In the early stages of the program I struggled with choosing lift kit for my JK. With number of kits available, it wasn't an easy decision; however, one stood out from the rest...TeraFlex.

TeraFlex has been professionally involved with Jeeps since the 1950's and when you do something for over half a century, you get pretty darn good at it.  There's a lot to be said for "experience" and that was a key factor in my decision on which lift to go with.

TeraFlex doesn't stop at lift kits though, they also make heavy duty bumpers built to last through the abuse those of us with rock crawling addictions will put them through...all the while having a clean look that isn't too gaudy.  They realize that function must take priority, but style is nice to have as well.

For a full list of their products, visit TeraFlex and see why I wouldn't trust installing anything else on a vehicle that is going to be put through Hell('s Revenge) and (Baby Lion's) Back!

KC HiLiTES has been pioneering higher quality off-road lighting since 1970.  They are the original manufacturer of off-road lighting...yes, O-R-I-G-I-N-A-L!  KC HiLiTES not only set the standard for the category, they created it.

Specializing in Jeep, Truck, SUV and Off Road aftermarket lighting, their product offering continues to evolve.  Be it auxiliary fog lights, driving lights, off-road lights, HID lights, flood lights, light bars, light covers, wiring accessories, or other specialized lighting products that you're looking for, check out KC HiLiTES to see why I'm trusting their product on a vehicle that is going to light the way for me from one coast to the other and back again.

When you take into consideration how important Tread Lightly is to the off-road community, as well as how well known the company is across our great Nation, it's great to have them aboard.  Please visit Tread Lightly and either sign up as a "friend" for FREE or make a donation of $25 to become a member.  They have a MySpace page as well, so be sure to add them to your Friend's List!

With over 50 years of experience in the off-road industry, Smittybilt strives to create truck, Jeep, and SUV products that excel at delivering pure off-road toughness and reliability.  Visit Smittybilt's website and you will see why their customers keep going back to them!

Would you trust any other brand of equipment to lift your vehicle in the air for repairs while on the trail and miles away from pavement?  I didn't think so.  From the time-tested Hi-Lift Jack® and accessory lines, to the Kant-Slam®, Post-Popper®, and Slide-N-Lock®, users can be assured the highest quality of equipment at a reasonable price. Visit Hi-Lift's website and get the gear that no off-road enthusiast should be without!

Want increased horse power, increased pounds of torque, increased air flow in a show quality wrapper, all for a fair price to boot?  If so, check out True Flow air intake systems! Whether you get their premium air filter, a sealed air intake, or a top of the line XDI air intake, you're bound to be pleased with the effect it will have on your vehicle.  Go to True Flow's website and order yours today!

Whether you drive a Hummer, Jeep, Toyota, Chevy, Dodge, or Ford, Trail Duty is a company you should check out for your vehicle's parts!  There's an excellent selection of lift kits, recovery gear, winches, and other items! If you don't see what you want, chances are Phil can get what you need.

After just one conversation with Jason at High Country Performance 4x4, I immediately realized why this company has survived over 25 years in this very competitive market!  From giving me honest product brand recommendations for what I need, to the enthusiasm about off-roading that comes through when he speaks on the topic, he has been instrumental in helping me get my vehicle to where it needs to be.  Visit their website at for a list of products they carry as well as photos of vehicles they've worked on in the past. But, you'd be missing out if you didn't call them at  (303)761-7379.

Don't let the name fool you, there's more than just Hummer drivers participating in this off-road forum and the trail runs they host!  The fact they are supporting a program in which a Jeep is the host vehicle says a lot. The members there have a wealth of knowledge they are willing to share with you free of charge!  All you have to do is make a profile and start posting!  This club has chapters that span the United States and members that span the globe! Go to Hummer X Club today and start participating in one of the best forums on the world wide web!

While not an official sponsor of this mission, Four Wheeler magazine has shown support for this cause by providing me with FW swag to adorn my vehicle with.  I will be writing articles and supplying photographs for their publication documenting this trek across the United States to be featured in future issues.  In addition, representatives of their company will be meeting up with me during various legs of the trip.

Salt Life magazine supports this worthy cause and in the coming months will do an article about the program.  Salt Life was started in Jacksonville, Florida, which is where I'm from...nice to see a company from my hometown stepping up to the plate for a good cause!  Be it Surfing, Fishing, Diving, or just enjoying a day on the beach, we all have one thing in common - the ocean and all it has to offer!

After tirelessly searching the southeast for a quality company to customize the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon that will be used for the trip, I've finally found one worthy of the job.  Overbuilt Customs, located in Jacksonville, Florida, has signed on for the project and Brad is ensuring it will truly be a one-of-a-kind vehicle!  To get an idea of the work they're capable of, visit their website!

Since I'll be removing my vehicle's doors during the program, security was certainly a major concern of mine.  Tuffy has taken that concern and thown it into the bottom of the ocean by providing me with the industry's leading vehicle security items.  With over 150 standard products for more than 50 different vehicle models, you're bound to find the security solution to fit your needs.

I can't begin to tell you how many Bushwacker fender flares I see when flipping through my favorite off-road magazines.  Whether it's a picture of a Ford Bronco attacking a trail or of a Jeep on display at the latest SEMA show, it seems to be the brand of choice for the majority of the off-road community.  The reason for that is because their items are "Simply The Best!"

Once again Bushwacker has shown its commitment to quality and its passion to help its customers by supporting this program and our troops. Check out their website, drool over their awesome products, and then contact one of the over 7,000 dealers that span 50 States and 2 countries to order the upgrades your vehicle shouldn't be without!

Picture this:  1. You're alone.  2. You're hundreds of miles from nowhere. (And since all bad things come in threes)  3. You're stuck between a rock and a hard place...literally.  Worried? Not if you have a Warn manufactured winch!

The Warn winch, developed in 1959, was the first recreational winch. With pioneering features such as a rugged drive train, the Warn winch quickly became the leading brand for offroad racers, avid four wheelers, weekend adventurers and hard working ranchers.

Customers in more than 65 countries on six continents can't be wrong!  Check out what Warn can do to make your off-road vehicle more capable than any other company can by visiting their website.

Since 1990 Quadratec has been specializing in providing the absolute best parts for your Jeep.  If you want it, chances are they have it.  In fact, most of the upgrades I've got on my own Jeep are available through them.  With 3 large warehouses strategically located throughout the United States, not only will your order get to you fast, but their Lowest Price Guarantee will ensure you don't pay too much for the parts you're looking for.

You can find more about the products they carry by going to their website.  Don't forget to request their FREE catalog!

All of us in the off-road community know how difficult it is when it comes to choosing tires. There are just as many brands to choose from as there are brands of 4x4's to drive.  The various companies all claim to make the best brand of tire.  They will tell you over and over again how their tires are aggressive enough for off-roading, yet also have good on-road manners.  However, many of them would shy away from sponsoring a program in which the host vehicle will be traveling approximately 12,000 miles both on and off road in the time span of half a year because that would be a true test of their durability and funtionality.

BFGoodrich didn't even hesitate to step up to the challenge.  When it comes to wheeling, the action happens where the rubber meets the road...whether that road is made of concrete, rocks, snow, sand, mud, or even if the road is under water.  Rolling on 40" BFGoodrich tires, I'm looking forward to tackling whatever Mother Nature throws my way.

What is even better is BFGoodrich has a terrific program called "BFGoodrich Outstanding Trails."  This program honors some of the best off-road trails in existence and is dedicated to the responsible use and conservation of these off-road trails, while providing aid for these efforts to sustain them for years and years of future use.  It's obvious they are doing everything they can to assist us in the off-road community to keeping our trails open to us.

Go to their website to learn more about the BFGoodrich Outstanding Trails program and to find a tire suitable for your needs!

All of us know that you get better traction when off-roading if you air down your tires.  It's not only a recommendation, it's a necessity.  So what do you do when you leave the trail and find yourself on concrete once again?  Are you to drive to the nearest gas station and hope they provide a way to air up your tires again?  What if that gas station is 20 or 30 miles away? Given the location of some of the trails I'll be driving, that's a very real possibility.

Powertank has solved this problem for me by providing me with a 20 pound tank which has the capability of adding 30 psi to my tires in about 30 seconds.  Say what you want about Superman and a speeding bullet...that's fast!

Visit their website and choose a tank best suitable for your needs.  Once that's done, check out their other items such as impact wrenches and socket sets.  You'll be the envy of others with you on the trail when you finish airing up your tires before they can even decide which gas station they're going to go to air up theirs.

Being that this program is 6 months long, and I'll be living out of my Jeep during that time, I'll obviously spend a large portion of that half year in driver's seat, and want to be as comfortable as possible.  I also want my passengers to enjoy that same level of comfort.  Therefore, I've chosen to remove the factory seats and install four bucket seats from Mastercraft.  This modification was one of the easiest ones to make...it really is a no-brainer.  If you like comfort and style, then go to their website and choose the seat that's best for you!

  This award winning company has signed on as a sponsor to this worthy program and I'm privledged to represent them.  While they have received many accolades, dating back to 1998, their most recent one was just last year at the SEMA show when they were awarded the Chrysler Design of Excellence award for their Fastback Hard Top, which incidently, will be on my Jeep along with the Fastback Roof Rack.

One look at their products and you will see why this company has been so successful over the years.  Their designs not only look fantastic, but are functional as well.  Go to their website and drool, I mean look, over their fine selection of aftermarket products for your Jeep today!