Tire Math
I'm interested in the new Erod LS3 for a swap into my CJ-7 and was wondering if, on your UACJ ("Erod Action" Sept. '10, page 58), you changed the default settings for the gearing in the computer to match your actual setup. Or would that prevent it from passing smog? The install guide states that the drive ratios are programmed for 3.55:1 and are good for 3.08:1 to 4.11:1. Tire diameter needs to be 26-30 inches. I live in California.
Mike Gibbel
Aliso Viejo, CA
Mike, we didn't need to change anything in the computer, and it works great. As you state, we could have 28.19-inch-tall tires and 4.10 gears. Doing some quick tire and gear math verifies that this is the same as 37-inch-tall tires with 5.38 gears, which is what we are running.
Reader Rant
Dandy Diapers
I am a longtime subscriber who spends more time drag racing than thrashing around in the mud, but I had to finally write to help with an idea you guys might not be aware of.
I will start by saying I love the magazine. I have been a subscriber for a long time, and though the magazine has changed/added/dropped some features I am still very happy.
Do you guys ever want to go postal at some of the letters written in? I can't count the times I have screamed at my current issue because of somebody with a keyboard and no brain:
"How come you didn't put the Honda CR-V in the running for 4x4 of the Year? Are you afraid it would beat the Jeep Rubicon?"
"How come you don't have any tech articles on the Subaru Outback? With a couple hundred grand it would beat any rock buggy."
This one is my personal favorite: "I never see any AWD Astro Vans in your magazine." Seriously, I'm a diehard Mopar man and I squeal like a girl if I see a Ramcharger or someone mentions Jinxy, but I don't threaten to cancel my subscription if I don't see a Dodge in every issue.
To the reader who mentioned UA Lite, sign me up! A 33-35 tire size, only a rear locker, and milder trails-I love the idea. I know it's a huge job for Rick, but he does such a great job with the whole trip, not just the trail stuff. I know guys with more hardcore vehicles will call it Ultimate Pansy Adventure, but it could attract a new/rookie crowd to help the hobby.
Finally, why I wrote in the first place. I mentioned above that I am a drag racer. Due to the sport becoming a lot more commercial, many steps have been taken to reduce downtime in the action for the spectators when an engine lets loose. There are all kinds of engine diapers that do exactly what you think they would do. They keep the fluids/parts contained when an engine explodes. I haven't seen any mention of this in any article, so I wasn't sure if it had been incorporated into the off-road world. I think something like this could definitely help to keep the environmentalists off our backs.
Once again, great mag, and thanks for letting me rant.
Frank DeVeglio
West Islip, NY
Thanks, Frank, we appreciate your rant and the kudos! It so happens that we have actually used diapers and absorbent feminine products on various cracked cases and leaky engines over the years. We always carry some in the toilet paper section anyway, and oftentimes it makes the difference between leaving a trail and actually cleaning up ATF when it dumps out or boils over. I doubt we'll have a Pampers shootout, but we do recommend carrying these kinds of items on the trail to keep us green.
Submission Information
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