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MUDDY RUTTZZ GAZETTE


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, 20257 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, 202512 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, 20256 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, 20259 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, 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, 20258 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, 202510 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


How to Bleed Air and Add Fluid to Your Hydraulic Floor Jack for Optimal Performance
A hydraulic floor jack is an essential tool for any home mechanic, but over time, or even right out of the box, air can get trapped inside the system. When this happens, your jack won't perform correctly—it might not lift a load efficiently, or it may slowly drift down after being pumped up.
Oct 24, 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


Jeep Gladiator Spare Tire Access: Where Is It- How Do I Get It Down?
AAA is not always available especially if you are off-road. Can you find your spare? Do you know how to access it? Jeep Gladiators and most pickups, store the spare tire underneath the bed. Many vans and SUV's store it under the back of the vehicle in similar way. This article will help you if you find yourself with a flat and need to change a tire.
Sep 4, 20259 min read


DIY Bilstein Shock Replacement: Mopar Warranty & Install Guide
The Warranty Process With Quadratec And Mopar: Have Patience And Get The Right Person On The Phone
Sep 3, 20257 min read


Pizza Cutters: Skinny All-Terrain Tires (Best for Daily Driving and Off-Roading?)
I love the smell of new off-road tires in the morning—it smells like adventure! And this morning, my trusty Jeep Gladiator was getting a fresh set of rubber. After many miles, it was time to say goodbye to the old Nittos and welcome a new era of all-terrain performance.
Sep 2, 20258 min read


Why Steel Wheels are the Best for Off-Roading: A Steelies Setup Guide
You might have seen them on rugged Jeeps and off-road trucks, those no-nonsense, classic-looking steel wheels. In my latest YouTube video, "Why Are Steel Wheels The Best For Off-Road? (Steelies Setup Made Easy)," I dive into why steel wheels for off-roading are a great choice. I get so many questions and compliments on my steel wheel setup, so I wanted to break down the reasons behind my choice and share the details.
Sep 1, 20259 min read


Mopar Jeep Trailer Brake Controller: DIY Install in 17 Steps (JL/JT)
So, I've got a bit of a thing for Mopar parts. They just fit like a glove, and I love knowing they've been put through the wringer by the ma
Jan 23, 202513 min read


DIY Car Battery Replacement: Save $$$ (Change Both Batteries in Your Wrangler and Gladiator)
I do a lot of solo remote traveling on my Overlanding trips, I figured it was smarter to replace the batteries now than risk getting stuck.
Jan 18, 20257 min read


Chloride Cliffs Death Valley: Overlanding Guide & Abandoned Mines
Put the hammer down," I told my wife as she tackled that hill. I was itching to see how the new Mopar lift kit I installed would hold up, and let me tell you, it crushed it! The rig handled the rocks and ruts on Chloride Cliffs Road like a champ. Even on the highway, it felt smooth sailing. But then I watched the video we took, and wow, I was taken aback by how much our trailer was bouncing around. The driver's side tire lifted so high off the ground, I couldn't believe it! I
Jan 2, 202512 min read


Xventure Off-Road Trailer: Extended Range with Jerry Cans (Diesel & Water)
I installed Jerry cans on my Xventure off-road trailer to carry extra diesel and water for extended overlanding trips. See how I did it.
Dec 16, 20245 min read
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