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Reader: In regard to your 4xForward "The End of the Wild West" (June '06), I was down in Moab this year for the 40th Jeep Safari and found that the changes were quite refreshing to see. It made our trails faster and smoother. Although we still ran into congestion from people who were ahead of us, it wasn't that bad.
The No. 1 problem is people not doing as they are asked. On some of the trails there were still people leaving their toilet paper about, and the stupid ATV and motorcycle riders would dangerously weave in and out of the line and run over anything they wanted to so they could pass us. When anyone said something to them they replied back with crude language. I thought I would never say this, but some of the restrictions that have been placed on us as a group are almost needed to keep jerks from losing it all for everyone.
I would hope that people who subscribe to this or any other 4x4 magazines have the common sense to do what is right. I really want to see my kids follow in my family's tradition of going to Moab and other places to enjoy the challenge and the beauty. I live in Idaho and they are starting to close land here because people just don't care. They were using it as a dump, which is sad, as these areas had a lot to offer everyone.
Kevin Williams
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Editor: Right on Kevin. We agree with you.
Reader: I read the letters in this column and it just kills me every time I read that someone thinks that you only cover Jeeps or that you only cover this or that. This is ridiculous. I have been a subscriber for years and own an '85 Toyota 4Runner and an '87 Chevy Diesel Suburban. Over the years I have found many helpful tech articles and all-around info on these and other vehicles aside from Jeeps. A few examples off the top of my head: David Kennedy went through a complete Banks Turbo install on his Diesel Blazer a few years ago and that article generated a ton of personal interest in this turbo system. I have since installed one on my 'Burb and consulted this article when doing so. More recently he went through putting a late-model supercharged GM 6.0L in the same vehicle. Also, Fred Williams put a Banks Sidewinder on his old Chevy Diesel Army Truck. He also did a bunch of other stuff to it that was outlined in several articles which were very informative. A while back Christian Hazel did a bunch of great articles on his '85 Toyota 4Runner. He did a motor install, a lift, bumpers, and I think a CanBack softtop. One issue that I still keep track of is the one where he goes through step by step installing new gears and lockers. I am going to tackle that feat at some point. Fred has Clampy so I still get my Toyota fix. Look at your last several Ultimate Adventure Vehicles (in no particular order): Chevy truck, Chevy Avalanche, Ford Super Duty. I think only the first one was a Jeep. Anyway, I could go on and on, really I could. Take off the freakin' blinders people! I love the mag. You guys do an outstanding job. I cannot see how you could be any more objective in your coverage. Keep up the great mag.
Greg Nelson
Eagle Mountain, UT
Editor: We think so too, Greg, and appreciate that you and the majority of our readers like what we do.
Reader: Why can't Nissan, Land Rover, Toyota, and Mitsubishi import some of the 4x4s they make for the Australian market? They look cooler than most of ours (like the Nissan Patrol and Land Cruiser 100) and they are probably more off-road capable than anything in their class here in the US. Is there any way I could find one here in the U.S., or find out how much it would cost to ship one over here? I am 15 and I want a Nissan Patrol Turbodiesel. They have solid front axles, whereas here in the U.S. all our newer SUVs are IFS and "fuel friendly." What can I do to get one? Is there anyone in your neck of the woods that sells them or any 4x4 from the Land Down Under?
James Phillips
Augusta, GA
Editor: We agree, and wish we could get some of those rigs here as well. You can investigate the gray-market rigs, but those from Aussie land will have right-hand drive, and we figure you have enough to learn about driving before you make that leap. We recently saw a solid-axle Nissan Patrol during the Dunlop Drivers cup; Dunlop brought them in from Germany for the event, and they were left-hand drive! Way cool, sturdy, and we wanted one. But most all of the OE manufacturers feel that the U.S. market demands a "carlike ride" so they stick us with IFS and other worthless sissified accoutrements instead of solid axles, truck-like ride, lockers, and a rollbar. Of course, developing countries or those with harsh environments know the worth of those components due to the superior durability and performance. What to do? Either get on a "focus group" that the OEs love to listen to, or move to where the vehicles are right.
Reader: Hey Mr. Pw, instead of building a new Ultimate Adventure project, what do you think about resurrecting your '45 GPW? Use a rebuilt 455 Buick, rebuild the SM420, upgrade to an Atlas, add Pro Rock 60s, 37-inch Boggers, and a new Matkins frame. That Jeep is what inspired me to get in to four-wheeling and I would love to see it with a "makeover." I would hate to see it made into a rock buggy like Ned Bacon's. If you are ever around New Hampshire, I belong to a club called Deep Woods Extreme and would love to take you guy's out wheeling "New England style."
Richard Sardano
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Editor: I'd like to do that as well, Rich, but time and money doesn't allow for that luxury. I'll be happy to pass the advice on to Ned Bacon though. I'm sure he'll appreciate it. I sure did!