Letters & Stuff
Send your questions, comments, etc. along with your name, address and phone number to:
- Off-Road Adventures,
- 801 W. Artesia Blvd.
- Compton, CA 90220
or email:
Junior Jeeper!
This is Austin Crisp, three years old, getting a little crazy on our retaining wall. He keeps trying to get his Jeep crossed up on anything and then asks me to get him some lockers! Where does he get such ideas? We appreciate the great service and the awesome magazine.
Glenn Crisp — Via email
P.S. If you come across some lockers for his Jeep, let him know!
Mystery Dakota Lover
I just got done reading your last edition of the mag. I’m probably gonna inherit my first truck, a ’96 Dodge Dakota extra cab. I noticed that the Dakota doesn’t have a lot of off-road merchandise available. And I hardly ever read of one in any off-road mag. Do you think you could do an article on Dakotas and maybe give some upgrade ideas?
Dear mystery reader, Sorry, while I was working on your letter for this column, I inadvertently deleted your name. So, you weren’t actually a mystery reader when you wrote your email, I just accidentally made you one. Anyway, to answer your question, look for more Dodges to show up in future issues. In fact, take a gander at this issue’s feature vehicle.
— D.S.
Inspired To Follow The Ponies
I just received my September issue of Off-Road Adventures today, and have already read it cover to cover. I anxiously look forward to getting my issue every month and want to thank you guys for putting out such a great magazine.
I was especially excited about the Backcountry Adventures trail story this month. Partly because the Pony Express trail passes through the middle of my town, Eagle Mountain. The article said that the trail ends at Camp Floyd, which is where the historical part of the trail ends. But it does continue on thru Eagle Mountain, and into Lehi. Eagle Mountain even has a Pony Express Days celebration every year, timed to coincide with the re-enactment of the Pony Express ride.
I love your magazine. It is always great to hear about things happening nearby, but when it is literally in your backyard (my house is less than a mile from the trail), well that is almost too much! I haven’t had a chance to take the Pony Express Trail yet, but I definitely am going to do it now. Keep up the good work!
Kendall Hill
A Communication From The Uss John C. Stennis Off-Road/Prowler Club
Thanks for the support. I am currently underway onboard the USS John C. Stennis on deployment in the western Pacific. There are several guys and girls who are avid four wheelers and enjoy reading your magazine. By the time it gets traded through all fans it starts getting a little ratty so I decided we needed another subscription. When not at sea we are based out of Washington state. The Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges offer some great wheeling and are just a short drive from the base. Thanks for setting us up with some great parts selections. Jason at “Better Off Road” in Oak Harbor is our local shop expert who does most of the advanced modifications to our rigs. The ’78 CJ-5 belongs to me and I’ve had it about six years.
Modifications include: Warn winch, Warn lock out hubs, ARB lockers on the rear with one piece axle upgrade, one inch body lift and three inch suspension lift on 33” BFG Mud Terrains. The ’91 Cherokee belongs Ray Hamilton who is deployed with us in the squadron. Vehicle specs: 1996 4.0L, Airaid spacer, headers, cat-back system, 3 core radiator, Jacobs electronic ignition Rubicon Express 5.5” kit, Dana 30 front w/4:56, Dana 35 Rear w/4:56, Rubicon Express slip yoke eliminator kit, 33” SSL Super Swampers. In the works info: Ford 9” rear w/ARB lockers and 4:56’s. It would be great for morale to see our Jeeps posted in your magazine. Enclosed is a picture of our rigs and also a picture of our jet...the mighty EA-6B Prowler. Thanks again for your support. It means a lot to all of us.
Take care, LT James Galyean, AMEC Ray Hamilton, VAQ-139 Cougars, United States Navy
James, Ray & the gang onboard the USS John C. Stennis, Great to hear from you guys! We’re thrilled that you enjoy our magazine. It’s funny, but when we’re putting each issue together, we usually have it in the back of our minds that our readers are probably just sitting at home reading it on the couch in their living room (or possibly in the can). So it’s pretty neat to know that a copy or two of ORA is also floating around out in the Pacific somewhere. The rest of your group of “avid four wheelers” should send in photos and descriptions of their rigs. By the way, nice rigs! We would especially like to hitch a ride in the one with the afterburners!!
Orlando 4wpw Surgeons’ Operation A ‘Super’ Success!
Just thought I would send in a photo of my jeep that I recently completed a total transformation on. The guys at my local 4 Wheel Parts store really helped out a lot during the “operation.” Anyways, here it is. I would love to see it appear in your magazine.
Rob Borden, Orlando, Florida
Rob, Do you have to look for a phone booth before changing into “Super Jeep?”
More Off-Roaders In Afghanistan!
My name is Corporal Phillip Boege, I, along with the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines are currently deployed to Afghanistan. Last year when I returned home from my first deployment, 4 Wheel Parts helped me turn my ’88 Bronco into an off-road beast. This year I plan to retire the Bronco for a newer truck. Your magazine has helped me get ideas for my new ride. Since we have no phone or computer access here I was hoping you could send copies of your magazine and whatever else you can spare.
Thank you for reading my letter and I hope you can help me with my request.
Sincerely, Philip Boege
Philip, We are sending you 10 copies of the August and September issues and a couple of extra-large ORA shirts. We will set it up to send you 10 copies of each issue thereafter. We hope you get back home soon so you can ‘retire’ to a new beast. Send us a photo of your Bronco before you ‘let it out to pasture.’ Please write us again to let us know how you and the rest of 6th Marines are doing. STAY SAFE!
Accolades To Collard
I just read your letter in the September issue No Name column on “The Rubicon Trail, Closed??” and what a great message it was. Without action, all the bitchin’ in the world ain’t gonna keep the trails clean. Good Job!
Carl — Via email
Carl, You got that right! Chris Collard hit the nail on the head! If we don’t get it together and start monitoring ourselves, we’ll end up doing our off-roading cruising main street or on a couch watching Rick Russell trail videos. Everyone “knows” what the right thing to do is. Freedom ain’t free. And that applies to the freedom we have to enjoy the outdoors. We are not free to just screw it up without regard to the consequences of: 1) fouling our own favorite recreation areas which then causes the consequences of; 2) a “Trail Closed” response from a government agency. If you’re bitchin’ and shaking a finger at Uncle Sam with one hand while tossing a piece of trash (or whatever) with your other hand, then you are the problem. Get it together in your own head and with your own actions. We need to start a campaign of, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!” towards those trashing buffoons among us who are wrecking it for the rest of us. IT’S THE TRASH STUPID! JUST PACK IT IN & PACK IT OUT! — D.S.
Ora Does The Job For Mr. Schmitt
First off, great magazine. Great source for info and parts. In your April issue you reviewed some dual purpose bikes. You may want your readers to be aware that the Kawasaki KLX400SR and the Suzuki DR-Z400S are the same exact bike. The only difference is color. Don’t think one is a more competent machine — just pick the color you like. Anyway, the above was just an excuse to write a letter so that I could send a photo of my truck, which showcases some products I got out of your magazine. So let your advertisers know that your magazine works!
A. Schmitt — Via email
Where’s Huck And Becky?
My name is Thomas Sawyer. I live in Flower Mound, Texas and I have a 2000 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Edition that has been transformed by 4 Wheel Parts of Dallas. It has a 3’’ Pro Comp suspension with MX-6 shocks, 3’’ body lift, ARB snorkel, two 6’’ Pro Comp lights, two 4x6’’ Pro Comp lights, Hi-Lift jack, five 35x13.5x15’’ Mickey Thompson Baja Claw bias ply on 15x10’’ RockKrawler rims, front blackout lenses, radiator screen, Xenon fender flares, Safari tail light guards, Bestop tinted windows, Cobra CB, neoprene seat covers, an Alpine faceplate, Infinity Kappa speakers, Husky liners, inclinometer, K&N filter. Thanks to all the guys at 4 Wheel Parts who have helped me.
Nice Parents, Part 1
Hi! I’m submitting my story and my picture and hope you consider putting me in your Letters & Stuff section.
About two years ago my parents bought me a ‘97 Jeep Wrangler from Florida. When we bought the Jeep everything on it was stock. Since then my father and I have fixed this rig into something that makes people take a second look. We’ve installed a 4” Fab-tech lift kit, K&N filter, Airaid helix spacer, BFG A/T’s, custom front & rear bumpers, Warn 800e winch, an all aluminum radiator, and a Detroit Locker. Most of these things were bought at or installed by the 4 Wheel Parts in west Houston. The thing that surprises most people is probably that I am a girl driving this Jeep and that I am so tiny, just five feet tall. My Jeep is not just for show. I take it off-roading regularly and sometimes I take it to the beach. Once I pulled another Jeep kind of like mine right out of the mud with the help of my winch. My dad and I totally enjoy your magazine and look forward to it every month, as we are always watching out for something else to put on my Jeep!!!
Alejandra Fernández, Houston, Texas
Alejandra, you obviously have very nice parents.
Nice Parents, Part 2
My name is Jordan Hill. I live in Knightdale, NC and I am a college student at a local community college. My dad and I came across a beautiful ‘95 Ford Bronco about 5 1/2 years ago. He bought it as a hand me down. Sweet right? Well we almost sold it at one point. It was on the market and no one looked at it. We had only one call, so I started bugging my dad to keep it and give it to me I mean it was for me anyway right? So we kept it. It was stock with a 351 Windsor. Now, it’s not far from a rescue unit with all the aftermarket parts. Since then I went with a four-inch lift, 33x12.50 BFG A/Ts on Mickey Thompson rims, grill guard, Hella’s, tail light guards, tube steps, Flowmaster exhaust, and a K&N air intake. I would be just thrilled if you could put my truck in your magazine.
Thanks. Jordan Hill
Clever… And Now Wiser
Being a faithful reader of your magazine, I never receive it through the mail, that way it gives me an excuse to visit my local 4 Wheel Parts store and expand my wish list!
I recently learned a few lessons I thought I’d share with some of the less experienced off-roaders out there. The first being that you should never try new trails alone; second, that you should never try new trails alone at night; and third, if you ignore both of the previous warnings, you better have a satellite phone to call someone to save your butt! Luckily for me, I was able to call a friend of mine to do just that and managed to get home before midnight with no damage other than that done to my ego!
L. Jay Bendall, Riverside, CA
Jay, pretty clever on having to go to your local 4W Parts store to get your copy of Off-Road Adventures. However, sometimes acquiring wisdom can be a hard lesson, as you now well know. Thanks for passing on your newly found wisdom so that others can learn from your experience. – D.S.
A Dependable, Driveable And Flexible 4runner
I’ve owned my Runner for about a year. I bought it bone stock and have made my mods with dependability, driveability and flexibility in mind. It’s my daily driver and my weekend warrior. With the exception of the gear install, everything has been done in my shop.
I’m running 5.29 R&P ratios with a Detroit Locker in the rear and a True track up front. The rear springs were dropped for 63” Chevy 1/2 ton, front springs are my own hybrid blend mated to lengthened shackles and dropped front perches. I’m running Pro Comp 9000 shocks all the way around and have almost 24” of wheel travel on all four corners. 35” BFG MT’s put the power to the dirt.
Steering is handled via a IFS box and a hi-steer crossover system. Inch and a half wheel spacers give me the clearance I need all the way around. The rig has a 2” body lift, raised fuel tank w/modified skid plate. Custom sliders and rear bumper were fabbed in my shop, blah, blah, blah...
Future mods include, t-case crawler gears, winch and boosting HP in the four banger.
Many of my parts have been ordered through your outfit, thanks for the great prices and quality parts.
Joe Albion-Via email
Website for “Binder Daydreamin’ In IraQ” and Yourself
First off, I look forward to receiving your mag each month! So far it isn’t geared to where the market is that particular month/year. Thanks for the IH mentions and write-ups
Secondly major props for printing the questions and comments from our troops serving active duty. Anything that can be done to get those men and women through each day by us here on familiar soil is a benefit to them mentally and physically, and seeing/reading your comments to their questions is one of those things.
And if you can, get this link to SGT Ed Fitzpatrick of the 1072nd Transportation Company or just print it in your mag and at once he will have access to all the info he needs to fuel inject his IH using plentiful GM parts or by buying a kit from the board sponsor, AFI.
Go to www.Justinternationals.org and read through the stickys and threads on the conversion. I know the moderator personally and his truck runs better than my Vortec powered Suburban. The IH motors really wake up when the spark tables are played with when burning a custom chip.
Proud owner of an almost FI-ed 1970 800A International Scout. Thanks again for all you do for the sport of 4wheelin!!
Chuck Chatfield, Crowell Texas
Ken Is Brief & To The Point
Hello my name is Ken Houston. To make a long story short, I have a 1997 extended cab Dakota, custom painted on 35” X-terrians. I would love to see it in your magazine. Attached is a pic. Thank you for your time.
Ken Houston—Via email
Eagle Eye
In your October 2004 issue on page 9 (Nissan Armada article) you mention that the only engine available for the Armada is a 5.7L when it is actually the same 5.6L engine that’s in the Titan. You even show the picture of the engine where it clearly shows a 5.6L badge on the valve cover.
Sergio Garcia, Calexico, CA
Hey Sergio, so we were off by 1/10th of a liter! Do you realize how small that is? That’s only 3.3814022 ounces. Okay, we goofed and you caught us. Nice catch!