Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

On and Off Road Exhilaration

Call it MOPAR madness or call it sheer, ingenious automotive marketing and engineering, but whatever you decide to call the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, you must realize one thing: no production vehicle has effectively combined off road ruggedness with on road durability. Until the Grand Cherokee SRT8 came along that is. Yes, not since the GMC Typhoon has an SUV proven to be a highway dominator as well as an off road maven. However, the Jeep Cherokee SRT8 goes well beyond any 4x4 vehicle by delivering a versatile, pavement pounding, all-around SUV.

The folks at Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group could not leave well enough alone. From the Neon to the Viper and from the 300C to the Ram pickup truck, no model has been too sacred to receive a proper work over from the team. First it was a bevy of Dodge models, then it was the Chrysler 300C, but no Jeep model had yet been targeted for the group’s overhaul. The Grand Cherokee however was past due as fond memories of the GMC Typhoon likely played a part in the decision to inject “SRT steroids” into a widely acclaimed Jeep model. Indeed, the SRT group knew that 0 to 60 in five seconds with the Grand Cherokee would beat the Typhoon’s numbers by about four tenths of a second, easily making the Jeep model the all time leader on the road as it is already off the road.

Much like the full size SRT cars sold by Dodge and Chrysler, a 6.1L Hemi V8 was the engine of choice for the SRT team tasked with building the beefy Jeep. With 420 h.p. and 420 lb.-ft of torque, the burly Hemi would serve duty in the Grand Cherokee SRT8 along with 20 inch Goodyear performance tires, Bilstein shocks, four piston Brembo brakes, a Quadra-Trac On-Demand four wheel drive system, and a capable five speed automatic transmission. Indeed, when the project was completed, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 was paired against the Porsche Cayenne SUV and the Jeep won!

If the Grand Cherokee SRT8 isn’t fast enough for you or if you want to experience a rich, deep tone while driving, then the aftermarket parts industry has just what you need.

Magnaflow Exhaust has developed a performance exhaust system that pairs well with the Grand Cherokee SRT8. Developed from airliner quality stainless steel, a Magnaflow Exhaust delivers more horsepower, frees up more torque, and provides a rich tone not found on the typical Jeep exhaust system.

When it comes to air intake systems, Dubair and Airaid have induction systems that work great with your engine. Dirt is filtered out and cool air is invited in to deliver more horsepower, enhanced torque, while offering a deep, throaty tone that is certain to inspire you.

Naturally, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 has something that neither the current day Porsche Cayenne or the long since past GMC Typhoon could offer: thorough off roading capabilities. Like all Jeep SUVs, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is trail rated so you get the best 4x4 capabilities matched to its top notch road competency. A true competitor no matter where you take it: the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8!

source: Matthew C. Keegan

Jeep Tops: Anatomy of a Jeep top

Jeep tops are fairly universal Jeep accessories in that everyone from casual Jeep owners to hardcore off road enthusiasts has some basic knowledge of what they’re about.

But Jeep tops can get more complicated that one might think, and while it’s hard to go wrong when making a purchase, having an intimate knowledge about them can go a long way in extending the benefits.

For this reason, we’ve dissected nearly every imaginable Jeep top to take an in-depth look at what makes them must-have Jeep accessories.

Which Jeep Top?

It’s an age old question; perhaps one that has been asked since the time of the dinosaurs. Not really, but choosing a Jeep top has always been a decision that requires a fair amount of thought.

At first glance, choosing a top seems pretty simple. The features are all plainly stated, pictures give you an idea of what to expect looks-wise, and your particular environmental situation further dictates which one you need.

But there are also many factors that aren’t taken into account when shopping for a Jeep top. Intangibles like installation and frame style are examples of lesser-known aspects, while things like road noise or insulation are factors that can only be experienced firsthand.

With this in mind, I’ll do my best to cover aspects that are typically unaccounted for.

Factory versus Aftermarket Jeep Tops

When it really comes down to it, there isn’t a huge discrepancy between what both factory and aftermarket tops have to offer.

A factory Jeep top will give you that genuine Jeep look and feel, plus the added security of sticking to true Jeep accessories that follow the same standard of quality as the vehicle itself. Aftermarket tops are for the most part similar to factory units, but with a few exceptions.

Although both versions of Jeep tops are made from the same materials, equivalent quality, and with the same purpose in mind, aftermarket tops offer certain features, benefits, or other Jeep accessories that you might not get out of factory units.

For instance, certain aftermarket tops have been optimized to reduce road noise better than a factory one. Also, in the event that your Jeep top needs replacing, aftermarket replacement options are typically cheaper than factory tops. For these reasons, aftermarket options usually make for favorable Jeep accessories when replacing aging factory tops.

Narrowing It Down

The first and most obvious way to categorize Jeep tops in terms of need is by splitting up hardtops and soft tops. Clearly, the two styles are distinctive enough that each one serves its purpose in different ways.

Jeep Hardtops

Hard-style Jeep tops are a never-fail option. They rarely if ever need replacing and provide enhancement and heavy duty protection. In addition, they offer a number of handy Jeep accessories, like power windows, a rear window defroster, and more. Hardtops come in a one-piece model, or a two-piece configuration with a removable sunroof.

On the flipside, Jeep hardtops are not easily removed and stored for those who enjoy open-air summertime driving. Hardtop hoists and storage-based Jeep accessories are available, but require added purchases.

Jeep Soft Tops

For those who love customizability with their Jeep accessories, soft tops are the way to go. Available in a variety of designs, Jeep soft tops offer the kind of versatility, comfort, and style that justify a Jeep purchase in the first place. Plus soft tops are easy to install, remove, or store.

On the other hand, soft Jeep tops aren’t exactly ideal for colder weather. Their thinner material and fabric construction leaves them with poor insulation, and also gives them an average lifespan of only 3 to 5 years before requiring replacement.

Upon Further Review...

On the other hand, soft Jeep tops aren’t exactly ideal for colder weather. Their thinner material and fabric construction leaves them with poor insulation, and also gives them an average lifespan of only 3 to 5 years before requiring replacement.

Jeep Hardtops

When it comes to hardtops, making a choice and meeting the requirements for installation is relatively easy, and getting the right Jeep top is usually a simple matter of picking either a one or two-piece top.

Two-Piece Hardtops

The two-piece hardtop is the definitive Jeep top for year-round performance in any climate.

On one hand, you get the protection and insulation of a full-fledged hardtop during the winter. Then for warmer weather conditions, the cockpit features a removable roof piece for open-air driving.

In addition, hardtop Jeep tops come with a vast assortment of unique features and Jeep accessories like a fiberglass-reinforced plastic composition for durability, an in-mold gel coating for fade resistance, rear window vents, a rear window defroster, tinted tempered glass windows, an overhead dome light, and much more.

One-Piece Hardtops

In addition, hardtop Jeep tops come with a vast assortment of unique features and Jeep accessories like a fiberglass-reinforced plastic composition for durability, an in-mold gel coating for fade resistance, rear window vents, a rear window defroster, tinted tempered glass windows, an overhead dome light, and much more.

Jeep Soft Tops

Soft tops are where matters can get a little confusing.

To start, it is necessary to determine whether or not you have a pre-existing frame, and whether it’s in usable condition. Remember that the frame is the backbone of your soft top, and therefore a worn, rusted, or misshapen frame can cause your Jeep top to install improperly, or perhaps not perform as expected.

If you do have a frame already in place, you next need to find out if it’s a factory or aftermarket frame. This will ultimately help you narrow down which aftermarket Jeep top options are available to you, since certain Jeep tops are only compatible with particular frame styles.

For those without a Jeep top frame altogether, an aftermarket Jeep top kit that includes both the Jeep top and hardware system to set it up is suggested.

Pre-Existing Factory Frame Jeep Tops
These Jeep tops are designed exclusively for use with Jeep vehicles that have a pre-existing factory frame in usable condition.

Replace-A-Tops
For a fast, efficient, and inexpensive soft Jeep top solution, Replace-A-Tops make updating your old, worn factory top simpler than ever.

The Replace-A-Top is a basic Jeep top skin that easily slips on and off your factory frame. Each kit includes only the Jeep top fabric with optional clear or tinted windows, and the Jeep tops themselves are built to factory standards, or better.

Additionally, the Replace-A-Top includes a host of other fine features, such as premium fabric construction, mildew and UV resistant material, industrial strength thread, heat sealed seams, and much more.

Trusted Jeep tops manufacturers Bestop, Rugged Ridge, and Smittybilt each offer perfectly reliable and inexpensive Replace-A-Top models.

Bestop also offers a premium option in their Replace-A-Top Jeep top made out of revolutionary Sailcloth fabric to help improve insulation and drastically reduce road noise over factory Jeep tops.

Halftops

For a sporty two-seater look and feel there’s nothing quite like a Halftop Jeep top. Combining components of several other styles, the Halftop is the perfect hybrid of unique style and rugged function.

The Halftop includes all the usual soft top functions and Jeep accessories like mildew and UV resistant-fabric, a convenient fold back sunroof, zip-out windows, and much more, but then also incorporates all of this into an unconventional sporty look.

The Halftop Jeep Top from Bestop is actually something of an exception when it comes to having the right hardware for installation. It can accommodate those who have a pre-existing factory hard or soft top frame, or for those who have no frame at all.

Halftop Jeep tops are available exclusively from Bestop.

No Frame or Aftermarket Frame Jeep Tops

These Jeep tops are compatible with Jeeps that have either no soft top frame whatsoever, or a pre-existing aftermarket frame.

Supertop

You wouldn’t think from the sleek design and intuitive features that the Supertop Jeep top has followed mostly the same formula for decades.

Sold as a complete package with all necessary mounting hardware and Jeep accessories to get your started, a Supertop is a simple yet dependable solution for adding a soft top to an open-top Jeep. Its “Set-N-Stretch” fabric won’t fade or warp regardless of temperature, and the zip-out replaceable windows come in clear or tinted.

The Supertop also gives you a variety of other premium features like mildew and UV resistant fabric, industrial strength thread, heat sealed seams, heavy duty molded-tooth zippers for easy window installation and removal, and powder-coated rust-resistant frame hardware to ensure long frame life.

Best of all, using the Supertop framework, you can easily change out your top skin for a bikini top, or remove it altogether for open-air driving.

The Supertop Jeep top is available exclusively from Bestop, and is available in a complete kit with frame hardware or in replacement skins for those with an aftermarket frame already installed.

Rollback Sunroof Tops

These soft top Jeep tops follow the same basic formula of most other soft tops with the exception of a sleek and convenient rollback sunroof for a more open-air feel.

These Jeep tops also include all the necessary hardware you need to do a complete installation from scratch, and the versatile design also allows for compatibility with a number of soft door options.

Other features of Rollback Sunroof tops include mildew and UV resistant fabric, industrial strength thread, heat-sealed seams, heavy duty molded-tooth zippers for easy window installation and removal, and powder-coated rust-resistant frame hardware to ensure long frame life.

Current rollback sunroof-style Jeep tops include the Bestop Sunrider and Pavement Ends Flip Top.

Tiger Top

Vintage and classic Jeep owners need not feel left out thanks to the Tiger Top.

Designed and custom-crafted by Jeep tops leader Bestop, the Tiger Top Jeep top is built specifically for older model Jeeps, and even comes sporting that vintage Jeep look.

The Bestop Tiger Top includes all necessary hardware for a full installation onto an open top Jeep.

Your Jeep Top Purchase

Choosing a top isn’t as complicated of an affair as one might suspect. In the end, Jeep tops are all about getting the style you want at an agreeable price.

Hopefully this article has helped you in that decision-making process in order to minimize the hassle of buying and installing the right one so you can focus on the fun part.

Now go get your Jeep top.

source: Billy Han, www.4WD.com

Choosing a Winch

Purchasing a winch can be a daunting task especially if you are on a budget. Considering the job of a winch, which is to recover your vehicle when you are sometimes miles for civilization, you must make an educated decision as to which winch you should buy. The cost of a winch alone can vary from 300 dollars on up to well over a thousand dollars. Then you have to factor in the costs of accessories and mounting options that go along with a winch. You may even have to consider upgrades to your vehicle such as a better battery and alternator of yours are marginal.

Like a fire extinguisher, you hope you never need it but when you do need to winch out of a sticky situation, you don't want to doubt the choices you made. So it's wise to educate yourself about the fundamentals of a winch so that you can buy the one that is best for your purpose. We hope this winch guide may help to explain the different types of winches and the components of a winch in order to help you make an educated decision with possibly one of the larger purchases for 4x4.

Major Considerations

How much Winch do you need?

Recommended winch capacity over vehicle weight. Typically manufacturers and resellers will suggest you should calculate the winch rating by taking the gross vehicle weight and multiplying it by 1.5 and that would be your minimum winch size. But this minimum rating is just that, a minimum. Certain factors can quickly cause your winch capacity to be exceeded so you need to think about your intended usage. Be aware that certain terrains and situations can put a much greater demand on a winch over the typical 1.5 multiplication rule of thumb. For instance a common cause for winching is mud. Mud however has an incredible suction force on a stuck vehicle and in many cases that 1.5 rule of thumb is far inadequate. Steep hills and frequent winching also put great demand on an electric winch. Understanding the purpose and safe use of winch accessories such as a snatch block can be invaluable when you need it most.

How Often and how hard will you probably use the winch?
This is an important factor in deciding what type of winch motor you will want to buy. Permanent magnet motors vs. series wound vs. Hydraulic winches. Each has an intended purpose. Light duty winching and a permanent magnet motor winch will do. More heavy and more frequent winching and you should consider a Series Wound winch. If you winch all day long, then consider a Hydraulic winch. We will cover all three types in the articles within this winch section.

What is your budget?
For many of us, it all comes down to available dollars and this is what is going to dictate what winch we are going to buy. Of course we'd love to get the top of the line $1500 monster winch but we have to be frugal. So for those of use on a budget, we have to decide how much money we have available. This dollar amount will have to cover the winch, the accessories and possibly a new front bumper or mounting kit. You may even have to consider installation if you are not confident about installation.

Do you have any weight or dimensional limitations or requirements?
The weight of the winch can vary somewhat. If you're primary consideration is to keep weight down, you may want to pay attention to those specifications. More important may be the dimensions of your winch. There are many aftermarket bumpers where the winch mounts internally. Therefore size may matter. Of the many different types of winches on the market, the sizes and dimensions can vary considerably. Solenoid mounting can be a major consideration. Winches can either have an Integrated or Remote Solenoid pack. A remote solenoid is externally mounted off of the winch. An integrated solenoid is part of the winch either within a "bridge" over the cable or mounted else where on the winch such as above the motor. There are benefits to both types of solenoid mounting options. With space restrictions a remote solenoid can reduce the space require to mount the winch itself while the solenoid can be mounted remotely while an integrated solenoid offers protection in a compact package.

Other considerations:
Warranty - Ready the warranty as they widely vary from a few months to years.
Serviceability - What if it breaks? Can you find a service center that will fix it for you or can you order parts to fix it yourself? Some of the bargain winches are not such a bargain when you have to hunt down hard to find parts especially after the warranty period.

Necessary Upgrades - With almost any upgrade to a vehicle there are usually repercussions to changing something from stock to aftermarket, whether good or bad. With the addition of a winch, the demand on your electrical system can exceed the system's capabilities itself. Consider upgrading your alternator to a high output alternator and be sure your car battery is up to the demand of winching.

Source: www.offroaders.com