Commander of the Plains

Commander of the Plains
Originally uploaded by worksology.

I found this great picutre in Flickr featuring a black Jeep Commander in the Wyoming plains, with the sky as background. Couldn't find a better way to wish this blog's readers a wonderful 2007. Happy new year!

How to Change a Jeep Commander Tail Light

Browsing through the Jeep Commander forum, I saw this helpful thread, well documented with large, detailed pictures, explaining how to change a Jeep Commander tail light. May come in handy some day...

Tech Tags: Jeep Jeep+Commander JeepCommander Jeep+XK

New for 2007: AEV Alloy Wheels

Now, this is a good looking wheel! American Expedition Vehicles, the company that brought us the AEV Jeep Commander is already pre-selling these absolutely stunning 17" alloy wheels for the Jeep Commander (beadlock version shown). These wheels come with specific offset and bolt patterns to fit Jeep vehicles, including the Jeep Commander. Pricing has been anounced at $199 for the non-beadlock version and $269 for the beadlock version. Shipping starts in January 2007. For more details click here or call AEV at (406) 251-2100.

Tech Tags: jeep jeep+commander jeepcommander aev aev+conversions jeep+xk

Chrysler Recalls 2007 Model Vehicles

DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group said on Friday, December 22, that it is recalling 62,369 2007 model-year vehicles to reprogram a computer that is related to the brake system.

The vehicles involved in the recall are Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans, Dodge Caliber hatchback, Dodge Magnum wagon, and Jeep Commander, Jeep Compass, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro SUVs.

Tech Tags: jeep jeep+commander jeepcommander jeep+xk damilerchrysler

Upgrade Your Jeep Commander Headlights

One easy modification that also increases driving safety is to upgrade the stock headlight bulbs. In October 2006, Sylvania unveiled its newest, top of the line product for safer night time driving: the Silverstar ULTRA headlight replacement bulbs. Sylvania claims that it provides up to 25 percent increased down road visibility, increased side road visibility and up to a 20 percent brighter light, compared to standard halogen headlights. They also last up to 30 percent longer. The pure, white light emitted by the SilverStar ULTRA is closer to the color of daylight which helps drivers see better at night. You can read more about this product in this press release.

Silverstar ULTRA headlight replacement bulbs are now available for the Jeep Commander's low beam headlights. The part number is 9006SU/2 (pack of two). You can find them in automotive retailers and mass merchants nationwide.

Tech Tags: jeep jeep+commander jeepcommander jeep+xk sylvania silverstar+ultra automotive+lighting automobile+aftermarket

2" Jeep Commander Suspension Lift from Rusty

For those looking for a value-priced, moderate lift to make the Commander look better and fit larger tires there is probably no better alternative than Rusty's Off Road 2" boost kit. Rusty has earned a strong reputation in the off road community and many shops around the country are experienced installing his products. Since this is a moderate lift, installing tires significantly larger than the stock 245/70R17 may present clearance issues when using the stock rims. One option is to get aftermarket rims with different backspacing, and another one is to use the stock rims with spacers. A popular option is 260/70R17 with 1.25" spacers (pictured here):

You can find some good discussions in the Jeep Commander Forum among owners that have installed this kit.

Thanks to Comandoooo for letting us use a picture of his shinny black Commander.

Tech Tags: jeep jeep+commander jeepcommander rusty's offroad suspension lifts jeep+xk

Jeep Commander Leasing Questions

If you are planning to lease a Commander, you may want to visit the Jeep Commander: Lease Questions discussion in CarSpace, where a couple of gracious and knowledgeable hosts will answer your leasing questions and tell you if you are getting a good deal or not. This discussion is a great place to share information about dealer incentives, financing options, price calculations, etc., and increase our leverage when negotiating a lease.

There is also a discussion called Prices Paid and Buying Experience for those who want to buy instead of lease. However, this discussion doesn't have as much activity as the leasing discussion, and the most recent posts are kind of old.

Tech Tags: jeep jeep+commander jeep+xk leasing carspace

Chrysler Group 5.7-liter HEMI(R) and 3.0-liter V-6 Turbo Diesel Take Two Spots in Ward's 10 Best Engines Awards

This year it is not only the HEMI that has earned a Ward 10 best engine ranking, but also the 3.0L CDR Turbo Diesel that Jeep enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to be available in U.S. Jeep Commanders.

From DaimlerChrysler's press release:

For the fifth year in a row -- and every year since its 2003 re-introduction -- Chrysler Group's famous 5.7-liter HEMI(R) engine has earned a place on Ward's 10 Best Engines list. Joining the HEMI in winning the award is DaimlerChrysler's 3.0-liter V-6 Turbo Diesel, available in the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 achieves power and fuel economy thanks to its Multiple Displacement System (MDS). The HEMI is power-dense, perfectly sized and incorporates sophisticated-yet-straightforward efficiency-enhancing technology to help it stay relevant in a market that is becoming increasingly conscious of fuel economy.

The Mercedes-built 3.0-liter CRD is one of the most advanced power plants available in the marketplace today. It is designed to deliver more torque than many V8 engines, while remaining efficient, with up to 30-percent improved fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

Read DaimlerChrysler's Press Release

Tech Tags: jeep jeep+commander jeepcommander hemi crd ward diesel daimlerchrysler jeep+xk

SRT8-Wheeled Stunner

Geng has sent us these pictures of his stunning Jeep Commander Limited, recently equipped with a set of SRT8 wheels.Chrysler's SRT8 wheels are expensive but they sure make the Commander look great (members of the Jeep Commander forum have been raving about them since Geng posted his pictures there). Other than the wheels, Geng's Commander features a 5.7L V8 Hemi engine, navigation and entertaining system, Aluminum door sill guards, a chrome fuel cap and an Euro-style short rubber antenna.

Tech Tags: jeep jeep+commander jeep+xk srt8 wheels mopar

It's Snow Time for Tell's Red Commander!

Tell, an active participant in the Jeep Commander Forum has sent us these outstanding pictures of his lifted, red Commander Limited getting busy in the snow. The forum readers really dig the bold looks of this stunner. Tell's Commander features a 4" AEV Superlift, 285/70R17 Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires on stock wheels, a Mopar tubular grill guard and a Yakima Roadwarrior basket.

Technorati Tags: jeep jeep+commander Superlift Mopar Yakima

Woody Wagoon™ Jeep Commander "Woody" Kit

Woody Wagoon™ has developed a Jeep Commander "woody" kit. This kit recalls the great “wood” Wagoneers of the past that started the whole SUV movement. The timeless design and long history of woodie as the rugged work-horse was forever changed to include luxury appointments and comfort when Jeep introduced the Grand Wagoneer.

The new Commander “Woody” kit projects the same image while being even more exclusive than the original. Simulated “Marine Teak” panels surrounded by raised, quarter round “Santa Rosa Oak” trim produce a true three dimensional effect just like the original vehicles. The combination of high-quality vinyl panels and extruded trim is totally maintenance free. These woody kits can be installed by any repair shop since detailed, photo illustrated instructions are provided.

Woody Wagoon™ is the aftermarket leader in woody kits.

Technorati Tags: Jeep Jeep Commander Woody Woody Wagoon Jeep XK

Jeep Commander November Sales

The Jeep Commander beat the Jeep Grand Cherokee in U.S. sales for the month of November 2006, as reported by DaimlerChrysler. The Commander sold 8,023 units (more than doubling October 2005's sales). Grand Cherokee sales dropped 42% to 7,944 units. But the Jeep group's biggest seller was the newly redesigned Jeep Wrangler, with 8,735 units sold, which received a boost from the new Wrangler Unlimited four door model, now on waiting list as demand has outpaced supply.

Read Press Release

Technorati Tags: Jeep, Jeep Commander, Jeep XK, DaimlerChrysler

Hook Up Your iPod to Your Jeep Commander Stereo

Almost everybody uses iPods (or a variation of them) these days. One of the most frequently asked questions is: how can I use my I-Pod in my car stereo? One possibility is to use a simple cassette adaptor that you can get in any electronics store for about $20. Another one, slightly more sophisticated is to use an FM modulator. In fact, Mopar offers an iPod integration kit (for about $140) that sends the audio signal from your iPod to your Jeep Commander's Stereo so that it can be played in a specific FM frequency. Neither the cassette adaptor nor the FM modulator, though, will give you the best audio quality.

Your best bet is to plug your iPod directly to your car stereo. CNET has produced an eight step tutorial, chock-full with detailed instructions, pictures and videos, that will allow you to enjoy your iPod in your car for about $60 in materials and a couple hours of weekend sweat equity.

You can access the full tutorial here. Good luck and enjoy your iPod in your Commander.

Technorati Tags: Jeep, Jeep Commander, Jeep XK, iPod, CNET