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Vehicle Modifications
The Muddy Ruttzz Gazette

Jeep and Trailer Modifiications To get You Ready To Hit The Traii


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.
9 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.
8 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
9 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.
8 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.
6 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
7 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.
6 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.
7 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
6 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?
7 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.
8 min read


DIY Bilstein Shock Replacement: Mopar Warranty & Your Labor
The Warranty Process With Quadratec And Mopar: Have Patience And Get The Right Person On The Phone
6 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.
5 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.
5 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
10 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.
5 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,
5 min read


How To Install Jeep Lift Kit: A Beginners Guide (Gladiator & Wrangler)
The reason behind my decision to install the Mopar 2" Lift Kit was due to the Gladiator hitting the bump stops after I added a Warn Bumper a
11 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
4 min read


How To Install Jeep Performance Rock Rails With Step | (Gladiator/Wrangler)
Rock Sliders or Rock Rails are a critical in protecting the vulnerable rocker panels and pinch welds on your off-road vehicle. Rails with a
4 min read


35s On Stock Rubicon No Lift - Do They Fit The Jeep Gladiator?
The facory All-Terrains had to go. What were the largest tires that would fit on a stock Rubicon Gladiator?
7 min read


Pizza Cutters | Why Narrow Tires Are Better For Overlanding
Tires are arguably the single best way to upgrade your 4x4 vehicles performance. It immediately increases breakover and departure angles
4 min read


How to Install a Winch Electrical Disconnect for Off-Road Vehicles
Something goes wrong you want to be able to cut power to your winch instantly. A simple on/off battery disconnect will accomplish the task.
5 min read


Off-Road Upgrade: How to Install a Warn Bumper and Winch on Your Jeep Gladiator Or Wrangler
Rubicon is extremely capable. Install a off-road bumper and winch and you are ready to "self-recover."
4 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
5 min read
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