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4x4 Related Reading

Publish date: Dec 1, 2005
By: Bob Waar
Source: Off-Road.com

Magazines: Four Wheeler; Off-Road; Peterson's 4 Wheel and Off-Road; 4-Wheel Drive Sport Utility; International Off-Roader & 4x4; Offroad & 4 Wheel Drive; Land Rover Owner International; Land Rover World; 4X4 4U Video Magazine; Sportsmans Off-The-Road Journal; Off Road Racing Scene; 4x4 Mechanix
Books: Mopar Jeep Engines; The Jeep Bible; Automotive Electrical Handbook; How to Restore Your Collector Car; Practical Engine Swapping; The Racer's Guide To Fabricating Shop Equipment; Off Road Handbook with back country travel tips; By the Byways; The Standard Catalog of 4x4's; Jeep Owner's Bible; Illustrated Jeep Buyer's Guide
Newsletters: Harry Lewellyn
Maps: Rick Russel's SIDEKICK Maps; U.S. Forest Service
Devices/Products/Tools: Global Positioning Systems (GPS); Hi-Lift Jack

Note that most of these articles were written by OFFROAD subscribers. If you wish to submit your own reviews, please send E-mail.

LIST OF POPULAR OFFROAD MAGAZINES
Note that for all these magazines, cheaper susbscriptions are available to
first time subscribers if you get the insert out of the magazine.
=--------------------------------------------------
Four Wheeler magazine (monthly)
        - The oldest and largest 4WD mag. Usually has lots of quality technical
articles and some trail stories. There has been some recent emphasis on 4WD
clubs and associations and the Tread Lightly program.
Subscriptions: 12 issues $17.87 USA.
Four Wheeler Magazine
P.O. Box 2049
Harlan, IA 51537  USA
=--------------------------------------------------
Off-Road magazine (monthly)
        - Usually have huge monster trucks on the cover (to sell more copies)
but contains more down-to-earth technical tips. Contains the Club News column
by Bonnie Ferguson that covers United Four Wheel Drive Associations and 4WD
clubs around the country.
Subscriptions in USA and possessions: 12 issues $14.98, 24 issues $24.96. All
other countries: 12 issues $24.98, 24 issues $44.96. Canadian subscriptions not
available. 
Argus Publishers Company
Off-Road Magazine
P.O. Box 451
Mt. Morris, IL 61054-0451  USA
1-800-877-5602
=--------------------------------------------------
Peterson's 4 Wheel and Off-Road magazine (monthly)
        - Contains lots of tech articles, manufacturer news, and some trail
stories. Quite a bit of coverage of extremely modified vehicles. Almost no
coverage of club activities.
Subscription information: 1-800-800-4BY4(4294)  USA
=--------------------------------------------------
4-Wheel Drive and Sport Utility magazine (9/year)
        - Emphasizes "normal" vehicles for everyday drivers that can be
modified for offroad use but still remain suitable for commuting. More emphasis
on organized four wheeling, clubs, and trail rides.
Subscriptions in the U.S.A. and its possessions: $9 for 6 issues, $17.98 for
12. All other countries $13.50 for 6 and $26.98 for 12. Payment in U.S.
currency only. Allow 12-14 weeks for delivery of first issue.
4-Wheel Drive Sport Utility
Subscription Department
McMullen & Yee Publishing
P.O. Box 70015
Anaheim, CA 92825-0015  USA
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International Off-Roader & 4x4 Magazine
April Cottage
Botesdale,
Diss, Norfolk IP22 1BZ  England
tel +44 379 890250 Fax +44 379 898244
sells for about 2.20 pounds at the newsstands.
=--------------------------------------------------
Offroad & 4 Wheel Drive Magazine
Link House Magazines
Dingwall Avenue
Croydon Surrey CR9 2TA  England
tel +44 81 686 2599 Fax +44 81 781 6042
(Costs 51.20 pounds - approx. $80 for airmail subscription)
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Land Rover Owner International
45 pounds sterling for sub (sent airmail to USA)
Contact LRO Publications Ltd, The Hollies, BOTESDALE, DISS, NORFOLK 
ENGLAND IP22 1BZ
(I think these folks also publish the International Off-Roader & 4x4 Magazine
I mentioned a few days ago!)
=--------------------------------------------------
Land Rover World
published by Link House Magazines Ltd, Dingwall Ave, Croydon, Surrey
England, CR9 2TA Tel +44 81 686 2599 Fax +44 81 781 6042
This is a sister mag to  'Off Road & 4 Wheel Drive' mag.
=--------------------------------------------------
4X4 4U Video Magazine (6/year)
A video magazine specializing in 4x4 and offroad trips, trails, issues,
tech tips, reviews, and mechanical matters. Content is styled after the
conventional 4x4 magazines, but you get to _see_ everything. Delivered on
a standard USA VHS tape (about 1 hour long).
Exclusive Offer To Offroad Mailing List Subscribers:
Discount subscription to the video magazine for Introductory First Year Volume
Regular         $9.95 per tape $59.70 (plus $10s&h)
Special    only $7.95 per tape $47.70 (plus $10s&h)
FREE access to our upcoming Web site & Bulletin Board in '95
To order under this special offer, E-mail request to AM4X44U@aol.com or place
a telephone order at 800-736-VIDEO(8433). The studio number is (301) 320-0077
for questions.  Visa/Mastercard accepted or send check or money order to
V.Mag. at Box 9486, 4005 Wisconsin Ave N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016.  
Your email address needed to verify eligibility.

Sportsmans Off-The-Road Journal
by Bob Davidson 
  Feb 95
I found a brand new (volume 1, issue 1) magazine the other day. It's 
called _Sportsmans off-the-road journal_. It's got similar content
to the other offroad magazines, with a bit more emphasis on - as they
call it - 'sporting recreation'.
Thicket Publishing inc.
2100 Riverchase Center, Suite 118
Birmingham, AL 35244
(205) 987-6007
$14.95 for 6 issues

Off Road Racing Scene
-covers SODA racing
6111 Jackson Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
1-800-313-SODA
$19.95/year

4x4 Mechanix
The How-to magazine for off roaders, detailed tech articles
4x4 Mechanix
PO Box 1010
Denville, NJ 07834-9935
$16.00/year

Books

Mike McCaughey (mrmike@phylo.life.uiuc.edu) July 1993 _Mopar Jeep Engines_ Mopar Performance/M. Gingerella Mopar Part No. P4529529 $25 350 pages Subtitled "Speed Secrets & Racing Modifications for Jeep-built 4, 6, & V8 Engines", this is the official Mopar/Jeep engine hacker's guide. After less than two pages of Jeep history, this heavy paperback gets right to the point with one large chapter for each of the Jeep engines: 2.5L, 2.46L, 4.0L, 4.2L, and 5.9L. Each chapter is subdivided into the same basic sections: Block Crankshaft Connecting Rods Pistons and rings Cylinder Head Camshaft and Valve Gear Oiling System Exhaust System Ignition System Engine Assembly Restoration Racing The sections are very complete, and include descriptions of all assembly/disassembly procedures, torque values for virtually every bolt, and detailed descriptions and measurements of all parts - handy if you decide to blueprint your engine. (Example: "The 2.5L engine's connecting rods are made of cast nodular iron with a total weight (less the bearings) of 657-665 grams, and a total length (center-to-center) of 155.52-155.62 mm..."). All measurements are given in both metric and English units. The text is clear, loaded with diagrams, and assumes that the reader has little engine building experience but is not a complete idiot. The diagrams are better then most manuals I've seen. The best reason to pick up this book is for the Mopar/Jeep part numbers given for both stock and performance parts. If your local dealer is clueless, this might be a great way to get ideas ( Did you know Jeep made a factory high-performance ECU for the 4.0L MPI engines? Neither did my dealer.) One caveat: coverage is biased towards the later model Jeep engines (i.e. the chapter on the 4.0L is twice as long as the 4.2L) as you would expect from Mopar. The last chapter is on racing, and focuses on Mike Lee (Stadium racing) and Walker Evans (Desert Racing), with some short discussion of race-prepping Jeeps. This chapter was informative and entertaining and far too short. ====================================================================== Mike McCaughey (mrmike@phylo.life.uiuc.edu) July 1993 _The Jeep Bible_ Granville King Quellen Company, Holtville CA Lib. of Cong. No. 84-072819 (1985) Not to be confused by Moses Ludel's _Jeep Owner's Bible_, this softcover Jeep maintenance guide is by Granville King and his faithful friend Superdawg, whose prose and sketches graced many articles in Four Wheeler and the old Pickup, Van and 4WD magazine. Written in a down-home but fun style, this book provides entertainment as well as information on repairing and maintaining your CJ or Commando. The information, while similar to what you'd get from a Chilton's, is improved by helpful hints and tips for fabricating quick and dirty tools for trail fixes (Example: his tip for preparing new U-bolts for installation by putting them in a vise and beating on them until they easily fit the spring plates probably saved me an hour of frustration when installing new springs on my CJ). The final chapter, "The 200,000 Mile Jeep", is King's philosophy for getting the most out of your rig. Short and to the point, but lots of food for thought. This book would be a good addition to the CJ owner's basic library. Chapter headings: Tuneup Engine Troubleshooting Leaks and Noises Ignition and Electrical Emission System Instruments Engine Front/Rear End Cooling Brakes Carburetor Suspension and Tires Manual Trans & Xfr Case Troubleshooting Clutch Body, Exhaust and Air The 200,000 Mile Jeep ====================================================================== Mike McCaughey (mrmike@phylo.life.uiuc.edu) July 1993 _Automotive Electrical Handbook_ Jim Horner H.P. Books 159 pages (1986) $13 This is a handy book for wiring and re-wiring your rig. As is typical with all HP Books publications, there is a thorough discussion of shop and wiring safety, as well as explanations of electricity and wiring for beginners. The discussion of how alternators and batteries work is a great place to start if you don't know much about this. The book focuses on lighting and dash electrical, rather than ignition systems, so there is not much on distributor/ECU wiring here. The chapter on gauge and switch layout is great if you are adding lights or gauges, and the chapter on wiring harnesses is worth buying the book for if you are transplanting an engine or rewiring your entire vehicle after a body swap or electrical fire. The Chapters are: Electrical Theory Charging Systems Electrical Paths Electrical Controls Displays Electrical Loads Supplies Locating and Installing Components Designing and Drawing Circuit Diagrams Making a Harness Rewiring an Electrical System Converting From 6 to 12 Volts ====================================================================== Mike McCaughey - mrmike@phylo.life.uiuc.edu July 1993 _How to Restore Your Collector Car_ Tom Brownell Motorbooks International Pub. Osceola WI ISBN 0-87938-174-4 (1984) 318 pages $20 Although obviously written for the antique car crowd, I found this a great book for hints when restoring my CJ. The book includes a good deal of information on restoring old sheet metal, interiors, and rubber. From this book I got the idea and information on how to get my CJ frame tanked. It also includes some practical advice on how to determine whether or not a project is doable within your budget and skill level. A few of the many chapters that may be of interest to off-road readers: To Restore Or not To Restore, That is the Question Derusting and Degreasing Techniques That Work Sandblasting Metal Laundries [commercial chemical stripping] Welding for Beginners Hobbyist's Guide to Metal Repair [bondo and lead] Electrical Troubleshooting Priming Show Car Finish [painting] Installing Upholstery Renewing Rubber Parts Car Care and Storage ====================================================================== Mike McCaughey - mrmike@phylo.life.uiuc.edu July 1993 _Practical Engine Swapping_ John Thawley Steve Smith Autosports, Santa Ana CA ISBN 0-936834-11-0 (1990) 123 pages Written by a columnist from Hot Rod Magazine, this book is less a detailed "how-to" of engine swapping but more of a "what to think about" before committing yourself to the project. The section on 4WD swaps is disappointingly short, but the advice and comments in the other section applies to us. This book is useful to have if you are just starting to consider a swap for your rig. Chapters: Why Swap? Before You Start Will It Fit? Buying an Engine Engine Mounts Exhaust System Rear Axle Swapping Approaching Oil System Problems Cooling System Clutch Linkage Throttle Linkage Shifter Linkage Electrical Considerations Driveshaft Problems Suspension and Steering Four Wheel Drive Conversions Cost Guide Supplier List ====================================================================== Mike McCaughey - mrmike@phylo.life.uiuc.edu July 1993 _The Racer's Guide To Fabricating Shop Equipment_ John Block Steve Smith Autosports, Santa Ana CA ISBN 0-936834-45-5 (1990) 56 pages This little book contains step-by-step instructions for building shop equipment nothing fancier than an arc welder. If you have shop space, a couple of these may be useful and far cheaper than the commercial equivalents (Example: the engine hoist is about $50 worth of parts plus a 12 ton bottle jack ($35 new) - most cherry pickers run $200 on up). Plans are included for: Engine Stand Engine Hoist Hydraulic Press Rotating Chassis Fabrication Stand Sheetmetal Brake Motorized Flame Cutter ====================================================================== Rick Anderson (intsys!ricka@ormail.intel.com) One of the first off-road/4x4 books I ever purchased was: Off Road Handbook with back country travel tips By Bob Waar H.P. Books, PO Box 5367, Tucson, AZ 85703 $5.95 (at the time anyway) Copyright 1975, 192 pages The book contains the following chapters: introduction off-road fun off-road driving after the trip drive train running gear, options, & accessories jacks cold weather operation carburetion vehicle ailments air cleaners winches buyers guide to options & accessories camper bodies and shells buying a used off-road vehicle surplus 4wd? tires what's new in tires and wheels for 1975 wheels suppliers list I don't know if they have come up with a newer edition, but most of the photos are of older rigs (nice if you own an older one). Obviously some of the chapters are kinda useless now, since they are dated, but I find the book still very interesting. The book does an excellent job at describing how to drive on the various terrains. The book also contains an excellent chapter on jacking your vehicle out of trouble. I consider these two chapters must reading for any beginner. The book is 8 1/2 x 11 and contains only black and white photos. It contains many charts and tables which give technical information. For example, Dry Sand Dynamic Traction Summary (a graph and table) gives info on seven different tires and how they handle in sand. This is just one example. Anyway, this is the type of book you can find at a used book store or garage sale. By the way, the cover shot is an excellent one. A 1970-vintage Chevy Blazer airborn with sand and water under him. Good stuff. There are several other "good" photos inside of bad stucks, air-borne, sand and mud shots. I also believe that this book was where I read my favorite off-road wheelin' phrase: "The fun begins where the pavement ends." Dick Cepek ====================================================================== From: ius4.ius.cs.cmu.edu!Bill.Ross Date: Wed, 19 Aug 92 09:45:47 EDT Subject: Byways book Well, folks have been asking about for a report on the "By the Byways" book. I bought it and it is really a nice book. The only limitation is that it describes only the 38 trails which have currently been designated "byways" by the BLM. This amounts to only a few trails in each of the western states. The author does a good job on each trail though -- he has obviously driven them all. Each trail is described in about 3-4 pages. Included are descriptions of the road conditions, length of trail, descriptions of scenery, geology, history and wildlife of the area. My wife and I took our 4-runner out to Montana for 2 weeks in July and had a great time. Mostly we were hiking and camping, but we had 2 nice days of offroading. One day was exploring the Missouri Breaks which is one of the trails in the book. This is about 75 miles of bad dirt roads (they are roads though) at the headwaters of the Missouri river in central Montana. The country is very rugged and broken with lots of steep gullies and washouts. We made a day of it and had a great time. We saw big horn sheep, hawks, eagles, pronghorns, a nasty mad badger, and not a single human. From the lack of tire tracks it looked like nobody had been along in 3-4 days (the last rainfall) so we were glad we had 5 days worth of camping supplies in the back. Another day we spent exploring logging tracks through the black hills national forest in South Dakota. These are rough cuts through the forest which seem to be everywhere and go on forever. I pulled the rear bumper almost off while descending over a boulder which cleared everything else underneath... Anyone know where I can get a nice rear bumper? Here's the info on the book which I posted before: By the Byways For the feel of off-road out West without leaving your vehicle, turn to "Back Country Byways" recently published by Falcon Press in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, a guide to 1,900 miles of 38 back roads through 11 western states. The roads, which started life as trails, cross alpine passes and traverse "prairies, peaks and plateaus". Detailed descriptions, photos and maps indicating four road types are provided, to get you in gear (low gear, by the looks of some of these alpine passes). Cost is $12.45 including shipping and handling. To order: Falcon Press, P.O. Box 1718 Dept. ARC, Helena, Mont. 59624, (800) 582-2665 Bill ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 10 May 93 15:48:00 PDT Greg Fowler - greg.fowler@columbiasc.ncr.com Subject: Standard Catalog of 4x4's I recently purchased a book that some of you will probably want to check out. It is called The Standard Catalog of 4x4's by Robert C. Ackerson. It covers American 4x4's from 1945-1993. Sections include: AM General AMC Chevy Dodge Ford GMC International Jeep Oldsmobile Pontiac These sections are further broken down to sub-sections on the various makes/models of 4x4. Example: Jeep is broken down into CJ & Wrangler, pickups, station wagons, FC-150 & 170, Gladiator, Wagoneer/Cherokee, Jeepster/Commando, Scrambler, Commanche. Each model year is covered for the various makes. The author covers brief history, standard features & options of each year. Most write-ups also include pictures. Looks like it would be a great source for answers to that ever popular "What year should I buy?" question. I found the book at Walden for $25. ====================================================================== Mike McCaughey - mrmike@geta.life.uiuc.edu 12 Nov 1992 A "mini-review" of The Jeep Owner's Bible by yours truly... _Jeep Owner's Bible_ Moses Ludel Robert Bentley, Inc. Publishers 1000 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 02138 800 - 423-4595 ISBN 0-8376-0154-1 Chrysler/Jeep PN P5249431 about 350 pages, paperbound $25 I ordered directly from Bentley (they take plastic) and got prompt service. Bentley's catalog is aimed more at the classic and eurocar market; they don't have anything else of much interest to off-roaders. The book is well laid out, decently bound 8.5x11 format. All photos are black&white. Twenty chapters and appendix; useful index. Page one is completely occupied by warnings which can be summarized as "we give lots of advice and tips in this book-if you hurt/maim/kill yourself, it's your problem" - if you've ever bought a new firearm and looked at the owner's manual, you know what I mean. These warnings are sprinkled liberally throughout the text as well. The advice seems to be sound and clearly presented. There is not much new ground for those who've looked up the history of Jeeps, read a Chiltons and kept up with the off-road magazines - but it seems handy to have it all in one place. Caveat: The author seems to have worked closely with Chrysler, so the book is sprinkled with "this work should be done by your Chrysler dealer" comments that personally tend to make me gag. Summary: Nice book, not alot of new material for the better-read or more experienced Jeeper. Great for novice. Author covers a wide range of material, so he was forced to "tread lightly" over some of it. Problem diagnostics and modification sections are too slim to be used alone, but tips and pix make this an excellent companion to a Chilton's or a factory manual. Lots of pix. Lots of tips and comments. Engine fu. Suspension fu. Warning fu. mrmike says "Check it out!" The contents are as follows ( my comments in brackets [] ): 1) Jeep - Building a Legend [history of the Jeep, Willys to Chrysler; includes Wagonner, Commando, Pickups, etc. Lots of photos. Author shills for Chrysler at the end] 2) Buying a Jeep [Good overview of the various options offerred for each model; pre-purchase inspection tips (Ex: look for frame cracks on 72-75 CJs behind front spring anchors); buying from the dealer; and his personal recommendation: 78-79 CJ w/4sp stick and ps] 3) Operating Your Jeep [the usual off-road tips, but nice section on clubs, jambos, and Tread Lightly] 4) Working on Your Jeep [Simple overview of tools, how to ID trans and axles] 5) Jeep Maintenance and Preservation [standard service fluids, inspection] 6) Troubleshooting [simple problems, ie. "Engine Will Not Run"] 7) Engine Tune Up [guess what? but good photos] 8) Emission Controls [the basics, and a section on passing the CA test] 9) Cooling System Repairs [good section, basics plus sections on after market HD fans, radiators and pumps ] 10) Clutch and Trans Service [basics, but good tips section and helpful photos for IDing different parts] 11) Transfer Case, Driveshafts, Axles and Hubs [all in one chapter! most of the time is spent on diagnosing Ujoint failures(good explanation of driveshaft angularity) and rebuilding locking hubs] 12) Suspension and steering [short, simple discussion of springs and shocks] 13) Brakes and wheel bearings [repacking bearings and brake rebuild] 14) Body and Detailing [how to look for rust, detailing *yawn*] 15) Electrical System Basics [good for beginners, spends too much time on rebuilding starter] 16) Accessories [winches, lighting, roll cages, trailer hitches] 17) Engine Performance Modifications [more detailed engine rebuild discussion, mostly along the lines of what's in the Mopar Performance book] 18) Geartrain Modifications [trans swapping, locking diffs, etc] 19) Suspension Modifications [lots on lift kits, multishock setups,rubber a good overview for those just starting to think about mods] 20) Epilogue [tales from the Rubicon] Appendix: Sources [names and addresses of aftermarket suppliers, catagorized by service/product] Bolts [2 pages on SAE and metric grading of hardware] Tools [his recommended list of what to take with you; good standard list, although the "onboard welder" and "spare CB radio" may be overkill] Engine Break In Procedure [concise, which is more than one can say for alot of engine manual versions] 4x4 Trials [neat - authors concept of a competition for "best driver" - includes safety and spare equipment inspection, and driving test with minus points for wheelspin, misuse of engine power, and poor forward progress over bad terrain] ====================================================================== Bob Davidson (davidson@maricopa.edu) November 93 Title: Illustrated Jeep Buyer's Guide The worlds workhorse: Military to Civilian Author - Peter C. Sessler ISBN: 0-87938-277-5 Published by Motorbooks International Publishers & Wholesalers Inc. P.O. Box 2 729 Prospect Avenue Osceola, WI 54020 It was about $10.00, softbound, 142 pages. Lots of photos, Production figures, buying suggestions, options, projected investment potential, etc. The copy I have was published in '88.

Newsletters

Hal Johns November 1993 Harry Lewellyn A.K.A Silver Coyote 11 Melody Hill Lane Aliso Viejo, Calif 92653-6004 1-714-707-1340 FAX 1-714-707-1346 The newsletter costs $12.00 Per year. It also hypes all his trips. Some are pretty expensive. I ordered the book "BACKROADS TRIPS AND TRAILS" from him. I don't remember the price on it. But think its around $12.95. He does run some good trips. Copper Canyon in Mexico I'd love to go on. ======================================================================

Maps

Hal Johns November 1993 Rick Russel's SIDEKICK Maps: Sidekick Off-Road Maps 12475 Central Avenue Suite 352 Chino, Calif 91710 1-909-628-7227 I like his maps. Harry Lewellyn and Rick just did Surprise Canyon/Panamint City and Rick has a video coming out in Janurary for $19.95. I'm definitely ordering it. ====================================================================== U.S. Forest Service maps: See the Offroad FAQ for a listing of all the USFS regional headquarters. They sell dozens of maps of National Forests that contain 4x4 roads. ======================================================================

Products/Tools

Listing of GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation/locating devices. by Steve Williams (swilliam@mprgate.mpr.ca) May 1993 The article (Satellite trail guide) about these devices can be found in the June 1993 issue of Petersen's 4 Wheel & Off-road. THE TRIMBLE NAVIGATION FLIGHTMATE Trimble Navigation, 2105 Donley Dr., Austin, TX 78758 (800)767-8628 This is a self contained unit that sits in the palm of your hand, it can be used for offroading, backpacking, boating ... infact for anything where you could potentially get lost. It was primarily designed for pilots and has the location of 11,700 airports, 3100 VORs (??? ... any pilots?) and can store a 100 user waypoints. Cost $900. THE LOWRANCE EAGLE ACCUTRAIL Lowrance Electronics, 12,000 E. Skelly Dr., Tulsa, OK 74128-2486, (918)437-6881 This unit is mounted in your vehicle and has been specially designed for offroad use, (the Dodge and Jeep racing teams both use it). This unit will show you a graphic display of the route you took. It can store 20 routes for later recall, so you can find your way back to that remote spot where you smashed your axle. It can also store 200 waypoints. This unit also has an emergency feature, if you do smash an axle, at the push of a button your position is saved, allowing you to return to camp and then find your way back to the site of the mishap. Cost - $999. My opinion is they look great and the benefits are obvious for inexperienced map readers, but you can buy a good compass, a notebook and a lot of good quality maps for $900. Steve Williams (swilliam@mprgate.mpr.ca) ====================================================================== Hi-Lift Jack Call 1-800-233-2051 for info. Hi-Lift currently makes two versions of their jacks: All red All cast iron, most durable, most expensive Black body with some red parts Cast iron body, working parts cast iron, some non-working parts stamped steel, less durable, less expensive The stamped steel jack does not have any "teeth" on the headpiece, which will make it tougher to clamp anything or to use it like a winch. The cast headpiece has those teeth. The price difference is very marginal, reportedly about $4. According to the company, the all-cast iron jacks are needed only by people who use the jack every day and need a longer working life. The load ratings on both are the same and all working (moving?) parts are the same. The jack comes in several lengths, the 48" length being the most common by far. A 60" version is also available, as well as possibly some shorter sizes.

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