Improving Your Jeep's Breakover Angle

What is Breakover Angle?

The breakover angle is a critical measurement in off-road vehicle geometry. It's the angle formed between the ground and an imaginary line drawn from the center of your Jeep's wheelbase to its lowest midpoint. This angle determines how steep of an obstacle your vehicle can clear without getting hung up on its undercarriage.

Why Breakover Angle Matters

A higher breakover angle allows your Jeep to tackle more challenging obstacles without scraping its belly. This is particularly important when navigating over steep crests, large rocks, or uneven terrain. Enhancing your Jeep's breakover angle offers several benefits:

1. Obstacle Clearance: A higher breakover angle allows your Jeep to clear taller obstacles without getting hung up on its undercarriage. This is especially important when traversing rocky terrain, crossing logs, or cresting steep hills. 
2.  Reduced Risk of High-Centering: High-centering occurs when the center of your vehicle gets stuck on an obstacle, lifting the wheels off the ground. A better breakover angle significantly reduces the risk of high-centering, allowing your Jeep to maintain traction and continue moving forward over peaked obstacles.
3. Increased Off-Road Capability: A higher breakover angle allows you to tackle more challenging terrain and obstacles.
4. Reduced Risk of Damage: By improving clearance, you minimize the chances of damaging your Jeep's undercarriage. An increased breakover angle will protect vital components such as your transmission, exhaust system and fuel tank from potential damage caused by ground contact. 

How to Improve Your Jeep's Breakover Angle

Enhancing your Jeep's breakover angle can significantly boost its off-road performance. Here are some effective ways to achieve this:

1. Install a Lift Kit

A lift kit is one of the most popular modifications for improving breakover angle. By raising your Jeep's body and frame, you increase the distance between the ground and your vehicle's undercarriage. This not only improves the breakover angle but also enhances approach and departure angles.

2. Upgrade to Larger Tires

Increasing tire size is another effective method to improve breakover angle. Larger tires raise both the axles and the body of your Jeep, providing more clearance. However, remember that you only gain about half the added tire height in actual clearance.

3. Remove or Relocate Low-Hanging Components

Identify any components under your Jeep that hang particularly low. These might include exhaust systems, skid plates, or even factory brackets. Consider removing unnecessary items or relocating essential ones to improve your breakover angle.

4. Install Rock Sliders

While rock sliders don't directly improve your breakover angle, they protect your Jeep's undercarriage rocker panels when you do inevitably scrape the underside. They act as a sacrificial component, taking the damage instead of your Jeep's body.

5. Add Skid Plates

Similar to rock sliders, skid plates don't increase your breakover angle, but they protect vital components underneath your Jeep when you do make contact with obstacles.

2-Door vs. 4-Door

Additionally, the breakover angle can vary between different Jeep models and configurations. For example, the Jeep Wrangler JL 2-Door Sport has a breakover angle of 25 degrees, while the 4-Door Sport version has a lower angle of 20.3 degrees due to its longer wheelbase. This difference can significantly impact each vehicle's performance in certain off-road scenarios.

Remember, while improving your breakover angle can significantly enhance your Jeep's off-road capabilities, it's essential to consider other factors like approach and departure angles, ground clearance, and overall vehicle stability. Always prioritize safety and responsible off-roading practices.

Jeep Wrangler Check Engine Light

My Four-Year Journey 

For four long years, I drove my beloved Jeep with the check engine light illuminating my dashboard. About two years in I knew the engine was failing, and a replacement was the only viable solution. Finally, after becoming financially stable, I was able to afford the engine swap. Working at TNT Customs proved to be a blessing, as it provided me with the perfect opportunity to get the job done right.

Read more about the first chapter of My Check Engine Light Saga

My Jeep Doctor Daniel 

The Engine Replacement Saga

This past June, I was able to successfully replace the engine where I work, hoping to bid farewell to the persistent check engine light. However, my relief was short-lived. Shortly after the replacement, the dreaded light reappeared, this time the code read P06dd indicating an issue with the oil pressure sensor.

Our troubleshooting journey began:

• We replaced the oil pressure sensor, but the code returned.
• Next, we tried swapping out the oil filter, yet the light persisted.
• The check engine light's erratic behavior continued, turning on and off randomly.
• We even experimented with thicker oil, but the problem remained.

The Unexpected Culprit

As we prepared to warranty the oil filter housing adapter, Daniel, our skilled technician, decided to inspect the knock sensor sub harness. This harness, typically well-protected with metal tape and a cloth protector, held a hidden surprise.

Upon closer examination, Daniel discovered two damaged and exposed wires within the harness. These compromised wires were making intermittent contact during bumps, causing the electrical issues we had been chasing.

My old Knock Sensor Wire Harness

My new Knock Sensor Wire Harness

The Oil Filter Housing Leak: A Silent Destroyer

The root of this new check engine problem can be traced back to 2022 when my oil filter housing began leaking. Unfortunately, I didn't notice the issue immediately, allowing oil to soak the wire harness for an extended period.

When wires are exposed to oil for prolonged periods, several detrimental effects can occur:

Insulation Breakdown: Oil can cause the wire's insulation to soften, crack, or dissolve, exposing the conductive core.

Corrosion: The oil can trap moisture against the wire, leading to corrosion of the metal conductors.

Electrical Short Circuits: As insulation degrades, wires can come into contact, causing short circuits and erratic electrical behavior.

Reduced Conductivity: Oil residue can interfere with proper electrical connections, leading to intermittent or poor performance.

My Jeep Engine Bay.

Jeep Momma Tip

The 3.6L Pentastar engine is notorious for oil filter housing leaks. If you find yourself needing to replace this component due to leakage, I strongly recommend replacing the associated wire harness as well. This preemptive measure can save you from the headaches and frustrations I experienced.

Regular inspections, timely maintenance, and a willingness to dig deeper when troubleshooting can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Don't ignore those warning lights – they might be trying to tell you more than you realize!