A '92 Wrangler With Round Headlights?I just wanted to make a small comment about a letter in the Oct. '07 Off-Road Forum. The error is in the year of the pictured Jeep. The Jeep is most definitely a '97-or-later TJ Wrangler, but the year stated in the letter is '92. It is a small discrepancy, but since I am an avid Jeep owner I wanted to point it out. Thank you. As usual, excellent mag.
Patrick Mills, via e-mail
Patrick was joined by others in noticing this inaccuracy. The letter contained the error when we received it, and we printed the letter without correcting the mistake. We'll go with "typo" on this: We're sure '02 was intended instead of '92. Rest assured that Off-Road magazine knows the difference between a TJ and a YJ!
We do appreciate readers who are paying close attention and who are passionate about their off-road vehicles of choice. At the same time, please keep the big picture in mind here. The point of the letter and photo was to remind everyone to carry a fire extinguisher in his or her vehicle. Fire is an equal-opportunity consumer of TJs, YJs, XJs, ZJs, MBs, Fords, Chevys, Dodges, Toyotas, Suzukis, Land Rovers... and the list goes on. Carry A Fire Extinguisher!
I am submitting this photo to your magazine in hopes that you will use it. The picture is of my son Lance Cpl. Derek L. Killian, who is in the United States Marine Corps and is now serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. The picture was taken after my son got his HMMWV stuck while on patrol in Asrah, Iraq. Thank you.
Joanna Killian, Fort Payne, Alabama
Derek seems to be smiling in the photo: something we're sure is tough to do in a place like Iraq in 2007. Hopefully, the vehicle extraction wasn't too difficult. You have our best wishes for Derek's safe return.
The Ratcheting Hex Key Wrench...
The Ratcheting Hex Key Wrench unfolds to reveal a selection of chrome-vanadium steel hex keys. The keys are black-oxide-coated for hardness.
Pro Tool Ratcheting Hex Key WrenchThe rapidly evolving world of off-roading extends beyond our vehicles. Cool new stuff is being developed every day to make the journey from the driveway to the dirt and back again easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Pro Tool Mfg.'s Ratcheting Hex Key Wrench is designed to be "a big improvement over the standard L-type hex wrench. First, you get a complete set of standard hex wrenches in one compact tool. Even better, the easy-grip ratcheting handle makes tightening or loosening hex bolts much easier - so you get more done faster."
The Ratcheting Hex Key Wrench is available in standard or metric versions. The standard version includes: 1/4-, 7/32-, 3/16-, 5/32-, 9/64-, 1/8-, 7/64-, 3/32-, and 5/64-inch wrench sizes. The metric version includes: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 5.5, and 6mm wrench sizes.
Pro Comp Technical BulletinConsumers,It has come to our attention that the pitman arm (PN FD700) used in Pro Comp suspension systems for '05-'08 Ford Super Duty trucks may have a label attached that has an incorrect installation torque specification. The correct final torque setting as called out in the kit installation instruction booklet is 350 lb-ft. Improper installation procedures and/or failure to set final torque to 350 lb-ft could result in damage to the pitman arm itself or to other vehicle steering components.
It is important that you inspect the pitman arm. If you suspect the pitman arm may not have been installed as called out in the installation instruction booklet, please contact our Customer Service Tech Department at (800) 776-0767 or (619) 216-1444. They will be able to assist you with any questions you may have.
Warehouse Distributors and Dealers,Please contact us at the telephone numbers listed above if you have inventory of FD700s to enable us to supply correct labeling.Thank you for your cooperation.
John CorraoVP Mfg. and Eng.Pro Comp Suspension
Editor's Note: If you have anything you'd like to say to us or ask us, please feel free to write to: Off-Road Magazine, Off-Road Mail, 2400 E. Katella Ave., Ste. 700, Anaheim, CA 92806. You can e-mail us at kevin.blumer@primedia.com.
 Once a size is selected, the...  Once a size is selected, the other keys can be swiveled out of the way. |  The handle is easy to grip....  The handle is easy to grip. While it's not as substantial as a conventional socket wrench ratchet handle, it's much more comfortable than gripping a skinny L-type hex key |  Ratcheting direction is easily...  Ratcheting direction is easily changed, and the selection knob has a high-quality feel. |
 Does the Ratcheting Hex Key...  Does the Ratcheting Hex Key Wrench replace our existing tools? We noticed a warning on the packaging as we were removing the wrench: "This tool is not intended for final seating of fasteners; excessive torque may cause breakage." The tool is not rigid or strong enough to replace our L-type hex keys or hex key sockets. Case closed? Nope. There's a silver lining. After the ratcheting feature is used to take the slack out of the fastener, the tool is capable of tightening much further if the ratchet handle is folded up onto the body and the tool is used in the same manner as a conventional fold-out hex key set. The compact size and ratcheting feature are definitely cool. This tool is a perfect candidate for a carry-along bag that's stashed in a vehicle. Our current selection of hex keys for the garage will remain the same, but the Ratcheting Hex Key Wrench will be along for the ride in the dirt. |  Here's our current selection...  Here's our current selection of hex keys. Most of the time, we use the L-type wrenches in the yellow holder. Occasionally, the nonratcheting fold-out keys get used. Tight spots with little wrench access call for a ratchet handle and a hex-tipped socket. If the Ratcheting Hex Key Wrench is going to be the latest and greatest thing in our garage tool selection, it's got to effectively replace these tools. | |