Saving more fuel
Reader: I just have a quick comment on the "50 Tips" article (Apr. '06). I think you folks overlooked one more option: synthetic gearbox lubes. I have a Suzuki Samurai, and I changed to Amsoil Severe Gear in both diffs, transfer case, and transmission. I can tell you the stuff works. My lockers work smoother, and the trans and transfer case just shift better, even when working it hard on a hot day. Just thought I'd throw in my two cents' worth.
Mike
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Editor: We've seen real improvements in many respects by switching to synthetic lubes, and recommend it for those who can afford it. Thanks for reminding us.
KJ Bashing
Reader: In response to the letter by Shawn Crowe on the bashing of the KJ (Apr. '06), I would have to say get used to it. Any new vehicle that does not look like a CJ is going to take a fair amount of heat from many of the classic Jeepers. I wheel an '89 Cherokee and I have received my fair share of flack from not only unknown people on the trail, but even some of the clubs that I ran with. This is despite the fact that my rig would go just about anywhere any CJ could go and in some cases handle the terrain better. Granted there are drawbacks of the longer body and I have been known to get my rig into trouble in some of the tight spots between trees; which has earned me the CB handle "Wedgie." What you have to realize is that each vehicle has its own strengths and weaknesses and that as people see more modified KJs on the trail they will slowly accept them as they did with the YJ, TJ, XJ, and so on. Most of the capable rigs on the trail are so far from how they came off the assembly line that it is silly to flip someone crap over what brand or model they drive. One should judge the vehicle on its capability and not just on what it was born as.
Galen Gorence
Garfield, WA
Editor: Right you are, Galen. We couldn't agree more.
Ultimate Adventure Videos
Reader: I am a big Ultimate Adventure fan. I have all the Ultimate Adventure videos from 2001 to 2005. I was wondering if there was a video for the Ultimate Adventure 2000. If there is one, how can I get one to add to my collection? I was also wondering if you sold the Ultimate Adventure shirts or were they just for the participants. I think the Ultimate Adventure was a great idea. It has inspired me to hit the trails more often. I have been working on my '95 Jeep Wrangler YJ since 2003 trying to get it up to the Ultimate Adventure requirements. All I need is a set of lockers and I'll be ready. Thanks for making the Ultimate Adventure and I hope one day to be one of the lucky readers to get to ride with you.
Matthew Teffeteller
Walland, TN
Editor: Sorry, Matthew, we didn't have a video crew with us in 2000, so no video is available. Keep working on your Wrangler and keep hitting the trails, that's what wheeling is all about.
Import Imports and Petersen
Reader: I have been seeing pictures of early-to-mid '90s crew cab Toyota Hi-Lux pickups for years now. On a recent trip to Mexico, I saw that they are everywhere! Why can't I find any in the U.S.? With all of the wacky imported cars I see on eBay, it seems that there should be a good amount of import Hi-Luxes for sale. Where can I find one in the U.S.? Are they expensive? Why doesn't anyone else seem to notice these ultimate trucks? Please help! Thanks.
Marty
Houston, TXv
PS: I have been reading your magazine for about six years now and still cannot figure out who Petersen is.
Editor: Yes, the vehicles you see in Mexico are pretty cool, just like the fullsize Ramcharger which Dodge produced there in the late '90s after they quit making them here. Most of these types of vehicles do not comply with U.S. emissions and safety regulations, and aren't legally importable. As far as your second question, Robert Petersen started Hot Rod magazine on a shoestring back in 1949 by printing the mag himself and selling it to racers on the dry lake beds of Southern California. While building his publishing empire, he launched Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine as a one-time special issue of Hot Rod magazine in 1978. The Petersen's was meant to separate it from the other 4x4 magazines on the market (the same reasoning is behind Petersen's Guns & Ammo). Petersen sold the company in 1997, and we went through a series of owners until Primedia took over in 2002. We keep Petersen's in our title for its proud historical significance as the leader of the 4x4 magazine scene.
Point Taken:
No Whiners!
It seems that no matter what you guys have done lately, somebody gets all wound up about it and threatens to either not renew or quit purchasing your publication altogether. Who are these people? Do they always tuck their tails in and just start running if something does not go their way? I've been a subscriber for many years. I don't agree with everything that you put in the mag, but come on. They don't like the winners of 4x4 of the Year. Not enough features on vehicles that they like or too many bikini girls. The list goes on and on. And now you've pissed off some backwoods Republicans. Oh my. I will keep subscribing as I like your mag and I like wheeling. I want to be informed about the things others do and what's new on the market. But first and foremost it is about having fun with what you do and share that fun with likeminded people. And I mean likeminded as in wheeling together, wrenching together and having fun. No whiners, like you point out every year for the Ultimate Adventure, which is a good motto. Let's keep it that way, and for crying out loud, have some fun!
Roger
via 4wheeloffroad.com