If you’ve been driving a Jeep, 4x4, or truck for any amount of time, you’ve likely heard about and maybe even experienced the death wobble. It’s not just the shake or shimmy of your steering wheels when you go over a bump, either. Death wobble is an uncontrollable shaking of your entire vehicle, during which it feels like the driver might lose control at any second.
If you dive deep into Jeep and 4x4 forums and websites, you’ll find that many ...
Offroading is an incredible hobby and lifestyle for those who love challenging themselves and being outdoors. There are offroad community groups all across the globe, with opportunities for events, meet-ups, trips, and more. However, one thing that can stop people interested in offroading from jumping right in is not knowing where to start with an offroad vehicle. If you've been itching to get out on the trails but aren't sure what type of vehicle you need or how you need ...
A new year brings new possibilities for travel and adventures in your Jeep or 4x4. Whether you're new to the offroading lifestyle or a veteran, looking for new places to explore in your vehicle can help you plan for the year. One of the great parts of the offroading lifestyle is the community that comes with it – people who want to get others involved, offer advice, and even take trips together. Let's look at the difference between offroading and ...
Who says New Year's Resolutions always have to be about eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and getting in shape? You should add a few "fun" resolutions to your 2023 list! Adding some enjoyable goals can help make your more difficult ones easier to accomplish. So here are five 4x4 and offroading New Year’ resolutions you might want to achieve in 2023!
Cross Off Some Bucket List Items
2023 is a fantastic time to start crossing off some of your offroading bucket list ...
There is no real destination when you take your 4X4 on an overlanding adventure. The goal is to become reliant on your vehicle for transportation and the gear you pack for shelter. Everything you need should be available within your vehicle, and you should use the journey to learn about the world around you. You should be equipped to tackle all types of weather and terrain and face any challenges that come your way.
Before you grab the gear and mod ...
When it comes to the suspension system for your 4X4 or Jeep, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the right one. It's important to understand your vehicle's needs and how a quality 4x4 suspension system can protect it from significant damage.
What Does the Suspension Do?
All cars have a suspension system. It protects the vehicle as it travels over uneven driving surfaces by keeping it stable and absorbing impact. The suspension system is on the underside of a vehicle and ...
Offroading in your Jeep or 4X4 is a lot of fun until you get stranded because of broken mods or gear, and nobody is around to help you! Avoiding common offroading mistakes means you'll stay safe, and your 4X4 or Jeep will withstand much less unnecessary damage.
Not Planning Your Route
Before hitting the (off)road, ensure you know where you're going! It's not enough to carry a GPS and wing it; what happens if you're deep in nature and lose a signal? ...
Would you know what signs to look for that you need new tires? Regular visual inspections are the best way to know if it's time, and there are a handful of clear signs that your 4X4 tires need to be replaced. Here are a few signs that it's time to talk to us about replacing your tires.
Cuts/Chunking
Running over rough terrain is sure to take a few chunks out of your tires along the way, but if you notice more cuts ...
Has your 4X4 been a little noisier than usual? Have you noticed a wobble lately that wasn’t there a few months ago? Is your dashboard flashing warning lights? Don’t ignore these red flags! They may seem like minor inconveniences, but it’s your 4X4 telling you it’s time to visit us here at Axleboy.
I Haven’t Had My 4X4 Inspected In a Long Time
Offroading can impact your 4X4 vehicle’s chassis and suspension, and it’s not unusual for smaller parts, nuts, or bolts ...
One of the best parts about owning a Jeep or 4X4 is taking it out in the great outdoors with all your gear. Offroading and overlanding are fun ways to enjoy nature with your friends and family, but you should know a few things before heading out for summer 4x4 adventures.
Gearing Up for the Adventure
Take a look at your 4X4 or Jeep – you may already have what you need to get started.
Engine: Overlanding trips can be demanding on ...
You’ve bought your dream Jeep or 4X4, added some seriously cool mods, and now you’re ready to off-road – right? Wrong! Much like there are rules for traveling on paved roads, there is also off-road etiquette. Make sure you know the basics before you put tires to the dirt.
Do Your Research
Before you hit the trails, know where you’re going and how to access the land you’re traveling on. Research the area and understand the route you’re taking; there may be ...
It doesn't matter if your 4x4 has been holed up in the garage all weekend or you've been out enjoying the frosty trails – spring weather is finally here! Your vehicle is an investment, and it's essential to keep it well-maintained after every season of driving so you're not stuck on the side of the trail when you go offroading this year. Check out the spring maintenance tips for your 4X4 below!
Start With a Thorough Cleaning
Whether you're a DIY car ...
March is Women's History Month, and to celebrate, we'd like to look back at the role women have played in shaping our work today. Men have long dominated the automotive industry and auto repair world, but that doesn't mean women haven't played a significant role. Unfortunately, their stories are rarely told, so it's hard to understand how important they have been throughout the decades.
Here at Axleboy, we would like to highlight how women shaped the industry's past and will also ...
All you need is a single ride in a 4X4 vehicle to understand the appeal of owning one, but it's important for new 4x4 owners to understand a handful of essential tips and best practices before hitting the road.
Know Your Car
Genuinely get to know what your 4X4 is (and isn't) capable of, both on- and off-road. This means scouring the forums, talking to people who own the same vehicle, and reading the owner's manual. Take note of how much undercarriage ...
How long has it been since you replaced the tires on your 4x4? If you have a newer vehicle or one that’s new to you, likely, you’ve not yet had to replace them. Because the tires on your 4x4 are different from those on traditional cars, it’s important to do a little research before making a purchase – here’s what you need to know.
Stock and Lift
The right tires will not only maintain your 4x4 efficiency but will also protect the ...
Have a new 4X4 that’s still under warranty? Congratulations – there’s not much you have to do on your own to keep up with the basic 4x4 maintenance other than quick visual checks (see below). This blog post isn’t for you quite yet, but it’s important to read and bookmark. Put a few miles and years on your 4X4 you’ll want to know the ins and outs of preventative maintenance.
The best place to start is with your vehicle’s owner manual. ...
Ready to start planning some entertaining winter offroading adventures in your 4x4 or Jeep? We have some excellent suggestions for you! We know our winter offroading destinations as well as we know how to mod and repair 4x4s and Jeeps, and we want to help inspire your next adventure!
St. Joe State Park
St. Joe is one of just two off-road vehicle parks in the Missouri park system and offers a variety of trails for a range of off-road vehicles (permit required). ...
Although the leaves are just now turning colors and starting to fall off the trees here in St. Louis, winter will be here before you know it. Even with a hearty 4X4 vehicle equipped with mods and upgrades to make winter driving safer, it’s essential to understand how to handle driving in winter weather.
If you remember anything about winter driving, remember this: avoid any abrupt turns, stops, and other potentially unsafe maneuvers. Below are some fundamentals on how to stay ...
When it comes to the vehicles we drive daily, it’s easy to tell when something could be amiss. It’s also easy to find a mechanic that can repair basic damage on a car that doesn’t do any offroading. However, 4X4 repairs are highly specialized and require an experienced mechanic to tackle the job.
Generally, 4X4 vehicles endure more damage than highway drivers based on the inherent nature of offroading. Owners need to follow the suggested maintenance for their 4X4 to lower ...
When it comes to buying or building the 4x4 (also known as 4WD) vehicle you’ve been dreaming of, it’s important to know about your options. From the history of four-wheel drive to the current 4WD systems in vehicles today, there’s a lot to unpack.
We couldn’t have said it better than Wikipedia when it comes to defining four-wheel drive (4WD):
Four-wheel drive, also called 4x4 ("four by four") or 4WD, refers to a two-axle vehicle drivetrain capable of providing torque to all ...
“We’re all about helping people to select the right products for their needs, not about making the buck. We describe it as the ‘Axle Boy Experience’ and we try to deliver the same experience every time.”
That’s the mission statement that Axleboy has held for over 17 years, since owner Scott Carline first opened up shop. Carline knew he didn’t want to just sell people “stuff” for their Jeeps and 4x4 vehicles, but instead help them truly live the off-road lifestyle.
Since ...
If you’re new to the world of 4WDing or you’re just starting your research into which vehicle you’d like, there’s likely been some mention of approach, departure, and breakover angles. Sure, there are other specs that you should consider, but these three angles are crucial. They all determine how much traction your tires will get when you’re off-roading.
Think about driving your vehicle onto an angled ramp. At a certain point, the ramp will be too steep for you to drive ...
Has your 4x4 spent most of the time on the road? Are you ready to test it on the trails? If you’re planning your first off-road trip, or if it’s been a while since you’ve gotten some mud on your tires, it’s time to check out our off-roading guide.
Your off-roading adventures can be as tame or challenging as you want, from simple muddy trails to extreme rock crawling, but one thing remains the same about any trip you take: Safety ...
The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and before you know it, you’ll be hitting the trails in your 4x4. Because your vehicle takes much more abuse than a typical car that does strictly highway driving, 4x4 spring maintenance is a must before you head off into the wilderness.
Is your 4X4 ready for adventure? Below are the 4X4 spring maintenance tasks you should tackle this season before you head off into a summer of off-roading fun.
Change the ...
All you need is a single ride in a 4X4 vehicle to understand the appeal of owning one, but if you’re new to the world of off-roading, you’ll need to do some research about the right vehicle for your lifestyle. While Jeeps are a go-to for the adventurous, it’s important to understand that there are plenty of other carmakers who have 4X4s vehicles in their lineups -- we want to help you find the perfect fit.
The definition of a 4X4 ...
We know you love Jeeps -- we do too -- but we also know that there are plenty of other 4x4s out there. Toyota, Chevy, Ford; the list of automakers that have at least one 4x4 in their lineup goes on and on, but the fun of off-roading remains the same. Regardless of your preference, you still need a handful of off-road mods for 4x4s to make sure they're ready for off-road adventures.
Winch
Before you get any other mod installed on ...
Congratulations on becoming a new Jeep owner -- welcome to the family! Whether it’s the newest model off the lot or a well-maintained, pre-loved Jeep, owning one of these vehicles opens up a whole new world for outdoors enthusiasts, overlanders, and even daily commuters. Along with getting your dream car, your Jeep also brings with it several perks so if you're a new Jeep owner be prepared to take some notes.
Work The Wave
If you’ve ever passed another Jeep on the ...
Winter weather is knocking at our doors here in St. Louis, and now is the time to mod out your Jeep to prepare. Just because the snow is falling, doesn’t mean your adventures should stop! Here are the top winter Jeep mods our team recommends to get ready.
Safety First
Before we dive into our recommendations, it’s important to know that even the greatest winter Jeep mods aren’t a substitute for safe driving. Brush up on the basics before you head out ...
Last month, to celebrate Jeep’s 80th anniversary, we dove into the illustrious history of the Jeep. This month, we want to highlight some of the most famous Jeeps -- with owners that include authors and presidents, and cameos in iconic films and TV shows. Here are our top picks.
The good news? You don’t need to be a celebrity or major movie producer to get your hands on a Jeep that people remember. Our team lives the Jeep lifestyle and will ...
If you’ve been too busy unplugging and offroading in your Jeep, it’s likely that you haven’t seen pictures of the models being released next year to celebrate the brand’s 80th anniversary. We’re pretty excited about these new vehicles -- which you should now be able to request from the dealership -- but how exactly did the Jeep brand become what it is today, 80 years later? Let’s take a look back at the history of the Jeep.
When the US became ...
One of the best ways to become a Jeep owner while on a budget is buying a used one. While it’s important to do your research before buying any pre-owned car, investing in a used Jeep will take a little more legwork -- especially if it has been on off-road adventures with its previous owner.
Below are some great tips for buying and maintaining a pre-owned Jeep and getting the most out of your investment.
Buying a Used Jeep
Check these areas closely ...
We might be a little biased, but becoming a Jeep owner is a pretty exciting event to be celebrated. Whether your Jeep is brand new or just new to you, there are a lot of top mods for Jeeps you should consider adding to your new vehicle. There’s a long list of modifications you can choose, and it can get overwhelming to understand which are best for beginners. Luckily, our team of experts can help guide you through the process ...
Summer is just around the corner, and that means the whole family can pile into the Jeep for some off-road adventures in the sun. But before you do that, it’s a smart idea to talk to our team of professionals about which modifications would be best for your vehicle.
As Missouri’s Jeep go-to guys, we are constantly studying the latest trends and researching new-product manufacturers because we own the responsibility of providing our clients with the highest quality parts and most ...
Whether you’ve been using your Jeep all winter or it’s been waiting patiently in the garage for warmer weather, it’s time to get it ready to hit the road this spring. Your Jeep is an investment, and it’s important to keep it well-maintained so you’re not stuck on the side of the trail when you go off-roading this year, so be sure to check out these Jeep spring maintenance tips!
Get It Clean
Whether you DIY your car washing or have it ...
Whether you’re brand-new to DIY Jeep projects or you’ve been tinkering for quite a while, there are some easy tweaks you can do in your garage or out on the open road while trekking. We hate to tell you, but it’s probably a good time to tackle that garage cleaning and organization project you’ve been putting off. You’ll want to have full access to your tools and space before working on your Jeep.
There are plenty of big modifications that are ...
It’s a simple fact: The automotive industry and the world of auto repair have long been dominated by men -- but that doesn’t mean women haven’t played a significant role. Unfortunately, their stories are rarely told so it’s hard to understand how important they have been throughout the decades. To celebrate Women’s History Month, we take a look at a few who have had an impact.
Bertha Benz 1849-1944
Recognize Bertha’s last name? That’s right, she was the wife and business partner ...
Jeep Overlanding Basics. If you love going off-road with your Jeep and you love camping, it’s time to take things to the next level with Overlanding. After all, one of the best things about owning a Jeep is the ability to travel just about anywhere! It may not be ideal if you’re new to the lifestyle but with some experience, you can overland for days, weeks, and even months.
What is Overlanding?
When you take your Jeep Overlanding, there is no real ...
Top Tips for New Jeep Owners. Are you starting the new year off with a new Jeep? If so, welcome to the family! Before you dive right into Jeep ownership, there are a few things you should know about being a member of this special club.
You’re Officially Living the Jeep Life
Welcome to a world where everything you do revolves around your Jeep. You probably have a picture of it as your phone screensaver -- we don’t judge! You’re also likely ...
Great Gifts for Jeep Lovers! The holidays are right around the corner. Have you crossed everyone off your list yet? Whether you’re looking to score a last-minute gift for the Jeep enthusiast in your life or finding something to splurge on for yourself, we have a few recommendations for off-roaders and overlanders.
When you spend as much time outdoors as you do in your Jeep, you need serious gear that’s seriously easy to pack away and store -- and maybe even ...
Winter Weather in Your Wrangler! Winter weather has officially arrived in St. Louis, and while some snowbirds are flying to warmer areas, Wrangler owners in colder climates are getting ready to travel the snowy trails. Even if you have the gear to tackle snow, slush, and ice, it’s important to understand that the “rules” of winter driving still apply.
The fundamental basis for winter driving is to avoid any abrupt turns, stops, and other potentially unsafe maneuvers. Because climates are different ...
Jeep Wrangler Tires. Let’s face it: There’s a good chance you bought a Jeep Wrangler because you’re ready to explore the great outdoors with off-road driving. In order to navigate trails that lead to the best fishing (or mudding) holes, it’s important to have the right tires -- not only for your vehicle but also for where you’ll be taking it.
Knowing what you want to do and where you’ll be going is the first step in determining which tires will ...
Top Jeep Wrangler Modifications. If you’re reading this post, there’s a good chance you’re ready to mod out your Jeep Wrangler but don’t quite know where to start. Don’t worry -- you’ve come to the right place! Not only do you need the best mods, you also need top-notch service to match. We can provide both. Below is just a short list of the most popular modifications we offer for your Jeep Wrangler; don’t hesitate to ask us about others.
Backup ...
The Dealer Told Me Aftermarket Upgrades Would Void My Jeep Warranty
We hear it all the time during Jeep-build consultations. Picture this: Clients considering the purchase of a new Jeep come into Axleboy Off-Road with questions about suspension upgrades, new bumpers, fenders, new tires, etc. (more…) ...
Regearing Your Jeep. If you own a Jeep, there’s a good chance you’ve already heard about re-gearing -- but do you know what it actually entails and if it’s right for your 4x4? What do gears even do? Would you know the right time to re-gear? Our pros break it down for you.
What do gears do?
The gears that were factory-installed in your Jeep are designed to fit the ratio and the torque of the package your vehicle came with. “Gearing” ...
Install These Jeep Parts. Every so often we’ll have a customer come in with a Jeep full of parts that they just ordered online and ask us how much it will cost to have it all installed. We are excited that people continue to take an interest in modifying their Jeeps and that our reputation for quality workmanship has spread throughout the Jeep community. (more…) ...
