Editor's Note: If you want to say or ask something, email Unloaded at jerrod.jones@off-roadweb.com or write: Unloaded, Off-Road Magazine, 2400 E. Katella Ave., Ste. 1100, Anaheim, CA 92806.
Remember, we're giving away swag every month to the author of our favorite letter. Be sure to include your address, so we know where to send your goods. And since we lost our copyeditor, please know that we are not going to be copyediting your letter if you are going to be hating on us, so you better check it over well before sending it our way!
S-10 Builder
Hi! My name is Vince Johnson and I just recently joined the Army. Therefore, have a little bit cash rolling in now. I saw your article on the S-10 suspension, and it made me mad because the kit won't fit my truck. I am building a '85 S-10 4x4 with a 3-inch body lift and 31-inch tires. I want to put a 2-inch suspension lift on it so I can fit 34s or 35-inch tires, but I am having a rough time finding lift for my truck.
It also has a 2.8L fuel-injected V-6 engine, and I want to keep it matching numbers (the engine and truck). Do you know of any power add-ons?
Thanks, I really appreciate it.
Vince Johnson
F.T. Jackson, SC
Vince,I did some checking and found that Superlift (www.superlift.com) has a 2-inch front lift and1-inch rear shackle available for your S-10. This is done with some new torsion keys and cranking up your torsion bars in the front end.
As far as engine modifications are concerned, I would always suggest adding a Fitch Fuel Catalyst (www.gofitch.com) to add some power and fuel economy to any engine. Other than that, I believe I found an Airaid air filter kit (www.airaid.com) for your model truck. And if you want to get really serious with that engine, contact Trans Am Creations USA (www.tacreationsusa.com/v6) to see what you can modify or even swap in.
Letters From Italy
Howdy Jerrod,
It's been a while that I've wanted to write you. This morning I found in the mailbox my February '09 copy of Off-Road and the first thing first I read was the Rant and then the Unloaded section, as usual. And I decided that this was the right time to write you.
A few points:
1)The mountain bikes (Dec. '08 Rant and Feb. '08 Unloaded): I can't agree more with what you stated about lots of off-roaders also being mountain bikers, because I am too and even here in Italy it works just the same. And that's just fine for me.
2) Entering your 30s (Feb. '08 Rant): I've just turned 37 and I have to tell you this: watch the weight!!! Since I've turned 30 I have gained about 22 pounds, doing the same and eating the same as I did in my 20s. And also you are totally right: past the 30s you get more responsible and times fly ... 9/11 was just yesterday for me.
3) C'mon, Subarus off-road?! Who in the name of God would buy a Subi (I love it!!) in the U.S. with all of those amazing trucks and SUVs that you have there? Especially with the great aftermarket you have!
"Trucks are built not bought!" is the sticker in the back of my Ranger.
4) The financial crisis (Feb. '08 Rant): I share your same idea. Someone deserves to serve an amount of time in jail for what they have irresponsibly done. This sounds just like here in Italy, but I guess that we are more use to it then you are.
I guess it's useless to specify that I love the magazine and the new graphics.Cheers,Massimo TorriItaly
P.S. - To those who don't like the way the magazine is: if I want to see some rock crawlers I get a copy of Four Wheeler (for Off-Road I have the subscription) and let me tell you that here in Italy it costs about $13 for a magazine, so I guess you can afford $6 for a well-done magazine.
And I apologize if I made some errors in my English (or American? just kidding).
Letter Of The MonthThis month our Letter Of The Month is getting a set of Steel Core lockable security tie down straps. They have steel cable running the length of them which makes them nearly impossible to cut. You can check them out at www.steelcore.net. We are also throwing in a genuine Off-Road Magazine giant banner as well. It would look great in your garage or in your bedroom hanging over your bed so you can remember us while you sleep.
Congrats, Larry!
Dear Off-Road Magazine,We'd like your help in recognizing the achievements and service of our newest Eagle Scout, Larry James Kleikamp. Larry is a valued member of our troop. He attained the rank of Eagle after completing a service project for our sponsor, Moose #300. Larry chose this project to give back to the organization that has given so much to his troop. He coordinated the renovation of the front landscaping to better showcase the facility's entrance. Larry designed, obtained donations for, recruited the manpower to install, and coordinated the work sessions to build a decorative retaining wall.
Larry did a fine job. He and his crew worked very hard to complete this task and he conducted himself professionally, showing a great deal of leadership.
Please help us congratulate Larry on the fine job he did.Ragina Wegner, Committee Member Troop 175Joliet, IL
Congratulations, Larry!
It sounds like you did an outstanding job, and we just wanted to include our thanks for helping the community around you. For that reason, I am making you the recipient of our Letter Of The Month prize package. I'm also throwing in an Off-Road hat for you as well. I hope that school and scouts are still going well for you and that we see you out in the dirt someday, no doubt helping out with trail maintenance or something. Keep on doing those good deeds that you do!