that’s gone on inside Chrysler,” he said in a conference call to discuss Chrysler’s third-quarter results. The basic architecture of the Grand Cherokee is “capable of supporting the content of a much higher-priced brand as Alfa or Maserati.”

The new Grand Cherokee was launched last summer and has been well received by auto critics and dealers. The vehicle was developed in cooperation with Daimler AG, which owned Chrysler until 2007. The same architecture that Chrysler uses for the Grand Cherokee is also used by Daimler for its SUV, the M-Class, made in Alabama.

Write to Jeff Bennett at jeff.bennett@dowjones.com

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Kevin’s comments: So, what do you think about that?

I’m thinking it’s a huge compliment to the guys who designed the chassis of the Grand Cherokee!  If the lowest cost Maserati is $118k, then the SUV version has to be what…$150k?  And, the ML is already running the same chassis and selling for $90k.  What a bargain we’re getting at $40k for the same running gear if it’s good enough for $100k vehicles.

I also think this is going to open up the aftermarket substantially, being that there will be more demand for anti-sway bar upgrades, brakes, steering, and tire/wheel combos.  It also stands to reason the guy who’s buying $100-$150k SUVs may have a few extra bucks laying around for upgrades, and is willing to pay the price needed, however extravagant, which means that there will be more aftermarket manufacturers for the new Grand…especially high-end ones.  Also read as “choices”.

Are we talking about bolt-on “European” -spec high-performance modifications for MLs and Maseratis that also fit the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee??  Kick ass!!  I’ll take mine with the SRT package, thank you very much.

-Kevin

KevinsOffRoad.com - Alfa Romeo and Maserati on a Grand Cherokee Chassis? What??!!

We’re selling our well-loved but not very often driven 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4×4.  It’s in EXTREMELY clean shape…never in an accident…infact, there is not one dent or door ding on her!  Oil changed regularly with Mobil 1 after the first 10k miles.  Everything works perfectly.

We spent quite a bit of money adding the lift kit and offroad equipment:

Kelley Blue Book says $22,870 in it’s current condition.  With more than $3,500  in upgrades, I think $23,500 is a good place to start negotiations.  What’s it worth to you to have a clean one-owner Jeep which has been regularly maintained, without any dents, and with a LOT of money spent on upgrades?  Give me a call and we can discuss it, and come up with a price that works for both of us.

Kevin 480-559-9156  (We live in the West Central Corridor)

KevinsOffRoad.com - 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 w 25k miles

I’m out of town this week at the SEMA Show 2010 in Las Vegas, and wanted to share with you some of the action.  It’s a retro-rebuild feel here…lots of older cars and trucks, freshened up and repurposed…super cool!  If you see any photos you like, you can share them on Facebook by clicking below.

Check out the show…

What an outstanding tow rig!!

SEMA Show 2010

KevinsOffRoad.com - SEMA Show 2010 Las Vegas Photos and Videos

KevinsOffRoad.com - KOR’s “Trick-er-Seat” Promo: Oct 28th-31st ONLY!

KevinsOffRoad.com - Post Your Local Jeep Clubs Here

As you’re surfing our site, and come across a link that doesn’t give you what you were looking for, would you be so kind to let us know by posting a comment below?  We want to give you the best content we can, and help you find what you’re searching for the FIRST time you arrive at our site, so if there is anything that doesn’t return you valuable information by clicking, please let us know what that is.  This would include 404 pages, links that work, but don’t give you the correct page, and so on.  As you probably already know, during the site changeover from the old, messy site to the new, easier to negotiate site, we moved a lot of pages, and don’t have everything arranged quite perfectly yet.

Thank you for your help us make KOR an easier place to find what you’re looking for.

Very Gratefully, Kevin and the KOR krew

KevinsOffRoad.com - Please Help Us Track Down Bad Links