*'03 Nissan Frontier XE: An incorrect size spare-tire wheel was provided on certain V-6-equipped trucks. When installed on the front of the vehicle, the wheel rim will contact the brake caliper, which could result in wear on the caliper and/or wheel rim. Continued usage of the spare-tire wheel at the front location can also result in loosening the lug nuts and deteriorating braking performance. Dealers will replace the spare-tire wheel with a new one, and remount the spare tire on it.
Dog Days Of Summer To Test Diesels
Are you proud of your diesel truck? Figure it's the biggest, baddest 4x4 around? Want a chance to prove it? Take your shot at the first annual Dog Days of Summer truck event June 27-28 in Aberdeen, Idaho.
Hosted by Bully Dog Technologies, maker of performance parts and accessories for diesel pickups, Dog Days will feature two events where diesel truck owners can test their rigs' performance potential: a sled pull and a dyno test. The top three finishers in each event will be awarded cash and prizes, say the Bully Dog folks.
If you want to put your oil burner to the test, contact Bully Dog for all the event details: 208/397-3200 or www.bullydog.com.
Political & Environmental Watch
Our friends at SEMA's Washington, D.C., office have been keeping a close eye on legislation that could affect our hobby. If any of these bills affects vehicle regulations in your state, be sure to contact your local representative to express your view on how he or she should vote on the issue. They are, after all, your representative in government. If you're not sure how to get in touch with your local law makers, visit this link on SEMA's Enjoy the Drive Web site for assistance: www.enjoythedrive.com/legislative/contact_legislator.asp. More information on all of these bills is also available on Enjoythedrive.com or SEMA.org.
*Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Following California's lead, Connecticut, Hawaii, and New York have introduced legislation to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide. In all three cases the regulations are similar to California's and won't take effect until 2009. SEMA sees all of these bills-S.B. 712 (Connecticut), S.B. 1681 (Hawaii) and A.B. 4082 (New York)-as "back-door efforts by environmentalists to set fuel-economy standards, an authority exclusively reserved for the Federal government. Because carbon dioxide is given off whenever gasoline is burned, the only way to cut emissions is to make vehicles that burn less gasoline or vehicles driven by electricity or other means." SEMA urges you to contact your legislator to oppose these bills.
*Emissions Inspection Exemption: Arizona's legislation that would exempt motor vehicles 25 years old or older from the state's mandatory emissions inspection and maintenance program has been renumbered. Formerly known as H.B. 2387, it's now H.B. 2238. SEMA encourages you to contact your legislator in support of this bill.
*Aftermarket Exhaust Ban: Massachusetts has been trying to ban the sale or installation of "an exhaust system which has been modified in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the exhaust" by introducing a number of bills. The most recent is H.B. 1722. Contact your legislator to oppose this bill.
*Aftermarket Lightbar Ban: West Virginia has introduced a bill-S.B. 370-that would only allow OEM lightbars. This bill would effectively ban the sale, installation, and use of aftermarket lightbars equipped with aftermarket lighting equipment intended for off-highway use. The bill also mandates that the lights be installed or aimed under the direction of the vehicle manufacturer. Obviously we're against this one too.
Calendar Of Events
June 5-7 Annual Moab Off-Road Adventure, two days of guided 4WD trails in Moab, UT. Information: www.moaboffroadadventure.com.