Submission Information
Confused? Email your questions about trucks, 4x4s, 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 website (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.
Email to:
nuts@4wheeloffroad.com
Blown Wrangler
Question: I was reading the Nov. '08 issue and noticed that the UA BFGoodrich Wrangler was running a supercharged 3.8L. Where can I get a supercharger for my JK? All this time, I've been limiting what I put on my Jeep because I don't want to overload my pitiful little V-6. A supercharger would be awesome. Do you have any numbers on horsepower gains or information about who offers the kit?
Tim W.
Answer: The BFGoodrich UA Wrangler was built by Mount Logan Off Road (www.mtloganoffroad.com) in West Logan, Utah. They used an Adventure Innovation supercharger (www.adventure-innovations.com) for the 3.8L, and it raised the rear-wheel dyno numbers from 107 to 159 hp.
Run Ram Run
Question: I am building a '79 Dodge Ramcharger for a summer daily driver and a weekend wheeler. I would like to put an overdrive transmission in it and get away from full-time 4x4. What would be the best and easiest way to do this? I am running a stock 360 motor and 33-inch tires.
William Hall
Answer: Do you currently have a manual or automatic transmission? Advance Adapters has everything you need to swap a five-speed NV4500 manual transmission behind your 360, which will give you a 73:1 overdrive. Another option is a Ranger overdrive, also from AA, with a 27-percent overdrive, or a Gear Vendors overdrive (800.999.9555, www.gearvendors.com), though the GV unit is not usable in four-wheel drive. If you have an automatic, look into a Dodge four-speed automatic, such as the 518 from a '93-'94 gas truck. There is also the lockup version referred to as the 618/47RH. The four-speed automatic is basically the old venerable 727 with an overdrive bolted on as a tail case. Depending on your front axle, you may need to get an aftermarket transfer case like an Atlas. Performance Automotive and Transmission Center (888.877.1008, www.transmissionsone.com) can help set you up with the correct automatic transmission.
Only the Lonely
Question: I have an '05 Dodge Power Wagon with a standard cab, and it's the only one I've ever seen anywhere! I've looked online for pictures and to see just how many of them have been made, but I can't find any others. I have found articles that talk about a standard cab but haven't found photos. I was just wondering: Do I have the only one?
Jesse G.
Answer: As a matter of fact, yes, you do have the only regular-cab Power Wagon ever made, and the Dodge PR guys told me that if you look under the passenger seat you'll find a golden ticket up in the cushion that will reward you with a trip to the amazing Dodge truck factory in Detroit. OK, I'm just yanking your chain. Though some of us (myself included) think regular-cab trucks are great (especially late-model versions like your Dodge because they have great storage and reclining space behind the seats), the market has definitely been slim on ordering these models. Does yours also have a manual transmission? If so, I'd say it is doubly rare. Sorry to say we made some calls and couldn't get reliable build numbers.
I Wanna Be Like That!
Question: In your Sept. '08 issue, on page 51, picture No. 3 shows the '80s model K-10 behind the red S-10. I was wondering what you would recommend that I could do as far as the lift and tire size to have my '80 model K-10 have the same look. Right now my truck is stock. I was thinking about an 8-inch lift with 42x15x16 tires. Would that be higher than the one in the picture? Also, what are the tire and rim sizes of that truck? I want my truck to look like the one in the picture. Could you respond back as to your suggestions?
Reginold S. III
Answer: From the looks of that photo, I'd guess he is running a 6- to 8-inch lift and 38- to 40-inch Super Swamper Bogger tires. Plus it looks like he has trimmed the fenders. For this size tire and wheel combo I would say your 1/2-ton axles might live for a while, but if you get into serious off-roading, you'll eventually want to upgrade to a Dana 60 and Corporate 14-bolt rear axle. I have also included a photo of my Army Truck, which is an '86 Chevy K30 with just a 4-inch Skyjacker lift and slight front fender trimming to clear 37-inch tires. I like to keep a low center of gravity and add big tires, but this doesn't work as well in deep mud.
Alaskan Wild Ranger
Question: We live in Alaska, and my wife has a '98 Ford Ranger. The automatic locking hubs have gone out twice since we've owned this truck. We bought it new, and it has 130,000 miles on it. It has been a good little truck other than the hubs. Where can I find manual hubs for this truck? I've tried everywhere with no luck.
John E.
Answer: We checked with the guys from Warn (www.warn.com), and they said they don't make any hubs for that year Ranger. But like the gentlemen they are, they actually referred me to a competing hub manufacturer since they knew it would help a reader. AVM (www.avm.com.br) out of Brazil makes the hubs you need, and they are available through Tellico 4x4 (800.566.3646, www.tellico4x4.com).