Offroad 4X4

Installing Suspension Lift Kits the Intelligent Way

2011-12-31T22:08:00.000-08:00

There are many elements to take into account before obtaining a suspension lift kit for your ride. Whilst the benefits for acquiring a greater ground clearance and superior articulation for traveling hard terrains are undeniable, suspending your car affects its dynamics, your riding perspective, and your vehicle's overall safety. Taking the physics of car suspension into accountThe most apparent modification to your automobile when you install it with a suspension lift kit is that it will substantially boost in height. This offers far better ground clearance for travelling on unpaved grounds, particularly rocks, gravel, mud, and other rutted obstacles. Far more height is, soon after all, the essence of finding a suspension. Even so, an improve in height also shifts the vehicle's center of gravity to a greater point, generating it less stable. This could be problematic when taking sharp turns, as a greater center of gravity provides the vehicle the tendency to lean on the curving point and possibly trigger it to topple more than, especially at high speeds. Much more caution is necessary, for that reason, when riding a lifted car. An additional consequence of a lifted ride is the adjust in your driving perspective. As your ride is higher off the ground, so are you. Riding a lifted automobile is akin to riding a bus or truck. Smaller obstacles on the road could be much less visible from a greater perspective. When you get a suspension lift kit, your handling can also reduce. You have to get employed to the height. This may not be that significantly of a dilemma for advanced level offroad drivers. Further modifications as a consequenceGetting a suspension lift kit does not necessarily end at simply installing it and expecting to get far better offroad efficiency. When obtaining a suspension for your ride, you might have to make additional modifications such as replacing the stock tires with larger tires to balance the appear of your lifted ride. Stock tires can look considerably smaller when you add a suspension to your automobile. Once you alter the tires, your engine's gear ratio also desires to be upgraded and tweaked accordingly considering that the tires' revolution modifications with the size of the tire. Suspension can also impact the steering geometry of your ride, so you could require to install extra components to offset the impact, such as steering stabilizers. If you are not wellversed in automotive mechanics, it is extremely advisable for you to consult with a professional mechanic before modifying your vehicle. The right truck lift kitsA high quality suspension lift kit is advised if you want superior efficiency. There are different sorts of lift kits for diverse varieties of vehicles and offroading needs. Don't just get a suspension lift kit and expect to get brilliant results. Durable suspension kits that are produced specially for the sort of riding you want to do as nicely as for your vehicle's make and model will get you traveling the most difficult roads imaginable.

Purchasing reliable offroad equipment

2011-12-21T04:08:00.000-08:00

Everybody has a hobby of some sort, or something that they really enjoy doing. And we all know, that with each hobby come accessories that you need to eventually have to make that hobby worthwhile for you. And the same applies to 4x4ing off road enthusiasts. As you get more experienced within the field and start going on more interesting drives, you're going to find that you'll start needing more off road equipment at some stage, and upgrading is just going to be inevitable for you.

So if you have decided already to do the upgrade to your vehicle, where are you going to get all the equipment? You're looking at a huge selection of things, such as battery equipment, cargo restraints, defender accessories, electrical components, fuel tanks, spare wheel brackets, storage systems, tow bars, bull bars, winches, lighting equipment, suspensions, snorkels and the list goes on and on. Whatever your requirements for offroad equipment are, you'll need to get it all from one place that is without question. And Front Runner is the best place to focus your attention on. You can have everything customised to suit your personal needs and that of your vehicle. It is in your best interests as an out door enthusiast, to kit yourself out so that you never are in the position out in the bush where you suddenly realise that you actually don't have a back up battery or lighting equipment for example. These are some of the items that are vitally important to anybody who does any kind of outdoor adventure sports.

Each staff member at Front Runner is trained to help you realise your dreams. And they are professional and will direct you in the right direction when it comes to customizing your vehicle to the standard that you would expect to achieve, eventually.
Pay them a visit, you won't regret it! Especially if you want to get into 4x4ing or you already are an enthusiast.

How to find cheap mud SUV tires?

2011-12-20T04:24:00.000-08:00

* First make sure that the mud SUV tires you buy will be the proper size. If you have an owner's manual you will probably find that information available there and also in most of the SUVs there is a sticker on the driver's door jamb. If you are still unable to find the proper size of SUV tires for your vehicle, you can consul with the experts at your local tire shop. However, before you ask for advice from those people, make sure that you are familiar with the year, make and model of your SUV. Furthermore, give them information about how you plan to drive your SUV with the cheap mud tires.

* Since you are looking to save some money from your mud SUV tires, make sure that you will look in as many car tire shops as possible. Do not limit your search only to your local ones, but pay a visit to other towns located near and also you can search the internet for online car tire shops. Furthermore, there are many forums available online where you will easily compare the information about the different car tire manufacturers and brands.

* You can take a look at the products that are offered by the big names in the car tire industry such as Michelin. Although, many people think that the SUV tires available there are a lot more expensive, I can assure that you will find what you are looking for at really affordable price. Furthermore, you can be sure that your new mud SUV tires will have the highest quality available on the market, which otherwise means that you will be able to use your tires for longer period.

Offroad Trailer

2011-12-20T03:46:00.000-08:00

The prospect of enjoying a vacation in a tent in rough nature with the nuisance of animals and bugs is not everyone's idea of a relaxing vacation. There is a solution for these problems and it comes in the form of an offroad trailer. With these trailers you can enjoy the experience of camping but enjoy the comfort of home while still being able to live out that adventurous streak. There are very few people who wouldn't enjoy this kind of camping. An offroad trailer remains a very popular as well as practical way to experience and enjoy life in the wild.

It is difficult not to enjoy the offroad trailer with all the features it offers. You will have running water with a built in water supply and a covered veranda for blocking the harsh African sun. With a soft bed and a fully kitted kitchen which can be easily packed away and large, breezy interiors, you will feel like you are living in a resort. The kitchen operates on gas, and is as safe as it is convenient. The beds are on the second level, adding a degree of privacy to the trip. These types of trailers are built to last and withstand the most extreme conditions. Therefore you are assured of money well spent if you do decide to invest in an offroad trailer as they are built with an emphasis on detail. Built from the best possible materials that are geared toward camping, all trailers come with a handbrake as safety is still one of the foremost concerns. Some trailers come as standard and don't necessarily come with the little extras you would like. In that case you can have your own offroad trailer custom built.

There are several things to consider before buying an offroad trailer if you want to invest in the one that will meet your needs best. You will firstly need to consider whether you are going to travel on highways and stay in caravan parks, or whether you will leave the beaten track and go to more remote places. If you are looking for the whole off road experience, then you will need a 4x4 camper with features which will allow you to be completely independent and self-sufficient. You will also need gas appliances. or solar energy appliances. Secondly, you will need to consider how many people the trailer will need to accommodate, as this will predict how many beds and storage will be required. Furthermore, are the weight of the offroad trailer and the capacity of your car compatible in order to tow the trailer? With this you need to also consider the terrain you will be travelling on and the demands that will be placed on your vehicle. Look at your vehicle's owner manual for the gross trailer weight (GTW) and the tongue weight (TW) so that you don't over extend your car. This will ensure that you get the most out of your investment.

Essential jeep offroad products that will blow your mind

2011-12-18T20:12:00.000-08:00

Formerly recognized as the military's primary mode of transportation, jeeps became the preferred vehicle of campers and outdoor lovers. Its big wheels which were used to infiltrate far-flung areas and remote military bases are now utilized for a one of a kind hobby and adventure. But with the increasing number of offroad parts offered to the market, it becomes difficult to choose the best offroad product that could fire up the jeep's offroad performance. Oftentimes, thrill seekers encounter two (2) major issues.

First is quality and lastly, budget constraints. Nevertheless, there are vehicle add-ons that are highly preferred by jeep enthusiasts and aficionados.

On top of the list are shock absorbers. Shock absorbers are responsible for dampening the springs' oscillations or repetitive movements to achieve balance and stability. It evenly distributes the seemingly unstoppable kinetic energy caused by accidental or unexpected collisions and bumps. They prevent jeeps from swerving and sharp turns, which, if nor moderated can result to fatal accidents.

Shock absorbers also come into different types. There is the standard shock that is often used by ordinary vehicles. Since jeeps are known to carry heavy luggage, it should have heavy-duty shocks to compensate with the vehicle's overall weight. Some dampers are also automatic. They immediately adjust according to the vehicle's weight.
On the other hand, vehicle owners suffering from understeering, may attach overload shocks. There are also air-shocks. However, this offroad product generally cater to
cargo trucks and ten-wheelers.

Another offroad parts sought by jeep owners are suspension lifts. Suspension lifts use springs that are often placed on the vehicle's front and rear end, allowing these vehicles
to accommodate gargantuan wheels and tires. Moreover, it delivers better ground clearance since the vehicle's height is increased. Like shock absorbers, suspension lifts come in different forms. There are small lifts that provide a 1.5 increase; medium lifts that guarantee a 2-inch height advantage and of course, there are large lifts that deliver a maximum of 4-inch height increase.

Meanwhile, there are also specialized offroad tires whose main functions are determined by the type of road encountered by drivers. There are paddle tires that enable a vehicle to pass through muddy roads, and even sand dunes. These are highly capable of cleaning itself. There are likewise mud tires known for their track
patterns, which, in return, prevent jeeps from sinking into the mud. Aside from that, offroad tires are also designed to maneuver over snow-covered areas. Needless to say, they are referred to as snow tires.

From shock absorbers to offroad tires, another offroad part sought by jeep lovers are roof racks. Once installed, they provide enough vehicle space for the driver and passenger. Baggage that occupy the jeep's space are simply mounted into roof racks-- talk about maximizing space and having additional storage.

Jeep owners may also consider adding running boards into their big toys. This is most especially true for those who used suspension lifts. With the height increase, mounting the vehicle becomes difficult. But with running boards at hand, such problem would never come into place.

Customizing one's vehicle to achieve better performance is indeed, necessary. Yet, this does not necessarily mean to consume all offroad products in the market. Such approach is pretty expensive. Know which of them directly address your needs and demands to avoid wasting too much time and money for car accessories that hardly fulfill its expected functions and purposes.

Great Motocross Accessories and Offroad Gear!

2011-12-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a fine collection of offroad gear and Motorcycle Accessories that are meant to put in the punch into your ride then check out Scott's range! Scott has a fantastic collection of Motocross Boots, adult caps and a wide range of Offroad Apparel meant exclusively for the discerning offroad rider!

The Scott Company has been around since 1958 and originally started as a manufacturer of Snow Goggles and Ski Poles. The Scott Company quickly became the leader in the industry, providing cutting edge products that were far more technologically advanced than their competitors. In early 1970, Scott Company entered the motocross apparel market, creating the first ever motocross specific Goggle as well as Motocross Boots, Grips and Accessories. The eventually opened a European Headquarters to capitalize on the world renowned ski resort in Verbier. In 1989 they made history by introducing the first aero dynamic handlebar, used by Greg Lemond in his win at the tour de France. AS the 90's approached, the focus was spread between skiing; motocross apparel BMX Bike products and outerwear. In 2006 Scott introduced their first line of running shoes and in 2008 they celebrated their golden anniversary, being in business for 50 years.

Motocross Boots for men

Scott has an extensive collection of fabulous Motocross Boots designed exclusively for male offroad bikers. The Genius range of Motocross Boots from Scott is designed to make heads turn in jealousy! These Motocross Boots are all available in white or black color and have all sizes. The patented Scott pivot system contains advanced polymers to provide the highest levels of protection. The impact sole pads in these Motocross Boots are designed with polyurethane that provides additional shock damping and the best motorcycle connection. In addition to these features all of Scott's Motocross Boots for men contain features such as grip strip, upper shell liner, shin guard, shifter pad, internal bootie, brake transfer pad, strap and buckles with an incremental ratcheting system. Thus these men's Motocross Boots from Scott are the best in quality, offer highest protection and a firm grip besides lasting for years!

Dirt bike parts and other offroad gear

For any offroad biking enthusiast suitable dirt bike parts are an absolute must. Scott manufactures a wide range of dirt bike parts like Hurricane ATV Grips which come in black, blue as well as red colors. Each of these grips has a durable waffled design in full for added grips for all ATVs. The range of Scott Grips is also high end amongst its dirt bike parts. These ranges of offroad gear comprise Comp2 as well as Fushion2, Hurricane, MX-2 as well as SX-2 grips. Each of these offroad gear grips comes in varied colors like black, blue, green, grey, yellow, red and many other colors. In terms of offroad gear Scott also manufactures a wide collection of chemicals. The Fog free cloth is a favorite with offroad bikers as comes with anti fog cloth for wiping goggle lenses easily.

Goggles and other Motocross Accessories

Scott has an amazing collection of Motocross Accessories like Goggles and Goggle accessories. The goggles are available in black, canary, clear, graphite, camouflage, green, grey, red varieties.

Scott Goggle line for 2008 includes the 80 series, the Voltage series, The Desert Series, Youth Seris and of course, the limited editions.

Are Jeeps as dangerous as they say?

2011-10-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

Before you decide to close the door on the idea of your teen driving a Jeep, let's explore some of the arguments, and some would say myths, about the safety of a Jeep. The biggest concern seems to be with rollover accidents. Jeeps, like most SUV's, have a high center of gravity and oftentimes a narrower bottom half, making them more "tippy" than other vehicles. While vans, trucks and cars get a much better rap than SUV's typically do, there are several factors that need to be considered when determining the safety of driving a Jeep.

Jeeps come off the assembly line in a form called "stock". This essentially means "as is". A stock Jeep is a Jeep that has not been altered in any way from the the design of the maufacturer. Many people add extra wide or tall tires, lifts and other alterations to their Jeep. This adds to the fun of off-roading, which is also a main reason for purchasing a Jeep. But here seems to be the crux of the matter; every vehicle has it's own capacities and it's own limitations. These need to be respected if we expect them to be safe. Keep in mind that a Jeep will not drive the same way a sports car drives or even a 4 door sedan. Jeeps are not meant to be driven at 50 miles per hour around a corner and they don't zip in and out of traffic. The way you can drive a sports car would not be safe in a Jeep under any circumstances. The driver of the vehicle has the ultimate power in how safe a vehicle is. Most adults have the driving experience and common sense to know not to drive an SUV like a sports car.

Many concerned parents have said the roll bars on a Jeep don't do much for protecting the occupants if that is all that surrounds them in a crash. When a vehicle goes through the safety crash test, generally this is done by ramming the vehicle into a concrete wall. How many accidents happen this way? Small cars that are hit head on or that are side-swiped tend to be totaled. If you were in a small car, or even a van or truck and were in a rollover accident there would likely be major damage to your vehicle. If you were in the same accident in a Jeep, those roll bars are in place for just that scenario.

In the end, Jeeps are not more dangerous than any other vehicle, as long as they are driven with respect to the purposes they were intended for. If you want to drive like a race car driver, than a Jeep is not the vehicle for you.

Jeep Compass: Tracking Positive New Direction

2011-10-20T05:38:00.000-07:00

The Chrysler Group's Jeep brand has one good reason to be thankful about the Compass - its new compact crossover. The Compass, which made its public debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January, is now tracking a positive new direction by stealing purchasers from rivals. The Jeep Compass, according to the automaker, defies expectations and pulls more customers to the brand. The crossover is especially engineered to attract young drivers as well as enthusiasts of other automakers. It may not be featuring the BBK cold air intake and other traditional parts but the crossover boasts its sophisticated equipment and car accessories - more than enough to hold interest and make that interest linger. Jim Swint, 56, a college professor and a technology consultant from Fremont, Ohio, had a few complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta which he owned. His wife did not feel safe in the sedan when the couple zipped along I-75 amid a multitude of big rig trucks. Also, there was not enough trunk space to house his golf clubs. And when the sedan needed repairs, Swint had to travel 45 miles to the nearest VW dealership. So he swapped the Jetta for a 2007 Jeep Compass. Yes, somebody traded an import for an American-made model. And not just any American-made model, one that was widely panned when it debuted last year for not hewing close enough to its Jeep roots. But the Compass - a newbie in the brand lineup known for its rock-crawling capabilities - is defying expectations. The car-based model snubbed by hard-core Jeep fans for being too soft is drawing consumers from other brands at a faster pace than the Jeep brand overall, one of the best known marquees in the world. According to data from the J.D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network, during the first three months of the year, more than 84 percent of Compass buyers traded in a vehicle from another brand as compared to 69.9 percent of those who bought non-Compass Jeeps. Jeep's new Crossover is drawing in Honda enthusiasts at nearly twice the rate of the Jeep brand. Additionally, the crossover is attracting a younger, more feminine crowd that might otherwise give Jeep a pass."This is the first crossover that Jeep has offered," said Tom Libby, the senior director of the Power Information Network. "This is what they hoped for and this is what they got - they got new customers."By far, among Jeep models, the Compass has the youngest buyers on average, said Mark Heber, the senior manager of marketing for Jeep, a unit of DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group. Jeep's data reflected that the average Compass buyer is as young as 39 and skews more female than buyers of its brawnier cousin, the new Jeep Patriot.J.D. Power sets the average age of Compass purchasers at 42, compared to Jeep's 43, with women accounting for faintly over half of Compass sales, up from 38.6 percent for Jeep overall. "Our information is proving that our decision to build both of the vehicles - the Compass and the Patriot, with the great fuel efficiency, the fun-to-drive capability and making them affordable - was the right decision," Heber said. In October, Catherine Zamieski of Roseville, 39, exchanged a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica for a Compass. The Compass, which shares the same platform as the Dodge Caliber and the Patriot, looks small from the outside but is spacious enough to seat Zamieski's three children and her boyfriend. "And it's under $20,000," she said. That is the reaction that Jeep hopes more consumers will have, analysts said. Sales of the Compass and the Dodge Caliber, which are built in Belvidere, Ill., are "better than I expected," because they both "look cool," said Karl Brauer, the editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com, a vehicle shopping Web site. "It's all image and looks." One of the reasons why it's doing well and is attracting new buyers is probably because it drives better and has better handling than the Wrangler or Liberty because it's a crossover," said Rebecca Lindland, an auto analyst with Global Insight Inc. "It has a friendly but aggressive stance to it."Lindland said it is hard to pinpoint what is drawing buyers from other brands to the Compass. "But the brand itself has a certain appeal to it," she said. "When you say Jeep, you don't think of an older person. You think youthful and active lifestyle. Something like the Compass allows people to get into the brand without sacrificing ride and comfort."Ron Kutz, the general manager at Dallas Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep dealership, said tha tthe vehicle does skew toward more women buyers, as Jeep intended. "It's an added value," he said, "but I don't see a lot of Hondas out here parked for trade-ins. I'll be the first to tell you that in the Sunbelt, it's hard to get anybody out of any import into a Compass."Frank Ban, a civil litigation attorney in Houston, earlier purchased a Compass for his 24-year-old daughter. "We looked at the Corolla and the Civic," said Ban. "She heard through a friend that this came out and we looked at it and she fell in love. She liked the idea that it was a small SUV." During the test drive, Ban and his daughter agreed the Compass had a better ride. "We don't regret our purchase," he noted. George Horta III, 32, a self-confessed meticulous auto purchaser, said that he was captivated by the new Compass. For six months, Horta perused Edmunds.com, visited a slew of dealerships and test-drove possible cars like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forrester. "I even got the spreadsheets out," said the Mason, N.H., resident. Horta, a defense contractor in Tewksbury, Mass. who commutes about 40 miles to his computer security job, was on the search for something with "gusto and more gas mileage." Horta said he wanted good handling and enough room to fit his six-foot, four-inch frame. Although he preferred the CR-V's interior, the Compass won him over because of its four-wheel drive capability, which easily handles the dirt path that leads to his home. "The only complaint I have is there are some blind spots," said Horta, who purchased his leather-seated Compass for $23,000. But for me, it met every single need."

The 38 Special: 1938 Chevy Pickup Buggy

2010-10-13T05:21:00.000-07:00

The Ultimate Rock Rod

From the November, 2010 issue of 4Wheel & Off-Road

By Fred Williams

Photography by Fred Williams

The hood, headlights, and...

read full caption

John Galbreath wanted something new. He's had Jeeps, buggies, and trucks, but he wanted a new ride for running trails around his home in Alabama. While visiting various car shows he realized that whatever he had next would be narrow in the front and rear, so why not start with something made that way? That's where the idea came from to build a rock rod version of a '38 Chevy truck.

Some folks have skills, and some folks have bills. John realized he could spend it better than he could bend it, so he hired Adam Woodley and his crew of metal-bending maniacs over at Wide Open Design in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to whip up this wild ride. Woodley and crew have been building some of the coolest tube cars to come out of the Southeast recently, and John gave him the reins over his latest trail truck. In fact, John only went to Wide Open two or three times during the entire build, and that was to measure for seats and steering wheel placement. The rest of the time was email updates and simply letting Woodley run with the design.

Under that classic hood is...

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The final product is really an eye catcher and, as such, will be spending a year on the local show circuit. It has already earned Best 4x4 and Best Engineered at Birmingham's World of Wheels car show. But don't expect this old truck to live its life under a car cover and California duster. John has every intention of putting purple paint on some of the harder trails in the Southeast. It's the first scratch that will hurt; the second will be fun.

Special thanks to Mountainside Off Road Park (www.mountainsideoffroadpark.com) in Gadsden, Alabama, for opening its gates for our photo shoot.

Under the faux wood tonneau...

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Tech Specs
1938 Chevy Pickup Buggy Drivetrain

Engine: Mast Motorsports LY6 6.0L V-8
Transmission: TH 350
Transfer case: Atlas 4.3
Front Axle: Dana 60 Chevy, ARB Air Locker, CTM U-joints, Yukon Chromoly shafts, 38-Special diff covers, 4.56 gears
Rear Axle: Dynatrac ProRock-60, ARB Air Locker, CTM U-joints, Yukon Chromoly shafts, 38-Special diff covers, 4.56 gears

Suspension

Springs & Such: Front four-link with 1.25 rod ends, 7075 aluminum links, and 14-inch Fox coilover shocks. Rear four-link with 1.25 rod ends, 7075 aluminum links, and 16-inch Fox coilover shocks
Tires & Wheels: 39-inch Red Label BFGoodrich Krawlers on 17x9 Walker Evans racing wheels
Steering: Fully hydraulic double-ended rams front and rear
Other Stuff: Custom everything, Corbeau seats, CNC brakes, RacePak digital gauges, four underbelly trail cameras, Warn RC winch

Driveshafts are from Hi-Angle... read full caption Driveshafts are from Hi-Angle and run 1350 U-joints between the Atlas transfer case and 4.56 axle gears. The custom exhaust, Atlas, and TH-350 are protected by a 3/8-inch aluminum belly skidplate.	The interior of this clean... read full caption The interior of this clean machine is packed with comfy leather Corbeaus.	A Racepak digital gauge keeps... read full caption A Racepak digital gauge keeps track of engine vitals. An LCD screen is wired to four video cameras under the '38 to keep track of the trail under each axle.
Full hydro steering twists... read full caption Full hydro steering twists the front and rear axles while custom Wide Open Design suspension lets them flex over trail obstacles. The chassis is made from DOM tubing, and the suspension links are 7075 aluminum.	Front and rear steering 60s... read full caption Front and rear steering 60s help John's flashy trail rig weave around paint-gashing rocks and trees and earned a Best Engineered trophy from a local car show. The narrow stock Chevy front clip and dovetailed bed simply lend themselves to a custom trail rig.	Think this truck is over the... read full caption

Terobsesi Monster – Willys 1954

2010-10-13T05:16:00.000-07:00

Willys 1954 Monster

Bermodal kaki jangkung dan ban raksasa, Willys pun menjelma menjadi sebuah monster.

Kendaraan ini memperoleh sertifikasi resmi dari majalah JIP dengan nomor sertifikasi 081.0109.202.002.

Kembali kota Bandung menjadi tempat lahirnya sebuah jip monster. Tak tanggung-tanggung kali ini ban berukuran 52 inci menjadi alas kakinya. Walau berkaki raksasa, namun si monster ini memiliki jantung alias mesin dengan kapasitas kecil.

Willys 1954 Monster

Lagi-lagi, jip unik ini adalah buah tangan Hadi Kusnadi alias Atung, pria asal Bandung yang memang terkenal degnan karya-karya ‘ajaib’. Namun dibanding jip-jip buatannya dulu, kali ini Atung mengambil langkah yang benar-benar ekstrem dengan mengikuti tema monster truck. “Sebenarnya saya sudah lama terobsesi dengan monster truck seperti Big Foot atau Grave Digger,” aku Atung setengah berbisik.

Willys 1954 Monster

Event monster truck sangat popular di Amerika. Berawal dari mud bogger pada akhir era 1970-an, kini menjadi salah satu entertainment show keluarga terpopuler di Amerika, Daya tarik monster truck adalah ban raksasa (antara 48 sampai 66 inci) dan suspensi super jangkung, yang memungkinkan mereka menggilas, bahkan melompati rintangan besar, seperti tumpukan mobil.

Karena Atung benar-benar menginginkan ciptaan gresnya ini mendekati monster truck di Amerika, ia pun memilih ban ukuran 52 inci lansiran Alliance, salah satu produsen ban traktor yang sering dipakai monster truck negeri Obama tersebut. “Ban ini khusus didesain untuk monster truck. Tidak keras seperti ban traktor. Bahkan lebih ‘empuk’ dibandingkan ban off-road seperti Super Swamper ataupun Simex,” jelas Atung yang terpaksa menggunakan ban ‘normal’ agar jip ini bias dikemudikan ke lokasi pemotretan.

Dalam menentukan ban, Atung tidak menjatuhkan pilihan semata-mata karena dipakai ‘monster-monster Amerika’ idolanya. Ia sudah melakukan serangkaian pengamatan dan penelusuran spesifikasi. “Ban ini memang khusus diciptakan sebagai ban penggilas, lebih lebar dan berbahan lebih kenyal, sehingga saat menginjak mobil bangkai, terasa lebih ‘renyah’ dan lebih enak dilihat,” kekehnya.

Biasanya monster truck dilenkapi mesin V-8 berkapasitas besar. Namun Atung memilih mesin Mitsubishi Lancer berkode 4G63. Pilihan yang sedikit unik, “Target kita bukan monster yang bias meloncati mobil-mobil, namun bias melindas dengan tenang,” terang Atung. “Mesin tidak perlu besar, kita bermain dengan reduksi gir yang diperoleh dari dua transfercase dan gear reducer pada gardan portalnya,” imbuhnya.

Guna mendapatkan putaran low yang ekstrem, Atung pun mengaplikasi 2 buah trasnfercase Jimny SJ30 yang masing-masing memiliki perbandingan pada posisi low 1: 3,052. Sebuah transfercase Jimny SJ410 dipasangkan dalam posisi terbalik yang dipergunakan untuk mengaktifkan Power Take Off (PTO) lansiran Ramsey.

Gardan lungsuran Unimog 404 yang masing-masing telah dilenggkapi dengan gear reducer dan factoryu locker pada gardan belakang. Rasio giginya pun tergolong fantastis, 1: 7,56.

Agar memiliki tracel suspensi yang jauh, maka per keong pun menjadi andalan bagi monster berkaki bengkak ini. Per aftermarket lansiran Old Man Emu untuk Land Rover dieprcaya menyangga gardan depan, sedangkan gardan belkang menggunakan King coil yang ditenteng langsung dari Amerika pada pertengahan 1990-an silam.

Sepasang jok hasil perburuan di pasar limbah kendaraan menjadi penghuni kabin. Melongok lebih dalam akan dijumpai banyak tuas. Bukannya koleksi, namun masing-masing tersebut memiliki tugas tersendiri, mulai dari tuas shifter girboks, transfercase hingga tuas rem tangan. Perlu ‘penyesuaian’ yang serius sebelum mengoperasikannya.

Sebuah PTO Ramsey disematkan pada moncong depan. Jurus bijak untuk merecovery diri sendiri jika stuck. Winch ini beroperasi berkat andil transfercase Jimny SJ140 yang disambungkan pada winch bikinan Amerika ini.

Di balik sosoknya yang cenderung imut, ternyata Atung ini bisa dikatakan sebagai bapak jip monster Indonesia. Worskshop dan sekaligus garasi miliknya berisi 5 unit jip hasil modifikasi yang rata-rata memiliki sosok tinggi dan besar.

Obsesi akan keberadaan monster truck pun banyak menggoda pemilih usaha pembuat antena parabola ini. “Heran juga ya, setiap kreasi yang saya buat rata-rata menjelma menjadi jip dengan ukuran yang luar biasa. Mungkin ini merupakan pengaruh dari kuatnya obsesi saya tersebut,” gelak lelaki yang doyan berseksperimen ini.

Pelek traktor 22,5 inci dibalut ban raksasa dengan ukuran 52 inci lansiran Alliance. Pabrikan Alliance merupakan pabrikan ban dari Israel yang banyak memproduksi ban-ban untuk keperluan pertanian hingga ban untuk monster truck. Dalam hal ini ban tipe monster truck yang dipilih Atung. Untuk mendapatkan ban tersebut Atung harus sabar menunggu hingga 1 tahun sebelum akhirnya nempel pada Willys andalannya ini.

Sebuah radiator berukuran besar nampak bertengger di belakang ruang kemudi. Alasannya agak berbeda dari biasa, yakni gara-gara posisi mesin yang justru dimajukan demi perimbangan bobot. Hal inilah yang memaksa posisi radiator pindah ke belakang.

SPESIFIKASI TEKNIS WILLYS 1952

Sasis	Willys 1952
Bodi	Willys customized
Mesin	Mitsubishi 4G63
Girboks	Mitsubishi T-120 SS
Transfercase	2 buah Suzuki Jimny SJ30 dan 1 buah Jimny SJ410
Gardan	Unimog 404 (depan/belakang)
Final Gir	1 : 4,88
Per	Old Man Emu (depan) King coil (belakang)
Ban	Alliance 550/60-22,5
Pelek	Custom
Power steering	Colt Diesel
Sokbreker	Eks bis Mercedes Benz (depan/belakang)
Bengkel	Bengkel Atung, Jl Cipanjak Kabupaten Bandung, Telp: (022) 2017727

Sumber: majalah Jip edisi Januari 2009 Vol 81. Teks: Suryo Sudjatmiko. Fotografi: Kodjang.

Modifikasi Custom Tubular

2010-10-13T05:12:00.000-07:00

Custom Tubular Suzuki - Toyota

OMG. Bukan bermaksud lebay, namun kata-kata itulah yang meluncur dari mulut saya dan Bimo (fotografer) saat menatap sosok kendaraan ciptaan Hadi Kusnadi ini. Modifikasi aliran apakah ini? Setengah traktor dan setengah jip?

Custom Tubular Suzuki - Toyota

Sengaja saya tidak menyanakan motif dibalik modifikasi edan ini. Sekedar ego untuk memuaskan keingintahuan dan mencoba mencernanya dalam bahasa sendiri. Melirik ke arah fotografer, tampak ia lebih banyak menggaruk-garuk kepala keheranan dibandingkan menangkap gambar dalam lensa Nikonnya.

Custom Tubular Suzuki - Toyota

Sindrom keheranan masih menggelayut, namun saat kembali menatap kendaraan tersebut, samara-samar saya teringat dengan modifikasi Dong style yang sempat ramai di amerika. Dong Style terkenal dengan penggunaan pelek overdosis. Namun, meski sadar si empunya kendaraan tidak mungkin menganut gaya tersebut, tetap saja saya konfirmasikan dalam bentuk pertanyaan. Ia pun menjawab dengan lugas. “Dong Style, tapi hanya ingin menyajikan sebuah kendaraan 4×4 yang lain dari pada lainnya,” ungkap pria yang akrab disapa Atung ini.

“Semula ingin coba-coba bikin tough truck seperti di Amerika, namun berhuung semua pirantinya re-use alias barang bekas, jadi saya hanya ingin memaksimalkan peranti yang ada. Dan inilah yang terjadi,” tutur suami Linda Lusuardi ini. “Walau tidak sesempurna tough truck di Amrik, namun paling tidak sayam telah berupaya menuntaskan rasa keingintahuan dan perwujudan impian, ” lanjut pria yang sebelumnya memiliki 3 buah jip beroda raksasa ini.

Saat saya tanyakan apa basis utama dari kendaraan tersebut, lagi-lagi OMG! Sang empunya malah bertanya balik. “Tebak…kira-kira dari apa hayo..” kekeh bapak lima anak ini. “Saya juga bingung nyebutnya apa. Pada kendaraan tersebut terdapat unsur Suzuki, Toyota, Mercedesnya. ” Silakan saja sebut yang anda suka…,” tutupnya sembari tersenyum. OMG!

Mesin 6 silinder 4.230 cc comotan dari Land Cruiser FJ40, diandalkan sebagai dapur pacu jip jejadian ini. Walau nampak kusam, namun suara mesin tergolong lembut dan halus, baru setelah pedal gas ditekan teriakannya menggelegar dari ujung knalpot.

Girboks 4 percepatan comotan dari Panser Saladin FV601 menggantikan girboks 3 speed Toyota. Girboks panser bikinan Inggris ini memiliki perbandingan gigi yang lebih kasar dan tentunya lebih kokoh. Sedangkan untuk transferkase, Atung mempercayakan pada milik truk Zill bikinan Rusia. Transferkase bekas truk penarik Howitzer ini memiliki format terpisah dan dihubungkan dengan kopel dari transmisi, seperti halnya milik Suzuki Jimny.

Merek ban tertulis dalam tulisan Rusia, untunglah masih tersisa angka yang kami mengerti. Angka 28 diyakini sebagai diameter lingkar pelek, selebihnya ban yang sudah cukup sepuh tersebut masih meninggalkan misteri. Menurut perkiraan Atung, lingkar ban ini total mencapai 48 inci. Wow…

Gardan Unimog 404 menjadi andalan bagi monster asal Kabupaten Bandung Barat tersebut. Final gir 35 : 7 (5 : 1) dan gigi reduksi 2,2 pada gardan portal menghasilkan perbandingan yang luar biasa low, 11: 1. Keunikan lain dari gardan ini, masing-masing telah dilengkapi locker yang dioperasikan secara manual dengan menggunakan seutas kawat.

Per keong comotan dari Unimog dan link custom merupakan kombinasi yang menyokong berdirinya kendaraan setengah traktor dan setengah jip ini. Sedangkan untuk meredam guncangan, atung menggunakan sokbreker lansiran Bilstein dengan kemampuan travel hingga 14 inci.

Tak tanggung-tanggung, Atung menyematkan sebuah winch elektrik Warn *274 M40 dan PTO custom. PTO ini merupakan salah satu karya Atung yang menggunakan transferkase Jimny LJ80 Jangkrik dan gulung-an PTO bekas comotan dari Dodge Power Wagon.

Kondisi kabin tergolong minimalis dan sangat simple. Dalam kabin tersebut nampak handle dan tuas serta perangkat instrument seperlunya saja yang lebih mengedepankan fungsi dan sedikit mengorbankan estetika.

Spesifikasi Teknis 4×4 Custom Tubular

Mesin	Toyota 2F 6 Inline OHV 4.230 cc
Karburator	OEM Toyota 2F
Cam	Standar
Girboks	4 percepatan manual Panser Alvis Saladin FV601
Transferkase	Gaz / Zill
Gardan	Unimog 404
Final Gir	35 : 7
Gir reduksi gardan portal	2,2
Locker	Unimog 404 dioperasikan dengan kabel
Sasis	Suzuki SJ410 customized
PTO	Customized transfercase Suzuki LJ80 dan Dodge Power Wagon
Winch	Warn 8274 M40
Kap motor	Suzuki SJ410
Ban	Traktor eks Uni Soviet dengan diameter rims 28 inci
Pelek	Traktor eks Uni Soviet
Per	Unimog 404
Sokbreker	Bilstein
Suspension link	customized by Atung
Bengkel	Atung, Telp (022) 2017727

FATHER OF THE MONSTERS

Entah bagimana awalnya Atung jatuh cinta dengan dunia jip monster. Namun menurut pengakuannya, kecintaannya tehadap jip berukuran tak normal ini dimulai dari sebuah poster monster truck di amerika yang dimilikinya tahun 80-an. “Saya takjub, dan terinspirasi untuk menciptakan kendaraan seperti itu suatu hari kelak,’ kenangnya.

Mungkin saja Atung bukanlah orang yang pertama kali mengusung monster truck di negeri ini, namun pria bertubuh mungil ini bisa jadi merupakan pemilik monster truck terbanyak di Indonesia. Setidaknya 4 jip dengan ban raksasa menajdi penghuni garasinya. Dan nampaknya akan muncul monster-monster lainnya. Saya tetap akan berkreasi,” tutupnya.

Sumber: majalah Jip edisi Maret 2010. Teks: Suryo Sudjatmiko. Fotografi: Bimo S Soeryadi.

Safety first with 4x4 hire in South Africa

2010-02-22T06:40:00.001-08:00

If you have decided to choose 4x4 hire in South Africa to get around, then you will already be aware of the wide range of benefits that self-drive travel has to offer both tourists and locals visiting from various parts of the country. Many travellers choose the 4x4 hire option as a flexible and rewarding alternative to traditional tours. With so many world-class destinations across South Africa, self-drive allows you to see and do a wide variety of things, from off-road trails in the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains, to explorations into the stunning Garden Route, or even eco-trails in Gauteng; you can go where the wind takes you, armed with a reliable 4x4, a good map and of course, a sense of adventure.

To ensure that you have a memorable trip for all the right reasons, it is always important to consider basic safety tips to bear in mind when travelling through South Africa's multitude of landscapes, towns, cities and open roads. These include the following:

1. Ensure that the 4x4 hire model that you have chosen is equipped with a GPS device, and also get hold of up to date street map. The best maps are street map directories that allow you to search for street names by city and suburb; these are generally reliable and easy to use.

2. Compile a basic first aid box to keep in the car. This should include basics such as bandages, band-aids, disinfectant, cotton wool, gauze, anti-septic cream, headache tablets, and malaria tablets if visiting malaria areas such as the Kruger Park area, plus antihistamines and anti-nausea pills. Keep this in the boot or somewhere safe.

3. Always ensure that you know the rules of the road in South Africa, and follow them religiously. Accidents are sadly known to happen fairly often in South Africa, so in order to ensure that your 4x4 hire experience is a positive one, remember to always drive on the left, wear a seatbelt at all times, look out for livestock and pedestrians, and drive within the speed limit throughout your journey.

4. Try to stick to the roads more travelled when camping or hiking in the great outdoors. While it is tempting to venture off into the remote areas and vast mountain passes, it can be all too easy to get lost, and with fog descending down the mountains quickly, losing your bearings and falling is also a risk you face. Some areas are also not very safe for other reasons, with known robbery attempts or aggressive wild animals among the risks. Stay safe and be practical.

5. Keep an eye on your petrol gage, as well as your thermostat monitor. Driving over long distances over dirt roads and remote areas can use up a fair amount of petrol in larger 4x4's, and running out of petrol in the middle of nowhere is not recommended. If possible, keep a 5l plastic bottle of petrol in the boot, and ensure that you fill up at the last petrol station before you enter the more rural areas. It is also a good idea to keep water in the boot in case your 4x4 overheats.

If you always endeavour to stay safe during your self-drive travels, you will be able to enjoy your 4x4 rental in South Africa adventure from start to finish, with no worries to hold you back.

Cost Effective Off Road Equipment in South Africa

2010-02-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

For anyone who has that keen adventurer blood in them, they will know that to have the most successful off road experience, they need to be fully kitted out to face the extreme levels off 4x4ing that South Africa has to offer. Its all very well having the vehicle, but how many people do you know who have the right accessories to go along with it? Making sure that you have the right equipment and accessories is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. You need to sort yourself out to enjoy the best our country has to offer and more. All you need to do is make sure you have the correct off road equipment so that memories can be made and plenty of fun can be had.

Each vehicle has specific needs that need to be met if you really want to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. First off, you need to make sure that you have a suitable tent. Then you need to ensure your fuel tank is reliable, possibly add in another one for extra distance. Your wheels need to be the correct type for any 4x4ing you might come across and in case of emergencies, you must have jerry cans and high lift jacks. All of these are very important among other offroad equipment that one cannot do without.

Can you just picture this for a moment? You've left home and started your journey through the countryside. Found yourself 9 hours drive from civilization and a decent spot to camp for the night. Its dark, the stars are out and the moon is peaking past a grey cloud, and its beautiful. So good to be close to nature! Only thing is, if you could see much better in the dark, what a difference it would make to unpacking your tent and cooking equipment rather than doing it all by touch! You've forgotten to organise yourself some lighting equipment and battery backups! What a huge pain this is now as you will have to make sure that you are settled in your camp site before dark! No one wants to be bound to this time frame if you can help it.

So with Front Runner you can get all your off road equipment and if you've forgotten anything, you will be reminded. So you will never find yourself in such a predicament! Give them a call, you definitely will not be let down by them. If you are let down in anyway, it'll more than likely be your tyre which is easily fixed with the equipment you've purchase prior to your adventure!!

The One and Only Off-Road Vehicle Deserves The Best Parts

2010-02-04T01:48:00.000-08:00

When we speak of 4-wheeling or offroading one brand quickly comes to mind, Jeep. This iconoclastic auto currently built by the Daimler-Chrysler has an outstanding reputation of being a tough, dependable and terrain chomping machine. Jeeps reputation was first earned during World War II where the US Army and its allies used it as a small general transport vehicle. Jeep didn't sit on its already lofty laurels. The brand has continued to build and develop its off-road reputation over the years following the war. Today the Jeep name is synonymous with off-road performance.

For such a durable and reliable vehicle to withstand the dangers and punishment of offroad driving, extremely dependable and strong parts are needed. Many aftermarket Jeep part manufacturers such as Warn, ARB, Bestop, Tuffy, SkyJacker, and Rough Country carry the very same reputation for toughness and dependability, and they should. After all, they've been used and abused by Jeep 4x4 aficionados over the past 20 years and they've stood up to the punishment! For those of us dedicated to 4x4 adventure, it is a necessary requirement for our Jeeps to have only the best replacement auto parts and aftermarket accessories made today to maximize the already impressive offroad capabilities of our vehicles.

Understanding that our Jeeps deserve the best replacement Jeep parts and accessories , Xtreme Terrain Concepts offers only the most reliable performance auto parts, replacement aftermarket auto parts, and accessories for all of the Jeep models, including the Willys, Jeep CJ, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Liberty.

Among the best quality Jeep parts offered at Xtreme Terrain Concepts (XTC) are high quality offroad Jeep lights by KC KiLites. They offer fog lights, driving lights, and long-range driving lights. All built to take the pounding out on the trails. XTC also carries reliable aftermarket replacement Jeep Wrangler headlights, Jeep Wrangler side lights, and Jeep Wrangler taillights. These products will ensure that you have the lighting you need out in the wilderness where visibility is low and your chances of having an accident are higher. We all know it is important to be equipped with the proper auto lights when driving off-road, but having the basic headlights and taillights is not enough when you're out on the trails pounding through the mud, rocks, dirt and snow. Especially when the weather is not cooperating. High performance Jeep driving lights and fog lights will cut through the fog, rain and whatever else you'll run into so you'll be able to see where you're going.

Even though the coldest months are behind us, you still need to maintain your Jeep by getting top quality replacement parts when you find your existing parts not in top-notch working order. Doing the best job to maintain your Jeep will help reduce the risk of costly damage by part malfunction or even worse, an accident.

Let Xtreme Terrain Concepts help you to maintain your Jeep with quality aftermarket replacement parts and aftermarket accessories. We carry a lot more than just lights. We also offer top quality Jeep alternators, Jeep Wrangler radiators, Jeep soft tops.

All-new Jeep Wrangler to debut in the Middle East

2010-02-04T01:44:00.000-08:00

The 1941 Willis MB which is very popular in India is a direct descendant of the original Jeep® and the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is the result of 65 years of legendary 4x4 leadership evolution. And speaking of evolution the Jeep, Wrangler was built based on the original Jeep formula with an all-new frame, engine, exterior and interior design, safety and convenience features. It was later improved to provide more comfort, refinement, power and open-air fun, more capability and interior space.

And for 2007 the Jeep designers have take this classic vehicle one step further by creating the first ever four-door Wrangler Unlimited. Sporting a one-of-a-kind, 4-door open-air design takes the Jeep experience to another dimension. The Wrangler Unlimited has enough room to accommodate five adult passengers and enough cargo space which is a first for Wrangler. The Wrangler Unlimited combines class-leading off-road capability with everyday practicality.

The two and four door 2007 Wranglers are to be offered in dozens of different top, door and windshield combinations, nine unique exterior colours and with wheels that range from 16, 17 or 18-inch for customers who may want to customize the appearance of their Wrangler.

The introduction of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited sees this iconic vehicle growing to mid-size SUV proportions, providing more comfort and space, more versatility, more open-air options, more off-road capability, more on-road refinement, more convenience, more safety features, more power and above all more fuel efficient.

Starting from ground clearance to articulation to traction, Jeep engineers focused on more than 50 functional objectives during the development of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler. And all their efforts were not in vain since they were able to come up with an ultimate "out of the box" offroad vehicle with all the features that allows it to go anywhere the driver's hearts desire.

Improvement in the legendary 4x4 capability of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited is not the only exciting thing about these Jeep models. They will also offer enhanced on-road comfort which is attributed to its new 100% stiffer frame in bending, 50% stiffer body, refined five-link coil suspension and a much improved shock tuning. Plus their new steering and suspension geometry will also provide accurate handling and ride characteristics. Their new sound-deadening techniques reduce cabin noise by more than 20%. They also have Jeep hitch step which is amazingly strong that comes with non-slip surface that provides an easy but secure grip for a lift or a hitch.

In addition, a new 3.8 litre overhead valve V6 engine that delivers 205hp and 240 lb-ft of torque is equipped on all 2007 Jeep Wrangler models as replacement for the 4.0 litre Power-Tech in-line six engine. The Jeep Wrangler will also come equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic transmission.

The new 3.8 litre V6 engine that is equipped on the Wrangler is said to provide even more horsepower and torque than its predecessor. The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler carries on the legacy of Wrangler as the icon of the Jeep brand.

Aftermarket Upgrades to Enhance Your Jeep's Performance

2010-02-04T01:38:00.000-08:00

Serious off-road enthusiasts do not worry about mud or scratches on their Jeeps because they will have a lot more come the end of the week. They are modern day explorers and adventurers that want to go where no one has ever gone before. They are usually off exploring those caves or driving up that mountain to see how far they can go. When driving unpredictable terrain, the off-road enthusiast does not know the word "can't". You can't get there by car, you can't cross that creek bed, or you can't drive up that mountain. These are all heard as challenges. The off-roader now wants, no, must find a way to conquer that obstacle.

To meet these challenges the typical serious off-road Jeeper wants to enhance their Jeep by adding aftermarket performance parts that help them achieve the optimum rock-crawling, trail-thrashing ability. Specialized aftermarket trail performance components are made specifically for each model, whether it is a Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, or Liberty. Accessories are readily available to improve engine performance, vehicle handling, ground-clearance and trail convenience.To increase horsepower there are a multitude of aftermarket upgrades available. Hi-flow air intake systems increase the flow of air to the engine. This allows your engine to breathe easier. The air filter is designed to achieve virtual unrestricted airflow and still filter the air of dust and debris, which not only delivers added power but also helps prolong the life of the engine. Computer chips and programmer boxes are designed to improve horsepower and/or gas mileage giving you the ability to optimize the power of your Jeep. These programmers allow you to tune your Jeep to receive more rotary force (torque) or to customize your Jeep's limit to allow for faster acceleration. High performance exhaust systems are not installed just to make noise. They increase the exhaust flow of your Jeep lessening the backpressure, which helps to produce more power, and, yes your Jeep will have a deeper, meaner roar to it as well.

Suspension lift kits increase the handling and ground clearance of your Jeep. You install taller suspension components (higher lift springs and longer recoil shocks). These systems deliver lift, better articulation, better offroad handling, and allow for larger tires; all this for better off-road traction and handling.

Polyurethane mounts and bushings provide better performance and extended wear. Polyurethane transmission mounts replace worn rubber factory mounts, which can lead to hard shifting and sloppiness in the drive train. Changing these rubber factory mounts to the new polyurethane mounts will also lessen breakage when placing high levels of power demands on the system. Polyurethane bushings improve the handling and feel of your Jeep, and provide the necessary stiffness to the body and cab, while maintaining a certain resilience to ensure a firmer ride.

An on-board air system offers trailside convenience for the 4x4 enthusiast. It is a common practice for trail riders to air down their tires for maximum traction when maneuvering on rough terrain. Having on-board air makes it much easier for the Jeep driver to air back up the tires so their Jeep will perform properly on paved roads on their way back to the city from the off road excursion.

High-end performance Jeep alternaters are designed to meet the high-level demands on the electric system out on the trails. They ensure that you will have the power needed for your Jeep's system.

These specialized off-road components mentioned above are just some of the high-end parts that are available to Jeep owners for meeting the special demands from the trails. Contact your Jeep specialist to learn more about these components and others that are designed to maximize the performance of your Jeep.

4x4 Equipment for your offroad adventures

2010-02-04T01:37:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for that specific piece of off road equipment that you need to complete your 4x4 adventure? Is it a roof rack or a long range fuel tank? You need the correct specific products that will assist you in being well prepared for your upcoming trail along the unbeaten track. You can be assured that the products are of the highest quality and will give you a lifetime of enjoyment and hassle free application.

4x4ing is a fantastic South African past time where a group of friends would pack their Land Rover or Utility Vehicle and head out into the wilderness. To not know exactly where you are heading to, just a destination on a map would be enough to guide you. Make sure you have enough water, fuel, storage space for all that extra equipment and determined company that will get your out of any problems encountered on the way. And believe me, those will happen no matter how well prepared you think you might be. Have a brows through the 4x4 accessories because you never know when you will be stuck in a desert sand storm without water and canopy equipment to shield yourself will result in a horrid digging session to try and exhume your rugged utility vehicle.

This is not the only obstacle that you will encounter. But it is a battle of the elements once you are out of your comfort zone. Which is what Off Roading is really all about. To trailblaze unforeseen frontiers and to get to the otherside with everything still intact and a host of memories to tell the braveless who could not take part.

You would rather have all the equipment and not need it, than be in a desperate situation without the one tool that you decided wasn't important enough to bring along. Check your jerry cans and fuel tanks to make sure you are not left without water or fuel in the middle of nowhere. A rooftop tent is an essential for protecting yourself against the horrors that may lie beneath. Just be careful stepping out in the morning. If you don't think your vehicle could be used just bring it to an enthusiast and he will let you know exactly what you need and even may customise your roof rack to fit perfectly, or to source you one according to your model.

4x4 accessories to get you through your off road adventures safely

2010-02-04T01:34:00.000-08:00

Ever wanted to travel without a destination in mind? The only thing keeping you going is the road in front of you. Well its time to leave the road and blaze your own trail on the off road scene. Use a Utility vehicle which is most likely to be a 4x4 or at least a sturdy and strong SUV. 4x4Accessories are also required. You will need water,storage space and plenty of essential equipment. A fridge for your vehicle is a must if you have the space, or if you plan on taking food with you on your journey.

Your expedition can consist of many dangers and other more amazing attractions. The desert in the morning is very cool and calming on the long drive. Enjoying the mountain ranges and travelling right through them no matter what is asked of your vehicle and your wit as you scale over rocks and through rivers. This is an adventure like no other that awaits you and your determined crew members on this voyage.

Your vehicle must be maintained throughout the excursion and must be taken care of as well. Give your hummer regular check ups at each rest stop. Although these vehicles are designed to handle the most testing of obstacles. A small electrical component could fail and then there will be a problem replacing it if need be. Let alone being stuck with a flat but without a jack and a spare. Bring your keen cunning with you as well should you need to solve a problem that is 'outside the box' but for specialised offroad equipment you could acquire from the enthusiasts.

Your destination will bring you a sense of true accomplishment as you know just how difficult a trip like this is to undertake. Although now there is the 4x4 technology to assist us in our trips, using your customised roof rack to secure all the other important items. There is no substitute for manpower and rationality to sort through an obstacle. Trust in your 4x4 equipment as well and be prepared for any eventuality. This is not a relaxing holiday getaway. This is a tough test of man and machine to tame mother nature.

Used 4x4 Trucks are the most searched trucks online

2010-01-31T16:37:00.000-08:00

4x4 Trucks for sale are the trucks which are making huge impact on the entire trucking industries. There are many of the makes and manufacturers available in the industries these days and so are the types of trucks but very few of the trucks are having smaller sizes and better utilities in the rough and tough situations. 4x4 Trucks are the trucks which possess all the qualities and features which are required for the betterment of the truck operators. These are the reasons of preferring 4x4 trucks more by the operators than any of the other types.

Here are some of the special characters of 4x4 trucks which are not found in any of the other types of trucks.

* 4x4 Trucks are the fastest trucks

4x4 trucks are having the speed which is not achievable by others. These trucks are having huge impact and impression that they can speed up just like the commercial cars and SUVs. Also they are having the capacity of loading the goods and cargos in heavy quantity. The engine of these trucks is made so strong that they produce higher number of torques which helps these trucks to perform the jobs of speeding up on the streets despite of having the loaded rear bed.

* 4x4 trucks are mountain climbers

4x4 trucks for sale are having the greatest feature that they are also able to climb on the mountains and rugged roads. These trucks are created with special engine and sold exterior which can not broke up with any of the natural calamities or even by the mountain rocks.

4x4 trucks are the tools which are having supremacy to get used for the distribution of goods and cargos even to those parts of the world which are not reachable by the air ways or water ways. Mountaineer areas are such areas and they are quite easily approached by these trucks.

* 4x4 trucks are the mud specialists

4x4 trucks for sale are the trucks which are having greater record of driving even in the heavy muds and rivers. These trucks engine are not deteriorated even by the dirty muds. None of the other trucks can have their ways in the rivers and muds as their engines get stuck in such situations. These are the features and functions which are making the way of 4x4 trucks special and supreme.

* 4x4 trucks are snow specialists as well

The 4x4 trucks for sale are having greater features of being used for the transportations for snow falls as well. 4x4 trucks are having huge impact and impressions in the snow falls also. There are no trucks available which can last in the snow falls as the snows are harder and stronger and can not be overcome with the regular torque productions. To pass on these heavy snows, there need to have the higher horse-power producing engines which can make the snows apart from the trucks and all of the 4x4 trucks are having that power.

Thus, these are some of the most important and pivotal features of 4x4 trucks which are making them more popular. These features are also available in the used 4x4 trucks for sale online business. The raised demands have spread the business in many of the states. 4x4 trucks for sale in Michigan, Houston and even in Florida are increased because of these fantastic functions. Have them and make the lives more wonderful.

Used4x4trucksonline.com is the website which is having quite mesmerized description and representation of 4x4 trucks for sale. There are almost all the branded trucks available on this site which is having quite elegant and exclusive features which are featured here. Many of exclusive and extensive nature of used 4x4 trucks for sale even are part of this website.

Off Road HID Lights

2010-01-31T16:36:00.001-08:00

Off-road 4x4 trucks have always been very popular amongst the people from all walks of life, providing them the ultimate driving experience and thrill during a cross-country moves. While driving through such tracks, what is the most important aspect one should cater for , no doubt it's the visibility factor and the capability of your ride to facilitate you in clearing some very dangerous and difficult routes. Poor visibility in such areas can prove fatal causing serious accidents and avoiding these accidents can only be made possible by such a modification which not only improves your driving experience but also enhances the looks of your car. Yes! We are talking of none other than Off- Road HID lights, which provide you with an extraordinary drive during night , keeps you safe during any cross country move, works in any kind of weather conditions and last but not the least gives your car a new exotic face. The prices of off -road Hid lights range in between 150$ - 1000$ depending upon there specification and the number of lights. Some of the products for off- road HID experience are: Off-Road HID 4 Inch Off-Road HID Lights Pair , Off-Road HID 5 Inch Off-Road HID lights, Off-Road 6 Inch Lightning system, off-Road HID 7 Inch Off-Road Lightning system. Off-Road HID 7 inch spot Light, Off-Road HID 9 inch, off-road HID 24W 1400 lumens , Off-Road HID flash light 25 million and Off-Road HID flash light 6000k. These HID kits are extremely durable and simple to fit onto your vehicle irrespective of the model you own, may it be an hummer, military humvees, Toyota 4x4, even an ATV, the entire is available at your door step just one click away. You don't require any effort of going to some dealer and select the appropriate kit for your ride. It's as simple as logging onto internet and buying the stuff you require from a particular web. You can select from a wide variety of lights having different features regarding there temperatures , colors and mountings. These lights can be used for the off-road racing purposes ,to simply brighten up the track in front of you and can also be directed to specific dark spots. Once you have got the HID kit and eager to check it out then the first step you should go for is its installation . Off-road HID kit installation is a very easy task and doesn't take much of your time to get fixed on your ride. These kits come with all the necessary accessories required for an accurate fit. The item provided as a part of this kit are : a durable high impact housing, an anodized aluminum trim ring, tampered glass lens, protective lens cover made up of polycarbonate, wire harness and a 35W light beam. Now what all you got to do is to just fix those mountings change the old wiring harness with the one that supports and can resist the immense amount of heat produced by the xenon bulbs. Xenon bulbs are the gas filled bulbs and the gas they carry is, as the name suggests , xenon gas. They are three times brighter than the usual lamps and are very energy efficient .They use 40% less electric current than the custom factory fitted lamps in your truck, eventually resulting in less fuel consumption because less current is extracted from the alternator. So customizing your truck by adding these HID lights is not a bad idea keeping in view the benefits they offer , whether it be the usual off-road driving practice, a cross-country race track or the rugged monstrous look of your 4x4, Off-Road HID kit is the one you require.

A Simple Way To Buy A Used Truck For Sale

2010-01-31T16:35:00.001-08:00

Buying a good used truck for sale is a lot more beneficial. In most cases, used 4x4 truck-and other used trucks of good conditions-can be bought at almost half of their original price. Hence, you can have great savings.

For people who are a little tight on their budget, opting for used vehicles is a practical choice. This is particularly true if you need the truck for your business. Understand that there is a huge market for used vehicles.

The manufacturers are even competitive like the Chevy, Ford, Volvo, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault and General Motors. I recommend that you pick on any of these brands when you visit the truck dealers. Check out the specifications and features of each truck from their website or auction sites.

The reputation of the truck dealer is an important factor to find a good used truck for sale. At most, good used car dealers value their customers by giving them more value to their money. Necessary repairs and improvements are made to ensure good performance and satisfaction.

Check for the car mileage. It is one of the indicators of good-performing used cars. Greater mileage cars have lower costs because its parts such as chassis, engine and carburetor are heavily used by its former owners.

When you do your inspection, check everything including the body, the brake, and the clutch if it has manual transmission. Some rusts and related flaws can be concealed by good paint, so be meticulous with it by tapping the steel portions of the used truck for sale. If there are rusty powders or debris falling, you may have to sound your alarm.

If you can bring with you a mechanic friend or someone who is savvy on cars and performances, it would be best. He can help you decide which used truck has the optimal conditions to meet your needs. Sometimes, the car accessories may only be just that-accessories. Determine whether you need them because they can affect the price of your used car choice.

For example, do you need the truck for personal use? If so, maybe you can opt for small one. If you need to transport goods and merchandises, you may need a truck that has more space for storage. There are also used truck for sale that can tow trailers and boats.

For business purpose, choose the truck that has good warranty and insurance to protect your business in case of car accident or car breakdown. There are riders for insurance that cover free or reimbursements when you needed to rent another truck for your business mobilization. There are used cars that have this previous car insurance policy. You can ask the dealer if you want this option.

You can find many used cars at the auction sites whether online or at the mortar-and-brick sites. Use the classified ads sections of the local newspaper for such events, and the yellow pages. You can also inquire at your local government agency because the governments have used truck for sale auction as well.

The website is an excellent place to look for good used truck for sale. You will know the features and characteristics of car shown. Some online car stores even grant access to their database to get the important details about the cars.

Five of the top car brands in Germany

2010-01-31T16:30:00.000-08:00

People can be very particular about the cars they drive; some people choose to buy a car only after careful consideration of all the makes and models available. Some people may only choose cars from certain manufacturers because of prior experience or perhaps upon recommendation from other.

Some people choose their cars based on where they came from, a lot of people choose German cars because of this reason based on the track record of German cars being powerful and stylish. Famous brands such as BMW and Audi pride themselves on stylish cars that perform well as either executive cars or powerful sports cars depending on the model. Below are five of the best German car brands that people like to choose:

BMW BMW is a very successful German car brand and has cars in almost every category from the sporting sedan - the M5, to a large 4x4 - the X5; they even have a fun sports car in the Mini Cooper. BMW has cars in the racing world also with touring cars as well as Formula 1. BMW cars are powerful, elegant and comfortable all at once making it a very popular brand.

Mercedes-Benz Whilst BMW is often thought of as a more "clinical", industrial brand Mercedes-Benz is more of a luxury vehicle. Mercedes again has cars in the racing world as well as producing street cars that could give racing cars a run for their money for example the McLaren SLR. The Mercedes SL and CL series are both popular with people looking for a smaller, luxury, executive car.

Audi Audi have recently been making more and more impressive car models aimed at the executive and sporting realm like the Mercedes. Their increasing range of smaller sporty models like the TT and the R8 has also enabled them to compete with BMW's Z4 and other small sports cars. Audi cars have a lot of innovations such as the LED strip lighting that has become as iconic as the four rings on the Audi badge.

Volkswagen (VW) Volkswagen are well known for their rallying car, the Golf, which these days is considered a leading medium sized car, able to compete with many sports car offerings from other brands. The VW Beetle is another iconic car that has been popular during its many iterations from the 60s to present day.

Porsche Porsche are well known for making some of the best supercars such as the 911 and Cayenne - which is a mix of the traditional Porsche sports car with a 4x4. The shape and design of the Porsche is instantly recognisable and has its fair share of fans.

If you're looking for a quality used German car then used car finance or another form of car credit could enable you to buy the car you want at a price that suits your circumstances.

Top Quality 4x4 Roof Racks in South Africa

2010-01-31T16:29:00.000-08:00

Have you even been in the position where you need to carry a lot of things in your vehicle as well as needing something else to put say, your kayak onto? But you cannot take a trailer as well as everything else you are carting? If you already have a 4x4 vehicle, you would have all your gear with you for your adventure, but if you don't have a set of roof racks you will find it a little difficult to carry everything without beginning to look like you're going on a summer holiday with the caravan in tow. As a 4x4 enthusiast, that is the last thing you want to do, I'm sure! So if you want to carry the necessary items for 4x4ing such as your spade, high lift jack, traction pads or spare wheel, you're going to need to invest in a set of roof racks. And the best place to get them would be from a shop called front Runner. These roof racks are light weight and customized to fit your specific vehicle. They are strong and affordable. Each rack is made of aluminium and then they are powder coated to prevent corrosion. They have each been tested to prove safari strength so you know that they won't fail you, even on the toughest of courses!

So instead of worrying about towing your trailer and various other items into the bush, you can load everything onto your roof racks knowing full well that they are secure and you can focus on just enjoying your adventure out into the bush. Front Runner is a company that will guide you in the right direction to getting the best quality roof racks for your specific needs. And you can even have them customized to your vehicle.

Advantages of buying 4x4 trucks

2010-01-31T16:22:00.000-08:00

4x4 trucks for sale are the vehicles which have gained huge popularities and also have managed to win the confidence of many of the truck operators and critics also. These are the light duty trucks with limited carrying capacities of goods and cargos but still they are having quite enormous and exclusive features which can become top of the trucking industries. Let's check some of the advantages of buying these utility creator and potential booster trucks at your garages.

* The trucks are speed oriented

The 4x4 trucks for sale are the best speed providers and also are having huge grip of driving. These trucks can make any of the journeys splendid and spectacular as along with better leisure and comfort inside the trucks, the speed is also the featured feature of such vehicles. Speed also makes the goods and cargos to get delivered to any of the stipulated places at the desired timings.

The speedster feature also is used in the transportation of the perishable goods which needs to get transported earliest. Also the foods which required frozen housing and speedier deliveries are sent to the desired destinations with the help of these popular trucking models.

* The best drive to wander in the world

There are many of the enthusiastic and adventure loving people in the world who go for the round the world tour on the 4x4 trucks for sale. These trucks are always the preferences of the people for any of the rough and tough roads or even for the ragged journeys. These trucks are having the high class performances in any of the critical situations or even in any of the natural calamities.

These trucks are the perfect drives in the muddy areas and also are the most preferred and searched drives when the rivers are to be crossed. These trucks are making big appearances while driving in the natural calamities like snow-fall or even when the land-sliding has happened. These trucks are the best vehicle to get on top of rugged mountains or even on rocks. So, the fit and fine body and the performance oriented drives make these trucks most favourite of all the world tour adventurers.

These are some of the most special and unique features and benefits of 4x4 trucks for sale.

Planning an offroad adventure

2010-01-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

If you own a four-wheel vehicle and is considering some travelling, it is important to plan your vacation and off road destination ahead. Maps, GPS coordinates and driving directions to your destination must be on hand. Before departing, a tick off check list will be an excellent idea to make sure that you have packed all the neccessities safely and nothing is forgotten. Four wheelers with roof racks is certainly an advantage and is compulsory, especially if you frequently go on, off road vacations!

The roof racks are an advantage because most of the luggage and gear can be easily packed and stored away, creating ample space and comfort whilst travelling. Before you head off road, first and foremost, make sure that your vehicle is up for the trip! You have to ensure that your vehicle is in sound mechanical condition! If you are planning a trail trip, you will have to make sure that, your vehicle is capable of surviving a trip off road. Having your vehicle serviced and checked by a proffessional, will be an excellent idea. It will put you at ease and you will feel more safe and confident whilst you off road.

Once your vehicle is properly checked and ready to roll, it's time to load the necessary gear and equipment on board. Make sure your on-board toolbox is properly stocked with the right tools, you have the basic spare parts, first aid supplies, survival gear, and consider packing some optional accessories that could make the trip more fun! Ultimately which tools, equipment and spare parts depend on where you are going and for how long.

Be smart when packing, because overloading your vehicle can be just as dangerous as, not taking along the right gear in the first place! The extra weight can cause poor balance and stress on your vehicle's components. Vehicles with roof racks makes storage easier and convinient. If you do not have a roof rack or need to have your old one replaced, make sure to purchase one from the Front runner. The front runner stocks a variety of high quality roof racks. There is a Front Runner roof rack for every vehicle application! After you have taken all these necessary safety precaution, packed up with maps and driving destination, then you may fill the tank and hit the road! Good luck and safe travelling!