top of page
All Articles
MUDDY RUTTZZ GAZETTE


The Ultimate Guide to an Unplanned Anza Borrego Overlanding Trip
There is nothing quite like the high desert in the winter. My Alaskan American Eskimo dog was in his element as we headed out to explore the trails near the house. By mid-morning, the grey clouds began to break, revealing those iconic patches of New Mexico blue sky against the rugged terrain.
4 hours ago5 min read


Winter Arrives at Picacho Mountain: Snow in the High Desert
There is nothing quite like the high desert in the winter. My Alaskan American Eskimo dog was in his element as we headed out to explore the trails near the house. By mid-morning, the grey clouds began to break, revealing those iconic patches of New Mexico blue sky against the rugged terrain.
2 days ago2 min read


Jeep Differential Fluid Change: Step-by-Step Guide for JK, JL, & Gladiator
Call it the pumpkin, rear end diff or center section, performing a Jeep differential fluid change is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can tackle in your garage. Whether you are running a classic JK or a newer JL or Gladiator, the differential is the heart of your drivetrain. Keeping the gears and clutch packs lubricated with fresadd ons were installed on the cars as soon as they roll off the car carrier and non-negotiable. Pitre KIA my local KIA dealer dropped them
3 days ago10 min read


2026 KIA Sportage Hybrid Review: Why This Jeep Guy Beat the Dealership Markups
KIA wasn't on my radar but I was determined not to pay for "Dealer Add Ons. Other dealers claimed the add ons were installed on the cars as soon as they roll off the car carrier and non-negotiable. Pitre KIA my local KIA dealer dropped them without hassling me.
Jan 167 min read


How to Check and Fill Jeep Power Steering Fluid: Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT
In the old days, power steering was easy: a belt, a pump, and some ATF. Today’s Jeeps use electro-hydraulic systems that generate massive heat, requiring specialized stuff like Pentosin CHF 11S. While the bottle says it’s a 'lifetime' fluid, I’m skeptical. I just had to top off both of my Jeeps because they were below the minimum mark. It begs the question—if this stuff is meant to last forever, where is it going?
Jan 146 min read


How To Seal Tubeless Bicycle Tires: Mess-Free Sealant Injector
The Park Tool TSI-1 is the best mess-free tubeless sealant injector I’ve added to my collection. It solves the huge problem of the 'messy' traditional method. I no longer have to pop the tire bead or struggle with makeshift bottles. This tool ensures a clean injection every time, letting me pump up my tires and get back to mountain biking faster than ever.
Jan 105 min read


Taming the Dirt: Cheap Desert Landscaping Ideas and Drainage Solutions
Buying a new home in Picacho Hills is an exciting journey, but it often comes with a "blank slate" that can quickly drain your bank account. While builders ensure the front yard meets neighborhood standards, the side and back yards are often left as literal dust bowls. To turn my dirt lot into a functional space without spending $20,000, I had to get creative with cheap desert landscaping ideas
Jan 85 min read


Warning: Use Only OAT Coolant Antifreeze In Your Jeep Wrangler Or Gladiator
We all lead busy lives, and sometimes vehicle maintenance takes a back seat. I recently realized I had fallen behind on my own Jeep Gladiator upkeep. The "hidden danger" I discovered is that the coolant reservoir often develops a stain at the "Max" line. If you just glance under the hood, it looks full, but looking closer reveals the actual fluid level is much lower. Proper Jeep OAT Coolant Maintenance starts with a careful inspection of that tank to ensure you aren't being f
Jan 14 min read


City of Rocks Camping: A Local’s Guide to New Mexico’s Secret Desert Stonehenge
We all lead busy lives, and sometimes vehicle maintenance takes a back seat. I recently realized I had fallen behind on my own Jeep Gladiator upkeep. The "hidden danger" I discovered is that the coolant reservoir often develops a stain at the "Max" line. If you just glance under the hood, it looks full, but looking closer reveals the actual fluid level is much lower. Proper Jeep OAT Coolant Maintenance starts with a careful inspection of that tank to ensure you aren't being f
Dec 18, 20258 min read


Mastering Jeep Grille Removal: The Easy DIY Guide
Today, I’m walking you through a procedure that every Jeep owner should know: Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT Grille Removal. This process is identical for both, so whether you’re driving a truck or a classic SUV, this guide is for you.
Dec 17, 20255 min read


Danger: U.S. 550 The Million Dollar Hwy (Is The Scenery Worth The Risk?)
As the name suggests, the Million Dollar Highway Fall Colors season is seriously the best time to hit up U.S. 550. Sure, the road's got a bit of a wild reputation with its steep drop-offs and twisty turns, but trust me, the views you get while cruising through the San Juan Mountains on your way to Ouray, Colorado, are totally worth it. If you're planning a Colorado trip, just keep in mind that while the drive can be a bit tricky, taking on the Million Dollar Highway in the fa
Dec 11, 20257 min read


5 Reasons For Ouray Colorado Travel: The Secret Switzerland Of America
If you're on the hunt for a town that feels like it was plucked right out of the European Alps and dropped smack dab in the middle of the American Rockies, then buckle up, my friend, because you’ve hit the jackpot! Welcome to Ouray, Colorado—the one and only "Switzerland of America"! Seriously, if you squint hard enough, you might just see a yodeler or two. Getting here is half the adventure.
Nov 29, 20256 min read


WARNING: Don't Do Your EcoDiesel Oil & Filter Change Until You Read This!
This guide provides the complete, proven maintenance method (all four filters + oil) that ensures peak engine health for your 2020 Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel (and Gladiator/Ram models). You’ll see exactly what my quick, 6-minute video demonstrates, but here, we dive into the details. As a fellow Jeep owner here in dusty Las Cruces, NM, I’ve refined this process to be fast, efficient, and cost-effective, allowing me to service my truck every 5,000 miles.
Nov 21, 20258 min read


Springbar Canvas: The Best USA Made Tent Option for Durable Campers Since 1961
It is not uncommon to meet folks in using 25 year old Springbar Tents when camping. I bought my Springbar Tent 8 years ago for van camping.
Nov 19, 20255 min read


Easy DIY: Ecodiesel Main & Auxiliary Battery Replacement Guide (10 Steps)
When it comes to car batteries a 3 year warranty means 3 years and it pays to swap them out before you get left stranded. In this DIY article I will tell you exactly how to swap both batteries and show you with lots of detailed photos to make it easy.
Nov 18, 20256 min read


The Ultimate DIY Guide: Building a Gladiator EcoDiesel Overlanding Rig
Welcome to Muddy Ruttzz. I’m done building this Gladiator. It took 3 1/2 years but I think I really found a combination of vehicle and parts that makes this 2022 Gladiator Rubicon Ecodiesel a great daily driver and a very capable off-road vehicle and overlanding rig. In this article I want to show you the parts I installed, tell you why I chose them.
Nov 13, 20257 min read


DIY: How to Change Dual Washer Valve for a Leak-Free Laundry Room
After pulling my hair out with indecision, I settled on a choice many folks call the "Pizza Cutter" size: the tall and skinny 255/85R17 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T. The general wisdom says bigger is better, but this narrow profile is engineered to be a premium extreme hybrid all-terrain tire with an E-rated sidewall that promised performance, longevity, and a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty. Now that we've clocked 5,000 hard miles, including an eye-opening stint at the Ouray
Nov 5, 20256 min read


5,000 Mile Review: Are Baja Boss A/T Pizza Cutters the Ultimate Overlanding/Daily Driver Tire?
After pulling my hair out with indecision, I settled on a choice many folks call the "Pizza Cutter" size: the tall and skinny 255/85R17 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T. The general wisdom says bigger is better, but this narrow profile is engineered to be a premium extreme hybrid all-terrain tire with an E-rated sidewall that promised performance, longevity, and a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty. Now that we've clocked 5,000 hard miles, including an eye-opening stint at the Ouray
Nov 1, 20256 min read


11 Ouray Jeep Jamboree Tips & My Wife's Road to Off-Road Confidence
What unfolded was an unexpected, wonderful transformation for my wife. By the time we reached the dizzying heights of the Buffalo Boy Mine on day three, my retired school librarian was a bona fide, confident, and skilled off-road driver. I was simply the snack-handing, photo-taking passenger! She didn’t just meet the challenge; she blew right past it. It just goes to show you, the best view comes after the hardest climb.
Oct 27, 20259 min read


Bombproof Your Dana Diff: Spicer Performance Differential Cover Installation
There are a lot of great covers out there, but today we’re talking about the Dana/Spicer Advantek Performance Front Differential Cover (Part #10044799). This part fits the Dana 44 M210 axles found on the Jeep Gladiator (JT) and the Jeep JL Wrangler.
I chose the Dana/Spicer Differential Cover for a few simple reasons: it’s reasonably priced, and who knows your axle better than the guys who built it?
Oct 26, 20257 min read
bottom of page