Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Introduction of the Matrix postponed
I can’t believe it. Today our fabricator informed us that the slowing economy has forced downsizing of their company, which began yesterday, and resulted in their being unable to produce the Matrix for several weeks and perhaps even longer. I sincerely apologize for this unexpected circumstance; those that have made pre-release purchases to date will receive full refunds asap as well as some future compensation for their trouble in this regard. We will of course seek long-term solutions to this fabrication dilemma. Sometimes it’s tough being the small guy with little clout.
Monday, October 27, 2008
4xGuard's Matrix brush guard and light bar a go
It has been far too long, probably a couple of years, that we have been working on the design and fabrication of a product for the front end of the 2005+ Grand Cherokee. We have had at this point over 6 configurations, in fact. Over the last few months we have been trying desperately to complete this project and get something out, and I feel we have at last been able to finalize the design and move towards production. Our goal is to have the Matrix available for sale before 12/20/08. The pre-production feedback has been very positive but one never can tell how sales will go until a few customers "touch and feel" the product and provide their opinions on forums and the like. The bottom line is it is a significant financial committment for us, even more than the Side Guard-HC was, and in this economic climate we hope the decision to go forward was the right one.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Last of the summer fun
Its been awhile so let me recap. We had a number of product-testing runs this past summer. We worked on the swaybar disconnects, the Matrix brush guard, and the Bilstein front (adjustable) and rear shock setup. The discos and brush guard look good at this point, and after minor modifications the only issue is the cost of production. We like the Bilstein front setup, but the rear was in our opinion too stiff. So for the time being we are going to see if Superlift has interest in working with us on the discos, and will try to modify the design of the Matrix in order to make it more cost-effective.
As for the future we had hoped to participate in the 2008 Pomona Offroad Expo but ultimately decided against it this year. Frankly the industry has experienced a significant slowdown in recent months and we simply do not see a positive cost/benefit ratio. We plan a pleasure trip to the west coast, however, and will spend a day at the Expo to see what is new and exciting.
Several forums have suggested that 2010 may see the end of the WK platform as we have come to know and appreciate it. If this turns out to be the case, there are many of us that will be extremely sad to see the end to such a fantastically capable vehicle. As I have said on many occasions there simply is no rig IMO that comes close to its combination of style, performance and versatility. I hope these negative predictions are wrong and an even better WK platform is in our future!!
As for the future we had hoped to participate in the 2008 Pomona Offroad Expo but ultimately decided against it this year. Frankly the industry has experienced a significant slowdown in recent months and we simply do not see a positive cost/benefit ratio. We plan a pleasure trip to the west coast, however, and will spend a day at the Expo to see what is new and exciting.
Several forums have suggested that 2010 may see the end of the WK platform as we have come to know and appreciate it. If this turns out to be the case, there are many of us that will be extremely sad to see the end to such a fantastically capable vehicle. As I have said on many occasions there simply is no rig IMO that comes close to its combination of style, performance and versatility. I hope these negative predictions are wrong and an even better WK platform is in our future!!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Grand Slam Moab and New Product Testing
Last week we joined a wide variety of other Grands to run a number of trails in the Moab area. The trial we chose was Hell's Revenge, a trail we had run several previous times but which offers the vistas and obstacles that we were seeking. High on our list was testing the prototype disconnects. We were concerned the telescoping design of these disconnects may not have sufficient travel, and indeed the first obstacles on the trail showed that to be the case. It this was determined a design that would accommodate the range of 0 to 4 inches of suspension travel would have to be scraped in favor of one for only lifted (2 to 4 inches) vehicles.
We also were testing the new installed Bilstein front ADJUSTABLE shocks. This setup proved itself to be far superior to the stock setup, handling on-road and off-road maneuvers extremely well. The ride quality on road and their ability to flatten out the corners were particularly noteworthy. We will soon be adding Bilstein rear shocks to test their impact on the vehicle.
Lastly, we had the latest version of the Matrix front guard on our WK. We like the new design, as do several you had occasion to look it over. We now go forward with the design to see about production costs and timeframes.
We also were testing the new installed Bilstein front ADJUSTABLE shocks. This setup proved itself to be far superior to the stock setup, handling on-road and off-road maneuvers extremely well. The ride quality on road and their ability to flatten out the corners were particularly noteworthy. We will soon be adding Bilstein rear shocks to test their impact on the vehicle.
Lastly, we had the latest version of the Matrix front guard on our WK. We like the new design, as do several you had occasion to look it over. We now go forward with the design to see about production costs and timeframes.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Overdue Update
For those that have occasion to view this blog I apologize for such a long hiatus. It has been so long I don't remember why we have been too busy to keep this thing current. Be that as it may here are a few tidbits on recent developments and the like.
Our two biggest new-product efforts have been the swaybar disconnects and the Matrix front guard. The discos are done, on our vehicle, and ready to be tested in Moab and Ouray. The Matrix--prototype 3--finally got back from the fabricator after 3 months or so of promises and delays, and is mounted on our vehicle. However, it is clear a number of modifications are necessary and we are going through the CAD thing to get that done. We will then update cost information and decide whether it is a go or no-go. There has been lots of interest so we hope we can produce the product at a reasonable cost so all the effort will not be in vein.
Despite a general slowdown in the economy it seems our sales have suffered very little. In fact we are currently out of stock for several products. Our new Side Guard HC has been received very well, and it is now out of stock.
I will try to keep up better with this blog--after all that defeats its purpose.
Our two biggest new-product efforts have been the swaybar disconnects and the Matrix front guard. The discos are done, on our vehicle, and ready to be tested in Moab and Ouray. The Matrix--prototype 3--finally got back from the fabricator after 3 months or so of promises and delays, and is mounted on our vehicle. However, it is clear a number of modifications are necessary and we are going through the CAD thing to get that done. We will then update cost information and decide whether it is a go or no-go. There has been lots of interest so we hope we can produce the product at a reasonable cost so all the effort will not be in vein.
Despite a general slowdown in the economy it seems our sales have suffered very little. In fact we are currently out of stock for several products. Our new Side Guard HC has been received very well, and it is now out of stock.
I will try to keep up better with this blog--after all that defeats its purpose.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Future 4xGuard Products
Though our website covers some of what is going on relative to new products, I thought I might take this opportunity to provide a brief update.
The Matrix. This product will be a modular, bolt-on brushguard that can be built-up by the customer to include a receiver for up to a 9,000 pound portable winch, a mount for off-road lighting, and additional front-end protection; "D" shackles that are frame mounted will be standard as part of the basic configuration. We are on our second design and a second prototype will some be ready for fitting and testing.
Swaybar Disconnects. We have fortunately been able to use a set of custom JKS swaybar disconnects and our testing has confirmed that the vehicle performs much better off-road with the swaybar disconnected. As JKS has indicated they will not be making this accessory for the WK/XK, we have completed an entirely different style/design and the parts will soon be fabricated into a prototype set. They will be tested this Spring.
Tail Guard HC. This product would complement our Rear Guard HC and provide corner protection around the lower perimeter of the rear quarter panel, which has been found to be very prone to damage during severe off-roading. Design is ongoing.
Rear Differential Skid. The rear driveshaft has been found to be vulnerable to damage in severe off-road situations, especially vehicles with the Superlift suspension kit. In fact it was this damage that caused the Grand Cherokee to not be awarded the Four Wheeler of the Year in 2005. A skid plate has been designed to protect the rear differential and rear driveshaft,; a prototype is planned for testing this Spring.
As indicated earlier we welcome suggestions for now products--just send us an email or give us a call.
The Matrix. This product will be a modular, bolt-on brushguard that can be built-up by the customer to include a receiver for up to a 9,000 pound portable winch, a mount for off-road lighting, and additional front-end protection; "D" shackles that are frame mounted will be standard as part of the basic configuration. We are on our second design and a second prototype will some be ready for fitting and testing.
Swaybar Disconnects. We have fortunately been able to use a set of custom JKS swaybar disconnects and our testing has confirmed that the vehicle performs much better off-road with the swaybar disconnected. As JKS has indicated they will not be making this accessory for the WK/XK, we have completed an entirely different style/design and the parts will soon be fabricated into a prototype set. They will be tested this Spring.
Tail Guard HC. This product would complement our Rear Guard HC and provide corner protection around the lower perimeter of the rear quarter panel, which has been found to be very prone to damage during severe off-roading. Design is ongoing.
Rear Differential Skid. The rear driveshaft has been found to be vulnerable to damage in severe off-road situations, especially vehicles with the Superlift suspension kit. In fact it was this damage that caused the Grand Cherokee to not be awarded the Four Wheeler of the Year in 2005. A skid plate has been designed to protect the rear differential and rear driveshaft,; a prototype is planned for testing this Spring.
As indicated earlier we welcome suggestions for now products--just send us an email or give us a call.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
4xGuard featured in National Magazine
It has been an eventful week for us as the February issue of Diesel Power Magazine (published by Primedia who also does Offroad, JP and Four Wheeler magazines) has begun to arrive on the doorsteps of subscribers and at some news stands. The extensive coverage of the initial stages of a planned 18-month buildup of a 2008 diesel Grand Cherokee prominently features 4xGuard products, including the Rear Guard HC and a prototype version of Side Guard HC. Coverage of the installation of the Front Guard HC and Belly Guard HC will be part of an upcoming issues. This is obviously great advertising--our first coverage in a major national magazine.
The stage was set for our involvement in the buildup of this vehicle when we were contacted many months ago by a representative of Jeep to see if 4xGuard had any interest in participating in the project. Later we hosted the editor of Diesel Power as he drove across the country with his new acquisition (the brand new rig and its newly installed complement of a Superlift suspension, ARB bumper with winch, and four 4xGuard products) and as the article indicates personally installed a set of prototype Side Guard HCs (the paint was hardly dry...it was that close to not having them ready!). Meeting with such a high-level person in the magazine industry, discussing the future of vehicles such as the diesel-powered Grand Cherokee, and learning more about the behind-the-scenes elements of vehicle testing and the magazine industry, were certainly highlights in the history of our small business.
We are equally very pleased that a number of other off-road businesses have called or e-mailed us this past week to congratulate us on the magazine coverage of 4xGuard. This aspect of the industry, the camaraderie among those manufacturing and distributing off-road accessories, is certainly one of the things we most enjoy about the business. There are truly so many folks we have come to know that are not only great people in a technical, business sense, but "simply" good people. We are proud to be a small part of that community.
Our next post will focus on new products, either envisioned, planned or in various stages of development.
The stage was set for our involvement in the buildup of this vehicle when we were contacted many months ago by a representative of Jeep to see if 4xGuard had any interest in participating in the project. Later we hosted the editor of Diesel Power as he drove across the country with his new acquisition (the brand new rig and its newly installed complement of a Superlift suspension, ARB bumper with winch, and four 4xGuard products) and as the article indicates personally installed a set of prototype Side Guard HCs (the paint was hardly dry...it was that close to not having them ready!). Meeting with such a high-level person in the magazine industry, discussing the future of vehicles such as the diesel-powered Grand Cherokee, and learning more about the behind-the-scenes elements of vehicle testing and the magazine industry, were certainly highlights in the history of our small business.
We are equally very pleased that a number of other off-road businesses have called or e-mailed us this past week to congratulate us on the magazine coverage of 4xGuard. This aspect of the industry, the camaraderie among those manufacturing and distributing off-road accessories, is certainly one of the things we most enjoy about the business. There are truly so many folks we have come to know that are not only great people in a technical, business sense, but "simply" good people. We are proud to be a small part of that community.
Our next post will focus on new products, either envisioned, planned or in various stages of development.
Monday, January 14, 2008
WKs and carrying over sized spare tires
Joel's comment and suggestion touches on one of the two most common questions we are asked: I am going with over sized tires and where can I carry my now larger spare? (the other question is how does the Superlift 4 inch ride and handle?) First let me say that moving the spare inside is probably unworkable due to tire size exceeding the available space, moving it on the roof is not IMO aesthetically pleasing and potentially increases center of gravity issues, and building a (heavy) rear swing away is not financially in our best interests due to the costs involved and relatively small market.
When I contemplated trading my 2-inch lift for what was then a "soon to be available" 4-inch kit my biggest concern was indeed carrying a much larger spare tire. I never wheeled without a good spare that matched the set on the ground. The Superlift instructions--at least my old version--says "the factory spare tire/wheel can be used in emergency situations." I questioned this statement on principal and concern for my rig's driveline, but soon thereafter had a chance opportunity to meet a Jeep engineer involved in designing the WK/XK platform. This gentleman confirmed Superlift's statement--"just don't drive at high speed for miles down some freeway!" For me that was enough and the rest is history. I now run 305 series tires and carry a 265 series spare, which is deflated so it will fit in the OEM location. (And when the fellow doing my oil changes brings this condition to my attention I enjoy telling him "leave it flat--it keeps the weight down and improves gas mileage.") Anyway my point is I feel this "solution" is preferable to the alternatives. Besides I have never had a tire failure using the Goodrich or Goodyear 3-ply sidewall tires (though I recognize it is certainly possible and thus have tapped my wooden desk top a few times.)
Sorry about the response, but is there anything else that you would like us to work on, Joel?
When I contemplated trading my 2-inch lift for what was then a "soon to be available" 4-inch kit my biggest concern was indeed carrying a much larger spare tire. I never wheeled without a good spare that matched the set on the ground. The Superlift instructions--at least my old version--says "the factory spare tire/wheel can be used in emergency situations." I questioned this statement on principal and concern for my rig's driveline, but soon thereafter had a chance opportunity to meet a Jeep engineer involved in designing the WK/XK platform. This gentleman confirmed Superlift's statement--"just don't drive at high speed for miles down some freeway!" For me that was enough and the rest is history. I now run 305 series tires and carry a 265 series spare, which is deflated so it will fit in the OEM location. (And when the fellow doing my oil changes brings this condition to my attention I enjoy telling him "leave it flat--it keeps the weight down and improves gas mileage.") Anyway my point is I feel this "solution" is preferable to the alternatives. Besides I have never had a tire failure using the Goodrich or Goodyear 3-ply sidewall tires (though I recognize it is certainly possible and thus have tapped my wooden desk top a few times.)
Sorry about the response, but is there anything else that you would like us to work on, Joel?
Sunday, January 13, 2008
New Year...New Blog
Hello and welcome to a new "blog" for 4xGuard. We hope through this form of communication to achieve several objectives:
As with any New Year one typically is inspired to take stock of the past, in this case particularly 2007 and 4xGuard. What first comes to mind is the fantastic growth of the company and sales of its products, and the opportunity to interact with so many great people, both customers and others in the industry. In fact it is the people more than anything that keeps us going. Not to brag too much but we have had a tremendous amount of positive feedback, and are becoming to feel like a "player" as our name and products are becoming more and more recognized in the community of Grand Cherokee/Commander enthusiasts. We are truly amazed at how the business has evolved in just a couple of years, and looking forward to what this new year brings our way.
Through your comments I would like to hear what products you would like to see us develop, what improvements we should make to those we currently have, and how we can better serve WK/XK owners through products offered by other manufacturers. You all know my bias: the WK/XK with proper accessories is one of the most capable off-road vehicles and is, in my opinion, the best overall in terms of versatility and performance. And I truly think the future bodes well for these vehicles as more and more recognition of their attributes make their way into the marketplace. We want to be a part of making that happen, and through your comments you can help us. So visit this blog on occasion, and tell us your thoughts...it will be fun and informative.
- Let folks know of the latest information relative to our products,
- Tell about our 4-wheeling adventures (most of which are business related), and
- Answer common questions that come to us relative to "unleashing" the WK/XK platform.
As with any New Year one typically is inspired to take stock of the past, in this case particularly 2007 and 4xGuard. What first comes to mind is the fantastic growth of the company and sales of its products, and the opportunity to interact with so many great people, both customers and others in the industry. In fact it is the people more than anything that keeps us going. Not to brag too much but we have had a tremendous amount of positive feedback, and are becoming to feel like a "player" as our name and products are becoming more and more recognized in the community of Grand Cherokee/Commander enthusiasts. We are truly amazed at how the business has evolved in just a couple of years, and looking forward to what this new year brings our way.
Through your comments I would like to hear what products you would like to see us develop, what improvements we should make to those we currently have, and how we can better serve WK/XK owners through products offered by other manufacturers. You all know my bias: the WK/XK with proper accessories is one of the most capable off-road vehicles and is, in my opinion, the best overall in terms of versatility and performance. And I truly think the future bodes well for these vehicles as more and more recognition of their attributes make their way into the marketplace. We want to be a part of making that happen, and through your comments you can help us. So visit this blog on occasion, and tell us your thoughts...it will be fun and informative.
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