A: William, I'm glad you liked the cooling system article. My Cherokee really came back to life with a properly functioning cooling system in place, and everything seems to be running smoothly. You are correct that the 180-degree-F thermostat will use a bit more fuel than the stock thermostat. The article should have stated that the 180 would offer better fuel economy than the 160-degree-F thermostat, which is also offered by Turbo City. That is where I was drawing the comparison. Sorry for any confusion.
As for the lower hose, I used a Goodyear hose from Summit racing and haven't had any collapse issues. According to FlowKooler, most modern high-pressure radiator hoses use an internal coil and are sufficient for use when installing one of its high-flow water pumps. The company also manufacturers a variety of high-flow water pumps for street-rod vehicles that may use older-style or custom hoses that may not withstand the higher flow, and this is why FlowKooler recommends use of high-pressure hoses with internal coils. If you're having trouble finding the appropriate radiator hose, you may have to buy a universal-style hose and modify it to fit, or maybe bring the old hose with you to the parts store and find one that matches the closest. Thanks for reading.
We Have Attitude
Comment: I enjoyed the pictures in the Moab Easter Jeep Safari article (Aug. '07), but then I read the article and found an enormous display of attitude. Let's see... official run is paying, nonofficial is nonpaying - either way you get the ATTITUDE. The last time I looked, anyone can four-wheel on public land and not pay some 4WD organization. I used to belong to a large club (Ocala Jeep Club) and found some of the most unfriendly people I've ever met. Based on the article, if I had an inclination to join a club I would not join. I guess the faster you go on the trail, the more money you will make by selling trinkets from your organization.
I have been on Jeep Jamborees and had a lot of fun even though we met people (nonofficial/nonpaying) on the trails. I also have been all over Upper Tellico with friends and had even more fun. Sure, things can sometimes get bottled up, but I tend to simply enjoy the time on the trails and chat with the people I meet - and they don't have to pay for the privilege.
It doesn't matter where you go or what you do, there will always be some inconsiderate boob not using common sense. I will continue to ride trails without the benefit of some half-baked organization. I will do this when and where I choose, as I have earned that right unlike most peopleTom Mintz, USMC Retiredvia e-mail
A: Tom, while I can appreciate your desire to go wheeling on your own or with pals rather than joining a club, I think you've taken amiss the purpose of 4WD clubs as a whole as well as the message that I was attempting to convey in the article. You certainly do not have to pay to go wheeling if you choose not to, but remember that the Moab Easter Jeep Safari event is hosted by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers 4WD club and has been scheduled for the same time each year since its inception. If you do not want to be part of this official event, simply visit Moab at a different time of year when the event is not taking place. That way, everyone will benefit: The paying participants will get to enjoy a guided trail ride hosted by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers during the event, and you're free to explore whatever trails you desire (without running into any of the many guided trail rides) the other 350 or so days of the year.