How-To Tech
December 1, 2009 | By Dan Sanchez
Raising your ’09 Ford F-150 pickup to run larger wheels and tires definitely has its benefits. Having a cool off-road appearance with mud-terrain tires and big wheels are just some of the advantages to adding three to five inches of ride height. But while the cost of a full suspension lift may be out of reach for many these days, Performance Accessories’ new Premium Lift System (PLS) is a lower cost alternative...
July 1, 2007 | By Denis Snow
Rancho's Long-Arm Suspension System for Wrangler JK's.
Not to be out done, or left in the dust on the current Jeep JK craze, Rancho has also developed a long-arm suspension system for this increasingly popular rig.
At this year's Moab Easter Jeep Safari, we had the opportunity to take this new system out for a test drive and check out both its on- and off-roading capabilities...
February 1, 2010 | By Denis Snow
The list of installation tools is pretty short and definitely not high-tech: a bottle of isopropyl alcohol, a clean soft cloth, a pair of scissors, a screwdriver (to r&r the factory tie-downs) an awl (for punching holes for the factory tie-down screws). The 50-ft of high strength Velcro strips and two packets of 3M Automotive Adhesion Promoter 4298 comes with the kit.
The BedTred, introduced at the 2009 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Assoc...
July 1, 2009 | By Rob Reaser
There's a reason why soft-top Wranglers have been and continue to be Jeep's best-selling short wheelbase model-the open-air experience (especially on the trail) is priceless. But with the wind-in-your-face exhilaration comes a harsh reality. That conglomeration of canvas and vinyl eventually deteriorates with use and exposure to the elements...
January 1, 2008 | By Tom Morr
In the rear, the system uses premium leafspring packs (with military eye wraps) instead of coils. This controls weight transfer for more-predictable street handling. The optional Torque Fork traction device locks out wheelhop created by V-8 power and big meats...
September 1, 2009 | By Trent Riddle
Jewel in the Rough - The Cherokee was a great bargain and in quite good shape all around
WHETHER you’re looking for your first 4x4 or your tenth, finding the perfect rig to turn into a hardcore trail machine doesn’t have to be expensive. There are literally thousands of 4x4s out there that have had a life of pave- ment pounding and seen little if any use on trails or even in 4WD. Vehicles from the Southwest states are the most likely to be rust free...
December 1, 2008 | By Off-Road Adventures Staff
The 2-1/2" leveling kit consists of a pair of polyurethane spacers and six stud extensions. Thread-locking compound and detailed instructions are also included. It's manufactured in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty...
July 1, 2007 | By Jim Brightly
Want a job that'll only take you about an hour?
Looking for a task that will give your Jeep about a 1. 5% improvement in gas mileage and add 4. 5-hp @ 4,400 rpm? Then you'll want to order a new Gibson muffler (part # 17303)...
April 1, 2009 | By Mike Anson
New bumper brackets and fasteners are supplied with the Fab Fours winch front bumper kit.
There is an old saying in the off road community that having four-wheel drive is good for an additional 50-feet. The meaning: an aggressive driver will get stuck just 50 feet further down the trail than the driver of a two-wheel drive rig...
10. Fabtech Chevy
February 1, 2007 | By Trent Riddle
The venerable Chevy pickup truck has always had a fan following that loves them no matter what. However, in stock trim, they all seem to look the same, and many enthusiasts personalize their trucks with lift kits, wheels and tires and many other aftermarket accessories. Every few years, truck makers throw a new twist at their loyal buyers - and the aftermarket manufacturers, by redesigning some or all of their trucks...
11. FINESSE
October 1, 2009 | By Jim Allen
Winter in the snow belt puts the kibosh on most ‘wheeling activities. Some of us get to play in the snow a little or a lot, but many use their rigs for foul weather transportation. Others put their rigs to sleep for the winter...
12. Finesse
November 1, 2009 | By Jim Allen
KISS! No, not the rock band, the acronym for “Keep It Simple Stupid. ” There is an elegance in simplicity when it’s done right and Rancho’s Quik Lift system appears to have all the elements to fit in that category. When we needed just a touch of altitude to fit a moderate tire upgrade, we were offered the opportunity to put this fairly new Rancho product to the test...
13. Finesse
March 1, 2010 | By Jim Allen
The Brute Force kit is nicely made and includes everything here plus great instructions with photos. You can get them chromed or powder coated.
Getting the right amount of air into the engine, at the coolest temperature possible, is part of the power equation...
July 1, 2009 | By Jim Allen
Rack and Pinion Steering- This system eliminates the conventional steering linkage and steering box. A long rod, with tie rods on the ends, connects the two wheels. The rod is in a housing that lies parallel to the ground and has teeth on one side...
May 1, 2009 | By Jim Allen
This long-running Four Wheel Finesse column is all about fundamentals in four wheeling. Like bricklaying. ...
March 1, 2007 | By Jim Allen
THIS TIME WE GIVE YOU THE BASIC XJ SKINNY ON GETTING THE POWER TO THE GROUND. THIS INCLUDES THE TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE AND AXLES.
TRANSMISSION
Overall, the best factory manual transmissions are the Aisin AX-15 and NV-3500...
April 1, 2007 | By Jim Allen
UP FRONT, THE XJ USED THE FIRST VARIATION OF THE COIL SPRING SUSPENSION THAT LATER GRACED THE GRAND CHEROKEE AND WRANGLER TJ. IN BACK, LONG, SUPPLE, FAMILIAR LEAF SPRINGS WERE USED. DESPITE THE DISSIMILAR SYSTEMS, THE XJ IS ACTUALLY QUITE BALANCED AND RESPONDS WELL TO LIFTS, USUALLY WITH FEWER SIDE EFFECTS THAN THE ALL-COIL JEEPS...
August 1, 2008 | By Jim Allen
"New Blue" is a Plain-Jane XL model, so too much tailpipe would make it look like a cheap hooker. The stainless 4-inch tip and throaty growl are the only giveaways.
You probably know that exhaust improvements offer a power increase and a bump in fuel economy...
December 1, 2006 | By Jim Allen
WE GET A LARGE VOLUME OF TECH QUESTIONS HERE AT ORA. A high proportion of them involve some variation of the question, "I just swapped to larger tires. What gear ratio should I run?" We have visited this topic at different times and in different ways before, but since the influx of letters shows no sign of slowing down, we think it is a good idea to address it again...
January 1, 2009 | By Jim Allen
Ain't she sweet? And practical. There's an extra 2. 2+ quarts of capacity and lots of useful features...
July 1, 2007 | By Jim Allen
Electronically controlled diesels are the best thing to come along since Dr. Rudolph Diesel invented the compression ignition engine and named it after himself. Why are they so wunnerful? Well, one reason is because you can easily upgrade them yourself...
22. Full Traction JK
June 1, 2007 | By Trent Riddle
Full-Traction Suspension, the first to bring you a 3-link long arm suspension for the Jeep Wrangler TJ and later the LJ (Unlimited), now offers suspension systems for the new '07 JK. Full-Traction now brings a suspension system for the new JK, a 2-inch economy kit that provides a quick and cost effective way to make room for 33-inch tires. Their latest suspension offering is a true 3-inch spring lift that allows the use of tires up to 35-inches...
February 1, 2009 | By Off-Road Adventures Staff
The RockJock high pinion 60 rearend upgrade offers superior strength and durability features with adjustment options for custom installations.
Comparing the OEM (stock) differential with the Currie RockJock many of these features become obvious. The RockJock is the highest ground clearance 60 on the market, the only high pinion 60 with flow-thru oiling, high-strength nodular iron construction, and a bolt-on abrasion resistant skid plate...
October 1, 2008 | By Harry Wagner
Our problem was not unique: After adding a suspension lift and wider tires and rims, the side of our truck was impossible to keep clean.
A muddy truck might be great for impressing your buds, but it isn't much fun when you get dirty every time you get in and out or need to get something out of the bed.
Based in the perpetually wet climate of Oregon, the good folks at Bushwacker are all too familiar with this scenario and have over 450 applications dating back to the Early Bronco...
January 1, 2009 | By Jim Allen
The Fitch F4424B, series F400, kit is rated for up to 400 hp and is a size bigger than the F3424, series F300, kit we actually needed. It's the kit designed for the 6. 8L V10s but it gives us a little extra capacity for our power upgrades...
October 1, 2009 | By Trent Riddle
In our first installment of “Cheap Jeep,” we covered the axles, lockers and gearing upgrades, (see 9/09 issue). Here we’ll cover the suspension, wheels, tires and other items like bumpers and winch. When completed, the Cherokee that was originally purchased for under $1000 will be ready to tackle extreme trails and will still have less invested in it than a new off-the-lot stock Jeep...
September 1, 2008 | By Matt Emery
Made from high-grade steel, the spacers raise the front of the vehicle 1. 5 to 2. 5-inches, giving the vehicle a better stance and improved appearance...
28. Marine Toy
May 1, 2007 | By Trent Riddle
Josh Reynolds is a true American, he grew up in the town of Yakima, Washington, has a love of the outdoors, family and his country. When Josh decided to enlist in the Marines, he had the full support of his mother and younger bother as well as his future wife. Josh was a corporal in Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division and is one of the many veterans who served our country...
July 1, 2008 | By Jim Allen
Tire pressure is one of the most important parts of the fuel economy formula. Our tests showed that even moderately underinflated tires could cost nearly 1 mpg, not to mention the squirrelly handling and increased tire wear that goes with it.
When we last addressed the fuel economy issue back in 2004, little did we know the three buck gas was just a teaser...
February 1, 2009 | By Dan Sanchez
The 5-inch Premium Lift Kit #PLS600 comes with leveling spring spacers, reinforced nylon body mounts, CNC steering adaptor, bumper brackets and high-grade hardware.
While some off-road enthusiasts look for the additional traction and off-road capabilities provided by a full suspension system, others are simply looking for an economical way to add larger wheels and tires. Cost is certainly a factor that leads many to look at leveling kits to provide enough wheel clearance...
December 1, 2006 | By Jerry Slattery
We all get a little smarter with age, and that includes ProComp too. They made a few design changes in this very popular kit that made it even better. The changes make it stronger and quicker to install...
March 1, 2009 | By Trent Riddle
The Pro Comp kit requires the use of 20-inch or larger diameter wheels, due to the geometry of the new, taller front knuckles. The wheels are 20-inch, model 6088 Pro Comp Extreme Alloy, cast and chromed wheels. For tires, Pro Comp 35x12...
June 1, 2007 | By Steve Temple
JEEP'S NEW JK is like that old saying about getting your cake and eating it too. As reviewed in our February issue, the chassis was enlarged for a four-door configuration, but with no compromise in off-road capability. The thing is, we like icing on our cake, too, which means finding some sweet stuff to throw on the suspension...
November 1, 2007 | By Bruce W. Smith
We’re easing into Project Deepwoods as new aftermarket products become available for our 2007 Tundra Double Cab 4x4. The easy-to-design, easy-to-install items are always first out. Such aftermarket items are all that’s needed to make a new Tundra work quite well for many Off- Road Adventures readers’ lifestyles...
December 1, 2007 | By Chris Collard
In the last installment we made a few small changes to our 2007 Tundra Double Cab 4x4 as the parts for the all-new Toyota became available. This month we continue improving Project Deepwoods’ utility and performance with our goal at the end to have a truly unique 4x4 for the avid off-road adventurer.
It’s funny how the note of a good performance exhaust exudes a certain level of intimidation to those within earshot...
March 1, 2007 | By Steve Temple
As covered in our first installment of Project FJ, Toyota's FJ Cruiser demonstrates a strong family resemblance to its respected forefather, the FJ40. The new FJ's offroad capabilities also indicate that it comes from the same end of the gene pool, but it also improves on its predecessor in several areas, thanks to modern technology.
Off-road enthusiasts, however, aren't content to leave anything well enough alone...
September 1, 2008 | By Matt Emery
According to OR-Fab, this is not a roll cage, but rather it is their "Sport Cage" (Part # 82200BB). Made from . 120-wall tubing and featuring the bicycle black powder coat paint (raw steel or wrinkle black is also available), this is a bolt in kit that can be installed fairly quickly...
38. Rhinos Rule
May 1, 2007 | By Trent Riddle
The Yamaha Rhino is thought by many to be a farm implement or 4WD golf cart. The truth is, the Rhino is these things and much more. A fast growing contingent of loyal Rhino owners have discovered the fun and freedom of blasting the dunes, crawling down rocky trails, and exploring the road less traveled in their Rhinos...
December 1, 2009 | By Tom Morr
Load control can be a huge headache for truck owners who haul heavier loads. Cargo isn’t always symmetrical. Unbalanced weight obviously affects suspension, tire and braking performance...
November 1, 2009 | By Trent Riddle
Two great companies teaming up to bring a product to market will usually benefit the consumer (you). This axiom holds true for the new Currie ROCKJOCK Dana 60s offered by G2, for 2007-up Jeep JK Wrangler owners at a lower price and greater availability.
How is this possible, you ask? The economic factors are simply higher volume, alternate component sources and a broader distribution network...
February 1, 2009 | By Off-Road Adventures Staff
Factory bump cushion retainer to be removed.
Rubicon Express manufactures one of the best tried and proven Jeep JK suspensions distributed worldwide through aftermarket parts retailers and through Mopar at local Jeep dealerships, It's the only suspension to be approved by Mopar after the rigorous testing by engineers at the OEM level. The Mopar endorsement was not enough for the folks over at RE...
June 1, 2007 | By Off-Road Adventures Staff
Since the new Jeep Wrangler JK has hit the market, a lot has been said about it. Some have talked about it being too wide since it's five inches wider than the Jeep Wrangler TJ it replaces. This writer's simple answer to that is; if the trail is that tight, you should be treading lightly and not be there in the first place! Another way to look at it is; five inches wider is only 2 1/2 inches per side, and those extra inches make the JK more stable in turns, equating to better street handling...
43. Sag Sacks
November 1, 2007 | By Ned Bacon
Ever notice how things start to head south when they age? No, we’re not referring to aging Snowbirds heading to Yuma or Miami for the winter. We’re more concerned about the drooping rears of aging motorhomes or tow rigs that lug stuff in any direction.
Our ’99 F-350 Super Duty “fell” into this category...
44. Secret Sauce
September 1, 2007 | By Steve Temple
It’s no secret that we like having more power on tap in a 4. 0-liter Jeep. After all, having more
horses under the hood means more giddyup on the trail...
February 1, 2008 | By Ronnie Reno
The JK's suspension is the same in principle to the earlier TJs, but the parts are totally different. Compared to the TJ's, the JK's have wider wheel well openings. So less lift is needed to clear the same size tires...
46. Standard Issue
January 1, 2007 | By Off-Road Adventures Staff
Superlift has R&D’d Chevy IFS suspension systems for years, dating back to the late-80s with its first-generation “bracket” kits. Not the easiest kit to install, this system holds its alignment well and is durable. In 2004, Superlift launched its F...
47. Staying in Sync
September 1, 2009 | By Steve Temple
Staying in Sync
LIFE USED TO be simpler, before the age of computers. Now we wonder how we ever lived without them. Controlling everything from toaster ovens to space shuttles, you can’t get away from these electronic taskmasters...
November 1, 2009 | By Tom Morr
For truck and SUV chassis engineers, 1/2-ton pickups and SUVs provide an opportunity to demonstrate the art and science of ride quality and handling. People who tow and heavy-haul normally shop in the 3/4- and 1-ton rows on the dealer’s lot; humans are the primary payload for the 1/2-ton customer. Smart aftermarket companies realize this...
March 1, 2010 | By Jim Allen
Eaton Performance
Eaton Performance is the marriage of the Eaton Corporation, which has long been in the axle and traction aid business, and the Tractech company. Eaton has been in the axle biz since 1911 and has built axles for many of the OE manufacturers, as well as traction aids, including the legendary GM Positraction. Tractech goes back to 1936 and started off as the Thornton Tandem Drive Company, the originator of the Thornton No-Spin differential...
50. Tonneau Install
September 1, 2009
Pace Edwards 'Retractable Bedlocker Electric Truck Bed Cover
THE REASONS FOR considering a tonneau cover are almost as numerous as the number of designs available.
For some, its a matter of appearance; for others, It's about security. But perhaps the most fundamental reason for wanting a tonneau is to keep your gear clean and out of the elements...
February 1, 2010 | By Jim Allen
Traction is the sum of tire grip and wheel torque. Tire traction is highly variable according to tire design, ground conditions and ground pressure, which changes constantly according to vehicle angles and loading, not to mention tire pressure. From the axle side, the traction equation is much more predictable according to what type of differential is used...
March 1, 2008 | By Steve Temple
Getting down and dirty makes us happier than a pig in slop. But getting up and dirty is even better. At least that's what we discovered driving an F-250 fitted with a Pro Comp six-inch lift...
February 1, 2010 | By Mike Anson
4Wheel Drive Hardware and Bestop, with the help of 4 Wheel Parts, are working together to build a Giveaway 4-door Jeep Wrangler and you get to chose what accessories are added to the stock Jeep before it goes to the lucky winner.
The way to vote is to log on to: www. 4wdjeepgiveaway...
March 1, 2010 | By Mike Anson
This photo shows the Bestop’s Jeep with front bumper, grille guard, approach roller and D-rings installed. Based on the votes clicking into the company computers, Bestop’s HighRock front and rear bumpers have the look, attitude and function you said you wanted to see in the giveaway Jeep.
Sometimes it seems as if the folks at Chrysler/Jeep, (before them AMC/Jeep and way before them Willys Motors in Toledo, Ohio) never realized how their tough little Jeep vehicles were actually used...
