top of page
All Articles
MUDDY RUTTZZ GAZETTE


Overland Expo West: EarthRoamers, Cool Rigs & Real Camp Gear
There was no shortage of incredibly built vehicles at the Expo, ranging from Jeeps and off-road trailers to many variations of massive EarthRoamers, both on display and in the campground. Honestly, I still can't quite get my head around those giant rigs. There also seemed to be a massive emphasis this year on high-capacity batteries, solar panels, and electrical systems designed to run more devices in an off-road rig than you find in the average home. So much for getting away
May 3112 min read


Proven Xventure Trailer Wheel Upgrades: Steelies & Lug Nut Fix
When you’re deep in the backcountry, the last thing you want to find is that your tire iron doesn't fit your wheel. During my recent project—matching my Xventure trailer wheel upgrades to my Jeep Gladiator fleet—I discovered a safety issue that every Jeep owner needs to see.
Apr 209 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


Is the MetalCloak Steering System Install the Ultimate Death Wobble Cure?
A successful MetalCloak steering system install is about more than just beefy parts; it’s about restoring the steering geometry and eliminating the "cumulative slop" we’ve been researching. As we found with the upper control arms, every pivot point matters.
Apr 76 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 66 min read


Don’t Force Your Axle! How to Reset the Jeep FAD Shift Collar Properly
If you’re pulling the passenger-side axle on a Jeep Gladiator (JT) or Wrangler (JL), you’ve probably realized there is a major "gotcha" waiting for you inside the axle tube. It’s called the FAD, or Front Axle Disconnect.
Many DIYers treat the passenger side like the driver side—just pull it out and shove it back in. But if you do that, you’re going to hit a wall. Or worse, you’ll ruin an expensive inner axle seal. This guide, born out of my extensive "Death Wobble Nuclear Op
Mar 297 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.
Mar 238 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


How to Install 3-Piece RJ45 Connectors: A Pro Guide for DIY Networking
If you’ve 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, I’ve learned that having the right system is better than having raw speed. These three-part systems—consisting of the main housing, a spacer, and a loading bar—allow you to maintain the tightest possible twists in your Cat6 cable.
Feb 207 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 1610 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


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: 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


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
bottom of page