Extending the breather hoses on the JK Wrangler is great insurance - I want my Jeep to be capable of deep water crossings without worrying about replacing all my fluids soon after. In remote Africa, that likely won't be an option. I'd much rather DIY it than buy an expensive kit, the below cost me under $30 and took about an hour. Things to … [Read more...]
DIY Jeep Wrangler JK Kill Switch
A hidden kill switch is great theft deterrence - even if someone manages to get your keys, they still won’t be able to start the Jeep. It’s an easy DIY on the cheap, total time is something like 30 - 45 minutes. Things to buy A small momentary switch like this: Momentary car push button switch Some wire like this: 12ga 25' Red/Black hookup … [Read more...]
DIY Jeep Wrangler JK grab bar RAM ball mount
I've wanted to add a GPS RAM Ball mount to my Jeep JK Wrangler for a long time, and I finally figured out a way to do it DIY on the cheap. Total build/install time is 20 minutes or less. Things to buy This Ram Mount Motorcycle Handlebar Clamp Base with M8 Screws from Amazon. Three M8 nuts from your local hardware store for something … [Read more...]
Africa Jeep JK Wrangler Build Progress 3
Work continues on the build for my Africa bound JK Unlimited Rubicon, with Ron at Northwest Diesel Offroad getting closer to wrapping up the diesel conversion. The adapter required us to move the crank trigger wheel to the front of the engine - this is so the Jeep PCM will know the engine is running. I had to make it legit with a … [Read more...]
Africa Jeep JK Wrangler Build Progress 2
The build of my Africa-bound JK Rubicon is really coming along, with progress in a lot of different areas. The engine bay of the JK was never designed for an inline 6, so we're short on length, one of the biggest challenges of this conversion. We've had to move the radiator forward a couple of inches, and changed over to the fan and shroud from … [Read more...]
Africa Jeep JK Wrangler Build Progress
The build on my Africa-bound 2007 JKUR continues, with work well underway on the diesel swap. The engine I've chosen is a Mercedes OM606 3.0 Turbo Diesel, making around 245 ft-lb and 175 HP Using the injection pump from an earlier Mercedes engine, the 606 is completely mechanical. Out with the old: And in with the (almost) … [Read more...]
Africa Jeep JK Wrangler Build – Phase 1
After dreaming and planning for literally years, I have started the build on my Africa Jeep 2007 JK Unlimited Rubicon to travel around Africa for two years, focusing on the interior “camper.” I removed the back seat and all rear carpet and trim, then installed sound and heat insulation on the entire tub. To finish the floor I glued in a sheet of … [Read more...]
Around Africa in a Diesel JKUR
Later this year I’m setting out in my ’07 Unlimited Rubicon to circumnavigate the entire African continent. I will explore roughly 30 African countries and cover 80,000 miles over the course of 2 years, plus or minus. Driving a Jeep Wrangler TJ 40,000 miles from Alaska to Argentina on the Pan-American Highway in 2007-09 taught me more than I … [Read more...]