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MUDDY RUTTZZ GAZETTE


Bombproof Jeep Spare Tire Bump Stop Install for Oversized Tires
In this guide, you’ll discover why aftermarket wheel offsets create dangerous play in your spare tire mount and how unabsorbed vibrations gradually fatigue your Jeep Wrangler's tailgate sheet metal. We'll break down why standard friction-fit bump stop extensions often fall short on rough trails and why stepping up to a mechanical fastener solution is worth the effort.
15 hours ago5 min read


Proven Setup for 35 Inch Pizza Cutter Tires (EcoDiesel Jeep Wrangler)
Getting fresh rubber on your rig is easily one of the most satisfying steps in any build, but doing it right takes more than just bolting up bigger wheels at the tire shop. I recently wrapped up step one of transforming my Willys Wrangler EcoDiesel into a trail-dominating machine by stepping up to Kenda Klever 35x10.5x17 tires mounted on heavy-duty Black Rock 997 Type 8 steel wheels.
4 days ago7 min read


Unleashing My Jeep: The Ultimate Willys EcoDiesel Build for the Rubicon Trail
I decided to build a Rubicon-ready beast! What sparked this idea? Well, it was hard not to be inspired by those super cool and capable Jeeps and Grenadiers I saw at Overland Expo West. Plus, my buddy who tagged along kept raving about how much he loved my Jeep. It really shined when I towed my Xventure trailer to Alstrom Point on Lake Powell and cruised through the Grand Staircase Escalante.
7 days ago8 min read


Jeep Death Wobble Fix: The "Nuclear Option" Victory and Final Alignment
The Richter scale of 7.0 shaking is officially a thing of the past. After a marathon of installs, "Alignment Day" at B&G Total Alignment in New Mexico served as the final nail in the coffin. A successful Jeep death wobble fix isn't just about throwing money at parts; it’s about restoring the geometric integrity of the front end.
Apr 157 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 145 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


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


5,000-Mile Diesel Filter Changes: Value Over the 'Made in USA' Label
The core reason I trust quality Doc's Diesel kits is their quality control assurance. They guarantee their filters meet or exceed OEM specifications, regardless of the country of manufacture. I learned this the hard way after a no-name filter failed on me once—you're paying for the confidence that the filter will perform exactly as your engine was engineered to expect.
Oct 18, 20254 min read


How to Plan and Execute Your First Mojave Road Overlanding Trip (Expert-Level Tips)
Following a couple of trial camping trips to test our Jeep/trailer/gear combination, we felt prepared for the Mojave Road.
Aug 13, 202410 min read


Delete Diesel Discriminator From Wrangler Ecodiesel Fuel Filler Tube
Without the safety feature, there is a risk of accidentally filling it with gasoline. If there are several drivers who refuel your vehicle,
Aug 4, 20245 min read


Mojave Desert Overlanding: Exploring Jawbone Canyon State Vehicle Recreation Area
I have camped just off Jawbone Canyon Road near the Aqueduct Pipeline many times. This was my first exploration deeper into the park.
Jun 6, 20245 min read


How to Install Jeep Wrangler Mopar Tailgate Reinforcement in 11 Easy Steps
First modification new Jeeps often get are larger tires. The second mod should be installing Jeep tailgate reinforcement to hold the larger
Feb 14, 20245 min read


Best Camp at Alabama Hills National Recreation Area | Overlanding Highway 395 In California
There is 1 campsite at Alabama Hills, California that towers above the rest. We found it on our trip there.
Aug 27, 20235 min read


Jeep Purpose-Built for Overlanding And A Everyday Driver
I picked up my Wrangler Ecodiesel back in early 2020, and I’ve just wrapped up outfitting it for some serious overlanding adventures. I’ve really focused on making it purpose-built, which means I’ve taken a good look at every part to ensure it’s all about utility and value—no extra weight or costs that aren’t needed.
Fun fact: the factory version of the Wrangler Ecodiesel is already about 300 to 400 lbs heavier than the gas engine models. So, without any modifications, just
Nov 3, 20225 min read
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