Reader: I'm interested in obtaining technical info regarding wheels and tires-specifically, the weights of wheel/tire assemblies in the 33- to 40-inch-diameter range. Do you know of a Web site where I can get this information? Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Lee Symonds
via fourwheeler.com
Editor: Due to differences in size, design, and materials, there are way too many variables involved to find this kind of info on one dedicated Web site-at least one that we're aware of. But just about all the wheel and tire manufacturers list the weights of their products online, so it shouldn't take you much time to scope out a few of them and do some simple math.
Reader: Love the magazine! Hey, I spotted some really interesting little four-door Ford Ranger diesels out here in the sandbox (Middle East deployed location). Is Ford going to sell any of these in the States anytime soon, or is this just another weird everywhere-but-the-U.S. type thing?
Staff Sgt. Nate Richmond
Serving in the Air Force
Far from home
Editor: Sorry to say, but the real question Stateside is, will the Ranger survive in any form beyond 2009? We know there's a diesel coming soon for the F-Series, but nothing we know about has been planned for the midsize.
Reader: Just a sad note to pass along. I was fumbling through some messages passed through my local 4x4 forum recently to hear that another brave soul had passed while serving us in Afghanistan. His name was Art Lilley. I never got the chance to meet him personally, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about him. The news of his passing has been in all the local forums, and if that isn't enough, I picked up an old issue of your magazine (Dec. '06) to find his picture staring back at me from a bright orange 'Zuker titled "Sun-Kissed Sami." He was a member of www.zuwharrie.com. They are taking donations for the family, and I didn't know of any way to help except to spread the word.
P. Lance Dotson
Boone, NC
Editor: Thanks for passing along the information, and we've included the web link for those who'd like to contact zuwharrie.com and make a contribution to his family. Our condolences to all his family, friends, and loved ones.