Questions or comments?
Write to us at 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility, 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870, christian.lee@primedia.com.
Propane Conversions
Q: Back in the early '70s, a Navy friend of mine had an International Harvester Scout, which had a propane conversion in it. The idea has intrigued me for years. With the probable upcoming conflict, gasoline prices will likely exceed the cost of a pack of smokes in NYC. In such a case, propane might be much lower in price. If that happens, I would like to be able to run propane in my '94 Wrangler. Have you, or could you, do an article about converting my Jeep to propane or gas usage at the flip of a switch like my buddy did in his Scout? Or maybe I could just get some information? Please keep up the good work. Getting my 4WDSU each month works for me.
Bob Wardell
Massapequa, New York
A: Bob, Converting your Wrangler to run on propane and/or gas is a fairly easy transition. Propane offers a number of benefits over gasoline, including its cleaner burning qualities and price. Also, propane-powered vehicles will operate at virtually any angle - a great attribute for any 4x4. The only propane-powered vehicle we've encountered on the trail or at events is one owned by Lance Clifford of www.pirate4x4.com. Lance completed the conversion using parts sourced from a salvaged propane-powered vehicle and has had tremendous success operating it on the trail and in competition. Though we couldn't locate a kit for your specific application, most of the systems are comprised of the same basic components and can be used in a custom conversion. Most systems run about $800-$2,000. Check out the pirate4x4.com Web site for more information about Lance's vehicle or to throw the idea around its well-maintained bulletin boards. Also, propane supply companies can offer information about such a conversion. Parnell USA, www.parnellusa.com, (623) 581-8335, might serve as another good source.
Airing Ideas
Q: I was wondering if you could do an in-depth article on air systems. I'm most interested in the complete system after the compressor. Most people know their compressor choices; some use rock rails as air tanks. I'd like to know about all the goodies after the compressor, in terms of filtering or pressure switches to switch off the compressor at a certain psi. The biggie I'd like to know about is if there is some sort of bumper connection with cover plate to plug in your air hose? I've seem them in your mag but never a reference. Thanks.
Ned
San Diego, California
A: Ned, We printed an article in the Feb. '03 issue regarding the Kilby On Board Air System, which detailed a number of the necessary components of an air system, including fittings, filters, regulators, switches, and pressure regulators. Kilby Enterprises, (818) 848-2900, www.onboardair.com, in Burbank, California, offers all of the these components individually and can provide a schematic of which parts you'll need to create the system you desire. As for a bumper connection to create air storage within the bumper, Bulletproof Manufacturing (805) 967-2005, www.bulletproofmfg.com, has just what you're after. The company's Force Field Series bumpers are available completely sealed with air inlets and outlets built in. We installed a set on our project Jeep TJ and have since plumbed both the front and rear bumpers to serve as our air storage for our Kilby Enterprises air system.
Lost Article
Q: Within the past couple of months, I believe you highlighted an article on a Brake Master Cylinder for a Jeep CJ-7 in the 4xForum column. My girlfriend threw my copy away, and I need to find out the name of the company. Could you please help? Have a great day.
Rob Schild
Miami, Florida
A: Rob, We went through our archives and narrowed it down to the July '01 issue where we spoke of the HydroBoost Hydraulic Brake Boosting System from FourXDoctor, (818) 845-2194, www.fourxdoctor.com, in Burbank, California. We're not sure this is the exact article you were speaking of, but hopefully it will do. The HydroBoost mounts directly to the firewall using a custom mounting plate and is designed to increase braking power lost once larger tires are installed. The kit includes all of the necessary hardware and is available for Jeep CJs and YJs. Other crossover applications may function as well.