Reader: First off, I very much enjoy your magazine. I own an '85 Ford F-150 and a '78 Chevy Suburban K10. In your "Diesel Extravaganza" article (Sept. '07) there are some problems. I'm a Chrysler certified master technician that works on a lot of diesel trucks-regardless of what the manufacturers say-and everything that you did to the 2006 Dodge Ram (except the chrome exhaust tip) voided the Cummins warranty on the truck. Any time parts are replaced we have to call into our hotline to get authorization, and the first thing they ask is, "Have there been any performance modifications done?" followed by 5 million questions about test results from flow checks, engine controller data, trouble codes, and so on. I have personally run into this with a customer that had a Banks box on his truck and had to buy an $1,800 fuel-injection pump. Chrysler doesn't like cold-air intakes or anything being added on to enhance the performance in any way, shape, or form. People need to be aware of this, because at $3,000 for a set of injectors, it would be a costly experience if they were to bring a truck into a dealership and had anything done to their truck. Keep up the good work.
Kevin Smallwood
Lawrenceville, IL
Editor: Good point. The truth of the matter is that people will hop up their 4x4s regardless of the warranty implications, and they should know what they are dealing with. Thanks for the reminder.
Reader: Is there any way to purchase Toyota Hilux surfs or four-door Jeep Wranglers with diesels here in America? They are all over Japan, Australia, and the UK. Everywhere but here. I'm in the market for '96 or '97 diff-locked 450s or Land Cruisers, but a manual and a diesel would be awesome. Surely somebody imports and sells them. I have seen righthand-drive Supras running around, so why not 4x4s? Thanks for the great mag.
George Turner
Wichita, KS
Editor: Gray market and single import 4x4s are indeed out and about, but it takes a bit of cash to legally import said vehicles due to our stringent EPA emissions restrictions and DOT and FMVSS safety requirements. Like anything else, you can either build it yourself or pay for it, as anything is possible.
Reader: I love your mag, but I had a question about your supposed ranking of the 2007 4x4 of the Year (Feb. '07). Where the heck is the Nissan Xterra? I looked at all the available 4x4s, and from what I saw, the Jeep (as always) should be ranked very high, especially in Rubicon format. However, the Nissan Xterra Offroad is easily as good, or better, for much less money. How come this rig never shows up in tests? Are you afraid it will knock off the venerable magazine favorite...the Jeep? Thanks for a fabulous magazine.
Sgt. Steven I. Szabo
WAARNG B Co. 1/161 Infantry (Mech)
Editor: Well, Sarge, the reason the Xterra wasn't tested was because it didn't meet the requirements of being all new or substantially revised for that model year. The Jeep Wrangler was completely new, as were some of the other 4x4s. When the Xterra has a redesign next year, we'll be sure to include it in our lineup.
Reader: I recently purchased a used '95 Land Rover Discovery. It has a 3.9L V-8 with high mileage, but the price was good and the reputation of Land Rovers being very capable 4x4s is good. My problem is finding any aftermarket performance goodies. I would like to get more power and fuel economy. I was thinking headers, a lift kit, an open-element air filter, and any other general upgrades. Any help finding distributors of these would be appreciated. Also, how come we don't see any Land Rovers in this mag unless it is in context of the Camel Trophy?
Jason Aldrich
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Editor: You don't find a lot of Rover hop-up parts because there aren't that many. One place to try is British Pacific here in California (661.257.8634, www.britishpacific.com), who specialize in these great rides. If there were any more Camel Trophy events, we'd cover them, but they were discontinued years ago.