I’m a little late in getting this posted. The latest ARB 4×4 Action Newsletter is available for viewing (pdf document).
Within is feature articles on new Jeep JK Wrangler rear bumper system, a sweet new portable air compressor, 10 Essentials of Outback Travel and of course, things for vehicles we can’t get in the United States.
Download HERE
Time is running out to make your voice heard.
The comment period deadline on the draft winter and summer Travel Plan for the Clearwater National Forest is set for February 29, 2008. This is the first time a National Forest in Region 1 has attempted site-specific implementation of their new (and unlawful) de-facto Wilderness policy. COMMENTS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED!
All you need to do is send an email to make your comments.
An example email and additional details are listed at UPDATE! NEW COMMENT DEADLINE ON U.S. FOREST SERVICE ATTEMPT TO IMPLEMENT AN UNLAWFUL “DE-FACTO WILDERNESS” POLICY.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that you write your own version of the letter and submit it via US Mail. Apparently, this has more influence than a mass emailing of the same letter.
PLEASE SEND YOUR COMMENTS BEFORE THE DEADLINE.
You’ve seen indoor carting and even some indoor motocross tracks, however this is the first indoor 4×4 course that I have heard of. I’m not sure if it is the first worldwide, but it probably is in Australia where this course is set up.
Just like in many of the indoor carting facilities, you pay for 30 minute sessions on the course, just this time, its well equipped (44 inch tires and 350 Chevy power) 4×4 buggies that you get to play with. It looks like a fun time whenever you visit Melbourne, Australia.
Maybe this concept will catch on in the United States.
Read more at Ragged Edge 4×4.
Four Wheeler magazine announced that Mopar will be releasing a bolt-in Dana 60 replacement axle for the new Jeep JK Wranglers. This upgrade will be very similar to the Jeep J8 export-only diesel powered JK (see Military Version of Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and will larger truck brakes. No price for the axle upgrade has been announced.
Read more at Mopar Performance Jeep Wrangler JK Dana 60.
Have you ever wondered what would happen to your Land Cruiser if a large land animal attacked your vehicle? I’ve never gave it much thought. The odds are pretty slim that I’ll be charged by a bison (the heaviest land animal in North America). It’s much more likely that’ll I hit a deer in a frontal impact (that’s one reason why I installed a ARB Bull Bar).
Anyway, I came across this story and pictures that shows thew results of a Land Cruiser being attacked by a Rhinoceros. It actually held up quite well. You just had to duck when the horn came through the window.
You can see the original story at Rhino Collides with Landcruiser. Now I wonder what a elephant could do.
On Saturday, 02.16.08, I made the 170 mile trip from my home to participate in the All Wheelers Off Road Club Presidents Day Run at the Slab near Zillah, Washington. After meeting up with the Backroad Drivers Northwest group at the McDonalds in Zillah, we made our way to the area outside of town known as The Slab.
With a name like “The Slab”, one would think that it is a rock crawler’s haven. Well the slab is exactly…a slab of concrete from an old pole building. That’s it. Well anyway, everybody uses the area around the slab and meeting place before heading out to go play in the surrounding countryside.
The surrounding area is on private land and consists of several hundred acres of rolling hills and sage brush. There are dirt roads and trails that cross every direction, something to challenge everybody.
The members of the All Wheelers Off Road Club are a great group of people. Very friendly and helpful when somebody gets stuck or breaks down.
The photos I shot are posted at All Wheelers Off Road Club Play Day at the Slab
You can view additional photos and read the write up of the trip on the forum at All Wheelers President’s Day Slab Run
I just came across a new release of a digital magazine from the folks at Difflock. The downloadable first edition is available HERE. The magazine is produced in the UK and gives us an European perspective on our sport. Of course, there is plenty of information on Land Rovers. Beyond that, there is great overland travel articles from areas in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. True overlanding indeed. Check it out.