A Guide To Jeep® Lingo and Slang From The TopLift Pros

So, you’ve finally become a Jeep Wrangler® owner — welcome to the family!

 

Jeep® enthusiasts make up an entire culture on their own. If you’re new to the wonderful world of jeeping, there are certainly a few things you need to know so you don’t sound like a complete newb out on the trails.

 

That’s why here at TopLift Pros — makers of the world’s best hardtop removal solution that puts other Jeep® hardtop hoists to shame — we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the Jeep®-life language, including all the Jeep® jargon you might potentially hear out there from your fellow off-roaders. This way, you can avoid being the one in the club that chuckles nervously at Jeep® references that you don’t truly understand — and maybe even educate your fellow new jeepers along the way.

Jeep® Model Abbreviations

Each Jeep® model, (with a few exceptions) comes with a two-character abbreviation:

 

• JK – Wrangler 2007 – present Jeep® model abbreviations

 

• LJ – Wrangler Unlimited 2003 – 2006

 

• TJ – Wrangler 1997 – 2006

 

• YJ – Wrangler 1987 – 1995

 

• CJ – Civilian Jeep® 1955 – 1986

 

• KL - Cherokee 2014 - present

 

• XJ – Cherokee/Wagoneer (Unibody only) 1984 – 2001

 

• WK2 – Grand Cherokee 2010 – present

 

• WK – Grand Cherokee 2005 – 2010

 

• WJ – Grand Cherokee 1999 – 2004

 

• ZJ – Grand Cherokee 1993 – 1998

 

• KK – Liberty 2008 – 2013

 

• KJ – Liberty 2002 – 2007

 

• MK - Patriot 2007 - present

 

• XK – Commander 2006 – 2010

 

• MJ – Comanche 1986 – 1993

 

• VJ – Jeepster 1948 – 1950

 

• DJ – Dispatch or delivery Jeep® 1955 – 1985 (Willys/Kaiser/AMC/AM General)

 

• FC – Forward control trucks 1956 – 1964

 

• SJ – Full size 1963 – 1992 (SJ Grand Wagoneer, SJ Cherokee and SJ truck)

 

• C101 - Jeepster Commando - 1966 - 1971

 

• C104 - Jeep® Commando - 1972 - 1973

 

Want to learn more about these Jeep® models? Take a journey through time by checking out our blog on the history of the Jeep® Wrangler that provides more detailed information on the evolution of the Jeep® Wrangler over the years.

 

Jeep® Jargon: Terms To Know

Souped Up

This refers to any Jeep® Wrangler that has been modified with various aftermarket Jeep® parts and accessories to be look and ride like a finely tuned off-roading beast.

 

Jeep® Mods

This term is relatively easy to discern, but these are the modifications that are applied to a Jeep Wrangler®. They can refer to the specific parts and accessories being applied for improving the look or the performance of the vehicle. In terms of Jeep® modifications, there are three types of Jeep Wranglers® on the roads:

 

• Stock - A Jeep® without any modifications performed outside of what was installed by the manufacturer.

 

• Aftermarket - A Jeep® that features mods that are substitutes for the “stock” components, such as an aftermarket grill, headlights, lift kits, and more

 

• Built - A Jeep® which has been completely modified by a professional with aftermarket parts for maximum performance

Wrenching

This is the act of performing work to your Jeep®, whether it’s installing new mods, giving it a tune-up, or repairing a broken or damaged component. Wrenching applies to any time you’re getting down and dirty with your Jeep® that is in the garage rather than on the trails.

Wheeling

Wheeling is trail running, rock climbing, and everything else you do off the pavement in your Wrangler.

Bogging

Bogging, or “mudding,” refers specifically to times where you take your Jeep® out in the mud. If you’re new to the off-road scene, we highly recommend sticking to traditional “wheeling” for a while before trying your hand in the mud pits — and when you do, have a winch nearby.

Locking Differentials

Also referred to often as “lockers,” these greatly improve your Jeep®’s capabilities in low-traction environments, such as ice and sand. When they are needed, lockers will “lock” the left and right wheels of an axle together, providing a boost in traction.

Death Wobble

A dreaded occurrence throughout the Jeep® community, the death wobble is an ill-fated effect of the suspension of your Wrangler, which leads to intense front-end vibrations, or “wobbles.” This is due to the oscillation of the front axle, and it has the potential to end in disastrous fashion if not addressed immediately. This happens most often when aftermarket Jeep® lift or suspension kits are made poorly or have been installed improperly, but it can happen with any Jeep®, stock or aftermarket, with the perfect storm of conditions.

Armor

This term is used to describe the various exterior protection accessories that can be installed on a Jeep Wrangler® — bumpers, sliders, rocker guards, skid plates, fenders and more.

Articulation

Articulation is the amount of distance that a Jeep®’s suspension will allow the wheels to reach upwards and downwards. There are two forms of articulation:

 

• Droop - downward articulation, or how far the tires can reach below the vehicle

 

• Stuff - upward compression, or how far the tires can be pushed upwards into the wheel housing

Tire Bead

The tire bead refers to the edge of the tire that sits on the wheel rim, creating an air-tight seal. When the tire is inflated and the seal is formed, this is known as “sealing the bead.”

Beadlock

In a variety of off-roading scenarios, the tire bead can be compromised. For example, when climbing over rocks, tire pressure is reduced from what is used in daily driving to more easily climb. When pressure is reduced, the bead can easily become compromised. Many Jeep® owners will buy a ‘bead lock’ for this very occurrence to help the bead hold, therefore maintaining tire pressure.

We hope that this guide to Jeep® lingo will help you on your quest to become a Wrangler aficionado. If you really want to impress your fellow Jeep® owners and stand out from the pack, don’t opt for the standard, run-of-the-mil Jeep® hardtop hoist. Instead, get your hands on the best Jeep® hardtop removal solution on the market with the TopLift Pro. Not only will you have a handy tool that your fellow jeepers will envy, but you’ll be able to remove your Jeep® hardtop and be out on the trails in no time!