Nuts, I'm ConfusedFine WhineQuestion: I recently rescued an '88 Dodge 3/4-ton from a farmer looking to cash it in on scrap, only to get the thing running and be greeted by the most hideous whining/squealing coming from the transmission. I thought it might be the throwout bearing, so I took it to a mechanic and he said I needed another transmission. I personally think he just wants to get his hands on my clams. I'm just wondering if this tranny can be repaired and I can make this rig into the wood-hauling, scrap-towing, mud-bogging monster I need; or do I need to bite the bullet and find another gearbox?
Also, I love how you have readers win sweet prizes like winches and suspension kits, but I want to know if the winners are only folks close to your home base, or could a simple Kentucky boy like me could win too?
Matt T.
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: Matt, Not only can you win, but you just did! Your '88 Dodge 3/4-ton most likely came with an NP435 four-speed manual transmission. These transmissions are pretty darn tough, and the whining you hear may very well just be gear whine from this old granny tranny. The real question is does it work? From the looks of your fine machine I'd say if it works and has oil inside, just drive it. That transmission is over 20 years old and may well be getting tired, but for the type of use you are looking for I wouldn't lose sleep over some gear whine. Is the noise only when you push in the clutch or when you are driving? If the clutch pedal is in, then it's probably a throwout bearing. If it's whining when you're driving, then it could be the transmission and is maybe worth an inspection or a call to Novak Adapters (877.602.1500, www.novak-adapt.com) for the company's NP435 rebuild kit (under $200).
See how easy that was? Your question just earned you this month's Nuts, I'm Confused prize. To help you get your truck ready for some mud pits or wood runs I've got a brand-new set of Lightforce 170 Striker Off Road Lights (888.64.FORCE, www.lightforce.com). Outfitted with compact 6.8-inch lenses, these lights can be mounted up front for night runs or out back for easy firewood runs after sunset. I've run these on our Fun Buggy and '09 Dodge Ram Project with great results. The lightweight composite material housings, polycarbonate lenses, and Gore-Tex breathers make for sturdy lights that aren't too susceptible to moisture or contamination. Available in flood, spot, or combo patterns and with a variety of colored filters, these lights should be a perfect addition to your old Dodge.
Safe-T-C-JayQuestion: We have an '85 Jeep CJ-7. By "we" I mean me, my wife, and daughter. We all enjoy the ride in the Jeep on the weekends. Our biggest concern is the safety of our daughter in case of an accident or rollover. She is a little over a year old and has to ride in a car seat. We would like to know the safest place to put her in the Jeep. With the factory rollbar, we put her in the front seat in a five-point-harnessed car seat. Is this the safest place for her in case of a rollover? Then what do we do when we have our second child? I'm concerned that the back seat doesn't protect enough in the event of a rollover.
Kevin L
Riverview, FL
Answer: Off-road driving can be a dangerous pastime, and I think you need a proper six-point rollcage built for your Jeep if you want the safest setup possible for your family. The old CJ-7 rollbars are fine for a slow roll, but they offer little protection for rear passengers. Find a qualified local fabrication shop nearby, or, if need be, go see our friends at the Off Road Connection in Gardendale, Alabama (800.792.2280, www.offrdconnection.com). They do everything from engine swaps to bumper builds and can help design and build just the right cage for your Jeep.
Which Wheeler?Question: I am 14 years old trying to save up for my first rig. I think that a mid-'90s Tacoma or Jeep Cherokee would be a good choice, since they are both cheap and a great starter vehicle. My buildup plan wouldn't be too hard-core, probably around 6 inches of lift, 35- to 37-inch tires, lockers, a winch, and bumpers. I might do an SAS (solid axle swap) for the 'Yota, and a front/back Dana 44, Dana 60 upgrade combo for the Cherokee, depending on cost.
Can you recommend some quality build parts for less than $2,000 (not including vehicle)? Let me know if you think this buildup is doable on my budget, or maybe I'm just going in over my head.
Alex R
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: You're only in over your head if you don't know how to swim, so just learn how to swim! My advice to you is the same as to anyone looking to get into four-wheeling is: Buy the most capable stock rig you can afford and just start driving. Learning to four-wheel in a stock truck makes you a better driver and sharpens skills that only get better as you modify your truck.
I like both your choices. The Cherokee is cheap and tough, while the Tacoma can be built into a rockcrawler or desert-runner by cutting or keeping the independent front suspension. If you go with the Tacoma, try to find a 4x4 version with the electric locking rear differential.
I believe your $2,000 budget is a little low since you would spend that or more on a built front axle, but with two years until you'll be of legal driving age in most states you have some time to save up. The Cherokee will definitely be the more affordable truck, in my view, what with all the accessories available and its cheaper purchase price; but the Tacoma prices are slowly coming down. If I had to recommend one purchase for $2,000 on a first 4x4, other than gears and lockers (since you already seem to be planning on different axles), I'd say get a quality winch and bumper from Warn Industries (800.543.9276, www.warn.com) and hit the trails. Then you'll have a way out until you can afford the bigger axles, tires, and suspension.
Reader WisdomQuestion: If possible, pass along this email to Brandon J., whose letter appeared in Nuts & Bolts, Aug. '09.
Brandon, don't lose sight of your goal to pass the CJ-7 down to your 2-year-old son when the time comes. That can be one of the most satisfying aspects of the off-road hobby. CJs are truly ageless, and even though, through the years, your interests may wander to other aspects of the automotive hobby, the Jeep can always be a part of your life. No matter how your interests change, hang onto that Jeep. It costs you nothing if you lose interest for a while and it just stays parked out back. Eventually you'll turn back to it.
I built a '57 CJ-5 in 1974. When my son was 10 years old I taught him how to drive out in the country by putting him behind the wheel with the gear in low/low. I could jump out of the Jeep and walk alongside, letting him drive "by himself." Three years later, when my second son was 9, I did the same thing with him. Again in 1980 I taught my third son how to drive in that old Jeep. When he graduated from high school I figured I had used up all the driving lessons, and I gave the Jeep to him.
When I turned 65 my three sons got together, hauled the Jeep across the country, and gave it to me for my birthday. Now I find myself jumping out of the Jeep and walking alongside as my 4-year-old grandson drives "all by himself." In fact, when he started to talk and I first earned a title, I became "Jeep-paw."
The old CJ-5 is pretty beat-up, but I'm slowly putting it back in shape. Not a total restoration, but a nice cleaning up. When my grandson graduates from high school I hope to pass the Jeep down to him as a graduation present.
Dick J.
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: Great advice, not just for Brandon but for all our readers!
Solid Liberty BuildQuestion: I have an '05 Diesel Jeep Liberty. I want to get a larger lift than 3 inches, so I was wondering if you knew where I could get a complete axle swap kit.
Ernie
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: You lucky guy! Those diesel Libertys are really cool little wheelers, in my view. But I don't know of anyone who makes a solid axle swap kit for them, though it shouldn't be hard to find a custom fabrication shop willing to do the job. My advice would be to contact your local 4x4 shops and find out if they do solid axle swaps or could recommend someone. They can be done at home in your garage with proper tools, but it's not going to be a weekend project.