*Ford would like to sell a million F-series trucks during a model year once its production facilities are up to full speed, and it's getting closer to that goal. Speaking at the recent National Automotive Dealers Association annual meeting, Ford Division President Steve Lyons said the company should sell at least 912,000 F-Series trucks this year, beating its own 911,597-unit record for fullsize pickups set in 2001. Last year, Ford sold 845,586 F-series trucks.
Coolest Reading Places
No, school does not mean you still do not have to read at home.
J. Craig Williams, Penn State Extension, Wellsboro, PA
[Editor's note: Before any of you call child protective services in Pennsylvania, you should know that the youngsters subjected to this "torture" are the niece and nephew of our own dairy farmer and resident jokester, Fred Williams. He assures us no children were harmed in the making of this photo. The magazine copies, however, were.]
JeepSpeed's Round 1 Goes to Thompson
Patience pays off, especially in desert racing. Barrie Thompson is experienced enough to know that, and he used it to full advantage to win the first event in JeepSpeed's 2004 racing season.
JeepSpeed is an organization dedicated to Cherokee desert race trucks, and it held its first race in conjunction with the Best in the Desert Blue Water Resort & Casino Parker 425 in Parker, Arizona. Some 15 JeepSpeed competitors turned out for the race, in Pro and Stock classes. From the start Thompson shadowed Casey Currie driving the lead Cherokee, waiting for an opportunity to get by. He got his chance when Currie bounced off a rock in the rough and broke a shock mount. From there Thompson cruised the last 40 miles to victory in the Pro class. Arizona rookie Tim Hayosh won the Stock class. For more information on JeepSpeed racing, visit www.jeepspeed.com.
Recalls
If you own one of the following vehicles and haven't been notified by the maker that your vehicle is under recall, get yourself down to your local dealer to find out if the recall affects your 4x4.
*'02 Dodge Ram: On certain pickup trucks, the detent system on the exterior mirror housings may break, potentially affecting the rearward field of vision. Dealers will install a mirror detent retainer kit to correct this condition.
*'02 Dodge Ram: On certain pickup trucks, the electrical connector at the bottom of the steering column contains an undersized terminal for the HVAC blower motor circuit. Localized heating from current flow with the blower speed set on high may cause the terminal contacts to relax and lose electrical contact. This can cause the HVAC blower motor to become inoperative. This condition could cause poor defroster performance, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will install a wiring harness overlay to correct this condition.
*'02 Isuzu Axiom: Information obtained from a NHTSA head impact test conducted to evaluate compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact," indicates that there is a possibility of an increased risk of head injury in a crash. These vehicles will be modified to enhance the head impact crash protection for front seat occupants.
*'01-'03 Toyota Tacoma: On certain double-cab pickup trucks, during side-impact NCAP testing, a flange at the rear end of the body deformed and contacted the fuel inlet hose that connects the fuel filler pipe and fuel tank, resulting in damage to the fuel inlet hose. This damage could result in fuel leakage, which could result in a fire in the presence of an ignition source. Dealers will install a fuel hose protector on the body flange. Owners may contact Toyota at 800/331-4331.
Calendar
May 23 The Spring Mud Fling at the Muddy Run Raceway, Smoke Run, PA. Information: 814/378-5723, www.muddyrunraceway.com.
May 28-30 Baltimore Four Wheelers 9th annual Off Highway Extravaganza, Paragon Adventure Park, Hazelton, PA. Information: www.baltimore4wheelers.com.