Jeep AcQ: I want to add air conditioning to my '92 Jeep Wrangler and install it myself. Could you give me any information on where I might buy what I need? Also, if there are any articles about this, could you tell me what issues they might be in? Thank you.Kathy Newmanvia e-mai
A: Kathy, A number of AC kits are available to equip your '92 Wrangler. Although we haven't offered any articles on this subject, we've spoken to Jeep owners who have attempted such an installation. We're told that it isn't an impossible endeavor and provided that you can accurately follow written instructions, you should be able to tackle it with a minimal degree of difficulty. Complete air-conditioning kits are available through JC Whitney [(800) 529-4486, www.jcwhitney.com] and Arizona Mobile Air Inc. [(602) 233-0090, www.ackits.com]
Rear Steer on the Road?Q: I want to run four-wheel steering on my vehicle using a couple of Dana 44 front axles. Are there any problems associated with running a front axle on the rear? This vehicle will be driven on the street as well as off-road, so it will have to operate at highway speeds.Bill Hammervia e-mail
A: Bill, Although a rear-steer setup would certainly prove to be valuable while on the trail, you most likely won't find it to be as useful for street driving. Aside from the fact that it's probably not street legal in most states, you're sure to run into caster and camber issues in the rear axle, and wear to your tires will accelerate. You may be able to use some sort of device to lock the rear knuckles while driving on the road, but this would only serve at low speeds. If you're dead set on running a rear-steer setup, you're best off leaving it for a full-time off-road vehicle that sees little to no street activity and is trailered to the trailhead. Otherwise, stick with what you're running. If you can't already tackle the obstacles you attempt in your vehicle as it is, then rear steering isn't going help out that much.
A Small Bit of Info?Q: I would like to request some information about the VW-powered rock buggy called Tiny built by Nelson & Nelson. I have not been able to find anything on it. Thank you.Richard EspinozaHoopeston, Illinois
A: Richard, Tiny appeared on the cover of the June '03 issue of 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility. If you would like to order this issue, contact our back issues department at (866) 601-5199. Created by Jon Nelson of Nelson & Nelson Engineering, Tiny is owned and operated by Jon Bundrant of All Pro Off-Road. The 3.0L VW-powered rock buggy features a complete tube frame chassis and uses front and rear Currie 9-inch axles, an Atlas transfer case, a Chevy Power Glide tranny, and BFGoodrich Krawler tires. Most recently, Tiny and Bundrant, along with spotter Larry "King Full Pull" McRae, clinched a victory at the first CalROCS event of 2004, the Put Up or Shut Up Shootout held at Couger Buttes, California. You can find more information about Tiny, as well as Team All Pro Racing, at www.teamallproracing.com.