4 Wheel Drive Zone

Land Rover is a brand held in high regard across the world, which holds true for even the most remote parts of the globe where only a vehicle of its tremendous capabilities can traverse. As one of the manufacturers to pioneer four-wheel drive vehicles, Land Rover has developed a reputation for building the most thoroughly engineered SUVs in the world.

The original Range Rover, introduced in 1970, was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle to use coil springs and four-wheel disc brakes – making it the first to refine the on-road dynamics of this type of vehicle. The Range Rover Sport, introduced in 2005, quickly became the car of choice on the high street. The question is – does it live up to its promise? And what better time than now to get a real sense of just how capable the Range Rover fleet being inherited by Tata Motors really is.

Since its reputation precedes it, there’s a lot expected of this car even before you get into the drivers seat. Give it some thought, though, and you do begin to question the point of a Range Rover Sport. After all, isn’t that an oxymoron? How could an SUV of almost 3 tonnes possibly be sporty? Well, I’m about to find out…

From the outside

The styling of the Range Rover Sport demonstrates the effectiveness of a clean cut design. This isn’t a design with concave surfaces that you have to grow to love. It’s straightforward and handsome with several design cues taken from the traditional Range Rover – including its square jaw and wraparound bonnet. It has a muscular, squat stance, and looks very purposeful sitting on massive 20-inch wheels. The Sport also provides some clues – such as vents in the front fenders, dual exhausts, and huge Brembo front brakes – hinting that it’s something very special indeed.

On the road

Once on the move, the car doesn’t feel as big as it initially appears. The very refined driving experience makes the car feel as it’s shrinking around you. You get a commanding view of the road with a large square bonnet outstretched in front. The Land Cruiser also has an array of cameras and sensors that let you know exactly what’s happening at all four corners.

The extremely smooth and powerful V8 propels this mammoth machine with sublime ease. While it’s ordinarily very silent, you can hear a nice V8 rumble when you step on the accelerator pedal with some intent. The 5-speed automatic transmission is also exceptional as the gear changes are seamless and almost imperceptible. You do have the option of going through the gears manually if you so choose. Again, the shifts are extremely smooth and very quick, but sometimes the computer does overrule your command and shift whenever it sees fit. For example, if you have your foot to the floor and choose to up-shift just before the 5700rpm redline, the computer will analyze throttle position and shift only when it reaches said redline – undoubtedly to aid your effort of picking up speed quickly.

The Land Cruiser has massive tires (285/60 R18) that provide great stability and grip – both on and off the road. It handles extremely well and has very good body control with minimal body roll for a car of its size. Its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that adjusts the stiffness of the front and rear anti-roll bars in accordance with the conditions achieves this. Also, while the weight of the steering at low speeds is heavier than most Toyotas, the Land Cruiser actually has quite good steering feel.

Hyundai has become an increasingly popular carmaker in the Australian market, thanks largely to the ubiquitous Hyundai Excel. But it’s in the off-road market where Hyundai is now really making in-roads. Here we look at the off-road offerings from this emerging Korean carmaker.

Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson offers a good off-roader at a great price. A new Tucson will set you back around $30,000 for the standard 2.7 litre V6 five door wagon. For the top of the range Tucson Elite S, you’ll pay around $33,000.

The Tucson has air conditioning, automatic transmission, driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes all as standard equipment. One thing to consider though with the Tucson is its lack of real ground clearance which inhibits its off-road abilities. But despite this, the Tucson represents good value for money.

A good one owner Tucson in good condition should be relatively easy to come by. If you are looking at buying a used car, check for off-road damage in the body and try to go for one that has done little or no off-roading. Also, get an inspection from a qualified Hyundai mechanic.

Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe has been a great success story for Hyundai in Australia. The Santa Fe should be considered more as a soft-roader rather than a serious four wheel drive. However, if you’re just looking to have a little fun on the weekends, then this may be a viable option for you. The Santa Fe looks great and has the same standard features as the Tucson. The Santa Fe is reasonably priced at around $34,000 brand new.

If you’re in the market for a used car, go for a one owner late model, as earlier vehicles weren’t built as well as later models. And remember to check underneath and in the body for signs of off-road damage, and get a professional inspection.

Hyundai Terracan
The Hyundai Terracan is much boxier in appearance compared with the Santa Fe and Tucson, but this vehicle is built for more serious off-roading and the boxier shape actually makes it look like it means business in the bush. The Terracan, as opposed to the Santa Fe and Tucson, has good ground clearance offering good entry and exit angles. The Terracan is in permanent four wheel drive and has a two speed transfer box for torque low down when the going gets tough. The Terracan has some little luxuries too, with front fog lights, an MP3 CD player and ABS brakes standard from 2004 models onwards. New car prices start from around $35,500 for the standard model and $37,500 for the Highlander.

If you’re looking for a used car, check for steering stability on the open road and check the body for damage from off-road use. Try and go for a one owner car made after 2004 as these will have the extra equipment as standard.

With ice, sleet, snow, and poor visibility, maneuvering a car in the wintertime can pose a mighty dilemma for many, as driving conditions only worsen with drastic weather changes. In order to increase the safety of you and your passengers, it is important to both appropriately prepare your car for the winter, as well as follow a few driving safety tips.

Preparing Your Car

When a car is in top operating condition, it will not only enhance the safety conditions for drivers and passengers, but also help people save on gas. One of the first things you should do is familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your vehicle. It is important to read the owner’s manual and follow proper winterizing suggestions that involve the battery, lights, defroster, heater, motor oil, antifreeze, wiper blades, windshield washer fluid, tire pressure, brakes and brake fluid, belt, hoses, and filters.

Before hitting the road during winter travel, you must clear the snow and ice from not only all windows and lights, but also the hood and roof of the car.

When driving in the winter, it is suggested to keep your gas tank above the halfway mark in case you become delayed or stranded in a snowstorm. In the case of an emergency, a cell phone or CB radio is known as a true lifesaver. During the wintertime, it is recommended to stock your trunk with emergency supplies, including a small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain, scraper, brush, and bag of sand (or kitty litter), which provides traction for tires. Breakdown kits are also helpful, as should contain a blanket, gloves, boots, road flares, warm clothing, flashlight, extra batteries, water, and a first-aid kit.

Knowing the current road conditions also helps prevent disasters on the road. This is often accomplished by calling your local weather 411 service, viewing weather and traffic information on the Internet, checking the local news for weather advisories and traffic reports, and paying attention to flashing electronic highway signs.

On the Road

In addition to maintaining the safety level of your vehicle, you must also pay extra attention to the way you drive in the wintertime. This means staying off of the cell phone and adhering to the legal speed limit. Additionally, a driver should:

1) Always wear a seatbelt.

2) Stay alert and drive completely sober.

3) Drive with headlights on.

4) Give ample amount of time to slow down when roads are slippery. When roads are icy, it is suggested to delay travel, especially when “black ice” is involved.

5) Do not pass maintenance vehicles or plows on the right and give them at least 200 feet between them and your vehicle.

6) Avoid traveling on bridges during icy conditions.

7) Since trucks take longer to stop than cars, do not cut in front.

Avoid cruise control or overdrive in freezing cold weather.

9) Vehicles with four-wheel drive may get drivers going quicker on the road, but does not help them stop any faster.

10) Avoid pumping anti-lock brakes - it is much better to “stomp and steer.”

Two years ago I purchased a Chevy Silverado and now I can say it was a great decision. I am German and came to the USA because of a very good job at a finance consulting company in San Diego. When I look back to my first days here in San Diego, I have to admit that I spent the most time watching huge trucks and SUVs. In Germany we don’t have autos like this so I was very impressed by the giants of the street. Honestly, the real practicality of these cars is arguable but they are embodying power, strength and masculinity so I had to follow this trend. After I bought my truck, I spent a lot of time just driving through this great country and I enjoyed this time. I experienced so many new impressions, so many differences from Germany and so many possibilities that I fell in love with this country instantly. But during my little road trip, I recognized that all the trucks around me had so many more accessories at their trucks than me. From bed caps, to tonneau covers and suspension systems, I saw everything in all kinds of variety.

So I started doing research concerning the prices of all this stuff and got to know that it is not cheap to pimp your truck in all different ways. So I tried to figure out which accessories are very useful in order to protect my truck and improve my comfort. Regarding the protection of my car, I figured out that truck mud flaps are valuable and so I ended up buying them instantly. And my feeling was right. Right after buying them I experienced the benefits and they were amazing. The condition of my wheels improved so quickly because the Mud Guards stand up to anything my tires could throw, including rocks and debris. And the prices aren’t that bad too. But the comfort solution hasn’t been solved yet so I kept searching for a good accessory that would easy my getting into the truck. And after a little research I found a vast selection of truck steps on the internet, which impressed me. I did not know that there are so many ways to get into the car, but after discovering them I knew they would be a big help.

Finally I found some ways to pimp my car, even though I would say that both are less pimping and more protection of my car. I am not very down with trucks that are completely overloaded by all accessories in the truck magazines, so I think I will spend just bit money buying a truck bed cover, for instance. I drew the conclusion that if the practicality of all these huge trucks is arguable, at least the accessories should have a real benefit for the driver and its car.

A proactive approach to tire maintenance is best — if you address potential issues before things get ugly, or as soon as they become apparent, the better chance you have of staying safe.

Here are a few easy ways to care for your vehicle tires.

Inflation (The Good Kind):

It’s usually a given that proper inflation gives you more efficient fuel usage. And it is certainly true for street driving, that under-inflated tires can greatly decrease your mileage, make your car more prone to skid in wet conditions, and cause uneven tire wear.

But for a vehicle that you take off-road, there are different considerations and conditions. So many Jeep owners actually prefer softened, aired-down bias tires. But, these are definitely not street tires, so there is additional maintenance required is you use these types of tires.

You may wish to consider off-road savvy radial tires. These would seem to provide the best of both worlds. However, you will need to adjust the inflation depending on whether you are on paved streets or negotiating off-road conditions and obstacles.

Either way, one tool you cannot afford to be without is a portable air compressor. This allows you to inflate or deflate your Jeep tires on the go, all from a compact and easy-to-use compression unit.

As The Tires Rotate:

Once again, what you know about automobile tire rotation doesn’t directly correlate to what should be done for a 4-wheel off-road vehicle.

Generally, off roading tires require more frequent tire rotations than a street vehicle. This is because an aggressive tread wears faster. Given the wear discrepancy between front and rear tires, tread balance becomes uneven quickly, resulting in major loss of performance.

Generally, off road vehicles require tire rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, but more use and wear may necessitate rotations as frequently as every 4,000 to 6,000 miles. This is where being proactive in maintaining your tires comes in handy. If you are actively monitoring your tire wear, you will be able to judge best how often to rotate your tires.

Keep in mind that for new tires, the first rotation is the most critical. You will want to pay particular attention to tire inflation and alignment. You can do a lot of damage quickly if you don’t take the time to make the required adjustments at the start.

Also, tire rotations in a Jeep should not be done front to back, as with a street vehicle. Rather they should be done in an X. This means that front-left goes to rear-right, and vice versa, while front-right goes to rear-left, and vice versa.

Consider Nitrogen:

Essentially, nitrogen gas tire inflation is nothing more than replacing the air in your tires with nitrogen gas. This modification provides improved gas mileage, longer tire wear, and better performance. Best of all it is also environmentally friendly. So you can go off-road and go green at the same time.

Nitrogen gas tire inflation for your Jeep tires is becoming more common as it becomes more readily available. If it is not available to you now, keep watching your favorite auto supply store. It should be available soon. This is one enhancement you will want to adopt.

Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 (”four by four”) is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously. In the United States, these cars are included in the broader sport utility vehicle category. While many people associate the term with off-road vehicles, powering all four wheels provides better control on many surfaces, and is an important part of rally racing on mostly-paved roads.

The term four wheel drives describes truck-like vehicles that require the driver to manually
switch between two-wheel drive mode for streets and four-wheel drive mode for low traction conditions such as ice, mud, snow, slippery surfaces, or loose gravel. All-wheel drive (AWD)
is often used to describe a “full time” 4WD that may be used on dry pavement without destroying the drivetrain (It should be noted that “Full-Time” 4WD can be disengaged, and the center differential can be locked; essentially turning it into regular 4WD. Whereas AWD cannot be disengaged and the center differential cannot be locked.) although the term may be abused when marketing a vehicle. AWD can be used on dry pavement because it employs the use of a center differential, which allows each tire to receive different amounts of power. This eliminates driveline binding, wheel hop and other driveline issues associated with the use of 4WD on dry pavement. With vehicles with more than four wheels, AWD means all wheels drive the vehicle, while 4WD means only four of the wheels drive the vehicle.

Ice road trucking is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. With a job description that includes sub-zero working conditions, long hours with little sleep, and the risk of potentially falling through a road made of ice, it’s amazing that anyone signs up for the job. Incredibly, these are only a few challenges of being an ice road trucker.

Ice road trucking has been dubbed as a two month long “dash for cash.” Road crews spend weeks preparing the ice road for the trucks. Using ground-penetrating radar to measure the ice depth, road crews ensure the ice is thick enough (usually a minimum of about 27 inches) to support the big rigs. In what can become a scheduling nightmare, 600-900 truckers are tasked with delivering 10,000 loads at an average speed of only about 20 miles per hour. Drivers haul loads throughout the day and night, often getting little or no sleep before receiving their next load. In addition, drivers constantly battle the cold, physical injuries and mechanical problems. TJ Tilcox is one driver that was unlucky enough to experience all of the above in just his first season on the ice road.

Tilcox, a 22-year-old truck driver from Hillsburg, Ontario, read a newspaper advertisement about a job hauling equipment, blasting materials and food in Western Canada. While relaxing in a bar with some friends in Yellowknife, NT, Canada, a camera crew came in and asked TJ about documenting his journey on the ice road. As it turns out, this crew was from The History Channel’s new hit series “Ice Road Truckers.” With a ‘Why not?’ approach to braving the frigid ice road with cameras watching every step, Tilcox agreed and embarked, not looking for the extra money, but for the experience. That’s a good thing, because throughout his two month run, there were lots of experiences.

TJ’s first careful entrance onto the ice was an experience in itself. The ice, under the extreme weight of the truck, cracks loud enough to be heard inside the cab of the truck. Tilcox remarked that you get used to the fact that you usually hear the ice crack while driving. The times that you get out of the truck on the ice road can be unnerving. “When you’re standing there with the truck you can see air bubbles popping in the ice from the weight of the truck sitting there … and you’re just like ‘Oh God, I gotta get outta here!’” TJ explained. But it’s not only the ice road that poses a hazard to the truckers. Sometimes it can be the truck itself that’s dangerous.

One of the first episodes of “Ice Road Truckers” shows TJ tying down a load with a load binder. “I was chaining down a load and the load binder snapped open–I was still hanging onto it and it slammed me into the truck behind me,” TJ recalled. Not feeling any immediate pain, TJ finished tying down the load and went back to work. Several days later, TJ began experiencing severe abdominal pain and was to forced struggle through the remainder of his trek before he could receive medical attention. His injury was so severe that he had to be flown to the nearest medical center where he made a speedy recovery.

After getting back on the road from his injury, TJ’s truck woes continued. He had been given a 1999 Freightliner Classic flat top with no heat to battle the bitter cold outside. “There’s an episode where you can see me building snowballs in the sleeper because that’s how cold it got … and me duct-taping the door … because the wind just blew through it. Another guy was going home and he asked me if I wanted to drive his truck and I said, ‘Sure I’ll drive it, as long as it’s got heat,’” TJ remarked. As it turns out, TJ’s new ride was a brand new 2007 Volvo; a far cry from his last truck.

Things were looking up for the ice road rookie, right? Wrong.

TJ didn’t even get to the ice road with the Volvo before he was again plagued by misfortune. An air line in the trailer detached, disabling the brakes. TJ slid on the icy roads until he collided with a pick-up. Tilcox was quickly cleared of responsibility and allowed to continue driving on the ice road.

With the trucks under such enormous strain during the two month stretch of pulling loads in excess of 50 tons, it is understandable that they often have problems. In fact, only minimal modifications are made to the trucks before they hit the ice road. For starters, mechanics install a “belly tarp” under the truck in order to better hold in the truck’s heat. Drivers have all the oils and lubes changed in order to minimize the stress on the truck and hopefully prevent mechanical failure. It’s also imperative that the truck stays on if at all possible. “You don’t want to turn it off because, fifteen minutes [without running] and you might not start it again,” Tilcox said about the frigid conditions. TJ added that tire chains are only needed in case of a spinout on an icy hill, or if you get stuck.

While it is important to have the truck in top running order, it could be said that it is even more important to make sure the driver is well rested. With some trips requiring 20 or more hours one-way, driver alertness becomes an issue. When it comes to keeping focused, TJ advised, “The best thing to do is to talk to the people [other drivers on the ice road] around you.” He also mentioned that he brings along plenty of snacks and drinks to help him not only stay awake, but also be prepared in case of a breakdown. TJ always makes sure that he is properly rested before he gets out on the road.

With all the precautions taken to ensure the safety of the drivers, none is more important than that of the drivers’ speed. As the drivers make the transition from the hard top to the ice, a wave immediately forms under the ice. The heavier the load, the bigger the wave becomes. The danger occurs when two loaded trucks meet at normal speeds, with each truck’s wave slightly in front. When the two waves meet, the pressure becomes too great for the ice to withstand and it causes the ice to “blow out.” This can result in a truck falling through the ice, and it is for this reason that drivers carrying heavy loads must slow down to 7mph when meeting another loaded truck. When a loaded truck and an unloaded truck meet, it is not necessary for either truck to slow down because the unloaded truck’s wave is not significant enough to cause a problem.

To further maintain the safety on the ice road, speed limits vary by location. Near the southern end of the ice road, where the ice is thinner, speeds can be as slow as 7 mph. At the northern end of the ice road, thicker ice allows loaded trucks to travel up to about 25 mph. Unloaded trucks can travel up to about 37 mph.

So what do you do if your truck does start to slip into the icy waters below, you ask? “Jump out!” replied TJ quickly. It’s as simple as that, with no special safety procedure or high tech gadgets in place. TJ stated that some drivers have been known to drive with one hand on the wheel and the other hand on the door in case of an emergency. “The ice is pretty safe, it’s watched and the depth of the ice is checked by ground penetrating radar so they’re constantly out there checking the ice and flooding it and making it thicker. They figure about 45 seconds is all you have to live once you go in the ice,” he said.

TJ has enjoyed being able to meet new people and see different places as a result of being featured on “Ice Road Truckers.” One place he never expected to be was on the set of the late night television show “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” “I never liked an audience, I never like to be in a crowd and stuff like that. But you get used to the video camera and I guess being on Jimmy Kimmel you zone in on whoever’s watching you and just pay attention to what Jimmy’s saying,” TJ revealed. “The cameras were a bit different in the truck and stuff like that to start … but you just start hee-hawing and having fun,” TJ said.

Television has not changed TJ, however. “I drive because I love driving and nobody’s looking over my shoulder,” Tilcox confessed. When he’s not driving a truck, TJ still enjoys going hunting, fishing, hanging with his friends, and skeet shooting. He also finds it amusing when people recognize him in public. “They look at you and they’re trying to figure out who it is and they’ve seen you before but they don’t know if they should ask, so I get lots of that,” Tilcox joked.

TJ is a dedicated fan of the show “Ice Road Truckers.” He sits down and watches every episode as it is aired. “I think the show is pretty good, I think they done alright on it,” TJ admitted.

Overall, TJ described this past ice road season by saying, “It was one helluva experience.”

When you are towing any amount of weight with a trailer, the control you have over your vehicle and trailer is vital for ensuring a safe trip. A trailer with unevenly distributed weight or one that is too heavy for your vehicle can be very difficult to handle and may cause an accident. This is why it is so important to choose the right type of trailer for both your load and your vehicle. It is also very important to make sure that you attach your trailer to your vehicle using the correct towing hitch.

One sure way to know that something is wrong with your tow vehicle and trailer combination is that the rear end of the tow vehicle is visibly weighed down while the front end is raised up. This uneven distribution of weight will severely affect your steering and braking capabilities.

There are several different types of trailer hitches; one type is called a weight distributing trailer hitch. This hitch is most often used for heavy loads and trailers. A weight distributing hitch makes carrying a heavy load safer by distributing the weight of the load evenly between the wheels of the tow vehicle and the wheels of the trailer resulting in improved steering and brake control.

A weight distributing trailer hitch has a special bar that slides into the vehicle attachment. This attachment transfers the tongue weight of your trailer to the front axle of the towing vehicle and the axles of the trailer. It also has two spring bars, one for each side of the trailer tongue, that help provide leverage to the towing vehicle.

You should always use a weight distributing hitch if you are towing a large amount of weight. These types of hitches are considered class 3 hitches and are capable of pulling up to 10,000 pounds trailer weight and 1,000 pounds of tongue weight. The cost for these hitches generally range anywhere from $200 to $300. While a weight distributing hitch is a little bit more expensive than a standard hitch, the price is well worth the stability it provides when towing a heavy trailer.

Before attaching any trailer to your vehicle, you should find out what the maximum towing and tongue weight capacity is for your particular type of vehicle. You can do this by consulting your owner’s manual or a dealership that sells the type of vehicle you have. You may also be able to find this information online. In addition to all of these considerations, be sure to use the right type of trailer to tow your load. This will result in a smooth and safer trip for all.

In my business, I get a lot of calls from moms and dads. People whose sixteen to eighteen year old sons are begging them to put a lift kit on their trucks or SUVs. People who want to know if it’s safe, economical and responsible to lift their teenagers’ vehicles for recreational or visual purposes. If you’re having these or similar questions, be assured that you are not alone.

A lift kit can be a very good present for your teenage son’s or daughter’s truck or SUV. Lift kits can increase ground clearance, lessen the jarring of the automobile that is caused by irregularities in the road, and give the vehicle a unique and beefy look. However, before you jump into the world of lifted vehicles, there are a few things you should consider in finding the correct lift kit for your young driver.

Suspension Lifts vs. Body Lifts
There are two main types of lift kits available today. Suspension lift kits are a system of springs used to raise a vehicle by suspending the frame, body, engine and power train above the wheels. Body lift kits are a system of blocks used to raise a vehicle by suspending the body above the frame. I recommend suspension lift kits for the performance-minded customer, and body lift kits for the cost-minded customer.

If your son or daughter is only interested in a lift kit for the visual effect, I normally recommend the body lift kits. They are easier to install, do little to nothing to effect the ride quality of the vehicle, and allow for the addition of bigger tires if desired. A body lift kit can make a vehicle look tough at a cost-effective price.

However, if your son or daughter is also interested in the performance capabilities of a lift kit, or would like to learn to drive skillfully off-road, I would recommend a suspension lift kit. Although a bit more expensive, suspension lift kits give a vehicle the capabilities to crawl through dirt roads, rocks and trees, and even mud and water. They give a vehicle the capability to go where most vehicles cannot, and see awesome natural wonders.
The Best Lift Kit Manufacturers
Once you’ve decided on either a suspension or body lift kit, you will need to know what type you want. Now when it comes to body lift kits, there is one world-popular company that I always recommend: Performance Accessories. Performance Accessories offers high quality components, easy-to-follow installation instructions, and low prices.

When it comes to a suspension lift kit, the decision becomes a little more difficult. There are many great suspension lift kit manufacturers that offer many different features. In choosing the correct one, you will need to consider cost, performance capability, ride quality, warranty and customer service.
Cost
If pricing is your major concern, I normally recommend either Pro Comp or Trailmaster. For what you get, these two companies offer among the best prices around. Both companies have comprehensive lift packages, including all necessary components and hardware, with tough trail-ready parts. Performance Capability

If your truck’s performance in muddy or rocky conditions is your major concern, I normally recommend either Fabtech or SuperLift. Although a little more expensive than many of the other manufacturers, these companies build kits for hard-nosed off-road fun. With quality components and multiple packages, Fabtech and SuperLift will give a truck or SUV high performance capabilities in any off-road situation.
Ride Quality
Most people already know that a suspension lift will affect your vehicle’s ride quality. If this is a concern, there are manufacturers whose lift kits get great reviews for on-road ride and comfort. Personally, I hear the best testimonials for Rancho and Skyjacker. Rancho and Skyjacker are two of the oldest and most respected lift kit companies in the world. Their kits are created for good off-road capabilities without negatively effecting ride quality. Their kits will help a lifted vehicle maintain at least some of its factory feel. Warranty & Customer Service

And finally, when purchasing a suspension lift kit, you must do some research into the company with which you plan to make your purchase. Lift kits of any kind can have problems, missing pieces or defective parts. I highly recommend checking each company’s warranty guidelines, as well as seeing how easy it is to get them on the phone or reach them via email in case of an emergency. It is essential to find the company you feel will backup their product the best.
Overall, purchasing a lift kit for your teenager can be a great learning and bonding experience. If you follow these rules, you should be able to maximize that experience by choosing the best lift kit for you and your child’s needs.

What to do with the inherent urge you feel every time you quick spot an opening in the brush, in a trail that may or may not lead to an off road utopia? What do you think you should do, you Nancy, slam the brakes, twist the wheel, apologize to whomever is sitting next to you for the fact that they will not be making it to their intended, particular destination at that moment and tear off road and into the liberation of street sign-free good times.

Well, wait, hold on for a moment. While it’s true that I do think that, for the most part you should do that, there may be a thing or two slightly over-impulsive to that off roading call to arms. First off, really you should drop your passenger off and let them walk to their destination (we are members of decent society after all). But, more importantly, consider if you truck is ready for the offroad.

One of the biggest considerations here will be what your tires are looking like. If you already have off road tires, then that’s great. If not, consider for a moment that purchasing higher tires while offer you greater ground clearance, while the shorter offroad tire will give you more traction. If your not already set up with an aggressively treaded tire (and at times even if you are), you may follow the time honored activity of offroaders everywhere and air down (or let air out of your tires). Its fairly easily understandable how and why this is come to be common practice by those heading offroad. By lowering the air in your tire and effectively lowering and widening the tire you can quickly and easily multiply the traction you are going to have. The is quite helpful, but certainly try to not go overboard with the air down. An obvious problem to this is that the sidewalls of your tires are going to really open themselves up to vulnerabilities and punctures.

There are certainly plenty of other options that one can make while setting up for heading offroad, so go check them out and figure which one is for you. Some may fall under a category of pretty strictly offroad, while others will really offer some advantages to both bring onroad and off.