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<p>Episode deaux covers Reggie and Jeff in Afghanistan in 2014, Bob being banned from ALL Applebee&#8217;s in Michigan and a quick intro to Bob&#8217;s Jeep JL.</p>


Jeepin’ Bros Podcast #002

<p><strong>Now that the JL has around 2500 miles on it, I thought it was time to do a little review but also show what this 4 cylinder turbo is capable of!</strong></p>
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<p>The 2.0 turbo is considered a &#8220;Mild Hybrid&#8221; meaning it does not have an alternator, but a generator in its place. Powering that generator is a 48 volt battery tucked away! When the system is fully charged, this battery can also deliver an additional 85-90 ft lbs of torque to the drive train, in what <a href="https://www.mopar.com?target=_blank">Mopar</a> is calling the E-Torque system. Its definitely noticeable and provides a seamless transition between the torque at lower rpm ranges and when the turbo starts boosting around 3k rpm.</p>
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<blockquote><p>With this system, it feels like everything powers up to 100% right away!</p></blockquote>
<p>We can’t wait to test this out on the trail and see how well this translates into rock crawling.</p>
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2.0 TURBO JL Impressions

<p>For years Jeep has been teasing us with the possibility of a diesel powered Wrangler based pickup truck. The earliest was the Gladiator Concept at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show.</p>
<p>With the release of the JL, Jeep also confirmed that they were in fact working on a truck to be released as a 2019 or 2020 model, and according to <a href="http://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com?target=_blank">Jeep Gladiator Forums</a>, it looks like this may be may finally be happening! The Jeep Gladiator will be unveiled officially at the 2019 <a href="http://www.laautoshow.com?target=_blank">LA Auto Show</a> as well as a 3.0 EcoDiesel engine!</p>
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<p>Official pictures and a spec sheet for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator supposedly made an appearance on FCA’s public media website but were quickly removed. Luckily, someone at Jeep Gladiator Forums managed to snag them first.</p>
<p>Like its JL cousin, the Gladiator is all about off-road capability. However, these leaked specs also suggest there is a strong emphasis on utility.</p>
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<h2 id="jeep-gladiator-specs">Jeep Gladiator Specs</h2>
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<p><strong>Legendary 4&#215;4 capability, authentic design builds on rich Jeep truck heritage, best-in-class towing and 4&#215;4 payload. Clever functionality and versatility, advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, open-air freedom, and loaded with safety features and intuitive technology.</strong></p>
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<pre><code>Unmatched capability with Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4x4 systems, third-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock electric front and rear axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, segment-exclusive sway-bar disconnect and 33” off-road tires.
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<pre><code>Unmatched crawl ratios
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<pre><code>Up to 30” of water fording 
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<pre><code>Best-in-class towing and 4x4 payload:
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<pre><code>Up to 7,650 pounds of towing capacity
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<pre><code>Up to 1,600 pounds of payload capacity 
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<pre><code>Crew cab configuration features a durable five-foot steel bed with covered external power source and strong integrated tie-downs, providing versatility for flexible cargo options
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<pre><code>Modern, authentic design instantly recognizable as a Jeep:
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<pre><code>Iconic keystone-shaped grille, round headlamps and square tail lamps
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<pre><code>Rugged-yet-distinguished design bolsters aerodynamics
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<pre><code>Convenient fold-down windshield for off-road purists
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<pre><code>The only true open-air 4x4 pickup truck with easy-to-use premium soft top and two hardtops
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<pre><code>Dozens of different door, top, and windshield combinations
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<pre><code>Lightweight, high-strength aluminum doors, hinges, hood, fenders, windshield frame and tailgate help curtail weight and boost fuel economy
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<pre><code>Suspension tuned to optimize on-road handling and ride comfort without sacrificing off-road capability, payload or towing capability
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<h2 id="gladiator-concepts">Gladiator Concepts</h2>
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<p><a href="http://www.scramblersquad.com?target=_blank">Scrambler Squad</a> has been dreaming up ideas about what the modified Jeep Gladiator could look like:</p>
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2020 Jeep Gladiator: A Sneak Peek

<p><strong>A Jeep sway bar</strong> (sometimes called an anti-roll bar or anti-sway bar) is a crucial part on the vehicle&#8217;s suspension that helps eliminate sway &#8211; or more precisely helps prevent leaning (rolling) from one side to the other.</p>
<p>When the Jeep begins to lean, the sway bar applies force to the suspension on either side in order to resist that leaning &#8211; upward on one side and downward on the other. If the bar becomes damaged or broken, this body roll could potentially cause driving or safety issues. However, when the Jeep is taken off-road, the sway bar actually prevents full wheel articulation and suspension travel which can impair your ability to successfully conquer an obstacle.</p>
<p>So, many enthusiasts swap their standard sway bar links out for sway bar disconnects. These can be detached before heading off-road, which frees up the sway bar and allows full wheel travel and enhanced off-road performance.</p>
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<h2 id="what-are-the-pros-and-cons">What are the pros and cons?</h2>
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<p><strong>Factory Sway Bars</strong> &#8211; are extremely stiff, and are designed primarily to prevent body roll by limiting suspension flex, which is directly contrary to off-road traction and performance.</p>
<p><strong>Sway Bar Disconnects</strong> &#8211; completely eliminate all sway bar control causing the vehicle to exhibit excessive body roll in rough or uneven terrain, which unbalances the vehicle and reduces traction.</p>
<p><strong>Torsion Sway Bar (Antirock)</strong> – manual sway bar disconnects can be a very difficult to operate if the vehicle is not sitting on flat and level ground. AntiRock (torsion bar) sway bars eliminate this issue completely as they remain connected at all times, making the transition from on-road to off-road hassle free and enjoyable.</p>
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<p>For the record, I stole some of this from @quadratec and @currieenterprises!</p>


Jeep Tip: Sway Bars and Disconnects

<p><strong>We&#8217;re always curious about what drives and motives someone to build a Jeep in their own style. We get behind the wheel with SlatedJKU for an interview to see what drives this build!</strong></p>
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<h2 id="what-led-you-to-jeeps">What led you to Jeeps?</h2>
<p>So I have had a few Jeeps but always tried to do things on a budget because I had 3 kids. You know, trying to be responsible. I was just doing some simple DIY garage things. The point of it was to have some “me time”. With three kids it&#8217;s easy to lose who you are and you stop doing things for yourself because you have other responsibilities. Little did I know that “me time” would turn into “us time”.</p>
<p>What had happened is that this Jeep build has become one of the best relationship builders for my family. My wife and all 3 kids have been all in since! They have an input on parts, they enjoy the shows, and they look forward to riding all the time. Whether its hitting up the Smoky Mountains or just going to town the Jeep has evolved to our primary vehicle!</p>
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<h2 id="what-started-the-slatedjku-build">What started the SlatedJKU Build?</h2>
<p>In Feb. of 2018 I had an opportunity to upgrade to a 2014 Rubicon Unlimited with paint matched hardtop (which is what I wanted….the wife too) So within a week I was in a new Jeep. It was the cleanest low mileage Jeep I ever started with.</p>
<blockquote><p>I decided that this was going to be a different build. I was going to put quality parts on it and do it the right way from the beginning.</p></blockquote>
<p>The next step was finding a shop for the work. With a little research and seeing Ben&#8217;s Jeep (<a href="https://revkit.com/sergeantcrush?target=_blank">SergeantCrush</a>) I knew Tom’s 4X4 Superstore was where I needed to go&#8230;and it was close to me so that helped!</p>
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<h2 id="is-slated-built-for-looks-or-function">Is Slated built for looks or function?</h2>
<p>Both! Because this is my daily driver I used parts that I could go off road if I wanted to and handle great on the road so I can get to the office on Monday. I wanted it to be functional as well as turn a few heads. I knew from the beginning I wanted to paint match everything! I had that planned well before the title was in my name!</p>
<p>I feel like we have come a long way in 7 months but still have much to do.  In the next few months we are looking at D60 axles, 40” tires, and a few more cosmetic things for Jeep Beach. (per my 10 year old daughter)</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://art16.revkit.com/wp-content/uploads/articles/behind-the-wheel-of-slatedjku/slakedjku-4.jpg" alt=""></figure>
<h2 id="what-do-you-like-most-about-revkit">What do you like most about REVKIT?</h2>
<p>What is great about REVKIT is that it creates an interactive way to share your build and follow some of your favorites. Always having an updated parts list is always great to have! I enjoy that you can get a lot of your questions answered without having to directly message someone as well. An added bonus is that it is another way to bring the Jeep community together and build relationships!</p>
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<h2 id="what-do-you-enjoy-most-about-the-jeep-community">What do you enjoy most about the Jeep community?</h2>
<p>One thing we love to do is to attend a bunch of events both big and small. Though we have a lot of fun, what I didn’t anticipate was the friendships we develop from this community. It is absolutely amazing the quality of people we have met. This includes those who has a full blown rig, the person rolling stock and even manufacturers.</p>
<blockquote><p>These are friendships that will last forever with good, genuine people!</p></blockquote>


Behind the Wheel of SlatedJKU

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<p>A new podcast from the Jeepin&#8217; Bros where we talk Jeeps, Jiu-Jitsu, military stuff and everything in between.</p>


Jeepin’ Bros Podcast #002

2.0 TURBO JL Impressions

2020 Jeep Gladiator: A Sneak Peek

Jeep Tip: Sway Bars and Disconnects

Behind the Wheel of SlatedJKU

Jeepin’ Bros Podcast #001