General Overview The first edition of "4 Wheel
Freedom was an instant hit with off-roaders around the world, and
deservedly so. Containing a wealth of knowledge between it's covers,
the book spoke in plain language, and was understandable to both
beginner and expert alike. Now into it's second edition, author Brad
DeLong has further expanded on the work, and made an already great
book even better. The second edition deletes the
specs on SUV's which were featured prominently in the fires, directing
those in search of that information to internet sites like Off-Road.com.
In it's place, DeLong provides a more in-depth look into the various
4wd / Awd systems now available. Also expanded upon are driving tips
for ever more challenging terrain. Another major point stressed
throughout the book is the need to "Tread Lightly". With the
sport of off-roading under assault from many factions of the
"environmental" movement, responsible landuse has never been
more important than now. Highlights Driving tips and Tricks for a
variety of terrain. Vehicle set-up. Preparing your
rig for your intended terrain. What to pack along. Tools,
spares clothes and more Safety and survival. Being
prepared for the worst case scenario. Tires and Wheels. Sizing, tread
and inflation Suspension mods. Bigger is nor
always better Suspension vs. Body lifts -
either or both? Glossary - Find out what those
terms really mean
The Verdict - 5 With the onslaught of new SUV's in
the marketplace, more and more people are making the journey off
pavement. For the neophyte 4 wheeler, there is no better source of
information. In fact, the book should probably be included with every
new SUV sale. If it were, there might be less people driving TJ's like
Porsches. For the intermediate through
advanced wheeler, there is still new knowledge to be found. Winching
techniques, tire placement and more are just the tip of the iceberg
here. Fact. No matter how much you may know, theres still room to
learn more. Regardless of your skill level, 4
Wheel freedom is an important addition to every off-roader's library.
The author, Brad DeLong.email:
4wfree@clearwater.net , 08/28/96:
Choosing, using SUVs & pickups.All-weather & off-road. I was looking for a good current
book on off-road recreation and all-weather driving. I discovered
there wasn't one. This was the birth of "4-Wheel Freedom: The Art
of Off-Road Driving." I saw a real need for a book like this,
especially considering that 4x4s accounted for about 40% of new
vehicle sales last year. People buy 4x4s for the feeling of freedom
they get from owning one, but how do they learn to use it to its full
potential? That's real freedom! This book not only gets the new 4by
owner off the highway safely and ecologically - it also teaches even
the most experienced 'wheelers new ways of looking at off-road
driving. The chapter about driving on snow and ice can benefit any
driver, 4WD, 2WD, or AWD. I had a lot of fun writing "4-Wheel
Freedom," and I'm proud of this book. It's getting great reviews: "With 14 chapters and four
appendices, it is the most modern, up-to-date, comprehensive book
available."
- Harry Lewellyn, "The Professor of Off-Road,"
Ecological 4-Wheeling Adventures Newsletter. "Brad DeLong has hit a
home run with this book. '4-Wheel Freedom: The Art of Off-Road
Driving" leads the reader step by step through all aspects of
off-road travel, with a wealth of pertinent information for
beginners and seasoned off-road adventurers alike."
- Mark Cox, Director, The Bridgestone Winter Driving School,
Steamboat Springs
"...an excellent job of
simplifying complicated topics. The book has all the information
anyone would ever need or want to know about utility vehicles. An
excellent book!"
-Anthony J. Scotti, President, Scotti School of Executive
Protection and Evasive Driving.
"I grew up in 4-wheel
drive country and have driven and sold 4x4s for over 20
years...Brad's book introduced me to many aspects of 4-wheeling I
had never even heard of. The book is easy to read and understand
and there is something for everyone, whether you are a beginner or
have been around 4x4s all your all your life."
- Keith Hanson, Owner, Hanson Garage - "Dependable Service
since 1917" - Jeep, Eagle, Chrysler Dealer for the Inland
Northwest.
"I hope you enjoy
reading and using this book
as much as I enjoyed writing" it. |
