Front Runner Jeep JK Roof Rack

In the past, the front runner roof rack simply bolted straight into the JK hard top. Not the best idea ever...
But they have seen the error of their ways (and the ways of the Mopar Overland JK's roof rack) and have taken a whole new approach to the roof rack. It now mounts to the body and roll cage. Better idea...

And it works pretty damn well!

Have a look for yourself...

Front Runner JK Roof Rack Video

Front Runner JK Roof Rack

Front Runner JK Roof Rack

Front Runner JK Roof Rack

4xForum Trans-World Land Cruiser

Our friends at 4xForum built an amazing Trans-World Land Cruiser.
Check it out at http://www.autograph4x4.com/autograph4x4.com/Land_Cruiser_78.html

Jeep JK Steering Stabiliser Location

I recently had the misfortune of totalling my steering stabiliser on rocks while out wheeling.
But is it really a misfortune or just an accident waiting to happen?

Thing is, it wasn't a particularly rough trail. Sure it was rocky, but nothing extreme. This is typical terrain that I'd imagine a 'trail rated' Rubicon is made for.
So what I'm getting at is... Who on the Jeep design team got the idea to put the JK steering stabiliser where it is?
It couldn't possibly be in a more vulnerable place. It's right in the way of just about anything you could encounter off-road.
That said, it is quite a simple mod to relocate it. There's numerous manufacturers that have relocation brackets. Some aftermarket steering stabilisers even come with relocation brackets. So surely they're all onto something.
Now it's great that there are options to relocate it. But it seems rather silly that you should have to do this. If you look at other solid axle vehicles like Land Rover Defenders and Toyota Land Cruisers, their steering stabilisers (or dampeners as their owners would say) are way out of reach. You'd have to plough through the draglink, tie rod and trackbar (or panhard rod, again, as their owners would say) to get to them.

Anyway, so I did total my stock stabiliser and got it replaced with an EFS unit. Feels like stock, and takes knocks very well. (More info at http://www.efs4wd.com.au/). Nothing spectacular about it. It drives very nice and doesn't steer in a direction like the Bilstein 5100s do.

Well that concludes my rant about the JK steering stabiliser location. I think it's very silly to put a vulnerable part there. So get yours tucked up and away so it won't hassle you down the line.

It's Been A While

Well, it's been a while since my last post. Been rather busy with a lot of things.
However, good news is there's a lot that's been happening in the 4x4 scene and a lot of things I have been involved with.

So... I'll giving JK-Overland its due attention again from now on. Lot of product reviews to do, trips are coming and I'll share some of the trips I've done in the last few months.

Anyway, that's it for now.
As always, check out the JK Overland Facebook Page and sign up for my 4x4 discussion forum at www.4xforum.com/forum.

LA Sport 4x4 Show

Headed out to check out the LA Sport 4x4 Show. Some cool things on display.
Here's some pictures from the event.

Good Looking FJ Cruiser

LA Sort Lexus

Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota FJ Cruiser

LA Sport Land Rover Defender. First One I've Seen On 35's.

Land Rover Display

Potluck African Kitchen

What could only be described as Mpumalanga's best keep secret, Potluck African Kitchen is a fantastic treat hidden in the hills and valleys.

Thousands of cars probably drive unknowingly past the little dirt road leading down to the river.
I simply took the turn off the main road because I wanted to go have a look at the river. While driving down I saw a small sign post reading "Potluck African Kitchen - Real South African Food". I thought it looked interesting and decided to go check it out.

To my amazement, I found a tiny building built out of wooden poles on a small rock and cement platform.  Only a handful of tables, and tree stumps for chairs. As you walk in you are greeted by the aroma of meat and 'pap' being prepared on open fires.

The menu? Well, a pre-school essay is probably longer. Pap, Wors and Steak. That's it. Drinks? Beer, only sold in quarts and few choices of soft drinks. I suppose you could have bottled water if you take a bottle to the river? As far as taste goes? Absolutely delicious! It's like having a spade-full of Africa served on a plate.

Unfortunately, I forgot to save the co-ordinates of the restaurant. On top of that, I forgot which road I found it on. But maybe that's a good thing. Maybe it's better that you can't go looking for it. It's somewhere on the road between Sabie and Pilgrims Rest. Go explore, find it and share in the magic that is Potluck African Kitchen.

New 4x4 Forum - 4xForum

There's a new and exciting 4x4 discussion forum on the way. Check it out at 4xforum.com - FORUM

JKA/EFS 2" Premium Lift

The JKA/EFS 2" Premium Lift is hands down the best 2" lift kit for Jeep JK on the market. The components and value for money in this kit are unrivaled. It includes absolutely everything needed to make a JK's suspension ready for overlanding.

I'll get straight to it and list what you get in the kit:

• 4 EFS Elite Shock Absorbers
• 4 EFS Coil Springs (Petrol or Diesel Specific)
• JKA Front Brake-Line Extensions 
• JKA Rear Brake-Line Extensions
• JKA Rear Handbrake Extension
• JKA Rear Trackbar Raise Bracket
• JKA Front Axle Breather Extensions
• JKA Rear Axle Breather Extensions
• JKA Cam Bolts
• Rear Extended Swaybar Endlinks
• Front Extended Swaybar Endlinks (Optional: Quick Disconnects)
• Front Heavy Duty Adjustable Trackbar (Choice of Full Traction or Teraflex)

The ride of the EFS shocks and coils is superb. EFS Suspension uses what they call DMC-T, or Dynamic Motion Control Technology. In simple terms, we can call it really clever valving. The EFS shocks are designed to adapt to the driving you are doing and the conditions they need to operate under. 

Within one-hundredth of a second the valving will adjust and give you the ride control you need.

So if you're out wheeling for the weekend, or playing on a trail, the shocks will behave in a more relaxed manner, giving you a comfortable ride and provide good articulation. If you're heavily loaded on a highway or doing some high speed driving on corrugated road on your overland trip, again, the shocks will adapt and provide the ideal ride, comfort and control for that situation.

JKA takes it one step further by creating components and brackets to seamlessly integrate the EFS kit into your JK. JKA extends all the vital components such as your brakelines and handbrake cables, so there is no additional wear on them from operating a lift kit. Axles are aligned with a front adjustable trackbar and rear trackbar bracket. The handling is improved even further by the trackbar raise bracket as it reduces your roll moment couple, which results in less body roll and better handling. JKA even goes as far as extending your axle breathers.

All components in the kit are made in USA, Australia and South Africa. So there is no need to worry that cheap Asian manufactured parts are going to let you down. The kit solid as a rock. Wether you are crawling on the rocks or bolting down the highway at 100MPH, the kit always performs. 

The JKA/EFS 2" Premium Kit isn't just a lift kit that'll allow bigger wheels. It is a complete suspension upgrade that improves the ride far beyond stock and will not let you down when you are far out in the outback. 

For more info see:

JKA 4x4 Accessories

EFS - Enhanced 4WD Suspension

Next week we will be lifting one of our Wrangler JK's with the JKA/EFS 2" Premium Lift. We will be doing a full review and installation write up.

More info at:
JKA/EFS 2" Premium Lift

JKA 4x4 Accessories

JKA 4x4 Accessories is South Africa's premium off road outfitters. Specializing in Jeeps (notably the Wrangler JK), they supply field tested and proven products, both locally and internationally developed.
JKA is the sole supplier of Off Road Evolution, Full Traction and Teraflex in South Africa, as well as a host of other quality products.

As most know, when lifting a 2012 JK there is need to make adjustments to either the driveshafts or exhaust. This has led to much controversy. Some argue the solution is to fit exhaust spacers while other advocate the replacement of the front driveshaft.

JKA believes the only sustainable solution is to replace the front drive shaft. While drive shaft contact on the exhaust is an issue and can be solved with the use of exhaust spacers, the real pressing issue is the fact that when a 2012 JK is lifted beyond 2" the stock drive shaft is exerted beyond its maximum operating angle. This will lead to premature failure of the component. Thus, the most sustainable solution is to fit an aftermarket drive shaft. 

There are numerous driveshafts available in the US, such as J.E. Reel, that will work with the 2012 JK. However, shipping these across the Atlantic to South Africa is considerably expensive. JKA is in the process of developing locally made drive shafts that will retail at a much more reasonable price than importing an American drive shaft.

While still a relatively new company, JKA is proving itself as a superior manufacturer of off road products in South Africa. JKA continues to research and develop local products for RHD JK's in South Africa. With superior knowledge, expertise, build quality and above all, unwavering brilliant customer service, JKA is the top choice for anyone serious about Jeeps in Africa.

For more information see http://www.jkaccessories.co.za/

Or contact them at info@jkaccessories.co.za