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A weak chassis is a known issue on the XJ series. Mine had so much flex in the body that I wore the paint off the corners of the doors and parts of the body because of the rubbing. At one point I tried to open the door while flexed only to find it jammed shut until I got on more level ground...

I set out to buy an FJ Cruiser and was really disappointed in how it fit me and the lousy visibility. I looked at the JKU, but I had a bad experience with Jeep in the past and Chrysler was bankrupt at the time with an uncertain future. The Xterra did everything I wanted and I could afford it...

Anyone dedicated enough to crack a 1,000 possible combination lock will just take a prybar or saw to it and be done much faster. Sent via Pony Express and Carrier Pigeon.

I purchased one for my brother's Xterra. It was a nice easy install and will dissuade someone in a quick smash-and-grab, however, it isn't a proper safe. I got him the combo lock so he can leave it latched but unlocked while he is in the vehicle if he needs to access it while driving. The key...

Is "Swiss Army Knife" a specific setup? I found overspecialization can be problematic since it means you are unequipped to deal with some conditions or challenges. Since I don't have a set team I go out with every time, I have to be somewhat self sufficient. Sometimes I'm the most capable...

(looks excitedly at bank account) Damn. Someone is going to make off like a bandit with this one.

I completely forgot about the Catacombs, thanks for that reminder. Yeah, bring a flashlight or two and explore that area, it's also a great place to stop to get out of the heat. I've never been up to the Adventure Lodge, I always assumed that was a private road for guests. Next time I am out...

I was just down there. * Chicken Corners (Easy) won't challenge the rig but it is a very scenic trail over Hurrah Pass and then hugging the cliff over the river. Down and back trail easily accessible from town. Head down Main street and turn at the McDonalds (I think it is Kane Creek)...

First, I follow the 4 rules of gun safety. The only time anyone would have reason to believe a gun is being mishandled is if we are at a shooting range (official or out in the desert) and we are there for the purpose of shooting. My sidearm stays in my holster unless there is a situation where...

The longest I've been out is three weeks, but that wasn't an overlanding trip. I tell my neighbors to keep an eye on the place (a detective, a retiree who is usually home, and a former Marine scout sniper - we have a very secure circle). I have my brother come by to water plants and such, he...

Just knock it down to 2nd gear on the shifter, it will still engine brake.

Modern rotors are already internally vented for heat dissipation, cutting holes, slots, or dimples in doesn't pull heat out of the steel, the increase in surface area is negigable, fractions of a percent. Heat sinks add material and surface area to radiate heat, and we are talking huge...

Do they no longer teach drivers to apply a bit of brake after driving through water? I remember that being part of diver's ed about 20 years ago. At the slow speeds you will be driving while off road, brake fade isn't really an issue. Sent via Pony Express and Carrier Pigeon.

Ground clearance is measured from the lowest hanging part on the vehicle to the ground, this is usually the rear differential; it also means that the only way to get more clearance is to fit bigger tires. A suspension lift will raise the chassis above the axle, but won't raise the axle off the...

I had a 5100 blow out on my Xterra about a year after I installed a new set. I was disappointed, but ended up getting a discount on a replacement. I haven't had any problems since then and they seem to work well.

I see it as an unnecessary expense. I've been wheeling for over 20 years, Moab is my playground and my overland rig doubles as my weekend crawler. I might not be running 37" tires, but I get it some places where the Jeep guys are surprised to see it. I have never lost a bead or spun a tire...

In my experience, turning a rotor just leads to more warping due to the lack of material. I went through this same conundrum when I wore out the front rotors. Drilled and slotted rotors are a bit of an anachronism these days. The purpose of the holes and slots was to sweep away incandescent...

Currently I use a Plano footlocker, but I have also used Action Packer crates. They can be put down in water, mud, slush, or snow without soaking it up and tracking crud into the car. They can be stored in an open trailer or truck bed, they are lockable, and they hold their shape so they are...

I just thought of another one, but it is musical. I have a particular playlist that I listen to when I'm off the grid. A few selections from my list: Fanfare for the Common Man: "Rodeo" "Hoedown" from Rodeo The Magnificent Seven (hands down one of the best Western themes ever) The...

I love my vehicle, if I didn't I would have probably parted with it a long time ago for a Civic or some other eco-box commuter. I would like to keep doing amazing things to it, but I just don't see that as reasonable. Staying ahead of rust in a salty environment is becoming a problem and...