Engine - 2.6L Turbo's
Wow!! Lots of 4 banger Turbo upgrade's/swaps this year. Most I know of are still in the testing stages. I hope we'll see a couple in Utah.
Engine - V8 Swap
I know of several here also.
Still yet to see one at an event. Consult the forums to contact those that have broken ground here to save the older 2.6L vehicles from the junkyard on either of these engine swaps.
Front IFS Swap Out
I know of two (2). Both were difficult and expensive. You can follow the current sport swap as it progresses this winter on the "Wire's" forum.
Front IFS Locker
Also remember, I still sell the ONLY front locker for the Montero. Also, detailed long term test update coming soon!!
New Transfer Case
No developments here other than the elusive 5.285 ring and pinion gears which may never appear. Again, check the "Wire's" forum for up to date information on this project. Most likely will have to be some type of Marlin Crawler setup.
TECH TIPS
With the upcoming wheeling season, how about some wheeling tips, old to some, new to others...
Tips to use on a trail ride
- 1. Always stay on the main trail if you fall behind. The trail leader will stop any turns and wait for you to catch up.
- 2. The trail leader will stop at all major obstacles, but if you don't feel comfortable, on any obstacles, we're more than willing to help, just ask us. You can honk your horn, yell, flash your lights, use the CB or an FRS radio, or simply ask the person behind you to spot you.
- 3. All spotters are not create equal. Learn who the best spotters are, and follow their directions only. If necessary, inform others whom you're listening to. If you're a well intentioned observer, please respect the wishes of the driver.
- 4. Be aware of where the spectators are before moving again on an obstacle.
- 5. Pull off the trail only in designated areas such as bypasses.
- 6. Only use established bypasses.
- 7. Make only 3 attempts at an obstacle before taking the bypass to avoid vehicle and trail damage. Environmental trail damage is one of the major complaints of environmentalist trying to close our trails.
- 8. Be polite to other trail users. Remember, hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians all have the right of way.
- 9. Pack out not only your trash, but also those of others not as considerate as you are. This is another major gripe of environmentalist.
- 10. Be ready to hit the trail at the scheduled time so the entire trail may be leasurely enjoyed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Apr. 13-21: 4th Annual Utah Rally and Annual Club Business Meeting
Trails range from easy to hard in difficulty. We will make the long, spectacular journey throught the remote Maze District. Then make a stop in the San Rafael Swell on the way to Moab, and maybe one or two new ones this year. Back by popular deman is our rest day where we'll have a Land Use class, an Off Road class as well as having our Annual Club Business Meeting.
Contact Lloyd Swartz (T: 505-246-9430, E-Mail: [email protected]) or Ray Sala (T: 408-891-9416, E-Mail: [email protected])
Jul. 1-7: High Sierra's Trail Ride
Trails are mostlyl HARD. We will be riding the famous Rubicon and Dusy-Ershim Trails, along the Fordyce Creek and other possible area trails.
Contact Lloyd Swartz (T: 505-246-9430, E-Mail: [email protected]) or Ray Sala (T: 408-891-9416, E-Mail: [email protected])
Nov. 17-24th: Annual Thanksgiving Chasing the Summer Solstice Event, Death Valley, CA
Trails range from easy to Extreme. We will be running numerous area trails as well as checking out the tourist attractions (minus the summer heat).
Surprise Canyon is on the list, and equipement requirements apply for this trail. As usual, we will have our Pot Luck Thanksgiving Dinner.
Contact Lloyd Swartz (T: 505-246-9430, E-Mail: [email protected]) or Ray Sala (T: 408-891-9416, E-Mail: [email protected])
Past Events:
2000 Thanksgiving Event was Cancelled!
Environmental Officer's Report:
What can one say... because of elections, we are all on standby. If Gore wins the closurist movement rolls on with his help and only congress and the will of the people stand in his way. Notice how thus far Gore has only won BIG Cities!! It shows how out of touch big city people are with the environment and outdoors, and the dangeroust division in this country. Some say with 8 years of Clinton, we are better prepared for a Gore Dark Ages of public lands, but I don't believe that, and I do believe we are in so much trouble, wester state succession would have to be considered to stop the disaster we face with our public lands should he keep counting until he finds enough votes.
Curiously enought, the electoral college was meant to protect the bulk of the land mass from being ruled by the cities alone, now we see why. We live in dangerous times. About the only update I have currently on the mass of legal suits to close public lands is a HUGE victory again for us in the suit by the horrible Center for Bio Diversity which again tried to use Junk Science to close public lands. A reasonable agreement for the Imperial Sand Dunes was set up that is Better than the closurist version the OHV groups were prompting before the lawsuit, go figure. The Dunes will remain open to the public.
These are the kinds of victories we need!
A lawsuit was filed to stop the Gore monuments and local counties filed rs2477 lawsuits to stop the closure of the Sequoia National Monument to the public an preserve traditional access, so we and the closurist movement hold our breaths.....
Don't forget my land use class at the April Rally!