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 envelope 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:
nuts@4wheeloffroad.com
Spline on you Mind
Question: Will an NP205 transfer case behind a 400 turbo transmission bolt up to a stock four-speed tranny out of a '78 Chevy 3/4-ton?
Chris L.
via 4wheeloffroad.com
A. | 
B. | |
Answer: No. The four-speed transmission out of a '78 Chevy 3/4-ton is an SM465. If it's a 4x4 trans, it has a 10-spline output (A). If it's two-wheel drive it has a 35-spline output, but unfortunately the NP205 found behind TH400 automatics has a 32-spline input (B). If you have a two-wheel-drive you will need to swap the output shaft from 35-spline to 10-spline and then get the 10-spline input and coupler from Off Road Design (970.945.7777). You will still need to find the factory adapter between the SM465 and NP205. Another option is to order ORD's 32-spline SM465 output shaft and adapter. A final option is to find an SM465 bolted to an NP205 found in an '85 to early-'90s 1-ton truck.
Built Bronco
Question: I was wondering if y'all know if the coilovers on John Hughbanks Bronco are one-offs or if someone makes a mount kit for them.
Landon
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: The suspension on John Hughbanks Bronco (Nov. '06 cover truck) is a completely custom fabricated design from his up-and-coming shop, One-Ton Off Road in Littlerock, California. He uses 14- and 16-inch King coilover shocks (714.530.8701), but all the mounts were custom. If you are looking for brackets, Heim joints, link arms, and components to build your own four-link suspension, check out Poison Spyder Customs (303.777.4820), Cage Off Road (866.587.2243), Blue Torch Fabworks (334.673.2755), and Poly Performance (805.783.2060)
Can't be Swayed
Question: I recently purchased a '90 4Runner with a funny creaking sound from the front end. Upon crawling underneath it, I found that the bushings on the sway bar were badly worn and the metal shank that is normally surrounded by these bushings appeared to be rubbing.
Due to rust, I broke all four bolts that mount the sway bar to the frame when trying to remove them. I figure the sway bar was just extra weight, since I have been driving around without it for about six months. My friends think I'm crazy or stupid. I think I'm brave. Other than the occasional high-speed wobble on the freeway and the downright kamikaze behavior while hydroplaning over puddles, is there any reason to replace the sway bar? Will other components wear out more quickly? Should I contact a notary and fill out a will?
By the way, the funny creaking sound left with the derelict sway bar. Thanks for helping a newbie. Nobody around here has given any direction other than pointing and laughing, or staring at me horrified.
Trevor
Canada
Answer: If it doesn't act funny and you can drive it I think you'll be fine. The sway bar is simply there to help control body roll or lean on cornering, but it can also limit wheel travel. Your 4Runner has independent front suspension, and I removed the sway bar on my IFS Chevy and Toyota to gain more wheel travel and haven't had any ill results.
There is a slight bit more sway on corners at mid to high speed, but nothing you can't get used to. In fact, I think your wobble is probably due to worn steering components more than the sway bar being gone. One thing to watch though is the increased wear of your tires common to many long-travel independent suspensions.
Fiber-Leaves
Question: I have a question about the new Teraflex Fiberflex springs. I am building an '88 YJ for my first car with my dad and we wanted to know how much the new kit is and where we can get it. We found it on a search within the Teraflex site but could not find a price.
Steven
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: I called Tera Manufacturing (801.288.2585) and got the suggested retail price of $286 per spring. Visit www.teraflex.biz and you can find the dealer locator page. Or type in the following address: http://teraflex.biz/pages/teraUSAdealers.htm and you'll get a list of U.S. dealers.