Final CTC
I’ve been enjoying the CTC series as well as appreciating the budget analogy. As a retiree with a disability, my “disposable” income is right up there with the 17-year-old burger flipper. I took exception, however, to David Freiburger’s comment about Scout parts availability (“Hot Rod Bronco,” Sept. ’12). I’ve had one or more Scout IIs since 1978, and like any other rig, it’s a matter of learning where to look. They use Dana 44 rear, and 30 or 44 front diffs, as well as Dana transfer cases, usually 20s, BorgWarner three- or four-speed standard transmissions, or 727 Torqueflite automatics (with an I.H. bolt pattern main case). All of which are rather easy to come by.
Our current Cheap Truck is a ’79 Scout Traveller with a 345 I.H. V-8 (never opened up), 44s front and rear, 727 trans, and a 20 case. Mods include: Bullhide treated floorboards and cargo area and a 2-inch body lift (both raffle prizes), a suspension lift made from two used sets of springs, 33x12.50s on 15x10 chrome steel rims from a “Jeeper” who upgraded, and Rancho RS 5000 shocks (had to buy them. Bummer!). Total outlay to date, including purchase price four years ago, approximately $3,500. Hope prospective Cheap Truck shoppers won’t turn away just because the rig is a Scout.
Enjoy the mag. Hey Fred, didn’t know ’Burbans could soar like eagles. Cool.
Ralph Caputo (aka Binder Nut)
Twisp, WA
Old or new, young or old, we love a deal! Thanks for the note.
Contact Patch
First off, thanks for a great magazine. I am looking for specific information on tire contact patch and how it relates to weight distribution to the ground. I have been wheeling for 15 years. I have been driving a ’95 Jeep YJ for the last six years. I currently run 33x10.5 BFG ATs. It will be time to change tires soon. I would like to run the KM2s or MTRs. I would like to run 32x11.5, 33x10.5, or 33x12.5. I can’t seem to find specific information on how much the difference in tire size relates to the contact patch, which directly relates to psi on the ground. I can’t wade through any more off-road forums filled with rambling knowitalls. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work!
Luke Bagley
Granite Falls, WA
Here’s the skinny on tire width and diameter as they relate to contact patch size. A taller tire will have a longer patch, and a wider tread will have a wider patch. Simple math, but true. However, the tire sizes you list have nearly indiscernible differences in contact patch area as far as performance/flotation gains or losses are concerned. In your case you can alter the size of the patch more by adjusting tire pressure than by picking the biggest or smallest tire.
Reader Rant
Where’s My Clock, Dude?
I have been subscribing to your magazine and also Four Wheeler magazine for years. My mom has paid for both of them all this time. This year money got tight and she told me to pick which magazine I wanted and I picked yours. I just received a renewal notice, and I checked my subscription on your website and it showed that on June 20 my subscription was renewed till 2013. My mom looked over the notice and saw that you are offering new customers that pay for three years a free clock. I have been with you for quite a long time. I think that I should get a clock for my continued loyalty. My mom was very mad and said I should have picked Four Wheeler instead.
Cody Thompson
Via email
We are sorry you have tough times and need to pick one mag, but we’re happy that you made the right decision. We feel you deserve a clock too, but our subscription department only goes for new readers. We can’t even get the swag unless we subscribe to ourselves! Send us your address and we’ll send you a 4WOR plate for your continued loyalty. Oh, and Four Wheeler is our sister magazine, so we both have the same subscription department. They wouldn’t send you a clock either.
Submission Information
4-Wheel & Off-Road welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must include an address or a telephone number so the sender can be verified. Once verified, your name may be withheld at your request. Letters published in this magazine reflect the opinions of the writers, and we reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, or other purposes. Due to the large volume of mail we receive, we regret that we cannot reply to unpublished letters or return photos. Digital photos must measure no less than 1600 x 1200 pixels (or two megapixels) and be saved as a TIFF, an EPS, or a maximum-quality JPEG file. Write to: Editor, 4-Wheel & Off-Road, 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245; fax 310.531.9368 Email to: 4wheeloffroad@sorc.com