And Then You Woke UpI have an '00 F-250 diesel truck and I want to lift it 4 inches and put 33x12.50R16 BFG Mud-Terrains on it, but I'm having a hard time finding lifts and rims I like. When I do find something, it doesn't have a price I can afford, so maybe you could help me. Can I get this lift and tires through OFF-ROAD, and if so, how much? I live about 45 minutes from you, so I could pick it up. I have only found one lift for my truck so far, so please write me back.Stevevia e-mail
No, folks, we don't make these letters up. We do, however, attempt to fix the syntax and spelling errors to shield the authors from embarrassment. Sorry, Steve, OFF-ROAD is not the free-parts clearing house, and, no, you can't come by to pick up anything. As for an affordable lift for your truck, AIM Industries in Mesa, Arizona, just won a prestigious SEMA award for its SuperDuty lift kit. Check them out on the Web at www.truckinsuspension.com. As for the BFGs, start saving your money.
Hemi 1/2-Ton RamJust thought your readers would like to know that the new 5.7L motor is now available in a 1/2-ton Ram truck. I know because I took delivery of mine a few months ago. It's a black Quad Cab with the Sport package, leather interior, the towing package, and so on. But best of all is the 348ci Hemi. Fun does not begin to describe this truck. Fantastic is a much better word. I'm not sure, but it has to be one of the first 1/2-ton Hemi-equipped trucks built. All it needs now is a prerunner suspension and 'glass to be perfect. Thanks for taking the time to read this.Chuck Brownleevia e-mail
The fact that the new Hemi is available as an engine option in the Ram 1/2-ton lineup is one of the best-kept secrets in the industry. When we talked to Dodge representatives at the SEMA Show last year, we were quietly told to keep the Hemi's existence quiet because Dodge had yet to formally announce this engine package availability in its light-duty lineup. Even the TV commercials continue to tout the Hemi in the 4x4 Heavy Duty series trucks. You truck is living proof that you can get the Hemi in a 1/2-ton. When word gets out, Dodge will likely sell a whole lot of 1/2-ton Hemis.
Cluster SwapI am interested in information on installing a GMC Denali gauge cluster in an '02 Chevy Tahoe. The Denali cluster has a 120-mph speedo as well as the transmission temperature gauge, and I like the look of the Denali cluster. If the Caddy cluster is basically a plug-and-play install, is the Denali cluster just as easy? Do you have a source for the Denali cluster? Do the speedos automatically recalibrate (100 versus 120 mph)? Your magazine is excellent, and articles like these are outstanding.Michael ClineFlint, MI
Because all of the later-model GM trucks basically use the same instrument cluster, the Denali cluster should also be a plug-and-play install in your Tahoe. The speedo is controlled by a Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) on the output shaft of the tranny, and the clusters come precalibrated from the factory, so the reading should be dead on. The cool thing is that all GM trucks are wired for tranny temperature gauges, so when the cluster is plugged in, it automatically gives you a reading. Unfortunately, the only source for the Denali cluster will be your local GMC dealer, and we'll bet it's on the pricey side. With winter setting in and ice on the roads in your neck of the woods, most likely a junkyard will get its hands on a Denali in short order and may save you a few bucks for the part over the dealer.
More SpeedI have a '98 GMC Sierra Extended Cab 4WD, and my truck is speed-governed at 160 kph (approximately 100 mph). Is there any way to remove the governor from my truck? Is it in the computer chip, or is it on the throttle-body? Also, what is the horsepower and torque rating of the 5.7L Vortec V-8? I was told the throttle-body system is robing the motor of its potential horsepower and that an aftermarket multiport system would be a great asset for more horsepower. Is this true? Thanks for your excellent magazine; it's been very helpful, as I do all the maintenance and mods myself!Keith Gilbertvia e-mail
Your '98 GMC Sierra has its top speed governed by the computer, and there is not an easy or simple way to bypass or override it. JET Performance Products, (800) 736-2083, offers a bolt-on module that can move the speed limit up a tad while also increasing power and torque. Hypertech, (901) 382-8888, uses a different approach with its Power Programmer, which basically does the same thing by downloading the stock computer information and uploading new information. It can also compensate for tire size changes as well. The 5.7L V-8 came from the factory with 255 hp at 4,600 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm. The reason the truck makes so much power is because of the stock Vortec EFI system. While not a true throttle-body injection, the system is kind of a cross between a TBI and a TPI in the way it delivers fuel to each individual cylinder. We'd suggest working with a combination of aftermarket products to boost power, such as intake and exhaust upgrades, which are easy and cost effective modifications that will improve driveability. You can find plenty of small-block power accessories advertised in the pages of this very magazine.
Editor's Note: If you have any questions, comments, rants, or raves, please feel free to contact us at OFF-ROAD magazine, Mailbox, 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870. You can e-mail us at joel.mollis@primedia.com.