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4x4 Newsletter, Issue #011 -- What Makes A 4 Wheeler?
May 30, 2005

Practical 4x4 Off Roads Information



Hi

Welcome to this edition of the 4x4 Newsletter!
Remember that your opinion matters and I am open to suggestions and ideas regarding the web site and the contents of this newsletter.
If you like this e-zine, please do a friend and me a big favor and "pay it forward".

TOPICS:

  1. A note from the editor
  2. On the drawing board
  3. Readers Rigs Are On! 
  4. Project Sport Track - 38 Inch Modification
  5. New Stories
  6. Article - What Makes A 4 Wheeler?
  7. Your single biggest wish?
  8. Submit your 4x4 article!
  9. Tip - Getting Too Tired
  10. Do you have a passion?

4x4OffRoads.com



  • A note from the editor
    May has been bright and sunny but the wind has been cold coming in from the north. These last days temperature is finally picking up a bit.

    Project Sport Trac is on its way. I am now waiting for the rear axle to be finished. I am using the gear ratios and ARB air-lockers from my old F-150. Also the bolt pattern has to be modified and then the four link suspension built.

    Last weekend we took a family tour out to Snaefellsnes on the Grand Cherokee. Perhaps you have read the story by Jules Verne - The Journey to the Centre of the Earth? In it the crater on top of the volcano Snaefellsjokull is used as the entry to the underworld. The scenery there is just magnificent and we had a great time. My wife was exhibiting her paintings. We got a chance to enjoy the stay and gain power from this source of supernatural energy.



     
  • On the drawing board
    Project Sport Trac
    eBook about 4 wheeling
    Forum for 4x4s

    Let me know what your biggest wish is by taking part in the SURVEY.


     
  • Readers Rigs Are On!
    If you have a 4x4 you feel proud of and want to show others - please don't hesitate to submit pictures and descriptions.

    Already there are a number of nice trucks up. My plan is to make these pages high-quality and accessible and I need your help in doing so. Almost all 4x4's are unique and I am sure yours is in some way. Share your experience and allow the rest of the 4 wheeling world to see your truck and how it is used...

    Here is the page for submitting your 4x4 and looking at other readers trucks.




  • Project Sport Trac - 38 Inch Modification
    A stock Ford Explorer Sport Trac is pretty good on the highway in USA - but can it be customized in a way to get it into the rough Icelandic snow and ice driving?

    The plan is to put a Dana 44 whole front axle with disk brake kit in front, but use the Ford 8.8 rear axle in the rear. Both axles to be fitted with air-lockers and 4.88 gear ratios. Four link suspension in the rear and old Bronco suspension in front - except for the airbags that are to be used both front and rear.

    My main project at the moment. This is a continuous story of the project. It is now getting closer to ready so - check out the process...

    More pictures and descriptions are here.

     


  • New Stories

    4x4 ATV Exploring America
    Exploring America on an ATV can never be dull or boring. I remember the first time I rode an ATV. It was an experience that will never be forgotten.

    Rick's CJ-3B Jeep Home made 100%
    Fiberglass body 5'' longer 4'' wider the a stock 3B, 2''x4'' box frame, 302ci, C-6, NP-205, ford 9'' front and back with locker's and disc brakes, 5.43's, 35 spline axles, 4 link with coil's up front, 3 link with coil's in the rear, 2'' six point roll bar, 9000i winch, 35'' BFG's.

    Stomper - Dodge Dakota QuadCab
    Stomper has 3" Rancho Suspension Lift, 3" Performance Accessories Body Lift and 33x12.50 BF Goodrich All Terrain tires on 15x8 Ultra 164 polished wheels.

    Pickup Truck Cap
    A pickup truck cap makes in my opinion a good truck better. It is more convenient to carry your luggage, provides better mileage and keeps your stuff secure. I know many will say the look is not as good - but I disagree.

    Truck Fender Flare
    Truck fender flare definitely add style, protection and extra tire coverage to your truck or SUV. For the bigger 4x4 tires you need big fender flares.

     


    ARTICLE
     

  • What Makes A 4 Wheeler?
    Through the years I enjoyed the light spirit and teamwork as well as making good friends with off-roaders. Since I started the 4x4OffRoads.com web site I am proud to say that I have gained friends from all over the world. From Pakistan in the East to Colorado in the West and South Africa in the South and of course Iceland in the North.

    What comes as a surprise is that similar qualities are shared by so many of the wheelers.

    HELPFULNESS
    When you are off the beaten track and on some remote and little traveled road. You meet a stranger going in the other direction. Stop and ask about the road ahead and give information about possible obstacles or problems from the road you just drove. Share your knowledge and learn at the same time.

    RESOURCEFULNESS
    Getting by with the tools and equipment carried by you or your fellow travel companions is an art much more than science. Last weekend a friend of mine was in a trip where a radiator hose broke. Having no spare hose an improvised solution included sawing a piece of tailpipe from a Suzuki Vitara with a SWISS ARMY KNIFE! It took about an hour to saw through but the result was good for the rest of the trip.

    In another trip the front main leaf spring leaf broke and was welded together using two batteries a welding wire and two pairs of SUNGLASSES for eye protection.

    CAREFUL EVALUATION OF SITUATION
    Driving in traffic on the highway it is important to think ahead. Thinking ahead while driving on a trail or off-road is even more important. Going uphill you must be certain that you and your vehicle can get up and if not - a plan B to get the vehicle safely back down without rolling over and possibly hurting you, your passengers or stander-by's. Crossing a river is another such situation where careful evaluation could include wading the river to check if it is passable by your 4x4.

    OUTDOOR LIVING
    Outsiders might think that driving off-road is like staying inside the truck at all times. As you probably know this is NOT TRUE. Most go wheeling to enjoy nature, discover new places and breath in some fresh air. Occasional problems, like getting out of a stuck or examining the route ahead also involves outdoor activities.

    I know some hiking enthusiasts who walk for days in beautiful scenic landscape and NEVER look left or right.

    ENJOY the trip  and everything around it - plan on spending some time outdoors and you will fare well.

    RESPECTING NATURE
    I think most wheelers respect and feast on nature just the way it is. They would like to keep nature as untouched by the works of man as possible. This preserves our territory - our playfield. Being responsible helps - driving only on the trail and not doing any damage to the vegetation and geological formations.

    What I find most rewarding is the...
    CONSTANT LEARNING
    ...Every trip seems to bring new sources of solutions to problems and new people to know and although the trip is sometimes to the same place I have visited before - the weather and season and other environmental factors somehow always seems to make it special.


    Thrandur Arnthorsson is a 4 wheeling enthusiast and the webmaster of 4x4OffRoads.com.

     



     

  • Your single biggest wish?
    I am adding more and more content and value to 4x4OffRoads.com.

    Please... if there's anything IMPORTANT that you wish I would do, anything that will make your life easier and/or bring you better knowledge...

    Reply to this e-mail with your biggest wish for the site!

    Another option for you is to take part in a simple survey I set up. It should only take a couple of minutes to fill out. Also you get to voice your preferences regarding further development of the 4x4OffRoads.com web site.

    I review all wishes and use to build a list for the most wanted, which I then prioritize according to demand.


     
  • Tip - Getting Too Tired
    If you get tired on a 4 wheeling trip - or for that matter whenever you are out driving - and you get sleepy. Please take your time to find a quiet place to park.  Simply take a nap. 15 minutes should do wonders. Don't risk making mistakes because you are tired. Mistakes in driving can cause great danger to you and your fellow travellers.


     
  • Submit your 4x4 article!
    Off-roaders like you usually have their own strong opinion on how, why and where to wheel. Share the joy with other readers!

    You can write on any topic related to 4x4 off road you feel you have a message to your fellow off-roader. Stories about 4 wheeling trips are especially popular. It can also be a review on new trucks, accessories, suspension, lift kits, wheels and tires, helpful tips and tricks, innovative solutions to problems, car care tips, etc. Anything that will help your fellow 4 wheeler get their truck ready and able to perform off roads!

    By all means if you know a good joke that would fit in the newsletter PLEASE let me know :)

    If you have issues with grammar and spelling, don't worry. I can make small corrections. Your story or article is still yours and you keep the full copyright.

    Submit your 4x4 article!

    P.S. If you want you can also reply to this Newsletter with your story along with the pictures you want to share.




     

  • Do you have a passion?
    I am sure you do!
    Are you interested in knowing more about the internet and how to be a part of the fastest growing marketplace in the world?
    I have put up a special section for downloading high quality e-books. These e-books have changed the way I look at the internet and the possibilities it represents! I suggest you download the ones that interest you and I would love to hear your thoughts on them.
    If you like you can send me questions about how you can go about starting your own site. The space of ideas is without limits. Your experience and knowledge is something you can and should share with the world. It will make the world richer in so many ways.

    Best wishes and thanks,
    Thrandur Arnthorsson


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