Submission information
Confused? E-mail your questions about trucks, 4x4's, and off-roading tech using "Nuts, I'm confused" as the subject and include a picture (if it's applicable). Digital photos must measure no less than 1600 x 1200 pixels (or two megapixels) and be saved as a TIFF, an EPS, or a maximum-quality JPEG file. Also, I'll be checking the forums on our Web site (www.4wheeloffroad.com), and if I see a question that I think more of you might want to have answered, I'll print that as well. Otherwise drop it old-school style with the postal service addressed to the address below. Letters published in this magazine reflect the opinions of the writers, and we reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, or other purposes.
Write to:
Nuts & Bolts
4-Wheel & Off-Road
6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048-5515
fax 323.782.2704
E-mail to:
fred.williams@primedia.com
Where can I get...
Question: The "Indispensable 4x4 Shop Guide" that was polybagged into newsstand issues of Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road?
Amanda
Louisiana
Answer: Those booklets (there were three in the series) were only available for our newsstand customers, but we have a few of them left, so tell us if you want number one, two, or three and send a self-addressed triple-stamped manila envelope to:
Jeff Nasi
4-Wheel & Off-Road Publisher
I Want That Book
6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
And we'll send them till we run out.
Question: A body or suspension lift for my '92 Toyota 4Runner that will clear 35- or 36-inch tires?
Rici
Virginia
Answer: If you want to keep the independent front suspension, look into the Gen 2 coilover conversion caddy kit with a 2-inch body lift from Total Chaos Fabrication, 951.737.9682, www.chaosfab.com. If you would rather plunge into a solid axle swap, contact All Pro Off Road (951.658.7077, www.allprooffroad.com), which can supply everything from springs and hangers to a new front axle.
Question: The bumper on the Toyota in your Nov. '05 issue, page 26?
Shane
Louisiana
Answer: That actual bumper was custom-built by Nong 4x4 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, but it looks very similar to an ARB Toyota Hi-Lux bull bar. Find it at www.arbusa.com or call 206.264.1669.
Question: A pair of military convoy (blackout) lights?
Mooscountry
via the 4WOR forum
Answer: A great place for any sort of military vehicle part is Boyce Equipment. If they don't have it in stock, they can point you in the best direction to find it. Call 800.748.4269 or visit them online at www.boyceequipment.com.
Question: A bolt-on four-link suspension?
Yotafreak
via the 4WOR forum
Answer: Based on your name we'll assume that you are looking for a four-link kit for a Toyota, but unfortunately there is no bolt-on kit available. We understand your desire to use a four-link design since it can greatly improve the performance of the suspension by controlling axlewrap, allowing controlled flex and articulation, and efficiently transferring driving forces to the ground and thus moving your 4x4 forward. However, you must also understand that a link suspension has many variables, and one universal bolt-on kit will not result in the best performing suspension, even for the same make, model, and year 4x4 since it depends on everything from center of gravity, size of tires you are running, and weight distribution to get optimum results. We recognize the hot trend right now to use a four-link suspension on everything, and rightfully so, but at the same time a good leaf-spring suspension will outperform a four-link suspension that is not correctly designed or installed.
If you do decide to design and build a four-link suspension, you may want to check out the reprint of our 4-link Tech story (June and July '03) that is now available on our Web site (www.4wheeloffroad.com) under the suspension tech section.