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4WD Mechanix© Magazine ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums!
The 4WD Mechanix ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums now feature 18 distinct categories. There are 45 individual forums within these categories! In this HD video, Moses Ludel describes the kinds of forums available. Click here for a guest visit—no login required for guest visits! See how members post interesting topics and questions that get credible answers—you’ll want to join!
4WD Mechanix© Magazine ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums provide communities for outdoor enthusiasts, off-roaders and DIY or professional techies who share common interests around back country two-track or single-track travel, restoring vehicles, performing equipment upgrades and doing their own maintenance!
Keep your 4×4 truck, Jeep®, ATV, Side-by-Side or dirt/dual-sport motorcycle safe and reliable. Learn more about off-road travel and exciting destinations. Get credible suggestions, tips and technical support for your projects and repair work…Share your vehicles, special equipment and outdoor lifestyle photos at the 4WD Mechanix ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums Photo Gallery! If this sounds like your kind of forums, visit us! We welcome your free membership…
Categories and forums available:
Let’s Talk and Share!
4WD Mechanix Magazine ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums: Member Photo Gallery
Members share their vehicles, vehicle modifications, off-road equipment, travel and outdoor lifestyle photos and comments.
This discussion shares ideas and experiences around your projects, camping, outdoor lifestyle, four-wheeling and OHV use. If you have an interesting insight to share with other forum members, post it here!
Everyone is interested in products that work well. Share new product ideas and your experiences with technical and outdoor lifestyle products. Curious about a particular aftermarket product for your 4×4, SUV or OHV? Ask here!
Health and Fitness for Four-Wheelers and Powersports Enthusiasts
Hardcore four-wheeling, off-road motorsports, riding a dirt motorcycle and other robust outdoor activity have one thing in common: the need to be physically fit! In this forum discussion group, members share their physical training regimens and nutritional strategies for an active outdoor and off-road motorsports lifestyle!
Off-Topic and General Discussion
This is the forum for asking general questions, sharing ideas and discussing your unique experiences. These are topics not found in the model-specific 4WD, SUV, OHV and RV technical and travel forums.
Calendar Events and Outdoor Activities
If you or your off-road club has a special event coming up, share the details here! This is the forum to post calendar events for four-wheeling, powersports and OHV activities, organized trail runs, community service and competitive events. Want to describe a successful event? Here’s the forum!
Jeep® 4WD Owners Group
Vintage Jeep® Vehicles 1941-71
Willys and Kaiser Era Jeep vehicles, including the military MB, M38, M38A1 and all CJ models. Also discussion of the Willys Pickup, Station Wagon and Panel truck models plus the FC150, FC170 and original VJ Jeepster and Kaiser-era Jeepster…(For Kaiser-era Jeep J-truck Gladiator and Wagoneer models, see the Jeep full-size truck forum.) Share vintage Jeep 4×4 information, experiences and how-to restoration tips here!
1972-86 AMC/Jeep® CJ and Jeepster Models
This community represents owners of 1972-86 AMC-built Jeep CJ and Jeepster/Commando models. Includes the CJ-5, CJ-6, CJ-7 and CJ-8 Scrambler 4x4s. The era includes AMC inline sixes, four-cylinder engines and AMC V-8s. Share how-to, upgrades and experiences!
Jeep® YJ Wrangler, TJ Wrangler and LJ Wrangler
Discussion and information sharing on 1987-95 Jeep YJ Wrangler and 1997-2006 Jeep TJ and LJ Wrangler models. Includes AMC and Chrysler era vehicles, the LJ and Rubicon editions plus all four-cylinder and inline six-cylinder engines and powertrains.
This group discussion covers the 2007-up Jeep JK Wrangler models. Includes the 3.8L and 3.6L Pentastar engines, the Rubicon edition and the 2- and 4-door models. All things JK are on the agenda, join the Jeep JK Wrangler community here!
Jeep® XJ Cherokee, MJ Comanche Pickup and Grand Cherokee
Covers 1984-2001 Jeep XJ Cherokee and the MJ Comanche pickup models. All 2.5L fours, 4.0L sixes and the 2.8L ’84-’86 V-6 included. Buildups and discussion around the popular Jeep inline stroker six! Also includes the 1992-up Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4.0L, 5.2L, 5.9L, 4.7L and later high-tech engines.
FSJ Models: Full-Size Jeep® Gladiator and J-Truck, Cherokee, Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer
1962-91 Jeep J-trucks, full-size Cherokee and Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer models covered here. Includes Kaiser-era Gladiator, Wagoneer and Super Wagoneer, AMC-era J-truck, Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer (through 1991 Chrysler era) plus the military M715 Gladiator based trucks.
Jeep® Liberty, Commander and Patriot
2002-up models include the Jeep Liberty, Commander and the Patriot. Owners and those interested in these models can find discussion topics on upgrades and accessories. Many find the Liberty well suited for buildups and trail running—an off-pavement contender like other Jeep 4WD models!
Dodge Power Wagon, Dodge and Ram 4WD Trucks
Discussion of Dodge and Ram 4WD trucks, including powertrain, performance upgrades, suspension modifications, axle, steering and chassis how-to. Share your troubleshooting needs and findings with other dedicated Dodge and Ram truck owners!
This section devoted to Cummins engines and Dodge Ram trucks, including the 12-valve and 24-valve 5.9L and 24-valve 6.7L ISB inline sixes. If you’re interested in Cummins power, this is the place to share maintenance, upgrade and performance tips!
The WWII and Korean War era M37 and postwar Dodge Power Wagon civilian models set the stage for light truck 4x4s. Many restore or use these trucks in a variety of work, play and parade environments. This owners group shares information, ownership experiences and restoration tips!
Chevrolet & GMC 4×4 Trucks and SUVs
Vintage to 1991: Chevrolet & GMC NAPCO and K-Model 4×4 Trucks
1950-up truck discussion, including the NAPCO conversions, the 1960-up GM K-trucks, Chevrolet/GMC 4×4 pickups and SUVs. Includes the Suburban and K-Blazer/Jimmy. Share your troubleshooting issues, problem solving, upgrades, modifications and experiences with other owners in this discussion group!
1987-Present: Chevrolet & GMC Silverado, S-Trucks and 4×4 Suburban, Yukon and Blazer
1987-up owners of GM trucks and SUVs will find discussion of engine, geartrain, chassis upgrade, and performance modifications here. S-truck and T-truck, S/T Blazer and Jimmy also covered here! Share the ‘LS’ and Duramax engines, late transmissions and other interest areas. Discuss troubleshooting issues, problem solving and experiences with other owners in this group!
Humvee and Hummer H1, H2 and H3 Forum
This U.S. military utility truck platform departed radically from the traditional, lightweight field 4×4. The Humvee’s access and sheer mass raised questions, yet the move proved practical as the Humvee met a wider variety of demands. In civilian Hummer and H1 form, these vehicles found their way to the suburbs, highways and public streets…The G.M. acquisition from American General spawned stylized and popular light and compact truck versions. This forum provides a community base for owners seeking technical and maintenance answers plus a place to share travel and other experiences!
Ford 4×4 F-Series, Full-Size SUV and Ranger Trucks, Bronco II and Explorer
1948-Present: Ford F-Series Trucks
A forum for owners and Ford truck enthusiasts from the earliest F-series to today’s models. Share 4WD, diesel engine, FE, small block and modern Triton and Eco high-tech engine details, troubleshooting and other questions. Discuss restoration, upgrades, how-to and F-truck owner experiences!
Full-Size Ford SUV, Bronco 4×4, Excursion and Expedition
Ford SUV 4x4s are popular. This is forum for owners wanting technical information, troubleshooting tips and other details from fellow owners. Find how-to and share experiences with other Ford SUV full-size truck owners! Ford Excursion includes diesel and gas models.
Ford Ranger, Bronco II, Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer
This discussion group reaches Ford Ranger pickup, Bronco II, Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer owners. Find troubleshooting, upgrades, repairs and the experiences of other Ford compact truck and SUV owners.
International-Harvester 4×4 Light Trucks, Scout and Scout II
International-Harvester 4×4 Light Trucks, Scout and Scout II Forum
The I-H trucks were quick to apply factory 4-wheel-drive systems, years ahead of Ford and GM. Offering rugged workhorse light trucks, the Travelall and the Scout, I-H saw the need for 4WD in its commercial, recreational and agricultural markets. The original Scout evolved into the Scout II, and I-H remained competitive with 4WD Jeep and GM vehicles. Devoted owners and enthusiasts meet at this forum to discuss I-H history, vehicle design, how-to, restoration and upgrades related to the International Harvester light truck models and Scouts!
Toyota Truck, Land Cruiser, FJ Cruiser and Toyota SUV 4x4s
Toyota Sequoia and Land Cruiser 4WD: FJ, DJ and FJ Cruiser
The original Toyota 4×4 was the Land Cruiser FJ series. These formidible models are still combing the Rubicon Trail and Fordyce—and owners have strong loyalty. Meet others and share your experiences and needs around the FJ40, FJ45, FJ55, FJ60, FJ80, DJ80 and other beam front and rear axle Toyota models! For those with a late-model FJ Cruiser or Sequoia, here is the place to discuss upgrades, performance and four-wheeling!
Toyota 4WD Pickup, Hi-Lux, Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner
Since the earliest Toyota Stout and mini-pickup, Toyota trucks have earned a loyal following. Whether you have a newer Tacoma or Tundra, a vintage trail running mini-4×4 or a 4Runner, this forum group discusses upgrades, troubleshooting and owner experiences!
Datsun and Nissan 4×4 Trucks, Pathfinder and Xterra
Nissan Patrol, Pathfinder, Xterra and SUV 4x4s
The original Nissan Patrol was as rugged as an FJ40 Toyota, and there’s been a loyal Nissan following since. If you own a Nissan SUV or utility 4×4 truck, this is the group forum for sharing troubleshooting, upgrades and your experiences.
Nissan 4WD Pickups: Datsun, Nissan, Frontier and Titan
Owners of the earliest Datsun and Nissan compact pickups attested to their toughness. Modern Frontier pickup and V-8 Titan models compete with all other brands. This owners forum shares troubleshooting, upgrades and ownership experiences.
4WD Land Rover Community
Land Rover, Discovery & Defender 4x4s
Land Rover emerged from the postwar era to become a British World Class 4×4. Rugged, sophisticated and boasting a loyal following, the Land Rover is the topic here. Whether you’re restoring, troubleshooting, upgrading or overlanding, share it at the forum!
Mercedes-Benz ML, Gelandewagen and Unimog
Mercedes-Benz ML, Gelandewagen and Unimog Forum
Mercedes-Benz builds exceptional 4WD and 4×4 vehicles. Known the world over for design and engineering prowess in automobiles and trucks, Mercedes-Benz has a loyal owner following. This community provides the technical and discussion forum for owners, shops and enthusiasts of these models.
4×4 Suzuki Samurai and Sidekick/Geo Tracker
Suzuki’s Samurai took the global market by storm. Its popularity centers around dimensions much like the original Jeep MB and flatfender CJs, with solid beam axles front and rear! There is focused aftermarket support for upgrades, trail prepping and performance modifications. Share your experiences and climb up the Suzuki Samurai learning curve with this community!
Suzuki Sidekick and Geo Tracker
The Sidekick and Geo Tracker can hold its own in a variety of 4×4 environments. In the mid-1990s, Moses Ludel partnered with Steve Kramer of CalMini Products, taking two Geo Tracker 2-door 4x4s over the notorious Rubicon Trail. The success yielded an ad campaign for Chevrolet and a benchmark for Sidekick/Geo Tracker. Join a forum community for Sidekick and Tracker owners. Share how-to, upgrades and your 4WD experiences!
Quad ATV, UTV and Side-by-Side 4x4s
‘Quad’ ATV, UTV and Side-by-Side 4x4s!
This forum is the place to compare, share and troubleshoot your ATV, UTV or Side-by-Side 4×4. Discuss equipment, upgrades and performance needs with other OHV enthusiasts at this focus forum!
Dirt & Dual-Sport Motorcycles
Plated dirt dual-sport motorcycles have gained popularity for their off-pavement prowess, utility and superior functionality. If the movie “Dust to Glory” and visions of Baja or the Dakar on two wheels gets your vote, join other single track riders and enthusiasts at this forum!
Dual-Sport and Dirt Motorcycle Equipment for Overlanding
This discussion group shares information about the off-pavement equipment that works best for adventure overlanding. From oversized fuel tanks to tire repair kits and air sources, enthusiasts learn which accessories and equipment provide safety and a way to get back home!
4×4 and Single-Track Travel & Adventure Destinations!
Many of us do more than just work on our Jeep 4WDs, 4×4 trucks, SUVs, dirt motorcycles and OHVs. The lure of travel drives this forum group. Share your latest—or earliest—accounts of off-pavement adventure!
Places You Would Like to Travel!
In this forum group, travelers and planners can share adventures and maps. Get advise for travel to remote outdoor and off-pavement venues, find out the current condition of routes and any special precautions needed. Find out about trail closures, necessary permits and onboard tools…Be better prepared for primitive and remote travel!
Discussion group for serious backcountry travelers. Share ideas about equipment, safety, camping, vehicle recovery and other survival issues. Learn what it takes to be prepared, maintain communication and travel safely.
Equipping Your 4×4 for Overland Travel
Those with an outdoor lifestyle know the kind of off-road equipment that works. This group discusses equipment needs for a 4×4 set up to safely travel remote backcountry. Members make recommendations and share their experiences with particular equipment.
Travel Trailers, Toy Haulers, Tent Trailers and Military Surplus Trailers
Travel Trailer and Toy Hauler Forum
Trailering is much a part of hardcore four-wheeling, camping and transporting a trail Jeep, buggy, ATV, UTV, side-by-side or dirt motorcycles. Camping in travel trailers and toy haulers has become a simpler way to set up. This group discusses trailers, trailer accessories and trailer camping. Meet others who trailer regularly and share their experiences!
Military Surplus M415, M416 and Other Off-Road Trailers
Military surplus 1/4-ton and 1/2-ton rated trailers fit a variety of 4WD and off-pavement chores. U.S. M415, M416 and other trailers have a loyal following. This forum group shares information about these military surplus trailers and modern equivalents, how to modify them for extreme 4×4 trail use, and the best accessories and upgrades.
Tent trailer camping is popular among four-wheelers and overland travelers. These specialized trailers have a large following among outdoor enthusiasts and light tow vehicle owners. Whether you have a 4×4 and off-road capability or keep your tent trailer aimed at paved road access to National Parks, this group shares details and experiences with tent trailers and trailering tips!
The Right Tools and Equipment
Diagnostic and Specialty Tools & Equipment
There are tools that can make automotive diagnostics, troubleshooting and repair work much simpler, safer and more accurate. This discussion is about “factory” and professional tools, aftermarket tools and how to improvise and create your own specialty and niche diagnostic and repair tools. Find specialty tool solutions here.
Searching for niche tools or equipment for your 4×4 shop, motorcycle shop, home garage or for trail use? Learn from others about tool solutions and equipment sources for working on your 4×4 truck, Jeep, SUV, ATV, UTV, dirt and dual-sport motorcycle or trailer.
Welding, Metal Fabrication and Metallurgy Discussion
Welding and Metal Fabrication Forum
Upgrading off-road vehicles, restoration work and repairs often involve welding, brazing and metal fabrication. Discussion includes welding processes, how-to techniques, projects and chassis fabrication. Whether your project is a MIG trailer frame, a roll cage built in 4130 or a cast iron repair on a vintage engine or transmission casting, share your experiences and welding tips here.
Metallurgy and Heat Treating Forum
Fusing molten metal requires chemical compatibility! Understanding metallurgy takes welding to the professional level and provides safer, more predictable welds and finished products. Choosing the right filler material for welding and brazing is an important step when forming quality bonding and welding. Automotive welding projects often require metal “normalizing” before welding. After welding, post-weld heat treatment is often necessary. Ask questions and share experiences here!
Help build a community of like-minded 4WD vehicle or OHV/dirt motorcycle enthusiasts. If you’re interested in a wholesome resource for discussing technology, troubleshooting, how-to, travel tips, four-wheeling destinations, upgrades and more, 4WD Mechanix© Magazine offers over three dozen focused forum groups for your participation and enjoyment!
You can view the forum categories and topics as a guest—without a login!* Click here for access to the 4WD Mechanix© Magazine ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums!
*Visit first—Likely you’ll want to join and be a member! Members post topics, ask questions and enjoy free access with their personal login.
Guidelines and Basic Membership Rules:
The intent of these forums is a wholesome dialogue that helps build a friendly community. You can be religious or non-religious, a liberal or a conservative…our common thread is outdoor ethics, family values and good taste. Community members respect these Ten
Basic Rules for a Supportive Communities:
1) Treat each other respectfully.
2) Build a community where members are encouraged to post topics and make replies—regardless of their experience level.
3) It’s okay to drop in or “listen” to others in a dialogue—that’s one way we learn! Conversations are for everyone’s benefit.
4) Make your community a positive and reliable information resource. Especially with motorized vehicles, do your research when dealing with safety and reliability issues.
5) Always welcome and encourage new members. This could be the foundation for a lasting friendship or off-pavement travel companion.
6) It’s fine to disagree—respectfully and constructively!
7) Support and respect the sponsors that make these forums possible.
8) Use good taste for posts, avatars or signatures—assume that family members and children can view these forums. A “PG-rating” works!
9) Please stay on-message when answering a question. If you have another topic in mind, please start and post that topic thread.
10) 4WD Mechanix© Magazine ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums has the right to remove inappropriate material, warn members when they overstep the rules and to ban members who cannot adhere to guidelines.
Everyone who joins and participates on the forum message boards agrees to respect and abide by the rules. The overall objective of these forums is to benefit members and make each member a valued part of the community. At these forums, there are no “dumb questions”, every question asked in earnest has merit and gets treated respectfully!
Philosophy and Guiding Principles for the Forums:
Respect—4WD Mechanix© Magazine ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums must be a place where each member can express earnest ideas, ask questions and share thoughts. Your worthwhile questions and personality are very welcome. When responding, try to have useful and valid facts. On technical exchanges, research if often necessary before responding to questions. Acknowledge new members—develop a friendly welcome for your community!
New Members—If you’re joining or are new to a community, know that it’s okay to jump into a discussion. Outdoor enthusiasts and off-roaders are social by nature and like to communicate with others. That’s the reason for forums! 4WD, OHV and outdoor lifestyle communities should be supportive and enthusiastic. Backcountry survival often depends upon cooperation and support. Practice these ethics here…
Reliability of Information—Although there are times when a question gets a questionable answer, the off-road vehicle crowd typically does its homework. Stakes are high, so members are encouraged to provide reliable, proven or documented information. Show that we’re better informed and thoughtful! Many community members will have a wealth of knowledge and much to share. Most of the 4WD Mechanix© Magazine ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums are technical, attracting “motorheads” or “wrenches”. Make each community a resource for reliable content.
Agreeing to Disagree—Everyone has an opinion, and if you disagree with a member’s post or opinion, feel free to respectfully challenge that opinion. Remember, these are community forums: name-calling, insults or overt attacks will not be tolerated. Agree to disagree—respectfully.
Harassment, Offensiveness, Vulgarity, Abusiveness, Hate or Bashing—If your comments go beyond the boundaries of good taste, including disrespectful comments about gender, race, color, religious views, national origin, sexual orientation, or a physical or mental disability, you will be warned or banned. (Repeated disregard for this rule will result in banning.) Think first before you post a message intended to embarrass, humiliate or harass* another person or group of people!
*Note: Having trouble understanding “harassing”? Harassing comments cause distress, embarrassment and unsolicited attention. If you have a personal grievance with another member or need to confront them for what you consider a valid reason, avoid using the forum message board to do so.
Supporting Manufacturers and Vendors—The magazine’s advertiser/sponsors make these forums possible. They will often add helpful comments to the forums and are encouraged to do so. If you have a customer service or product-related problem with a supporting manufacturer or vendor, please avoid airing your frustration at the forum. Contact the manufacturer/vendor. Don’t “bite the hand that feeds us”—by offending those that make these forums possible! Posts attacking vendor/sponsors will be removed.
Non-Supporting Vendors and Members of Other Boards—If a vendor would like to join a forum to comment on consumer issues, that is welcome. If another message board would like to comment, that’s fine, too. However, please do not use our forums to advertise or solicit membership at another board. If you would like to become an advertiser/sponsor, please contact 4WD Mechanix© Magazine about advertising/sponsorship packages and ad opportunities! Email address for ad inquiries: ]]> .
Posts, Avatars, Signatures and Other Art—Avoid use of explicit, obscene or vulgar gestures, language, GIFs, JPEGs or other graphic files. A good standard or guideline is “PG-Rated”, as our children often have access to a computer or mobile device and its message board. When allowed, an avatar’s image resolution is limited to small file sizes. This allows for quicker page loads and saves server file space and bandwidth. Uploads, including photos, text and images, must follow these guidelines—or the content will be removed.
Images and Links—Links to images will use up another site’s bandwidth. Before you make a link to a picture on another website, consider getting permission. Also, be sure the image will not change over time and no longer be valid. Members are liable for any link that points to unsuitable material. The best way to share a gallery of images is by hosting them yourself through a hosting service like www.photobucket.com or www.imageshack.com.
Language Skills—While some of us write for a living and edit painstakingly, this is a forum message board for everyone—including those whose native language is other than English. For that reason, we do not “grade” or judge writing skill levels—but we do encourage attempts at complete sentences and thoughtful expression. Regardless of your writing level, please string coherent words together to form a complete sentence or thought. (Spelling and grammar checkers can help here.) Avoid use of internet abbreviations, Email slang and texting shorthand, they tend to cause confusion.
Communicating with Forum Administrators or Moderators—If you have a concern about an action that a forum administrator or moderator took at the forum, send them a private message expressing your concerns. Re-creating locked threads, public questioning of a moderator’s actions and attacks against administrators or moderators will result in the suspension or removal of posting privileges.
If You Fail to Follow the Rules—If you break one or more of the forum’s rules, you may find yourself unable to post for a period of time. The amount of time depends on the type of offense, your past behavior and if you have been previously warned. The Administrators and Moderators are not required to warn a member before revoking posting privileges. You agreed to the rules when you became a member and should be aware of what is allowed—and consequences.
Important Note: 4WD Mechanix© Magazine ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums does not use a point system. Most of us are past grade school, and we know what’s expected by reading rules. Sometimes, a violation takes place without intention, and that might justify a “warning”. If one’s motives and agenda go beyond this, creating a general nuisance or discomfort for other members, suspension will occur. “Police” yourself and avoid administrator or moderator warnings—or suspension…If that’s not possible, the administrator will take it from there. Expect a prompt reaction.
“We Reserve the Right”—4WD Mechanix© Magazine ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums reserves the right to remove any post. This includes posts unrelated to a topic discussed or just plain inappropriate. Also, please post topics at the correct forum board, or we may move or delete your topic. Administrators and moderators do their best to remove inappropriate or offensive material. We count on community members to bring offending messages or material to our attention for a quick response…Nobody likes to be offended, and each forum community is only as enjoyable as its content and tone. 4WD Mechanix© Magazine and 4WD Mechanix© Magazine ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums reserve the right to end a membership when rules are violated and others get offended. Any decision to ban a member for abuse of rules will be made by the administrator and moderator team.
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