Quad-Monthly?Q: I have to say this is the best magazine, but you should put out four issues per month, not just one. I have a TJ that I have been trying to make trail-worthy. I think it is about ready to try out, and I would like to send you a shot for the back page, but I don't have 4WDSU stickers for the front and rear bumpers, and I don't want to desecrate the pages of your fine magazine. Also, I don't see many ads for weekend trail rides in the Calendar section from the clubs in and out of the L.A. area. I guess they don't want anyone to know about them. God bless, America.ChuckReseda, California
A: Chuck, thanks for your continuing support of the magazine. If we were to produce four issues a month, however, we'd most definitely lose our minds and probably die from exhaustion. Just putting one issue together every month is taxing enough, but worth every second knowing we have the support of such faithful readers as yourself. As for the stickers, we offer them for sale, along with T-shirts and such in the mail-order and merchandise ad toward the back of the magazine. We usually have a stash of them to hand out for free when on the trail, but as the accounting department often reminds us, nothing is for free, so don't tell them if you've been a lucky recipient. For more information about Los Angeles area trails and clubs, check out www.calohv.ca.gov.com, www.4x4la.com, and www.cal4wheel.com.
Jeep PsychologyI have owned two CJ-7s, but have been out of the Jeep scene for about seven years. The instinctive thing for me to do is try to find a decent CJ-7, but I'm intrigued by the TJ's coils. Your "Smooth Action" article in the Oct. '01 issue made me reconsider the merits of a well-made leaf spring suspension. And, as for the Dana 300 in the CJs, is there any better or stronger? My plans are the V-8 Chevy (worked great in my '83!) with a great on- and off-road suspension with 35s or 36s. I hope I'm not repeating a recently covered question, but an article outlining the pros and cons of each of the three most recent Jeep models might help a lot of us out.Paul TannahillLebanon, Oregon
Paul, it's good to hear you've decided to jump back on the bus. We've often found that Jeep-lessness leads to sleeplessness, or something like that anyway. You're not alone in being intrigued by the new Jeep TJs. We just got a 2001 that we're about to begin building, and it's an amazing ride compared to that first '69 CJ-5 we drove many years back. The only aspect of it we have trouble justifying is the price tag. Though it's competitively priced and not at all unreasonable, those first few instances of trail damage to the panels or other such incidents are going to be difficult to deal with. If you have it in your budget though, by all means, go with the TJ. Remember, it's not only a Jeep, but rather more than 50 years of Jeep technology and advancements. As far as leaf spring over coil, it's up to personal preference. The leaves are traditionally a bit bumpier than the coils, but a good custom set will offer similar results. And finally, the Dana 300: It's a great bet for many vehicles in respect to its adaptability, strength, and compact size. The only cooler T-case would be the Atlas T-cases from Advance Adapters. The Atlas is similar dimensionally to the NP205 and offers twin-stick operation.