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.
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
Skylar's Suzuki
Question: I'm 13 and just received an '87 Suzuki Samurai as a gift (minus a summer full of lawn mowing and farm work). I want to build it up to be a trail-worthy rig that will some day be my daily driver. I have a little over a grand to spend on it until I can get a job to support my project. The drivetrain is the stock 1.3L and five-speed tranny. The tranny seems to be in good running order but the 1.3 is a little worn out. I plan to swap it out for a 2.8L Chevy V-6, but I want to still use the Suzuki five-speed. I understand that some of the staff in your office is not too fond of this motor. I understand your views, but plan to use it because I don't have the money to get a healthier 1.3 and the 2.8 is a cheap (free) option I already have in my possession. I have the mechanical abilities via my dad to do the swap. Importantly, is this combo possible? What will I need to do to make it possible? Are there any companies that produce a product that will make this combo work? Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.
Skylar, via 4wor.com
Answer: I couldn't find anyone with a kit to swap in the 2.8 and truthfully I have the 1.3 in my Samurai and I think it's just fine for a beginner trail rig. I would leave it alone for now and concentrate on gearing upgrades. With only $1,000, I wouldn't get into a complicated engine swap as it will only open up a can of worms. Plus I don't know anyone who likes that 2.8L V-6, and some people would rather have the 1.3 than the 2.8 due to the dismal V-6 performance. If you do want to swap the engine in the future, look into the Suzuki Sidekick 1.6L four-cylinder, as it is an easy and proven swap upgrade. If it was me, I would get a 5:1 gearset for the transfer case and some 29-inch mud tires and go have fun. I run similar gears and with a set of lockers I get into plenty of trouble with my 'Zuki.
Blue Flame Jeepin'
Question: After reading "Blue Flame Bow Tie" (June '07), I want to know where a guy can get a liquid propane injection system for a Jeep 4.0 straight six.
Galen, Arizona
Answer: Try www.gotpropane.com or call 480.430.8033. They have a kit that uses the carbureted ignition systems to reduce the complicated wiring system of the fuel injection, but unfortunately it's not emissions-legal.
2 Just isn't 4
Question: Several years ago, I read of a man who replaced the rearend in his truck with a locking rearend. He also replaced the rear tires with aggressive off-road tires. He claimed that truck worked as well off road as most 4x4s.
Is that possible? If so, I am planning to purchase a Dodge Ram 1500 with a Hemi and an automatic transmission and do the same. I would like your recommendation on the following:
1. Which locking rearend and ratio?
2. Which tires and size on the rear and the front?
3. Would you raise the truck, and if so, how much?
Adolph, via 4wor.com
Answer: Yes and no. In the past I would have agreed that a two-wheel-drive truck with a locking rear differential can do very well off road, but the more I think about it, the less I tend to agree that they can be as capable as a four-wheel-drive truck with open differentials. An open four-wheel-drive allows the front tires to help steer and pull the truck up obstacles that otherwise the truck would require the rear axle to push up, and if you don't have much of a load in the bed you may end up spinning tires looking for traction with the frontend jammed into an obstacle. Remember there is that constant weight of the engine over your front tires aiding traction as well. If you can only afford a two-wheel drive then go the rear locker route for sure. Though it will impress you with its ability, I don't think it is equal to a four-wheel-drive.
That being said, if it was me I would choose a selectable locker first (ARB or Elocker), unless there isn't one available for your truck, then I would go with a full-time locker (Detroit). As for tires, I would run a slightly larger-than-stock mud tire unless you want to do a gear change as well. However, I wouldn't waste time lifting a two-wheel-drive truck. All that will do is allow larger tires, which with only rear-wheel drive will make forward travel even more cumbersome.
In Need of Better Treads
Question: I have a '94 Dodge 1500 4x4 with a 2-inch lift front and rear, and I need tires. My problem is that I don't know which tires would best fit my needs. I drive most of my miles on gravel or dirt roads with minimal highway driving. I see a lot of mud and snow and occasional runs in the sand. So my thoughts are to go with a mud-terrain tire, but don't know which offers the best bang for buck. I already have 16x8s and so am planning on going with 285s on my truck.
Jonathan, Nebraska
Answer: Can I suggest the Cooper Discoverer STT (www.coopertire.com)? It's a tire not commonly seen in many ads or magazines in the States, but I recently returned from Australia and they love that tire down there where they often will drive for hundreds and hundreds of miles on dirt and gravel roads. I tested some a few years back and found them to be a great performer in most terrains other than extreme rockcrawling. Most any mud tire will work for you, and coincidently Cooper makes quite of few of the mud tires for other companies. Of course, everyone is different so you may not like the ride, look, or price of the Cooper versus some other tire, but consider it amongst your other choices.