Writer Names
Reducing the Dodge
I would like to decrease the ride height of my newly purchased '02 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 2WD without incurring the expense of air ride, which I cannot afford. I do not believe there are a lot of options for suspension lowering on the Dodge, but more are becoming available. Right now the fenders sit about 4 inches above the front tires, and the rear is at 7 inches. Can I use a 2-inch drop coil, 2-inch drop spindle, and a 2-inch lowered control arm for a total of 6 inches in front? In the rear, I'd like to use a 6-inch flip kit and 2-inch lowered shackles for an 8-inch total drop. I have stock 17-inch wheels now with 235/75R17 tires and those will be replaced with 22-inch wheels and tires in the future. I want the fenders to sit just over the tires. Great magazine, keep up the good work!
Todd
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Todd,
After looking into your suspension choices, we have pretty much decided that a 6/8 drop isn't going to measure out quite the way it sounds. DJM Suspension lists its 3-inch drop control arm with the stipulation that the factory tire will not fit and must be changed to a tire that has a 1-inch-smaller outer diameter . That leaves some room for doubt as to the Dodge's ability to swallow a 6-inch drop in front. To be honest, we haven't seen anybody do that much static drop, but we're going to have to recommend that you do it in stages. Start out with a 2-inch coil and 2-inch control arm and then see where you are. A spindle could be easily installed from that point if you deem it appropriate. Out back, a 6-inch flip and 2-inch shackle will necessitate a decent notch, and the pumpkin will more than likely be beating the bottom of your bed at that point. Again, install the flip kit first and the shackle would be no problem to add later. We recently featured the Oakley Dodge and it has 22-inch wheels in front with low profile rubber and they tell us it's only got a 2-inch spindle and it sits right on the tire. Good luck!
Gas-for-Diesel Swap
Is it possible to swap a diesel engine in place of a 5.7L gas engine in a '95 Chevrolet Suburban? If so, how could I do this and whom could I contact? I'm asking because I've been hearing a lot about this new bio-diesel fuel and filtered vegetable oil. Some Mercedes and VW diesels are using the fuel and getting 30 miles to the gallon. I'm not sure what the Suburban would do, but I believe it would probably be worth it. If there is any information you could give me, I would surely appreciate it.
Chris Johnson
Via e-mail
Chris,
Of course you can swap a diesel engine in place of the 5.7L mill. Besides the local constable's rules, you basically just need everything that would normally be associated with a diesel engine. Brackets, mounts, hardware, wiring harnesses, a vacuum pump for the brakes and radiator, and so on. We personally have not done any of the conversions, but they do exist. Switching to bio-diesel fuel is a good idea as Uncle Sam has caught onto the diesel craze and rose pricing per gallon, at least here in California. For a couple of good starting points, look into www.dieseldoctor.com or www.gm-diesel.com.
Influencing Our Youth
I subscribe to your magazine and read it from cover to cover every month. I'm in a trade school taking auto mechanics and specializing in steering, suspension, and brakes. Your magazine made me want to do it by reading about all the tech installs and how-tos. One day I got up and decided I wanted to do the same thing so I enrolled and have been attending school since August 2004. I am doing very well so far, and I just wanted to let you guys know that if it wasn't for Truckin' magazine, I really don't know where I would be. So thank you for putting out a great magazine. Keep putting plenty of tech in the magazine so I can learn more and one day get my truck in your magazine.
Akirah Shamie
Via e-mail
Akirah,
We're glad that we could inspire you to get into a great career. Keep up the good work and study hard. You'll do great! As for more tech, well, just keep your eyes peeled because we have already put plans into motion to beef up our tech to bring all the other readers out there the installations they want to see.
We're Going To Be...
I want to let you guys know that you have the bombest magazine on the planet. I have a couple of questions for you. Is there going to be a Truckin' Nationals this year in Phoenix or did the Havasu show replace it? Also, do you guys only feature performance boats? I know lots of people with custom bass boats and pontoon boast that I think would be cool features. Anyways, thanks for any help you can give me.
Jared Packer
Via e-mail
Jared,
Your questions are both simple to answer. Yes, we will be in Phoenix on Oct. 14 and 15. Come find us! No, the Havasu show did not replace the Phoenix show, but it did replace the Las Vegas show. Any boats are cool as long as the boat and the truck match. You say you have something for us? Send it our way and we'll handle it from there.
Looking for Some New Bling
I have been reading Truckin' for about two years now, and I have to say I love it and always anticipate the next issue. I browsed through Volume 31, No. 9 while at the store. In the issue there was a set of rims that I believe were six-spoke with diamond-plate rectangles cut into the spokes. I had never seen anything like it. I cannot find the issue anywhere and have no clue who the maker of the rim is. Is there a way you could help point me in the right direction? I would really appreciate it.
Davis Cumbia
Via e-mail
Davis,
Well, we're going to have give a "nice going bonehead" to you, Mr. Cumbia, for finding something in our pages you liked but not taking the time to purchase the magazine for future reference. Point you in the right direction? How about if we just hit a bull's eye for you instead? Those are MKW MK 41 wheels and they are available in 17-, 18-, and 20-inch sizes with a chrome finish. You can get more information at MKW, Dept. TR, 19525 E. Walnut Dr. S., City of Industry, CA 91748, (800) 234-5314, www.mkwheel.com. You're welcome.
Angel Eyes
I have been looking for a pair of Angel Eye projector headlights for my '04 F-150. I can't seem to find any. I've looked everywhere, but all I can find are lights for the Heritage F-150 or '03-'04 Expedition. The factory headlight assemblies look similar, and I wonder if they would fit? If not, where could I find a pair for my truck?
Jae Sharearm
Via e-mail
Jae, We did a bit of snooping around and found plenty of manufacturers and distributor houses that listed projector-beam headlights with halos for the '04 F150. Just so you know, the '03-'04 Expedition headlights are different and will not work on your truck. If you would like a couple of choices, point your browser to www.lmperformance.com or www.procarparts.com. Either of those choices should make you happy.
Where's All the Apparel?
Short and sweet guys. Love the magazine, been a subscriber for several years, but what's with the shortage of apparel? Maybe I'm just missing them somewhere, but I would really like to find some T-shirts or ball caps. I still love the magazine, keep up the good work.
Charles Bennett
Via e-mail
Charles,
You caught us with our shirts missing...literally. We have been trying out a couple of new designs, logos, and artwork to get ourselves back into the game. As of right now, the best way to get apparel is to come to one of the events we attend as a magazine. For example, we brought our trailer to Greenville, Mississippi, and Irvine, California, for shows and sold one-off shirt designs that we sold out of immediately. We could also be found in Louisville, Kentucky, with some different designs that went just as fast. In the meantime, you can keep in touch with Mark Crary at mark.crary@primedia.com or call him at (323) 782-2951 for updates on when we'll have some stuff to market for our faithful readers.
Rust to Riches
I would like to thank all the members of your staff for putting together such a great magazine. I come from a family of welders, body guys, aircraft workers, and shade-tree mechanics. They, along with your publication, have inspired me to start my first project: a '77 Chevy C10. My plans involve laying the frame on the ground with some 18-inch wheels as well as a lot of shaving and custom-made panels. I will be performing every aspect of labor with little to no help from anyone. I was wondering what suspension was chosen for the Red Rocker project. I have enclosed pictures of what is now a rust bucket but in a few years will grace the cover of your magazine. They should give you an urge to laugh.
Sgt. Christopher Mingle
Beaufort, North Carolina
Currently deployed in Iraq
Sgt. Mingle,
Congrats on finally getting around to building your first custom. From the looks of the pictures you sent us, it appears that you have quite a bit of labor ahead of you to get the metal to touch all the way around. Rust is an understatement. We definitely want you to get that truck back together since those years are the new classic trucks of our era. Red Rocker is fitted with a full complement of Air Ride Technologies equipment, including upper and lower A-arms and a rear four-bar. Of course, the frame-dragging stance is from the Air Ride Technologies airbags all the way around. Keep up the good work overseas, and we wish you well because between the family, the war, and the truck, it sounds like you have your work cut out for you.