Reader: I look forward to each new issue and always read them cover to cover and have done so for 16 years. I respect how you have done your best to grow with the times, and nowadays, with all the new vehicles and four-wheeling becoming more and more popular. I know it's tough. I have a suggestion, though. What about having an archive article each month? Folks might even send in requests. Who knows, it might catch on. Keep up the good work and thanks for a great magazine.
Andy Waldorff
Clarksville, FL
Editor: That's an excellent idea ... and later this year, we'll be unveiling a new column that will have exactly what you're looking for. And thanks for your support the last 16 years.
Reader: I'm looking for the back issue that has the common problems for the Land Rover Discovery. I think it was August '07 but am unsure. Any information would be helpful.
David Lowell
Las Cruces, NM
Editor: Actually, that article was in the Oct. '07 issue. Back issues can be obtained by logging onto www.primediabackissues.com or by writing to 2900 Amber Lane, Corona, CA 92882. Cost is $6 per issue plus $3 shipping.
Reader: I want to buy a buggy. Please give me your e-mail address or fax number.
Furqan Ahmed
Karachi, Pakistan
Editor: OK: fourwheelereditor@sourceinterlink.com. Solves everything, don't it?
Reader: I have a '97 Jeep Wrangler with a four-cylinder in it. I've been told that it's easy to replace it with a GM 4.3L engine. Please let me know where I can get the info to do so and what transmission I need to use. Also, I need all the info on how to tackle this endeavor. Tech help needed!! Where can I get the how-to info?
Sgt. D. Ruhnau, USMC
Jacksonville, FL
Editor: This is a fairly common swap, and there are plenty of sources for you to consult. Novak Conversions (www.novak-adapt.com) has a ton of information about this swap on its Web site, as well as adapters to bolt up the Chevy 4.3 to a number of Jeep transmissions. Trans-Dapt (www.tdperformance.com) and Advance Adapters (www.advanceadapters.com) both offer motor mounts and/or mounting kits for this swap as well.
Reader: I was reading a recent issue about your Project Teal-J, and I was wondering: When you're done building it, will you sell it? What is the plan for its future? If possible, I would be interested in buying it.
Matt Morgan
Rexburg, ID
Editor: Teal Brute Number-Cruncher Robin Stover replies: Thanks for writing, Matt. While we're flattered by your desire to purchase Teal Brute, I don't think anyone would be willing to pay what we would likely ask.
Here's a quick rundown on what the major stuff would add up to if we ever did consider selling her.
Stock '97 Jeep Wrangler with clean title (Blue Book est.): $9,820
Hemi conversion with
545RFE automatic: $14,000
ProRock Dana 60s with ARB/Detroit Lockers, Dynalock hubs: $14,000
AEV Brute Conversion, with labor: $18,000
40-inch MT/R tires on SpyderLoc wheels: $5,000
Front and rear winches: $2,200
Hanson front bumper: $800
Custom Kilby rocker protection: $2,000
Kilby onboard air system: $1,400
Corbeau suspension seats: $1,500
JL Audio Sound system: $4,000
Rev 111 tube fenders: $1,000
Teraflex/Fox coilover LCG suspension: $3,800
Walker Evans Racing rear shocks: $700
ACOS Pro rear bumps: $1,000
Atlas II four-speed transfer case: $3,600
Custom powdercoated rollcage: $2,400
ACRO HID lights: $1,000
Speed glass composite windshield: $700
Rhino Lining throughout: $1,200
Kilby gas-tank skid: $200
Mastercraft five-point harnesses: $200
Custom Tom Wood's driveshafts: $600
ThermoTech heat reduction elements: $500
Magnaflow high-flow cat and muffler: $600
Other miscellaneous parts and pieces: $1,000
Total: Approx. $80,000
Now as much as we think Teal is a sweet ride, it surely is not worth $80K to someone, right? Or is it?