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MUDDY RUTTZZ GAZETTE


Jeep Death Wobble Fix: Dynatrac Ball Joint Install (Nuclear Option Part 6)
If you are battling the dreaded front-end shimmy, a Dynatrac Ball Joint Install is often considered the "Nuclear Option" for a reason. Unlike standard factory units, these ProSteer heavy-duty joints are built to handle the added leverage of larger tires and off-road abuse. The beauty of this system is that they are rebuildable on the vehicle. Once you press them in this time, you’ll never have to use a ball joint press on those knuckles again.
4 days ago9 min read


MetalCloak Track Bar Install: The Nuclear Option for Jeep Death Wobble
When you’re dealing with a Jeep Gladiator or Wrangler shaking itself apart, sometimes you have to stop chasing small fixes and go nuclear. That is exactly what I’m doing in Part 5 of my Death Wobble series. Today, we are performing a MetalCloak Track Bar install to replace the thin, hollow factory unit with something that actually has the "beef" required for heavy off-road use.
5 days ago8 min read


Ultimate Jeep Sector Shaft Brace Fix: Ending the Death Wobble
I didn't realize how much a steering box could flex until I started chasing the death wobble on this 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Today, we're beefing up the steering to stop the shake. Welcome to Muddy Ruttzz. This is part 4 of our series, and while no single part is a "silver bullet," this Jeep Sector Shaft Brace is a critical piece of the puzzle.
By the time we finish this build with Metalcloak and Dynatrac components, this Gladiator should drive better than the day it le
7 days ago9 min read


MetalCloak Upper Control Arm Install: The Ultimate Jeep Death Wobble Fix
When your Jeep starts shaking like a 7.0 on the Richter scale, you know you need a permanent Jeep Death Wobble Fix. After installing a Mopar 2-inch lift on my 2022 Gladiator, the steering became flighty. This happens because lifting the vehicle alters the suspension geometry, specifically pushing the caster angle out of its ideal range.
Mar 218 min read


How to Install a Jeep Gladiator Rear Track Bar to Fix Death Wobble
When you’re fighting the dreaded "Death Wobble," most people focus entirely on the front end. However, you can’t have a rock-solid front end without a stable rear. Installing a heavy-duty Jeep Gladiator Rear Track Bar is one of the easiest ways to start your teardown and build-up process.
Mar 206 min read


Attacking Jeep Gladiator Death Wobble: The Nuclear Option
If your steering wheel is shaking so hard it feels like a 7.0 on the Richter scale, you’re in the right place. While I am performing this build on my 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, the components and geometry principles involved in the "Nuclear Option" apply directly to:Jeep Gladiator (JT) * Jeep Wrangler (JL & JK)
The Goal: Stop "guessing" with steering stabilizers and address the root cause by replacing weak, plastic-seated factory parts with heavy-duty, solid steel alternat
Mar 97 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
Jan 2410 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


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 14, 20257 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


Exploring Death Valley - Chloride Cliffs & Abandoned Mines (Dog Friendly Adventure)
So, we were all geared up to hit Titus Canyon, but guess what? The road was closed due to flooding! No worries, though—we took a little deto
Jan 2, 202511 min read


Conquer Any Terrain: Why You Need an Articulating Hitch for Your Off-Road Trailer
All good off-road trailers have 1 thing in common. They all have a Tri-Axis Articulating Hitch connecting the tow vehicle to the trailer.
Feb 29, 20244 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
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