Reader: I just read the Chevy IFS lift kit test article ("Chevy Runaround," Jan. '07). Although I think a test like this is a great idea, not everyone wants a SAS. I do, however, disagree with some of the points Mr. Jones made. One in particular was the preference for knuckle-type kits and kits that required a new front driveshaft. Knuckle kits usually do not require a new front driveshaft because they don't drop the front differential a full 6 inches. The lower control arms get a 6-inch drop, but the diff only goes 4.5 inches or so and the difference is compensated for with CV spacers and a widened track up front. This can create some nasty CV angles. This problem is compounded when the owner tries to crank the torsion bars a little, or the front end lifts under power going up a hill, and usually results in broken parts. The kits that use the factory knuckles drop the diff a full 6 inches and retain the factory track width. Aside from more wearing parts in the steering and the occasional creak and groan from the front suspension, I feel the front full drop kits hold up a lot better. I am surprised there were no broken CVs or tie rods during the test. Otherwise it was a great test. Keep up the good work.
Anthony Garza
San Benito, TX
Editor: Regardless of lift style or design, installing larger tires and wheels on all of the vehicles stress the axles and steering components. Tech Editor Fred Williams has been investigating weak links of IFS systems, and writes about them in the ongoing series of the Red Sled. Stay tuned for more information.
Reader: This question is for Jerrod Jones: In your "Chevy Runaround" story (Jan. '07) I noticed the picture with the silver Chevy and the black Ford having a tug-o-war on page 50. Who won this contest? It looks like the Ford but nothing was mentioned about the picture in the story.
Shylock Martinez
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Editor: Jerrod Jones responds: Ha ha, funny guy. You must be a Ford fan. This Super Duty was running 22-inch wheels and full tire pressure. We took some time out of our test to pull this guy out after he buried his truck.
Reader: First, I love the magazine (the same words that every good subscriber utters). Everything about your magazine keeps my salivary glands well lubricated from month to month. Your dedication and continued coverage from old to new is much appreciated. I was reminded just recently after reading In Box (Jan. '07), about the Ultimate FJ Cruiser Coloring Contest ("Ultimate FJ," July '06). Needless to say, I had not been that excited since coloring Santa Claus as a kid to win the big stocking! That very day I broke out the Crayolas and paint markers and got to work. But I have seen in previous issues that your FJ Cruiser project vehicle had a different paint job other than stock. Is the bacteria/algae-green with orange UFO markings the winner? Who did win? Who chose the winning entry and how did you decide? The consumers have a right to know! By the way, if you need a place to park that FJ, my garage is always open! Also, if I can't get the plate through your contest...can I at least get it via Letter of the Month?
Christopher J. Ellefson
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Editor: Yes, the slime-green paint job is what won our contest, and we are now in the process of fulfilling our obligations. It's amazing how difficult it is to buck the corporate structure to offer cool premiums like this. As for the license-plate offer, we ran out of plates due to the overwhelming response we had. We've sent out hundreds of plates already, and have more on order. We try our best, but we sure could use another staffer if you're looking for a job. Of course, your first assignment would to be stuffing license plates in envelopes!
Reader: I just received my Jan. '07 issue and I am missing pages 35 to 42 and 83 to 90. I read in the In Box that to get the free stickers or booklets you have to buy the magazine from the newsstand. Do I have to buy off the newsstand to get a complete magazine too? What gives?
Dennis Cline
Havre, MT
Editor: Our printer sometimes screws up and misses a few pages so send us your subscription information and we'll take care of it immediately. You can drop us an e-mail from our Web site, 4wheeloffroad.com.
Reader: In response to "Why do you buy the Magazine?" in a recent editorial, I can give only one response: to see what others are doing. I am an owner of a well modified Nissan Xterra, a vehicle which is well ignored in the aftermarket arena yet is born from one of the oldest off-roading bloodlines, younger brother to the Nissan Patrol. I would like to see your publication give more attention to the small non-corporate level shops who continue to bring a high level of unique and innovative designs to our sport. Search the Web, your Readers' Rides, and the trailhead. Hit the dirt. Discover who made that new custom part which is kicking the butt of the big name, mass-produced components. Two such shops I would like to plug are Spencer Low Racing (www.spencerlowracing.com) and Shrockworks (www.shrockworks.com). Both make great products for both the rock and desert trails.
David Cheli
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Editor: Thanks for the input. We think that's one reason why many of our readers buy the mag. We appreciate the Xterra as well, but getting a real Patrol with a solid front axle (not available in the U.S.) would be exceedingly cool, and we'd be wheeling it instead of writing this column. As for hitting the dirt and checking out the small manufacturers, we actually do that all the time, and even have a wrapup of products this month that we saw at the SEMA Show and only a few are from the big manufacturers.