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MUDDY RUTTZZ GAZETTE


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; itโs about restoring the geometric integrity of the front end.
Apr 158 min read


Is the MetalCloak Steering System Install the Ultimate Death Wobble Cure?
A successful MetalCloak steering system install is about more than just beefy parts; itโs about restoring the steering geometry and eliminating the "cumulative slop" weโve been researching. As we found with the upper control arms, every pivot point matters.
Apr 77 min read


My $162 Jeep U-joint Replacement Mistake: A DIY Reality Check
How deep into the rabbit hole are you willing to go to find a ticking sound? Is it better to ignore the noise and risk getting stranded, or do you tear it all down and pray you don't make things worse? This is my story of trying, failing, and opening a $162 can of worms that cost me more than just money.
Apr 67 min read


Donโt Force Your Axle! How to Reset the Jeep FAD Shift Collar Properly
If youโre pulling the passenger-side axle on a Jeep Gladiator (JT) or Wrangler (JL), youโve probably realized there is a major "gotcha" waiting for you inside the axle tube. Itโs called the FAD, or Front Axle Disconnect.
Many DIYers treat the passenger side like the driver sideโjust pull it out and shove it back in. But if you do that, youโre going to hit a wall. Or worse, youโll ruin an expensive inner axle seal. This guide, born out of my extensive "Death Wobble Nuclear Op
Mar 298 min read


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, youโll never have to use a ball joint press on those knuckles again.
Mar 2410 min read


MetalCloak Track Bar Install: The Nuclear Option for Jeep Death Wobble
When youโre 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 Iโm 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.
Mar 239 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
Mar 2210 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 219 min read


How to Install a Jeep Gladiator Rear Track Bar to Fix Death Wobble
When youโre fighting the dreaded "Death Wobble," most people focus entirely on the front end. However, you canโt 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 207 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, youโre 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 98 min read


How to Install 3-Piece RJ45 Connectors: A Pro Guide for DIY Networking
If youโve ever struggled with standard one-piece plugs, switching to 3-piece RJ45 connectors will be a total game-changer for your home office or media closet. After 40 years in the sheet metal trade, Iโve learned that having the right system is better than having raw speed. These three-part systemsโconsisting of the main housing, a spacer, and a loading barโallow you to maintain the tightest possible twists in your Cat6 cable.
Feb 208 min read


How to Build a DIY 2.5Gbps Home Network and Tame Your Wiring Closet
Whether you are a retired sheet metal worker like me or just a frustrated homeowner, building a DIY 2.5Gbps Home Network is the best way to get the speeds you are actually paying for. Most modern homes have a "rats nest" of wires hidden in a closet, but they aren't utilized. By moving away from "all-in-one" ISP boxes and installing dedicated multi-gigabit hardware, you can future-proof your home office and eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones.
Feb 1611 min read


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.
Jan 275 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.
Jan 252 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 2412 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 168 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. Todayโs Jeeps use electro-hydraulic systems that generate massive heat, requiring specialized stuff like Pentosin CHF 11S. While the bottle says itโs a 'lifetime' fluid, Iโm skeptical. I just had to top off both of my Jeeps because they were below the minimum mark. It begs the questionโif this stuff is meant to last forever, where is it going?
Jan 147 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 Iโve 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
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