Evap Canister Dilemma Solved

At the begining of the month I was unsure what I should do about my evap canister -- relocate it, leave it as is with the stock skid, or get a tougher skid plate to cover it. 

11/5/15 Blog Post

I reached out to my fellow Jeepers and got quite a few suggestions. Many suggestions for skid plates were shared as well as the many re-location kits for the evap canister so I could do the work myself. Adams Jeep of Maryland -- Adams Xtreme Motorsports also said they could do the re-location. Then several folks who wheel at Rausch Creek Off Road Park said to leave it. Most have never had any issues with scraping or hitting any rocks. 

So I got under my Jeep and checked out my Evap Canister. It looks brand new minus all the coal dust that has settled on it. The coal dust is from all the many wheelin' trips I have made at Rausch Creek. 




If you have watched any of my YouTube videos from those trips you know I have a lot of bumping and scraping going on underneath my Jeep. Not one little scratch on that stock evap canister skid. 

Now I could just leave it with the stock skid and I am sure it will do just fine. But with my luck, which tends to be on the unlucky side, I decided to go with an aftermarket skid for the evap canister. Now it will be time to hit the internet and shop around for some Jeep Parts! Yipee!!!

       - Simple Living! - Enjoying Life! - The Jeep Momma Way -

Jeep Secrets Revealed

I use my Jeep Center Console every day as I am sure you do too. It wasn't until the other day I was searching around the internet for fun Jeep items to buy when I came across a cool little secret about my JKU Rubicon. 

On the underside of my center console are two holders that can fit pens, small flashlights and/or a tire gauge. 

Then did you know... your cup holder can double as a dog water dish. 

There is also the seven slot theme carried up from the grille to the top vent up near the hood.  

When you are wrenching out in the garage and you don't feel like walking into the kitchen to get a bottle opener you can just use your door. The silver latches attached to the body of the Jeep double as a bottle opener. 


Do you have any Jeep secrets you want to share?

                    - Simple Living! - Enjoying Life! - The Jeep Momma Way -

Evap Canister -- Relocate or Fortify?

Good News!!! I found a dad in the neighborhood who likes to rebuild cars, can weld, and ironically is rebuilding his daughter's Jeep. 

He is going to help me install my oil/transmission skid plate. Now this is an easy install that I could normally do myself, but with my back issues, I am not suppose to be lifting anything. 

I am in the process of fortifying my Jeep's undercarriage, so it will be protected when I am out on the trails. I would like to start wheeling more difficult trails, such as the blue trails at Rausch Creek. When I spoke to the guys at the Adams Jeep Extreme Shop they say I am on the right path for protecting my Jeep's undercarriage. 

They suggested the top three items I work on are -- the oil/transmission skid, the evap canister, and better protection on my gas tank. Once I finish the oil/transmission skid I will begin looking into my evap canister.

Adams Jeep suggests I relocate it over the axle. They can relocate it for me for a cost. Some Jeepers tell me I could do this myself. Some Jeepers say just to get a stronger evap canister skid. 


Decisions, Decisions, Decisions... 

What's a Jeep Mom to do? 

What do you suggest? 

Relocate my evap canister?

Or get a stronger, tougher skid plate for it?

       - Simple Living! - Enjoying Life! - The Jeep Momma Way -

Jeep Parts Coming!

"Your order has been shipped." 

I love getting those emails. I think that is why I was so happy yesterday. Extreme Terrain sent me that exact email yesterday. I bet you are all wondering what it is I ordered. Of course I really want a lift and bigger tires, but I feel the right path for my next modification is to fortify the underbelly of my Jeep. 

So I ordered a skid plate.  M.O.R.E. Oil/transmission skid plate. 

Right now my Rubicon has stock skid plates on the gas tank and the transfer case. As you can see they get a good work out from my off-roading trips to Rausch Creek Off Road Park. There is also a cover on my evap canister. The oil pan and transmission are naked, so I need to cover them up.  



There were several reasons for purchasing this skid plate.

I had a $140 coupon code from Extreme Terrain. I received this for writing up an installation guide for the Barricade Adjustable Brake Light w/LED Light I bought. 

This skid is simple and easy to install, mostly bolt on and some drilling. I don't have a lot of tools nor the background in auto mechanics for complicated installs, so I am always looking for simple & easy, but durable.

Another factor is weight. I don't want to add too much weight to my Jeep. This skid weighs 50 pounds and covers the oil pan, transmission case and parts of the Exhaust system. 

So SIMPLE and EASY!  

That's my motto in life for pretty much everything. 

My problem...

I have a bulging disc and have been in constant pain for two months. I finally found some relief with an injection in my spine and some nerve pain medication. However, my disc is still at risk so I must be careful with every thing I do. 

I have two choices... 

Wait to install my skid plate until my back heals, which could be months down the road. Or I can host my own "Wrenching Party". The problem is I don't know any fellow Jeepers in my area. But.... one of my son's friends dad is really into working on cars. AND... I just found out he is working on his daughters Jeep. So I will give them a call to see if he can help me out.  

In the meantime I will be sitting at my mailbox waiting for the Big Brown Truck! 

- Simple Living! - Enjoying Life! - The Jeep Momma Way -

Guest Blog Post: Lifting Your Jeep

Ever since I drove the Clayton Off Road Jeep a couple of weekends ago at the Rausch Creek Off Road Park, I have been itching to lift my Jeep. 


Okay so I've been itching to lift my Jeep ever since I traded my Sahara for my Rubicon. There is so much to consider when I finally get the lift onto my Jeep. 






As you know my Jeep is also my daily driver. I park my Jeep in my garage, which barely fits in the garage now. So there is a lot for me to consider when I finally get a lift and bigger tires. 



That is what is so great about the life of a Jeep owner. There are so many possibilities when you modify your Jeep. There are so many different reasons people modify their Jeeps. But the best part about it is... there is no right way, or no wrong way. It is all up to the individual Jeep owner. 




I only suggest you do your research, get other people's thoughts and opinions, then make the best decision for yourself, your family and your pocketbook.

So... with that in mind I would like to share a guest blog post from Matt...

Ride Tall: Things to Think About When Considering Your Jeep Lift

Sometimes, standard just isn’t enough. Jeep owners know what they like. And what many users like is power. Lifting your jeep is a cool way to make your vehicle look big, bad, and bruising. With a lifted jeep, you can mod things further. A high lift will allow you to get bigger tires. And bigger tires are exactly what lots of jeep lovers want.

So, okay, you’ve thought things through and decided to get lifted. But which lift to get?  Jeep users have lots of things to think about when considering a lift. Your jeep is your baby, and it’s crucial that you give it the upgrades it needs. Here’s what you need to know when considering a lift.

Looks

Jeep lifts serve a few functions. Honestly, the most common reason people get their jeeps lifted is for looks. A lifted jeep just looks cool. It’s high up in the air and makes you feel like you’re cruising over the other motorists like you’re in a monster truck. The big heavy tires you’ll undoubtedly add will just increase the coolness factor. Men and women both love lifts.

Lifts add a lot to your jeep’s appearance. Your jeep is taller. You can see  farther. And you’re on top, looking like highway royalty.

Function

Lifts are mostly to make your jeep look big and strong, and there’s a reason for that. Lifts actually give your jeep added ability to get off road. According to Jeep.com, the right lift can “improve the vehicle’s off-roading capability to allow greater articulation, ground clearance, and negotiation of larger, more extreme obstacles.” In other words, your lift will allow you to get nasty, muddy, and dangerous.

Even if you’ve never been off-roading, you might want to consider it; off-road driving is hobby loved by thousands of people around the country. If you get into wild riding, though, make sure you get things right. Do your research into safety and off-roading. Remember that accidents can “permanent back or neck issues, memory loss, or chronic pain. Even a moderate whiplash can have devastating effects on the human body,” according to Klein Lawyers. Off-road riding isn’t kids’ stuff. But then, jeeps aren’t kids’ stuff either.

Consider Different Heights

Not all lifts are the same. You can add between 2.5 and 6 inches to your jeep. At smaller heights, you’ll save some money and trouble, but will still be able to expand those wheels. People out on the highway won’t know the difference. Your jeep will look awesome.  2.5 inch lifts are a good idea if you’re new to the lifting game. A small step up, if you will.

With more dramatic lifts, you get more dramatic results. Big lifts are more practical. 6 inch lift benefits reveal themselves during those real filthy outdoor excursions. A 6 incher can prevent damage to your body, improve driving angles, and make you safer as you ravage the countryside. A 6 inch lift is for the advanced jeep head. Go for it if you’ve got what it takes.