And We're Child-Like?
I am so glad I dropped your rag! Your opinions are arrogant child-like rants. Jeeping with you would be like hanging out with a bunch of punks! Bragging all the time and telling people they are the only cool dudes. It must make you proud to know most people think you stink. I buy 4x4 mags for inspiration and tech info. I feel no inspiration from your childish opinions. Your writing is right out of some sitcom. At any rate, I am free of your bad vibe, crappy attitude, always having to be right, juvenile writing, poor judgment, and all around lousy crybaby.
Steve Gardner
N. Bonneville, Washington
Lunatic Fringe
I was reading the July '09 issue of Jp and read the letters from everyone who complained about your April Fool's joke. I just wanted to say it was quite funny and you caught me with my pants down. Nice work. I can't wait to try and spot next years prank. Oh, and the Rubicon article ("Nearly Canceled") was awesome. I'm an engineering student and have always wanted to work for Jeep. Now I am even more inspired to do so and to join the Lunatic Fringe.
Jason Roberts
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
4:1 First
As a follow up with "Nearly Cancelled" (July '09), my personal first-hand information is a side note to the article written by Cole Quinnell. I invented the 4:1 low range T-case back in 1997 and while struggling on how to market my invention, I did receive one order from Detroit (Chrysler Engineering) for a 249 conversion with a 4:1 gear set. The bill was paid with a personal credit card (which I thought was odd at the time). I remember this T-case as it was the first 249 conversion and while removing the ring gear from the case we broke a mounting lug. Not knowing what to do as it was a one-of-a-kind case, my buddy welded the lug back on. A few days later I got a call back from the folks at Chrysler noting that a repair had been made on the case. The same year I was invited to New Venture Limited to review the operation of the 4:1 gear set (we left out one gear from the magazine photos to try to maintain my patent application). Upon my arrival I was greeted to a conference room of engineers to show the missing gear to them. I was asked if my Jeep had a lift and if I had lockers. I answered yes to both and was immediately referred as a "Jeep Lunatic" by the Union Steward attending the meeting. I was taken aback by the hostile comments and soon left the NV facility to return home. I realized at that point it would be many years before a 4:1 T-case would be an option on a Jeep. Many years later I recall the experience with joy as I have one of the finest factory-equipped Jeeps ever made ('06 Unlimited Rubicon).
Patrick Fagen
4 to1 Engineering
Salt Lake City, Utah
Rat Flattie
I just came across your Sloppy Seconds rat rod Jeep on jpmagazine.com and could not believe it. I've been putting together something very similar to yours. Mine is a '45, I was looking for something my age to build. Great minds think alike? Mine is using a '75 Ford Pinto as the donor. It will have the Pinto front suspension and drivetrain. I am channeling the body to get it low.
Steve Soltz
Temecula, California
We had an amazing number of readers that wanted us to cover the build after mentioning the hot rod Jeep project in an editorial and at jpmagaine.com. So, for part I of our flatrod build, check out "Sloppy Seconds" in this issue.