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
Question: I have a '79 Bronco that I purchased a few years ago for $350. My wife thinks it's ugly and my friends think I should have just bought a Jeep, but I love it. I have replaced the engine, added a small lift and 35s. I have also upgraded to an Aussie locker, better brakes, homebuilt bumpers, and new seats. My confusion is I would like to make a rollcage to protect my girls, my wife, and myself. What is the cheapest way for me to bend tubing to make a rollcage? When I ask around (local shops, wheelers), everybody says to spend $600 or more on a bender or have a shop do it. Is there a cheaper way to get this done at home? Can you help a cheap dad?
Vince G.
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: I understand your situation, but before you balk at $600 consider how much your family's lives are worth. A quality rollcage is an important investment, and not something to skimp on. I would recommend at a minimum using 1 3/4-inch by 0.120-wall tubing, preferably 2-inch diameter for your fullsize 4x4. Though there are cheap "pipe" benders out there they should not be confused with "tube" benders. Pipe benders crimp the tubing in the corners, and this stresses the tubing and makes it weaker. Why not look into a cage kit for your Bronco. I found two varieties from All4Fun Off Road (541.928.8600 www.broncobob.com) and both are under $600. However, they do require truck freight. In my conversations with them I learned that you would still need to trim the height to fit perfectly in your Bronco and do all the welding yourself, but all the tubes are bent and notched to fit your Bronco.
Since your question was helpful and enlightening to more than just a few of our readers, we've decided to award you this month's Tech Letter of the Month with a very enlightening prize, a set of the new 9-inch round HID lights from Pro Comp Motorsports (619.216.1444, www.procompmotorsports.com). These high-intensity floodlights feature a built-in ballast and clear heat-resistant protective lens. Plus the durable ABS housing is rugged and impact resistant so you should be able to see your way no matter how crazy you get off road after dark.
Question: I have a set of 33x11.5 Baja claws on my '94 Mazda B2000. They are starting to cup really bad. What is the best way to get them to stop cupping? I rotate them frequently. Is there any way to save them once they start cupping?
Jason P.
South Dakota
Answer: To my knowledge there is no way to fix severely cupped tires. Have you tried running them in the opposite direction? Since these directional tires are designed to run in one direction only, flipping them around to the opposite direction may just help reduce the abnormal wear. Otherwise it's time to make your Mazda a stunt truck and take it off lots of jumps; this will keep the tires off the ground and preserve them.
Question: I was wondering which would be better for a conversion into an '89 Suburban; a Cummins 4BT four-cylinder or a Mercedes/Dodge Sprinter diesel engine?
Joachim S.
South Dakota
Answer: The Cummins 4BT is a better choice for the swap. This engine was available with a GM transmission adapter from the factory and it doesn't require nearly as many complicated computers as the Mercedes Sprinter engine does. However the Mercedes engine would be a cool swap into a Jeep or buggy if you had the time and knowledge to wade through the electronics.