SEMA Discussion thread

We have more in the works that we will show by the LA Auto Show. Still to come:

Several new wheel options we will introduce before LA. The wheels shown were prototypes done for the show, but the goal is a wider, more aggressive, Satin Black Wheel which we will preview at LA.

The lift kit drove very, very well. We will do several more tweaks before LA and then reveal the entire set up with order info.

The fender flares are prototypes that are significantly wider then stock, but still look OEM. Production version will sit even more flush with the stock body.

The bars will be coated in a Black Finish for the LA Auto Show so you will see different options of finish.

We have a number of other mods in the works, but wanted to share the first round of this build with you.

Last thing... We also designed the wider flares to work with anyone that is planning to lower the vehicle and put on a wider set of wheels (as some of you have already mentioned to us).

Thank you as always for your support!

fmunk said:

Lift has nothing to do with fitting of the nerf bars. Even in stock trim the bars can be fitted.

IMO, the bars are silly since you're giving up ground clearance AFTER lifting the vehicle. Why bother? It doesn't protect the sills or aid entry either.

As for the brush guard, I'm curious how it'll work on a TH since what is shown was not developed for the TH (odd decision). Why make a Latitude in the the TH that it is not. I don't fault Madness for developing accessories, the more the merrier. I'm just a bit disappointed that many of the items are developed for appearance's sake. The off-road adventurer customer mindset is very different from the street show-n-shine mindset of Southern California. If you're going to develop parts, do it for the former and it will still look the part for the latter too—both bases would be covered. Otherwise, you're only catering to folks who only want to look the part. I do applaud them for considering ABS as material for the flares. But, again, remains to be seen how it works on a TH (is it universal despite the different bumpers?).

I'd like to see a simpler/minimalist offering that does not have the side loops and serves mainly for mounting a LED light bar.

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We purchased the one seen in the pics and that is what we are using to develop parts on. There will be versions for both models. We do not want to simply make a generic version that fits both models since the front end looks significantly different on both models.

We are adding new accessories almost daily to our online store and also working on a number of other MADNESS products as well.

The firsts parts we will be introducing are:

2" Lift Kit
Wider Fender Flares
Front Bumper Bar (with light bar and without)
Roof Light Bar
Side Rails
Rear Bumper Bar (with light bar and without)
Wheel Adapters

There are a number of other parts in the works, but development and production costs a small fortune if the part is done correctly. As sales happen more and more funds will be invested in development of additional accessories.

fmunk said:

A forum member who frequently pushes G-Force products claims lifts exceeding 1" will not work since "front A arms will touch sub-frame when shox are full extended".

Can you refute, confirm or elaborate?

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Not yet.

What we can tell you is that the prototype is on our vehicle. We drove the vehicle around and it felt solid. We then drove the vehicle around the LV Convention Center for set up at the SEMA Show.

During that time we did not have any issues (besides the offset of the wheels which were temps for that show only).

Now that SEMA is done our Renegade is back and is now completely torn apart for Stage 2 of the build with the goal of getting it all done in 5 days in time for the LA Auto Show.

During the tear down we have not seen an issues.

After the LA Show we will then again tear apart the vehicle for additional modifications. At that time we will also finalize the bars, fender flares, light bar, lift kit along with several other items we are working on.

If something on the lift kit is not right we will not release it until it is. We plan on putting some miles on the prototypes prior to put anything in to production.

At this time we have both the G-Force and the Daystar kit in stock. Our MADNESS one is probably 30-60 days away (fingers crossed). We also have a full installation and fabrication shop on premises and have some Renegades already scheduled for lift kit install in the days ahead.

As soon as we get some installed and have a bit of free time (limited now since we have 10+ vehicles to get ready for the LA Show) we will also post those pics.

fmunk said:

Ok, all this sounds good on the surface but in my mind a flag has been raised. None of the described will test any of the lifts to the point where full up or down suspension travel will occur. Like how the suspension will actually be asked to do by any owner who intend to lift their Renegades not just for show.

And this goes to my earlier point. There are two camps of aftermarket clientele. Those who actually do go off-road and those who just want to look like they do. Cover the first group and you'd have the latter covered too.

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Maybe we were misunderstood.

We will not release anything prior to knowing it properly works.

We have a pretty knowledgeable staff and have put together things that are 10 times more complicated then this. If we can take a 1967 Mini Wagon, convert it from a 47hp front wheel drive car to a mid engine, 500+hp rear wheel driver monster we can easily handle this upgrade.

We have and continue to do a variety of custom projects from mild to wild. With that experience and also the fact that we have contracted some of the top minds in the custom design and fabrication business what we do finally put out will be a good quality product. If it ends up that the product we have invested in does not properly work then we will not release it.

We stock over 5,000 parts and accessories, install and fabricate on premises, have a great reputation and would not risk losing it over a lift kit.

If you would like to personally test out one of the prototypes when it is available and provide feedback we would be completely open it. If so, drop us a PM and we will be happy to reach out.