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.
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Nuts & Bolts
4-Wheel & Off-Road
6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048-5515
fax 323.782.2704
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nuts@4wheeloffroad.com
Question: I have a '99 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 with 35-inch tires and no lift so far. This is a plow truck as I live in Michigan. When I first put these tires on, they did not rub, but when I bolt my plow on, it is enough extra weight to cause them to rub. I have "trimmed" all I could without it looking too bad, but they still rub. Should I buy a second set of smaller wheels and tires (I think 33s will work nice ) for the winter, or add a 2- to 3-inch body lift? Which do you think is the better way to go? I manage a tire store, and I tell you this because it is not a cost issue. I get wholesale prices on either the body lift or the tires.
Michigan plow boy
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: Some folks might think you're crazy asking a guy who lives in Southern California what to do about your snowplow problem, but have no fear. I grew up in Pennsylvania and remember riding to school in our family plow truck, a '50s Jeep FC-150. I would get the second set of tires, as you could write them off your taxes as equipment costs for your plow business, plus you will have more experience on tires, which is good for a tire salesman. I think I would look into a set of 33-inch Hankook Dynapro MT (www.hankooktireusa.com) or similar tires and fit them with some studs for better snow and ice traction. We tested the Hankooks (without studs) in the May '07 issue and had great all-around results. They are available in a LT285/70R17 (33-inch) and are pinned for studs in both the 15- and 17-inch wheel variants. Though we explain body lifts elsewhere in this issue ("Body Lift Basics"), I am not a fan of a body lift over 1 inch and it is much easier to swap tires for the winter in my view.
Question: I have a '78 Chevy K-10 lifted and with 35s. I put a Centerforce clutch in my SM465, and while it was down I inspected my transmission and transfer case. Everything looked great and acted great for several months. Now every time I get up on the trail in steep ascent or especially when I am using the gearing to creep down a hill, the transfer case will pop out of 4-Lo into Neutral. I think it may be my shifting rails, but I don't know. Any advice will be greatly valued.
On an unrelated matter, I have recently noticed people ducking off the trail to ride up a creek bed that is marked off limits. I am a big proponent of the Tread Lightly! campaign. What can I do to help prevent some of the land misuse?
Hunter Fox78
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: If your transfer case was working fine before the swap, I would first inspect the shift linkage from the shifter handle down to the transfer case. Since these parts were most likely removed when you did the clutch work, they may not have been reinstalled properly or might need some slight adjustment. Also check the transfer-case mount. If it is worn out it might be allowing the drivetrain to shift under load and the linkage could be hitting the body and pushing the case out of gear.
As for the hooligans sneaking off the trail, I wouldn't feel bad about approaching them or taking photos of them. This can be hard to do if you feel they might threaten you with bodily harm. But maybe they will learn to at least ask if there can be new trails laid out in the creek bed. Also contact whoever owns or patrols the property and explain the situation. They may even be willing to open some more extreme trails so there are more options for wheeling. This will give you and most four-wheelers a good reputation as you are policing our own members and also trying to find more wheeling options. Those guys breaking the rules are giving us all a bad name. Unfortunately they don't understand that their actions will close down the trails for the rest of us. Of course, those idiots will probably keep breaking the law even after all the trails are closed. However, oftentimes those sneaking off the trail are looking for new places to wheel and if you can work with all parties to help set up new places rather than blazing new trails in closed areas, it will work out best for everyone.