Jeep Momma a Podcast Host!

I have been making some guest appearances on the XJTalkShow.com recently. It all started back last fall when Tony from the XJTalkShow asked if I would do an interview on his podcast. We talked about my new found interest in Jeeps and Off Roading. 

Screenshot of Jeep Talk Show podcast AKA XJTalk show

Eventually Tony and Josh asked if I wanted to record a "Wrangler Talk" segment. Which of course I did, and had a really great time. I ended up filling in for Josh one night when he was sick. Then my recorded "Wrangler Talk" segments turned into live segments.  

Jeep Momma selfie with Jeep

I am excited to announce Tony and Josh have asked me to be a permanent host on their -- now our -- XJTalkShow.  I will still continue to have my "Wrangler Talk" segment, and will also be doing weekly product reviews.  I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with fellow Jeepers. I am also thrilled that I will be able to continue to gain experience in the World of Jeeps. 

Jeep Momma selfie with rock sliders

Every Monday night at 11pm Eastern time we record the podcast live at www.XJTalkShow.com.  There is also a chat room where we interact with folks listening in. Then on Mondays, the podcast is available for download. 

The audio download -- Episode 170 "Big Announcement"

Or the video version -- Episode 170 "Big Announcement"

Either one you listen too I hope you will continue to come back and each week!

In early 2022 I was asked to step down as a co-host on this podcast. Since then I started a new podcast - The Off-Road Insiders Podcast, my New Podcast Journey. 

Raxiom LED Light Install

Jeep Off-Road Aftermarket Lights

Raxiom Light with wiring harness. 

Extreme Terrain sent me a set of Raxiom 3" LED Lights to test out on my Jeep. I was intimidated at the prospect of hooking up electrical parts to my Jeep but once I started I realized I could do it. 

Raxiom 3" LED Lights

3" Raxiom LED light

I decided to mount them on the A pillars near the windshield. I needed the light mounts for this install. The installation of the mounts and lights were a pretty simple job. 

Install Step 1

Install Step 2

Install Step 3

Install Step 4

Install Step 5

Install Step 6

Check out my Jeep Momma Raxiom Light Install Video 

Once these 6 steps are completed the wires can be connected. Thanks to the Jeep community (JKOwners Forum) for helping inform me of the proper wiring for vehicles lights.

Now that my Raxiom 3 inch LED Lights are mounted to the A pillars of my Rubicon, it is time to wire them up. I am using the Lifetime LED Switch and Wiring Kit from Extreme Terrain. It will make for an easier job to wire the lights.  

• Lifetime LED Switch and Wiring Kit - Universal Application 

• The power to relay wire has a in-line fuse rated at 20a and is ~36 inches in length

• The relay is a mini-type 30a relay

• The switch is a mini toggle switch

• You can run 1 or 2 lights off of this wiring harness

• Universal application ('87-'15 Wranglers)

The wrong way

The initial wiring, I did on my lights, was based on what we used to wire inside our home. This will not work in a vehicle, especially a Jeep that goes off roading. Thanks to the wonderful Jeep community for giving me lots of advice on how to properly connect the wires. 

The Wrong Way

The first thing I did with my original wiring was undo the tape, wire nuts and wires. I re-stripped the wires. Then I set forth on soldering all the wire connections.

Wiring Location

I connected the driver side light wires to two wires, and strung them along the hood. The connection I used was soldering the wires, then adding some heat shrink material. Just for a little added protections I used liquid tape, and then some Super 33+ vinyl tape.    

Wiring Connections

The next step was to connect the driver side light wires, passenger side light wires and the wiring kit together. I used the same connection method with these wires as I did with the driver side light. 

Wiring Connections 

The next step was to find the firewall hole, and pull through the wires for the switch.  It took me quite awhile to find the hole. Finally -- I went online and asked the Jeep community for help. I used the hole on the passenger side. I just removed the side panel on the dash, and there it was. It took a little work to pull the wires through. I did need to cut those wires because the plug was too big for the hole. If you watch my You Tube video you can see exactly where this hole is. 

Re-connecting plug

Once the wire was pulled through, I again soldered and added heat shrink, liquid tape and tape to those wires. 

Wiring on Battery

The final step before I tested the lights out was to hook up the wiring kit to the battery. NOTE: Check out this blog post for Proper Wiring at this point. 

Then it was time to see if I hooked it all up correctly. I did, and boy are they bright. They are brighter than I expected, and the glare wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

Lights at night

Lights on my Jeep. 

 

This is a huge accomplishment for me working outside my comfort zone. I now have a new skill under my belt. 

•  ExtremeTerrain provided the LED light for review. No additional compensation received. All opinions are my own. 

Jeep Momma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon’s website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jeep Shifter Knob Install

Jeep Momma Shifter Knob Install

Searching for this How To on the internet is deceiving. Some YouTubers make it look really easy to remove the factory shifter knobs. In my efforts to replace mine I realized it isn't as easy as they make it look. My video is a real representation of how the shifter knob swap will go.  

Watch my YouTube Video How to Install a Jeep Transfer Case Shifter Knob

Buy Here👉 Drake Shift Knob

Transfer Case Shifter Knob Removal

Install Steps 

Remove the old shift knob. First, with a flat-head screwdriver, try to detach or pop the bottom collar down away from the shift knob. There is no reason to remove the top silver cap. 
Once the bottom collar is detached you need to just pull up on the knob. It is supposed to come right off. The Transfer Case Shift knob is a lot more difficult to remove.  

Jeep Momma removing shifter knob. 

I tried to braced my legs on either side of the shifter, and grab onto the knob with a tight grip. I then pulled as hard as I could. It popped off on the first yank!

New drake off-road shifter knob

The next step was to slide the new Drake Shift knob onto the shaft. Then the directions stated to use the original screw removed to tighten it onto the shaft. 

Set screw in Drake off-road shifter knob. 

The set screw is in the shift knob. With a small allen wrench you can tighten it on.

For more DIY Modifications check out my Jeep Momma's Modifications page.