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4WD Action News

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Jeep Aholics

Crossmember pictures
Can anyone post any pictures they may have of a transmission crossmember from a cj5? I dont think i have the stock one, but cannot find any pictures online of what it should look like. It looks as though the transfer case is just resting on the crossmember i have, and at one point someone cut a hole in the crossmember for a bolt on the transfer case to fit through, so the entire case isnt resing on just this bold. aslo, if anyone can post pics of their own fabricated transmission mounting solutions, that would be great!

new tow rig
Figured it not a Jeep but it hauls one Back story is guy from Colirado drove it here to mi blew up the motor traded it in dealer (brother-in-laws wifes uncle) put in a generation 5 350 craite motor in it has a 465 muncie 4 speed and a 208 case and is 95% clean and was bone stock when my bro-in-law bought it took it to me where I put on a 6" lift H2 rims and 35" BFG MT KM2 on it. Then he wanted to buy a new semi and sold it to me.... Now here it is and its now in the garage torn down so I can paint it over the next few weeks Sorry for one pic at a time but I am posting on my phone [IMG]http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t234/scramblerman72/utf-8BSU1HMDAwNzUuanBn.jpg[/IMG]

OFF TOPIC: Excercise and trainer folk.
Got a couple questions for you that are into exercise equipment. As most of you probably know, I am a big fat guy, and disabled. Over the past year, I have noticed my disability getting worse. Much of the problem is my weight issue that is not my disability, however does complicate it much more, and may very well be the reason my disability is getting worse. Some already know, some don't, but for the record, I am a former athlete (played football for many years 11 total from High School through my Air Force days). I used to not really be a health nut, but was very much into being in shape, and strong. I was 6'5" at 250/260 lbs in my prime. I am now 6'4" because I lost an inch from my injury years ago, arthritis, and of course my gravity problem. Now, I am 6'4" at nearly 600 lbs. Ruined lower back, and severe nerve damage in my right leg. This past winter was very hard on my bones and joints, and I now see myself being totally wheel chair dependent if I don't try to do something to get some of my mobility back real soon. I am thinking, and praying that I can reverse my problem some. I will always have limitations due to the injury, but I think I can reverse at least some of my problems. I am not going to go into my entire medical history, because it is lengthy. But, no, I can not exercise like I used to, and am very limited in what I can do, which is much of the reason I have gained so much and not been able to loose much significant weight. No, it's not because I am fat and lazy. Again, I am a former very active athlete, and would trade most anything to have that ability back. I have limitations, and even my doctor took me off physical therapy, because what it was doing to my blood pressure and vitals dealing with pain the way I do. I don't, and have never shown pain, and have always have a very high pain tolerence. I just dealt with it. And that was a problem, because your body will deal with it, if you do emotionally or not. But anyway.. I am going to do something. I don't want to be totally wheelchair dependent. I don't even like the fact that I have one, and I damn sure not gonna spend the rest of my life in it. Against doctors orders, I am gonna come of the drugs dealing with it, and I am gonna suck up the pain, and do something. Over the past 6 months, I have been eating allot better than I have been the past few years. I eat a good hearty breakfast, and a good lunch (mostly healthy foods). For dinner, I only eat a small bowl of fresh fruits, and a few nuts. After 6 months of that so far, I feel like a million bucks, but still can't physically move. Now, I want to see what I can do on my own to get at least some mobility back. I can barely walk, BUT, I found a piece of equipment, that is low impact, that I think might work. It has been allot of years since my athlete days, and I really don't know allot about equipment. I used to work out with free weights, so just don't know allot about all the high tech crap that have out now, and if they are any good, or a gimmick. The one that stuck out with me though was the "BowFlex". It sort of does make sense to me. I been looking at some, but damn, they cost allot. I found a few used ones, but the cheapest I could find have been the standard machine for about $800 used. Yesterday, I found one just 11 miles from me. I thought too good to be true. It is a BowFlex Extreme, with a few upgrades on it. From doing some research, it retails for about $1300 for the machine, and the upgrades it has comes to about another $300 +/-. This guy wanted $500 for all of it. This is a depressed area that the bad economy hit very hard here in Michigan, and the guy ended up telling me if I was serious, he would bring it to me, and set it back up for $100 cheaper than he advertised. So, it cost me $400, delivered and set up at my home. Is that a pretty good deal? And am I on the right track for something I can use that is low impact, and that might be able to strengthen some of the areas that have been neglected without doing more damage to my back and leg..? Any input, or advice, would be appreciated.

High clearance, little lift..
So, i had this idea the other day. I have DIYJ sitting in my garage, waiting for me to start putting money into it. For those of you who dont know what project i'm talking about, this is my daily driver YJ build. My goal with this thing is to build a stock-ish height YJ, that will still fit in my garage. The garage has a lower that usual entry because its beneath my house, and theres a porch that overhangs the driveway. The intention is to use this jeep as a daily driver, and a mild wheeler. The sort of jeep you take hunting, fishing, and camping, while the smurf remains as my less comfortable, more functional wheeler. My first thought was to go almost bone stock, with a slight lift, and 30's or 31's. And minor improvements. But since it's been sitting (due to lack of time/money) ive been thinking more and more about how to build it. So i had this thought. I need to keep the height down, that is, the clearance at the top of the roof, down. So i cant put much lift on it, i also cant go crazy with tire size. BUT, that doesnt mean i cant do everything i can do gain some clearance under the belly and axles. So what I'm getting at is. Has anyone tried this sort of a build. Can anyone thing of possible issues with doing something like a belly-up skid, and not any sort of lift? I'm going to guess that a body lift will probably be required, but that's not really out of the question. A stock height suspension. 1-2" body lift, the minimum i can get away with. belly-up/flat skid u-bolt flips Might i end up needing an SYE for this? Any other issues i'm not seeing? belly-up skids generally require a motor mount lift, correct?

Please vote for me!! Top Truck 2010 #11
Got my issue of Four Wheeler in the mail today, and I'm in the top 50 rigs for voting for the Top Truck Challenge this year... it is very cool to see my rig in a mag... even if it is my tiny little poser shot. If i get lucky enough to get voted in, it would be the pinnacle of my wheeling career up this point. I have heard so many amazing things about the event, would be an honor to be a part of it. My rig is #11... please gimme yer vote! The shot is a super poser shot before it ever hit the trail, but it's beat a bit now... not quite a virgin anymore... Here's a couple better shots... [img]http://www.sigmamotorsports.com/ImageFolio4_files/gallery/Toy_Box/Carwash/Misc/House_Trails/P1080300.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.sigmamotorsports.com/ImageFolio4_files/gallery/Trail_Runs_-_Boat_Trips_-_Events/Offroad_Trail_Runs/2009_Trail_Runs/Jellico_Nov_27-29/jellico1126_008.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.sigmamotorsports.com/ImageFolio4_files/gallery/Trail_Runs_-_Boat_Trips_-_Events/Offroad_Trail_Runs/2009_Trail_Runs/Jellico_Nov_27-29/jellico1126_006.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.sigmamotorsports.com/ImageFolio4_files/gallery/Trail_Runs_-_Boat_Trips_-_Events/Offroad_Trail_Runs/2009_Trail_Runs/Jellico_Nov_27-29/jellico1126_011.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.sigmamotorsports.com/ImageFolio4_files/gallery/Trail_Runs_-_Boat_Trips_-_Events/Offroad_Trail_Runs/2009_Trail_Runs/Harlan_Oct._23-25/harlan04.jpg[/img] Rear steer and cromo shafts happening this week... There is no online voting. You actually have to purchase the mag, cut out the ballot and mail it in. It may be a pain in the ass, but i would greatly appreciate any votes you guys can throw my way!! I will represent very well, i promise! thanks in advance!!!

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4×4 and Offroading RSS Feeds

The Aries Front Bumper Gets a Review - Tue, 27 Dec 2011

Aries Front Bumper
Image by Matt Finley

The Aries front bumper replacement for a Jeep Wrangler is a great looking bumper. It's got these 'flares' that bend back towards the tires and up, and there are tube guards that go over the headlight and hang off without support or a loop back down to the bumper.

Pretty awesome looking for sure, but how does it function as a bumper? Was the install as easy as it sounds? Find out that and more by reading my review of the Aries Replacement Front Bumper for 2011 Jeep Wrangler.

Front Bumper Swap on 2011 Jeep Wrangler - Mon, 26 Dec 2011

Installing the Aries Front Bumper on Jeep Wrangler
Image by Matt Finley

One of the first mods we did on the Jeep Wrangler (after tinting the windows) was to install a replacement front bumper. By switching to a custom/aftermarket front bumper we'll be able make it more functional and also make it look more original.

Not all front bumpers are the same so if you're going to swap out your original Wrangler bumper be sure to shop around. Get one that you like the looks of and that will provide you adequate functionality.

Here is step by step guide on the Aries Front Bumper Install on 2011 Jeep Wrangler.

Keep a Safe Distance Between You and Your Buddies - Wed, 14 Dec 2011

Buddies riding ATVs together. Image by Matt Finley

There's hardly a more effective way to ruin your weekend than to wreck not one but TWO machines from the same camp. Most people like to ride and fool around with their friends and loved ones. In fact, if you're a regular reader of this page, you know that I actually advocate riding with buddies for not only enjoyment but safety purposes as well.

Read more about why it's important to keep a safe distance between you and your buddies when riding.

Use the Buddy System When Riding ATVs - Wed, 30 Nov 2011

Never EVER ride alone (unless you're just putting around near your campsite). Remember that most riding areas tend to be harsh landscapes in rural areas and are often devoid of many people. If you get lost, have a mechanical failure, or wreck and hurt yourself you'll wish you had a friend nearby to call for help or to carry you safely back to camp if you are stranded. Too many things can go wrong to risk riding alone.

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Look Where You're Going When Riding ATVs - Tue, 29 Nov 2011

Look Before you Leap: Seems pretty self explanatory right? Seeing where you're going before you get there is good advice, but terrain features in your riding area may make that simple adage easier said than done.

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ExplorOz Trek Notes

ACT - Brindabella National Park - Thu, 30 Dec 2010
Close to Canberra, this trek covers an area riddled with steep zigzagging climbs and descents accessible only by 4WD. In fine weather, it's a fairly easy drive, but in winter it becomes more challenging with rain and snow.

NSW - Abercrombie River NP - Mon, 19 Nov 2007
This trek is located in the Central Tablelands region of New South Wales and offers the visitor some moderate four-wheel driving, and picturesque camping sites beside the Abercrombie River and Silent Creek. The area is also known for its trout fishing.

NSW - Barrington Tops - Thu, 17 Mar 2011
The magnificent Barrington Tops National Park boasts superb mountain top accommodation, excellent walking trails, suitable 2WD and 4WD routes and great camping spots.

NSW - Bendethera Valley - Tue, 14 Jun 2011
This cleared yet picturesque valley, right in the heart of the Deua National Park provides excellent camping grounds right beside the crystal clear waters of the Deua River. Bendethera Valley is possibly the pick of all 4WD camping destinations in southeast NSW.

NSW - Corner Country - Mon, 20 Jun 2011
Follow the Cobb & Co and Charles Sturt routes from Broken Hill, where the bitumen gives way to dirt as it heads deeper into outback NSW. Discover old towns like Milparinka and Tibooburra, before finishing where NSW, SA and QLD join at Cameron Corner.