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:
- A note from the editor
- On the drawing board
- Readers Rigs Are On!
- Project Sport Track - 38 Inch Modification
- New Stories
- Article - What Makes A 4 Wheeler?
- Your single biggest wish?
- Submit your 4x4 article!
- Tip - Getting Too Tired
- 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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