Positive Reinforcement
The letters to the editor (Mailbag) appearing in the July '09 issue seem to have had a bit more of a hostile tone than normal. The April Fool's story reporting the Jeep brand sold doesn't seem to have been met with universal favor. Just so you know that not everyone is now sending hate mail, I thought I would send a compliment on the July '09 issue. I think it is one of the best yet with some very practical articles regarding recovery techniques, trail fixes, and trail tools by Christian Hazel and Pete Trasborg. You had the expected good wheeling photos with the rigs seeming pretty much down to earth - meaning that they were rigs that many people might really be able to own for less than the cost of a second house. In a final compliment to Christian, this month's Sideways column was the best yet and hopefully can be repeated.Dale MosbyPortland, Oregon
Pat on Da Back
I just read the July '09 issue and all I have to say is wow. I am new to four-wheeling and found the stories "Yank, Strap, Winch" and "Arm Yourself!" very helpful and full of useful information. I was very glad to see "Affordable Winch Review," since I'm building my '04 TJ on a budget. I also loved the little history lesson on the Jeep Rubicon ("Nearly Cancelled"). Thank you and keep up the great work.Nicholas SmerilliMonessen, Pennsylvania
Firefighter-Approved
Your July '09 editorial (Trail Head) is right on. I've been a firefighter for over 25 years (one of the guys that cuts people out of their cars in the unfortunate event of an accident) and I also don't buy into IIHS propaganda. Sure, air bags and side intrusion bars help, but as you alluded to, mass almost always wins. Keep up the good work!John VansantKansas City, Missouri
Boo-Frickin'-Hoo
Wow! What the hell is wrong with people? Someone somewhere is making a killing off of your readers on adult-sized diapers (Mailbag, July '09). Boo frickin' hoo! I don't think that I am above a little humor and I can honestly say that many of my Jeep friends who read your mag aren't either. Your April Fool's joke was fine with us (if not a little intriguing). If we wheeled with any of the whiney bitches that wrote complaints about this gag they definitely wouldn't find our responses funny either. I'd pay more for my subscription just to keep wusses like that from enjoying your mag. Keep up the good work.Jeremy Mackeyvia E-mail
Birth Right
Thanks a lot for the great article on the "birth" of the Wrangler Rubicon (Nearly Canceled", July '09). While I am happy with my '02 Wrangler SE, I've wondered how the Rubicon came into being. A most interesting article.Rick Passanvia e-mail
ECTED Issues
I was reading my July of '09 issue of Jp and noticed that you have installed an Auburn ECTED into the rear 44 of an FSJ ("Recycled Part II"). All I have to say is good luck with it. I bought two of them, one for my Dana 30, and one for my Ford 8.8, and have unfortunately been very disappointed with them. At the time of purchase, the rear seemed to work flawlessly. However, when I would lock the front, it wouldn't come unlocked. There were several wheeling trips where I had to drive home fighting my steering because I basically had a spool in my front axle! After about six months of daily driving, they both have become sloppy, make weird noises, and will no longer remain locked. I have inspected both for damage to any hard parts such as spider gears and have found nothing wrong. I contacted 4 Wheel Parts, and will be getting a full refund on the Auburns. That is of course after I install the ARBs I am receiving today, and ship the Auburns back.
I like Auburn as a company, but I think this design just wasn't fully thought through. I believe it is a case of a great idea that received bad engineering. An Auburn representative told me that they have been having a lot of problems with these, and that they were working on redesigning them to find a solution to the problems.