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JPFreek - Index

JPFreek - Spring 2008 - Index

Freek Techniques
SPRING 2008
64
It’s the coldest month in northern Minnesota and I’ve got the
wintertime, no Jeepin’ blues. I can already hear you saying that
I’m a wimp and should “man-up, Barbie” and get out on the
trail, but hear me out. The weather forecast is for almost 20
degrees below zero this weekend, my heater only works on
warm days, and there’s not much daylight yet. I’ve got a list of
Jeep repairs/upgrades as long as my arm, and a heated garage
to do them in. I’m not going Jeepin’ for a reason…and it’s not
just because the season is freezing.
I like to take advantage of this time to do a combination of
repairs, upgrades, and routine service. My Scrambler no longer
has to do daily driver (DD) duties, so it’s less urgent to fix the
really obvious stuff (a broken drive shaft yoke doesn’t have to
be fixed until just before my next trail run, for example), but
every vehicle requires a certain amount of regular care. You’ve
heard me talk about lists before. This is another great place to
start your own logbook of what broke, what got replaced,
what got upgraded and what still needs to be done.
After every trip I make sure to do a thorough wash of
everything I can reach with the spray wand and then a careful
inspection of the undercarriage and engine compartment.
Since my rig is sitting on a trailer at that point, it’s easy to slide
underneath and do a complete and systematic examination of
each part of the vehicle. Complete does not mean a quick
glance; I really try to make sure the rig is safe and ready to go
the next time I head out. Systematic means I have a plan of
what to look at. I’m not just staring at the Jeep; I’m looking at
specific things one at a time.
I start with the wheels, tires and brakes:
Check wheels for damage (especially along the rim),
check sidewalls of tires and tread blocks for cuts/missing
chunks. Check tire pressure. Replace lost valve caps.
Clean brake drums/shoes. Mud seeps into drums and
then dries into abrasive grit. It needs to be cleaned out.
Check rotors/pads. I converted to rear discs because
they’re easier to service.
Inspect for cracked or kinked brake lines or hoses. Look
for fluid leaks.
I’ve got the Winter-time,
no-Jeepin’ Blues
Text and Photos by Mark Filonowich
I then go over the engine and cooling system:
Check oil level and condition. Change oil and filter if
needed. Change/clean air filter if needed.
Inspect accessory belts. Tighten as needed, and replace if
worn or frayed.
Check power steering fluid level and condition.
Replace leaking, cracked or bulging radiator and heater
hoses. Inspect radiator for leaks. Add antifreeze if
required.
Check battery condition and output of alternator.
Examine wiring. Look for worn or melted insulation,
shorts, or blown fuses. Make sure grounding straps and
terminals are clean, and proper ground is being
maintained.
Afterwards, I inspect the drivetrain, chassis, steering,
and suspension:
Look for leaks around transmission, transfer case, and
differentials, and check fluid level and condition.
Wiggle universal joints (axle and driveshafts). Lubricate if
possible.
Check all skid plates. Tighten loose bolts.
Inspect frame for rusting or signs of cracking or stress.
Check steering linkage and steering box for looseness.
Lubricate anything with a zerk fitting.
Check for weak, sagging or cracked springs and broken
or leaking shocks.
Examine condition of muffler and tailpipes. Check
hangers, replace if needed.
Finally, I make sure to top off the windshield washer reservoir,
re-spool and inspect the winch cable, and check headlights,
taillights and turn signals. Having a rig that is capable on the
trail is great, but when the rig has to spend time on-road as
well, it is vital that it be safe, street legal, and able to bring you
to the trail and home again.
Iron Range Offroad offers a comprehensive training course geared toward entry level Jeepers that stresses safety and environmental
responsibility. The classroom setting is the spectacular Iron Range OHV park, 3 hours north of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Trail riding is integrated
with class modules covering trip preparation, vehicle maintenance and repair, driving skills for different terrain, extraction techniques, vehicle
upgrades, and much more. Learn more about offroad driving classes at: