Peugeot Plus
The June '07 issue of Jp Magazine was only my second issue, but I already know that you guys are all geniuses! I'm pretty sure "The Omni-Jeep" story was the greatest thing I've ever read. I own an '89 Cherokee and an '89 Comanche, and I've been telling people for years the things you said in that article.
The XJ is a 2WD (wait, don't judge!) 4.0L with a Peugeot five-speed and Dana 35 rear. It has more than 314,000 miles all on the original drivetrain with no rebuilds-it's been maintained religiously and even has the original U-joints. The Peugeot hasn't exploded yet, but I do have a spare if/when it goes to crap.
I bought the MJ for $200 from a guy who thought it was dead, but it was just a dead battery. It has the great 4.0L, AX-15, and Dana 30 and 35s. I can't believe how great these things are. The MJ has been abused, and I've even jumped it a couple of times, but it just keeps going.
It's just great to know there are people out there who think like I do. When I read about someone who has written in crying about how you guys wrote something mean and hurt their feelings and then say they won't be getting your magazines anymore, it just makes me wish someone would cram all those guys into a Toyota FJ Cruiser or a Nissan X-terra and drive them off a cliff. Keep up the good work-I can't wait for my third issue. Oh, I really think that the punk rockers from "Smoking Aces" should have their own movie too (Dispatch, June '07).
Luke Kennemer
Via e-mail
It's in the U.S.!
The Formula 4x4 competition you describe in the March '07 Trail Head does exist in America. An event is hosted by the Quaboag Riders Motorcycle Club in Monson, Massachusetts, and covers classes that range from factory stock all the way to experimental. Check out the Web site at www.quaboagridersmc.com.
Bill Watkins
Via e-mail
For Sale: Arizona Oceanfront Property
I have ordered a new JK and tried your "Fords Suck, 58692" listed on page 15 of the Apr. '07 issue of Jp Magazine. The salesman asked for a prefix letter, name, and relationship. It means about a $1,300 discount over the Costco Auto Program price. What do I do? Just tell them that John Cappa sent me? They would probably throw me out and sell my vehicle to someone else. Help out a fellow Jeeper.
Robb Blankinship
Portland, Oregon
April Fools! I love it when a prank comes together. We actually got two people with this one . . . well, at least two people that actually admitted to it.
Not Bored Events
I saw your article in Jp Magazine about rockcrawling (Trail Head, Mar. '07) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I compete in rockcrawling myself, but as a spectator, I get bored quickly.
That's not exactly why I'm e-mailing you. In your article, you mentioned you were interested in finding an off-road racing organization that was fast-paced, where four-cylinders have no chance against V-8's. Not sure what your intentions are, but if you're looking for coverage of these types of events, I have a proposition for you.
I'm the promoter of MOROC. I promote and organize extreme off-road racing in the Midwest. I am the only promoter in North America that organizes a woods racing series for Jeeps. Woods racing is fast-paced, off-road racing where vehicles race full throttle over rocks, boulders, mud, creek beds, steep hills, jumps, log crossings, gullies, ravines, and so much more. Courses range anywhere from 400 yards to 1 mile. Every day of competition, each team will race on five courses; there are two events left this year.
Nathan Davis
www.moroc-us.com
Via e-mail
Worthless History Lesson
In "Jeep Autopsy: Flatfender" (June '07), the mention of Willys-Overland registering Jeep as a trademark in 1950 was called "The Worthless Fact." the story behind that fact is the defining moment for the company and the reason your magazine is not called Willys-Overland.