Concerning your assertions about 4WD clubs (particularly that of the Ocala Jeep Club), I must say that you are way, way off base. The purpose of most 4WD clubs is more than just banding together as a group of friends, it's a banding together of our coculture as a whole. Ever heard the phrase Strength in numbers? That's what's effected when we join clubs. Most clubs give back to the trails and land they use by establishing volunteer work days and completing trail repairs so everyone (not just their club) can continue wheeling that particular area. Many not-for-profit clubs also hold events to raise money for land-use rights and defense against unfair land closures. The hosting not-for-profit club usually barely covers its costs at these events.
A number of 4WD clubs also volunteer their vehicles and time to local search-and-rescue operations, greatly aiding local law enforcement and fire personnel. Also, just so you know who IS paying for the privilege to wheel areas such as Upper Tellico, where you and your friends have had fun without having to pay, members of the Southern 4WD Association performed extensive trail maintenance in that area in 2006, providing in excess of $45,000 worth of volunteer labor, equipment, and materials. Even more volunteer trail work has been underway throughout 2007.
You may have earned the right to do what you want, Tom, and I thank you for your service to our country, but hopefully you'll also continue to do your part as a 4WD enthusiast to help ensure that future generations have the same opportunities and access to the great outdoors that we enjoy today. That's what most 4WD clubs I know of are attempting to do - even when they're trying to sell you trinkets from their organizations. Thanks for writing.
Note to readers
In the article titled "Grande Axle Upgrades" on page 54 of the July '07 issue of 4WD&SU, we detailed the installation of an ARB Air Locker and 4.56-ratio ring-and-pinion gears in a Chrysler 8.25 rear axle. It was stated in the article that we modified the ARB cross-shaft and ring-gear teeth so that the cross-shaft would clear the thicker aftermarket ring gear and allow the axle C-clips to be installed. Upon further research and in speaking with ARB representatives, we have discovered that this is not an ARB-authorized modification and should never be completed. Modifications to the cross-shaft or any other parts of the Air Locker may result in failure and will void the warranty.
The proper solution is to grind a small relief section from the ring-gear teeth so that the cross-shaft may be installed/removed without obstruction. More information on this procedure can be found in section 5.6 of the ARB Service Manual and is also available on ARB's website at http://arbusa.com/alac/alsp/5-06.pdf.