Comments on: An Introduction to Off-Roading

By: Steve Murtha

Steve Murtha — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 02:47:07 +0000

Piggybacked onto this 2-yr. old conversation from the “Going OffRoad-5 Epic Escapes…..”
and enjoyed some of the repartee between posters. Great conversations about preparedness—reminiscent of my constant admonitions to 2 daughters as they grew up, “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance” (the 5 P’s:)— I was the proud owner of a 1973 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-55/station wagon bought new, and then had a ’72 FJ-55, both equipped with Hone Overdrives that helped offset great 4.11 off-road gearing and 3-speed trannys, aiding in their streetability. I must admit, the only time I ever got one stuck was due to youthful ignorance and exuberance (stupidity) and a few times, regrettably, being high or slightly or significantly alcohol-buzzed—not too smart! They were very stout vehicles that were bulletproof and enabled one to get to where the Winnebagos and Cadillacs couldn’t go, and beyond. We’ve owned three 4Runners since then, and they are a fabulous combination of on-road civility and utility, and Land Cruiser-ish capability on back roads and beyond.
Too bad, in the USA, that we’re still denied the torquey diesel offerings that are available in foreign markets. What a world we live in….diesel fuel is significantly cheaper overseas (my trip to Germany confirmed it), delivers better fuel economy, gives you power where/when you need it in the power band, and the engines are built to last 2-3 times as long as most gasoline motors.
And, I like what several prior writers added, that a stout 4X4 will get you even closer to wilderness areas that you can then access by foot, canoe, etc., further enhancing your outdoor living experience–away from the madding crowd!

By: ted

ted — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 13:37:10 +0000

My rule is always have a bigger 4×4 at home.

By: Greg Williams

Greg Williams — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 01:37:03 +0000

1985 K5 Blazer, 350 bored .030 over with high compression dome topped pistons. I’m the guy that gets Jeeps un stuck.

By: Balls Deep 13

Balls Deep 13 — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:57:40 +0000

I learned a good tip from a guy that 4 wheels frequently. Its a tip about how you hold your thumb on the steering wheel in certain terrain ex… deep snow ruts, mud, rocks. He had his thumb dislocated when he was young because he was gripping the wheel with the thumb gripping under so when the tires grabbed, darted, and the wheel suddenly spun. Well if this has happened to you, that pressure on the thumb is very uncomfortable. So to prevent this from happening keep your thumb on top next to the pointer finger. I drive in deep snow which covers certain terrain surprises and this tip has prevented me from relocating my thumb in a place it doesn’t belong. Good day AoM, hope this helps

By: Brax

Brax — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:17:09 +0000

A real manly man would communicate with smoke signals none of this sissy satellite nonsense ;-)

By: jcd

jcd — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:27:55 +0000

Most places a manly man will want to go won’t have cellphone reception. I have an earlier version of this device, but the now have a new version that links to your ipod touch, iphone or droid that allows you send custom messages via satellite from anywhere. Check it: http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=116

By: Frank Ledwell

Frank Ledwell — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:24:19 +0000

As the publisher of a Jeep adventure lifestyle publication, I was intrigued when I saw the title of this article. Overall, excellent write-up on the basics of off-road driving, etc. Of course, there are all sorts of things in this realm that can be discussed including the use of your off-road vehicle to access remote areas to mountain bike, camp, kayak, travel overland on long-term expeditions, etc.

Good job and for more articles on the subject, you can visit JPFreek Adventure Magazine at http://online.jpfreek.com. Once you start integrating off-road adventure with outdoor recreation, it fuels a passion that will never stop!

By: MIck

MIck — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 23:52:20 +0000

Gary in AK, I have to agree with the first lines that Brad wrote. I would also add that many patriotic Americans (and others) are currently invading Afghanistan and Iraq in their American 4WD’s (e.g. The Hummer). Patriot shouldn’t get in the way of Practical though, and the Toyota has to be the most practical, proven 4WD on the market. Especially the 70 series. Most other 4WD’s (Jeep included) require a fair bit more modification than the 70 series if you intend to get serious about the hard going. Older 4WD’s in most cases were a far-sight better than our modern vehicles that are designed for just the sort of thing that Basil, in an earlier post, was talking about. Namely carting the kids off to school and shopping trips and posing. Toyota 70 series doesn’t cater for them like the 200 series, Range rovers and civilian Hummers and jeeps seem to these days. But, hey! Each to their own. If it weren’t for individual choice then we wouldn’t have such a variety to choose from.

By: Brad

Brad — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:40:28 +0000

Possibly, Garry, because the internet is not just the domain of America!? There is a whole other world out there that is full of men & 4wd’s.
To Basil, my 4wd is a city 4wd but I often drive onto boggy worksites, comes in very handy then. I also like to seek out of the way places to go hiking & photographing in my leisure time, 4wd’s are great for that because you can escape the maddening crowd. And for what it’s worth my diesel Mazda uses way less fuel than a lot of sedans.
The best advice for off road driving, is use your common sense.

By: Gary in AK

Gary in AK — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:20:47 +0000

I’m astounded that you couldn’t choose an American truck to promote with this, patriotism being abundantly Manly….