Rocks and Jeeps, Oh My!Q: Rocks, rocks, rocks! Jeeps, Jeeps, Jeeps! There is more to 'wheeling than rocks and Jeeps! I'm sick of rocks and I've been sick of Jeeps forever. Now, I'm not as mad as this sounds, I just wanted to let you know. I still look forward to to your mag every month and I enjoyed the coverage of the Mid-Atlantic Rally in the last issue. But the rest was rocks!Bret DeGaynerSecretaryMinnesota Land Roverswww.mnlandrovers.org
A: Bret, Glad we can still grab your attention every month, despite our incessant offerings of, "Rocks, rock rocks. Jeeps, Jeeps, Jeeps." While many of our feature, technical, and adventure articles are geared toward Jeeps and rocks, we try our best to create a balance that will prove to be pleasing to our entire audience. By the way, you said you enjoyed the coverage of the Mid-Atlantic Rally (Nov. '02 issue), but you didn't mention the June '02 issue in which a Land Rover Defender 90 is scaling a rock (a rock!) on the cover. Bet you're not too opposed to that one, huh? Keep reading, Bret. We'll keep writing.
Is This Seat Taken?Q: In the Nov. '01 issue of 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility magazine, an article was written by Mark Nobles titled "Wild Willys." The seats in this vehicle, a '53 Willys, are of interest to me, but I cannot find them. If you could let me know where I can find these seats, it would be much appreciated. Thank you.Tim Shepardvia e-mail
A: Tim, The seats you speak of are Procar Rally Series seats by Scat Enterprises. The company can be contacted at: Scat Enterprises, Dept. 4WDSU, 1400 Kingsdale Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90278, (310) 370 5501, www.procarbyscat.com. Happy sitting
TJ V-8 MountsQ: I plan to buy a '97-or-newer Jeep TJ and drop in a V-8. Does it matter if the body donor is a four- or six-cylinder? Does mounting equipment and so on exist for both applications? Thanks.Ray Chronistervia e-mail
A: Ray, Whatever engine once sat between the framerails of your donor Jeep TJ shouldn't be an issue. Both Advance Adapters, (800) 350-2223, www.advanceadapters.com, and Novak Conversions, (877) 602-1500, www.novak-adapt.com, offer engine mounting systems specifically for engine conversions in Jeeps and other 4x4s.
Where for 'Cages?Q: I have a '92 Jeep Cherokee XJ with four doors. I have built the XJ up for hard-core 4x4 outings. Because I use it for off-roading, I am looking for a rollcage for the interior. Do you know of any companies or fabricators that make them? If so, I would like to contact them and buy a rollcage for my XJ. Thanks for your help.Scott YeeColumbus, Ohio
A: Scott, We kind of dealt with a similar question last month, though we're able to provide a better answer this time around. After a bit of searching, we finally tracked down a ready-to-be-welded-in rollcage for Jeep XJs. Oddly, it was right under our noses at T&J's 4 Wheel Drive Center, one of our local shops. Never hurts to ask, huh? You can contact the knowledgeable T&J's staff at (714) 633-0991. If you're after a custom 'cage, ask your local 4x4 shop if it can do it or recommend a local fabricator. Keep the rubber on the dirt side.
Questions or comments? Write to us at 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility, 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870, christian.lee@primedia.com.