Wrangler Stabilizer
Got any advice on a steering stabilizer for a Wrangler JK Unlimited running 35-inch tires?
Brian Gilmour
Via www.facebook.com/fourwheelermag

Tougher Tundra
Pro Comp is proud to introduce a new 4-inch suspension system for the ’07-’12 Toyota Tundra. This system installs without any cutting of the factory crossmembers and provides clearance for 35-inch tires. Extended steering knuckles are used to keep the rack-and-pinion steering unit in the factory location. These knuckles combined with rockproof, one-piece lower crossmembers provide performance, durability, and ease of installation that Tundra owners demand. Advanced engineering maintains proper CV axle angles and allows the full range of compression and extension travel without binding ball joints. Best of all, it is 100-percent VSC stability control compatible.
Info: Pro Comp
800/776-0767, www.procompusa.com

Over the last year we’ve used our long-term Ford Raptor relentlessly on- and off-road. It’s blasted 100-mph down isolated desert dirt roads, hauled a 6,000-pound trailer up and down steep mountain grades, carried bed-loads of motorcycles, gear, and railroad ties, yet has remained civil enough to be one of our favorite commuter vehicles that can even go out on a Friday night. In a word, it’s versatile.

If you want to see a fascinating collection of Jeep Cherokee XJs, go hang out at a North American XJ Association (NAXJA) event. Over the years we’ve wheeled with members of this club in places like Tennessee and Indiana, and each time we’ve seen something cool.

In the fall of 2004, International rolled out the gargantuan four-wheel drive CXT. Basically a semi tractor sporting a modified Ford Super Duty dualie pickup bed, it left people slack-jawed in amazement. It had a monster diesel engine, air brakes, a towing capacity of 40,000 pounds, and a hauling capacity of 11,400 pounds. It should’ve come standard with a mop to sop up all the testosterone.

When we go camping, we like to bring the comforts of home along with us. We aren’t ashamed to admit that an ARB Fridge Freezer is a nice addition on the trail, or that we have become more reliant on our cell phone for communication and our iPad for navigation. As technology marches forward, we are finding ourselves needing more power than we are used to in order to keep our devices topped off.

Wheelers are inherently creative. Maybe it’s something in our DNA that gives us the ability to “think outside the box” and solve problems on-the-fly. Whether it’s a challenging situation on the trail or in the shop, we have a knack for creative problem solving.

LuxoTruck
For 2012, Ram Truck will expand its model lineup by adding the new, top-of-the-line Ram Laramie Limited. Featuring premium materials, such as full-leather seating, piano-black interior components and under-stated exterior badging, Ram Laramie Limited offers a refined luxury alternative to the popular southwestern-themed Ram Laramie Longhorn edition pickup. The Ram 1500 Laramie Limited is available in six exterior color choices, while the Ram Heavy Duty models are available in four. A full-leather cockpit with dark slate Natura Plus leather seats and engraved details lend the Ram Laramie Limited an unmatched level of sophistication and style.

Diesel Discrepancy
While reading the “Cream of the Crop” (Mar. ’12), I noticed a problem. I don’t want to nitpick, but to the hardcore diesel community details matter. You stated that the ’89 Dodge W250 Cummins was the first of the Big Three to offer direct injection, a turbocharger, and an intercooler. While the first three are true, the intercooler didn’t appear on the Cummins until the 1991½ model year. The first 2½ years were non-intercooled. If in doubt, open the hood and look for a cast aluminum crossover pipe that goes from the turbo outlet on the passenger side, over the valve covers, and into the intake on the driver side. If it has one, it’s non-intercooled.
Roy Lynn
Stockdale, TX

Ten years ago we ran this feature on Mike Papola’s custom tube-chassis rig, which he called the “Papola Super Flex.” We called it “unusual,” which it probably was in 2002, considering that custom, tube-chassis trail rigs were a relatively new thing. Of course, tube-chassis rigs were destined to make their mark in the off-road world; we just didn’t fully realize to what extent at the time.