AZ Explorer
Caught the Bug
Very much agree on the good bad and the ugly!
So, that was my take on the 2017 SEMA show, I'd love to hear what you thought! What were your Top 5 favorite Jeeps and what were your Top 5 least favorite? Inquiring minds want to know :yup:
Too funny, that thing really was a basket case. :crazyeyes:
Good recap :thumb:
I pretty much agree with all your list “winners”. It feels like a lot of vendors (not all) are doing just enough this year, but biding their time for the JL. I don’t blame them, but it made this show less of a showcase than in past years - while mid-cycle for the JK.
That being said, there were some great builds and kudos to all the vendors associated with Wayalife. Theirs were some of the tops. I also really liked the ROAMR. A lot of it is what I envision a future JT to be in my driveway.
Many thanks to Eddie and Cindy for wearing out multiple pairs of shoes (again) to share all the products and builds. Best coverage of SEMA anywhere!!
a big thanks for covering and posting each day :clap2::clap2:
I could hear the warren miller narration on all the posts!
your recap is right on! lots of great builds and just as many WTF's! lol
Thanks again!
Spot on analysis
Some very cool stuff
Thanks for taking the care to document the show
I think I mostly agree with your list. A couple of differences for me.
Good list: 1. Your coverage of Sema(THANKS). 2. ALL of the old classic iron, especially Omix-Ada and the tasteful builds of old iron.
Bad: just so much to pick from, but you did well.
Really liked the SFZ products and the Rex system is really a neat idea.
Very much agree on the good bad and the ugly!
I think you nailed it, with this list. For me, #1 was the UMC CJ, and #2 was finally seeing the JL.
Sema is a place to show off your rigs and I think the other ones did that, shitty and ugly styling aside. That gonked thing just showed shitty fab work. Like, you’re not going to get anyone wanting to come to you for a build. Shit looks like it’ll break in half if someone touches it.
Great Recap!! Can’t disagree with any of your choices...
Here are my picks for Top 5 (I could easily pick 15 more):
1. This is the rig I want once I hand over my JKUR to my son... This was my favorite!
2. I would drive this like I stole it.
3. This turned out so Bad Ass and really dig the Police theme...
4. This has a utilitarian Military feel to me and I thought it was executed perfectly.
5. I’m a sucker for old trucks... this is just beautiful!
Bottom 5
1. That tall blue pile that needed a ladder to get into
2. The All white Tampon looking thing
3. The 6 wheeled useless Tan thing
4. The Spawn chain S&M thing
5. Everything with F’d up Grills & 26” Rims
My top 5 would be all from the Omix collection. I’d trade my Jeep for any of them.
Excellent read
Great recap Eddie ��
I pretty much have to agree with your conclusions...I very much like the tasteful swb Broncos, most of the Jeep trucks (except those with more than 4 wheels), a more affordable Hellcat crate engine (geez, wonder why)...
For me, a practical means of adding IFS/IRS to a JK without going the custom race shop route is number one...I actually was giving this consideration two years ago when building my JK6...Dynatrac was working on one, Currie put one on a JK8 that they were considering marketing...but this REX system is unique in that it will be made specifically for the JK platform...if they work out the bugs and can get a quality product to market soon, I'd give it a serious look...
Thank you both for all the miles and hours you put in covering this show...I've only attended one SEMA (last year)...it is almost an overwhelming task to cover the whole show...
Great write up with great photos!
#2 - BDS Dual Steering Stabilizer Kit
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So much of the aftermarket industry exists to provide products that are significant improvements over what came on your Jeep from the factory. It is because of this that I have to give the #2 - BAD spot to BDS Suspension and for making what is essentially a ridiculous Jeep JK Wrangler tie-rod protector. While I fully understand that there are uneducated people out there who are convinced that 2 steering stabilizers has to be better than just one, to place them way in front of and well below the tie-rod, a component that gets hit all the time and to the point where most replace them with an HD version and/or relocates it higher, makes absolutely no sense to me. I have to say, the fact that BDS would come up with this terrible idea at all is enough to make me question ALL of their products.
https://wayalife.com/showthread.php/49407-2017-SEMA-Fusion-Bumpers-White-Jeep-JK-Wrangler-Unlimited
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So much of the aftermarket industry exists to provide products that are significant improvements over what came on your Jeep from the factory. It is because of this that I have to give the #2 - BAD spot to BDS Suspension and for making what is essentially a ridiculous Jeep JK Wrangler tie-rod protector. While I fully understand that there are uneducated people out there who are convinced that 2 steering stabilizers has to be better than just one, to place them way in front of and well below the tie-rod, a component that gets hit all the time and to the point where most replace them with an HD version and/or relocates it higher, makes absolutely no sense to me. I have to say, the fact that BDS would come up with this terrible idea at all is enough to make me question ALL of their products.
While you raise a legitimate concern based on the positioning of this particular dual stabilizer kit, the fact of the matter is this steering stabilizer kit is installed incorrectly. Our kit is designed to mount above the tie rod so that it doesn’t effect overall ground clearance. There were several examples of it installed correctly on vehicles around the show to reference if you chose to do so. We’ve been offering this kit as well as OE replacement stabilizer and the FOX ATS for the JK for several years. While we pride ourselves in offering high-quality lift kits and accessories, not all products are designed strictly to enhance offroad performance. As the trend to run larger/wider wheels and tires continues it creates more of a need for a steering stabilizer capable of controlling them on the road as well. When installed correctly this dual stabilizer offers improved steering control without the feedback associated with oversized tires/wheels. You’re entitled to your opinion, but questioning our entire company base on an incorrectly installed part on a show vehicle that isn't ours seems a bit harsh. We’ve been in business for more than 20 years designing, testing and using our products on and off-road. We stand behind our products with a no fine print warranty. -BDS Suspension