Sommaire pour November/December 2024 de TREAD

For some, building a vehicle is as much fun as actually using it. They enjoy the process of diving deep into the details to research and find the right aftermarket parts for their rides. After that step, the tools come out to carefully install those parts to begin transforming a stock vehicle into what they envision. Long nights in the garage are finally rewarded with a more capable vehicle that can take on challenging terrain. Others just want to get out in the dirt and hit the gas. For them, wrenching on a vehicle is more of an arduous task that usually results in lots of cursing, broken tools, and busted knuckles. Some simply don’t have the spare time to burn trying to build a vehicle. While that process could…

Like buffalo, manual transmissions once roamed in great numbers across this beautiful land. Preferred for their simplicity and ruggedness, they were found in everything from one-ton work trucks to Jeeps to sports cars. With less heat generation and complexity to deal with, manual transmissions were often the choice of off-road adventurers exploring the wilds of Moab, the Colorado high passes, and the Sierras in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. As a bonus, their lower first gears made them better for technical trails, and they were usually cheaper, too. Three-pedalers are sadly now a dying breed. Currently, only 36 vehicles are available in the United States with a manual transmission. Of those 36, the vast majority are sports cars, and only four really matter: the Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Gladiator…

For John Yeiser, building a 1969 Ford F-100 wasn’t just a project—it was the realization of a dream inspired by the 1960s Indy 500 race cars, fighter planes, and modern design elements. After eight years and $700,000, this silver metallic F-100 is now a race truck that stands out not only for its performance but also for its unique approach to combining classic inspiration with cutting-edge technology. This build didn’t happen overnight. It began with a vision to create a race truck unlike any other. The foundation was a complete ground-up build, starting with a custom tube frame chassis designed to handle the demands of both high-speed racing and rugged off-road terrain. The original Ford frame was replaced, and everything from the suspension to the drivetrain was meticulously planned and…

I recently installed a REDARC smart battery monitor in my 2018 RAM 1500 Laramie 4x4. The installation process should have been relatively straightforward, as the instructions provided by REDARC were clear and easy to follow—but I made it harder. We’ll get to that. While this article is primarily about the easy-to-install REDARC smart battery monitor, I also had to install a REDARC BCDC1225D dual battery charger. This 12-volt, 25-amp in-vehicle DC-DC battery charger is designed to charge secondary battery banks to 100% while on the move. It's solar-ready and suitable for a wide range of battery types, including lithium, AGM, GEL, standard lead acid, and calcium. I needed this setup to power an ARB compressor and auxiliary lights with an auxiliary battery. Eventually, I connected the monitor to my auxiliary battery…

EDITOR’S NOTE: In the first installment of this article (Tread, Sep/Oct 2024 issue), Dan Grec traveled to the Innot Hot Springs, visited Lawn Hill National Park’s Indarri waterfall, and hiked through the mighty Boab trees. Read on for the remainder of his 3,000-mile journey. After a quick visit to a ranger station, we get the code to a combination lock that grants access to the Western Lost Cities—an enormous rock formation well off the beaten path in remote Limmen National Park. The access track is slow going, with sandy seconds, dry sandy riverbeds, and plenty of corrugations to rattle our teeth. I aired down to 22psi all around not so much for added traction, but instead to dampen the vibrations and make travel easier on man and machine. Formed roughly…

01. DEEPSLEEP/ OVERLAND SOLO CAMPING MAT If you’re looking for the comfort of home with high performance and durability for rugged outdoor adventures, take a look at Deepsleep’s Bronco bed, an in-vehicle sleep system. Founded in 2016, Deepsleep released its “Solo Mat” camping bed in 2022. It’s designed to fit new 6th Gen two- and four-door Broncos like a glove. Specs that make this bed system popular and unique include: » It is designed to contour around wheelwells and extend past the console area, optimizing use of space for 6-foot, 4-inch sleep length. » Self-inflating air and foam construction offers one of the highest R-value ratings available for comfort and great packability. » You can purchase a single (solo) size for one, still leaving room for fridges/gear; or purchase two…

When it comes to unique builds, few can top what Jake Winterton has done with his 1972 Suzuki LJ10 Jimny. Painted in House of Kolor’s Tangelo Pearl Orange, this rare off-road machine is something you don't see every day. According to Jake, "No one has built one the way I have," and that’s a statement backed by one-of-a-kind modifications and creative fabrication. Only three of these models were imported into the USA, and this one is setting a new standard. From the start, the goal was clear. Jake wanted to build something entirely custom, from the frame to the drivetrain. A full-body stretch of 24 inches and bead-rolled sides that match the factory body lines was just the beginning. Backyard Customz handled the bodywork, and the result is a unique…

The 2023 Toyota Tundra, finished in Lunar Rock paint, is more than just a truck—it’s a carefully crafted machine built to conquer whatever lies ahead. Owned by ARB 4x4, this Tundra has been meticulously outfitted with a range of upgrades designed to maximize its potential. Under the hood, the Tundra houses a 3.4L twin-turbo V-6 engine that reliably delivers power. While the engine remains largely stock, it’s the carefully selected modifications that elevate this truck’s performance, making it a true off-road contender. The transmission and transfer case, both factory-installed, work in tandem to provide seamless power delivery and traction management, but it’s the addition of ARB components that truly set this build apart. At the front, the ARB Desert front bumper immediately catches the eye. It’s a practical upgrade, offering…

Belltech’s first release for the 2024 Land Cruiser will be this rear anti-sway bar. Belltech sway bars are engineered and manufactured in Clovis, California, with cold-formed solid steel. It offers three-hole adjustability to fully customize your preferences whether you’re traveling on pavement or on the trail. This bar improves safety, quick maneuverability, and enhances overall handling. OE SWAY BAR REMOVAL 1. Park the vehicle on smooth, level ground. Lift the rear of the truck using a jack, secure with properly rated jack stands, and then remove the rear driver-side wheel. 2. Using your 17mm socket wrench, remove the four nuts and four washers from both pivot bushing brackets, and then remove the brackets. 3. Remove the nut and washer from the lower end link on both sides of the bar.…

Being able to carry an oversized spare tire on the exterior tailgate is important, and the new Smittybilt Bronco HD Pivot is up to the task. Made of monoblock aluminum material, the single-action component bolts on quickly and easily, strengthening the tailgate while allowing up to a 40-inch spare. The tire mount is adjustable, thanks to chromoly mounting brackets, and maintains the easy, single-action opening and closing of the tailgate. The auxiliary accessory mount eliminates tailgate sagging and rattles that would likely occur with an oversized tire attached to the stock bracket. The design allows the third brake light and backup camera to continue to function with the oversized tire in place. Off-roaders who favor larger size tires will appreciate having a full-size spare attached to the exterior of their…

When truck enthusiasts hear the term “bolt-on” or “easy installation,” many will roll their eyes and may even back away from the claim, as they know it’s seldom true. While some performance brake kit installations can be a bit difficult and time-consuming, we want to show you in this installation that the AERO6-DM front kits from Wilwood Disc Brakes are not that difficult and do not take too much time at all. Besides some possible backing plate trimming (varies depending on the application) and brake line bleeding to finish the installation, they truly are bolt-on. AERO6-DM 6-piston calipers were designed to directly mount to OE spindles to provide a large-capacity brake torque solution with large diameter well-vented rotors for heavyweight and extreme-duty vehicles. These direct mount kits for trucks and…

“SPEND ENOUGH TIME IN ANY CAREER AND YOU’LL BEGIN TO TWEAK AND ADJUST YOUR TOOLS TO SUIT YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS. SURVIVAL AND BUSHCRAFT ARE NO DIFFERENT. ” Like many KI readers, every time I see a social media post from one of my favorite survival or outdoors instructors, I’m checking to see what gear they have with them. I love to see their pocket dumps and pack unloads. Of course, the sharps always get close attention. What blades are they using? Deciding finally to just go directly to the sources, I consulted five survival teachers to see what they carry most often when they head into the field. While some of them routinely evaluate knives for manufacturers and such, I wanted to know what they relied on when they could…

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner, wrapped in a bold green, has seen more transformations than most vehicles experience in a lifetime. As part of ARB 4x4 Accessories’ fleet, this 4Runner has gone through three different build stages—each designed to keep pace with the latest products and shifting market trends. From the original red paint to its current green wrap, this vehicle has been a canvas for innovation and a tool for exploration across some of the most challenging terrains. ARB has always been at the forefront of off-road enhancements, and this 4Runner stands as a testament to their commitment. At the front, the vehicle is equipped with an ARB Summit front bumper—a component that not only provides protection, but also serves as a platform for additional lighting. The bumper, along with…