Fullsize Fun
I was reading the editorial in OFF-ROAD magazine and was interested in a fullsize run in Moab. I am not sure if this is something you serious about or not but I wouldn’t want to miss out. I am, and always will be, addicted to fullsize vehicles. My daily driver right now is an F-350 crew cab diesel dually. My wheeler is a ‘87 K5 Blazer on 37s. I have had many lifted Suburbans, Blazers, and solid-axle pickup trucks. I enclosed a few pictures of the K5. Keep me posted and keep up the good work.
Nick
Via off-roadweb.com
Nick, we’re definitely serious about the Moab fullsize run. Email jerrod.jones@sorc.com for details.
Need Some Steering Linkage!
I was wondering if you guys could help me out. I am looking to upgrade my tie rod and other steering components and I don’t know where to start. I have a ’98 Dodge Ram that is similar to your project truck, Jinxy, and I have just started adding some new things to it. I want to try and get my steering problems fixed piece by piece if possible, because I don’t have a lot of money to spend on a full kit. I looked at some places online but just get overwhelmed at how many parts and pieces there are, and not really knowing what I need or should get first. I can weld so I’m not afraid of getting a do-it-yourself type kit as long as I can get a couple pieces at a time. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Anthony French
Via off-roadweb.com
Anthony, unfortunately, there is not a lot of support for the ’94-to-’01 Rams, but there is a possible solution for you. In the last year or two of that body style, Dodge did make some trucks with a solid tie rod (between the knuckles) and a draglink that comes into the tie rod. They are rare, but they are out there. Your best bet would be to look for the Moog factory replacement steering linkage for that setup if you want the strongest steering while not having to go fully custom. You mentioned that you could weld and have no problem doing something custom to save money, but in my experience there is a lot to be said for a bolt-on system. Also, factory-style tie rod ends typically last longer and are better protected from the elements than a custom Heim joint steering set up.
Good Shops Deserve Recognition
Dear OFF-ROAD magazine, I am 21-year, active-duty U.S. Air Force master sergeant stationed in Tampa, Florida. I have served on more than seven tours to Iraq/Mid-East Operations and have just return. While I was there (every time I was there) I enjoyed reading your magazine. It’s one of the few things that keeps me sane from everything going on outside “the wire.” Thanks for a great read and tech advice. A lot of the problems/upgrades I had with my truck were highlighted/tech advice in your magazine.
The reason for my email is in reference to a local off-road shop in Tampa, Florida. The shop is Twisted Metal Off Road, owned by Steven Auza and Will Martinez. At one time you had an ad for them in your magazine. With my love of off-roading and my constant deployments, it’s hard to find a great shop that knows its stuff on repairs and upgrades. So when I saw their advertisement I contacted Steve to see what he could do about my needs/repairs. My truck is an ’05 GMC 2500HD Duramax that I was happy to drop off at Twisted Metal. Steve and the guys know their stuff! They were able to fix all of my problems concerning the front end, high EGTs, fuel loss, engine surge and were able to increase my truck’s horsepower! Best of all, they are 100-percent fully committed to servicing the country’s military!
Believe it or not, you rarely find shops (locally or on the Internet) that are willing to support us military guys/girls so heavily. So I just wanted to say thanks to you guys and to Steve and Will at Twisted Metal Offroad for all that they do there!
Master Sgt. Chad Maxwell
Via off-roadweb.com
Chad, we appreciate feedback on good shops like Twisted Metal Off Road. It’s important for every off-roader to have a trustworthy shop that can solve an owner’s problems when they arise. Good on you for the shout-out. And thanks for serving our country, Master Sergeant!