Have a truck or SUV question for the 4x4 AnswerMan? Send your questions to editor@off-road.com.  Please include your name and location, and be as detailed as possible about your questions.

More 4x4 AnswerMan Columns
August 2014

July 2014

June 2014

All-New BFGoodrich T/A K02 All-Terrain Tire

Many off-roaders are excited about the new BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2.  We’ve been running our KOs for over 10 years and are big fans. Editor-in-Chief Josh Burns recently tested the K02 and was impressed. Off-Road.com reader “Daniel” wanted to know the price difference between the K0 and all-new K02. Here’s Josh learned from BFG:

BFGoodrich clarified some information on the new tires. The price difference varies from tire to tire, but "on average there is about a 3% premium over" on the KO2 tires versus the KO, according to BFGoodrich. It's hard to pin down a specific price comparison, and some sizes will be more and others will be less. The tire pricing for the KO2 starts at an MSRP of $222 for the LT235/85R16/E, which as aeon888 noted, is listed on the site at BFGoodrich.com.

Click here for the full story on the all-new BFGoodrich K02 tire.

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TOYOTA 20R HEAD ON 22R ENGINE

Off-Road.com,

I heard the 20r Toyota head flows better than the 22r.  Can I run a 20r head on my 22r engine?

Buckshot

Letter sparked by Toyota 4 Cyl. Engine Information

Hi Buckshot,

According to LC Engineering, the Toyota performance engine experts, the 20R cylinder head will work on the 22R engine block. We also had an Off-Road.com reader confirm it works. He gets the low-end torque between 2000-3000 rpm.

The main reason for doing this swap is to gain engine performance. In order to maximize the gain, the cylinder head should be ported and polished for better flow. Also, in order for everything to match up correctly, some additional machining is recommended so the ports and head bolts line up. LC Engineering has been doing this for years and can help you out with your swap. For more information, check out http://www.lcengineering.com/LCTechPages/DiffCylinderHeads.html.

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RAM OUTDOORSMAN SUSPENSION

4x4 AnswerMan,

I’m looking at getting a new Dodge Ram 1500 Outdoorsman. Is the markup on air suspension worth the money, or should I stick to coil springs? I plan on lifting it and running some 35s.

Fred

Hi Fred,

If you plan on lifting your truck, your best bet is to find a coil spring model.  You’re going to have a much better time finding a suspension lift kit for it. You also will avoid any potential problems with the on-board computer when the air suspension is disconnected or removed to accommodate the lift kit.

The air suspension is a nice option if you plan on primarily driving on road, towing/hauling and hitting some easy to mild dirt roads. Make sure to check out our in-depth 2014 Ram 1500 review.

EcoDiesel Outdoorsman Test

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TUNDRA DASH DIM LIGHT

Off-Road.com,

The 2014 Toyota Tundra does not have a dash panel light that remains on during daylight driving and a very dim light that only comes on during night time driving (when the head lights are on). Without sunlight you can barely see the dash panel read outs. I am told this was a major oversight by Toyota. Has this been corrected for the 2015 tundra trucks?? If not, how are drivers able to compensate for this lack of light??

Pete Garland

Hi Pete,

Admittedly, for many Toyota truck owners the dash lighting can be a problem.  Many times it’s just a matter of turning up the light brightness. On the 2014/15 Tundra models Toyota incorporated it into the Trip Reset/Info dial found on the MPH gauge. If you turn this button, it will control the light output on the dash and instrument panel during the day or night. Many people look past that and don’t know it even exists. We’ve also found that it can accidentally be rolled when resetting mileage or scrolling through info option. Once you learn that it’s there, turning up the dash lighting power is not that big of a deal.

There was a similar issue with 2007-2013 Tundra and Sequoia models. Their dimmer switch is located on the lower left of the dash, and sometimes gets hit accidentally when the driver gets in or out of the truck. It’s right in front of the left knee. My dad figured it out on his Sequoia.

If the lighting is still too dim for your taste, even after turning up the dial, there are some aftermarket options that can increase light output. One of the easiest and most cost effective would be upgrading the dash bulbs with LEDs.

Hope this helps.

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SQUEAKY BRAKES
 

4x4 AnswerMan,

I just got a new set of brakes on my truck and it squeaks when I stop or tap them lightly.  What gives?

Hank

Howdy Hank,

More than likely the squeaking noise you are hearing is brake vibration. It can be caused by a number of things. Sometimes the noise can be resolved by adding brake assembly grease to moving parts. Other times you just need to let the brakes “bed-in.” Most new brakes have a set in period when the pads are forming to the surface of the disk brake or drum. It’s usually less than 400-500 miles.

If the noise hasn’t gone away after 500 miles, I would have the brakes checked out.

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ALL-NEW 2015 COLORADO Z71 - LITTLE TRUCK, BIG PRICE?

Off-Road.com,

$35,000 for the Z71 4x4 is ridiculous. You can get a Silverado cheaper than that. Come on GM wake up. I thought this was supposed to be a cheaper truck.

Gary Preseau

Hi Gary,

Hope those little trucks aren’t cramping your style. It’s funny how many Americans think that bigger is better (I’m guilty more than once). The truth is that just because we’re dealing with a smaller variation of the full-size model, it doesn’t make it cheaper. The larger trucks may be selling better, production numbers are higher, making the price break to the end consumer more appealing.  As for the smaller trucks, the production volume is typically lower, leading to higher production cost per unit. Add a premium off-road trim like the Z71 and it’s not that far fetched for the price to surpass that of a 2WD 6-cylinder Silverado base model. Comparing apples to apples, though, a Z71 Silverado won’t be had for anywhere near $35,000, and you’re also talking about a V8 motor vs. a V6.

Editor Josh Burns noted in his recent First Look story that the Z71 on the Colorado doesn’t include unique off-road tuned suspension for 2015. But there are a lot of things to like about the new Colorado – like 305 horsepower.

Check out more in our First Ride story of the 2015 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.

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TOYOTA TUNDRA ON 35-INCH TIRES

Off-Road.com,

Does the Tundra tested have a lift or leveling kit? If not how much trimming is needed to fit 35s on a stock Tundra?

Schrammer

Letter sparked by Review: Toyo Tires Open Country R/T Truck and SUV Tire

Schrammer,

I’ll let Josh Burns tackle this one since he worked on the truck: The truck has been upgraded, and here's the feature on those mods (Fox 2.5 Coilovers, Total Chaos UCAs, etc). The first tires installed were just under 34s, so to fit the 35s there is a little extra trimming required.  If you're on the West Coast, SoCal SuperTrucks does great work.  If not, you'll have to find a local shop. You'll need at least a 3/1 leveling kit to fit 35s on the second-gen Tundra. Hope this helps.

Related story:
Fixing Tire Rub from Large Off-Road Tires

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2015 COLORADO Z71 vs TOYOTA TACOMA PRO PRICING

Off-Road.com,

Disappointing that the Z71 will start where the Tacoma tops out.

VE

Letter sparked by 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Prices Announced

Hi VE,

We don’t know if this will turn your frown upside down, but if we’re comparing premium off-road trucks with premium off-road trucks, the Toyota TRD Pro package is actually a little more than the Z71. The 2015 Toyota Tacoma starts at $36,410 for the Access Cab with a six-speed manual and ranges up to $38,300 for the Double Cab with a five-speed automatic. The 2015 Colorado Z71 crew cab 4x4 with the 5-foot box starts at $34,990. They’re both competitively priced.

Are you Team Chevy or Toyota?

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LOW RANGE HILL CLIMB

4x4 AnswerMan,

I live up a steep hill. Sometimes I use 4x4 to help keep the truck from spinning wheels or sliding when it’s wet or icy. My boyfriend says I'm going to break the truck if I keep doing that. He says driving in 4x4 on asphalt is not good.  Is that true?

Whitney

Hi Whitney,

Your BF is partially right. You don’t want to run your 4-wheel drive in low range if the tires have too much traction (like on a dry paved road).  Both the front and rear wheels need to be able and turn at the same rate.  On a dry surface, the tires may not break free if they have too much traction.  This will cause the transfer case to bind up, potentially causing major damage (broken gears, chain, output shaft, cracked t-case).  You really only want to use 4 Lo when climbing, descending or pulling something.  The lower gear ratio helps give your truck more pulling power and controlled traction.

In your case, since the hill climb is wet and icy, you should be okay.  If the driveway is straight, there shouldn’t be any problem.  Even if there are curves, if the tires are slipping or spinning in 2 wheel drive, you should be okay.  Having your vehicle in 4x4 will help make the drive up the hill much safer.  If 4 Lo feels too slow, try 4 Hi.  The added front traction may be all you need.

To learn more about your vehicle’s 4WD system, check out the owner’s manual for recommended transfer case settings.

Good luck.

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MR. INTERNATIONAL

4x4 AnswerMan,

All 17 of my Internationals were light to medium-duty trucks, from 1948 to 1974. No tractors. The tractors would have been called "International Harvesters".
 
The trucks included 5 Travelalls (1 4X4) a 64 passenger 1952 school bus, a Hearst Castle 1956 4X4 1.5 ton cab & chassis (ex fire truck) a mint 1974 3/4 ton 4X4, a 1960 1 ton Metro van, etc.
 
One of my favorites was a 1966 3/4 ton truck with an owner-added 3 speed Browning aux. trans good for 12 forward and 3 reverse gears. Traded it for a 1967 Norton N15 Atlas, then we traded back, so I owned it twice. Another favorite was a 1962 3/4 ton chassis mount motorhome with a tag axle making it a 1 ton. It had the 304 V8, 3 on the tree and overdrive. Shoulda seen the poor guy on Highway 99 one night. I'm on my way from Fresno to the Mojave Desert with my 1977 Yamaha TT500 on the front bumper rack and came upon this guy in his BMW. Just like in Germany, I flashed my high beams and he got over. He was pissed when an old motorhome flew by about 90mph! He later did the same to me. I just gave him a blast of my air horn as he flew by.
 
I'm on number 17 today, a straight 1959 1/2 ton with the 150hp 264 inch six.
 
The most I've owned at one time was 4 (twice!)
 
I almost bought a diesel Scout but it was a PILE! It smoked so bad during the test drive a passing cop gave me the "evil eye" and almost turned around.
 
It had a huge semi-truck style 12 volt battery behind the driver's seat. I asked the owner, "What's that for?"
 
He said, "That's the 'winter' battery."
 
I also took that as a bad sign.
 
No, it's gas only for me.
 
David Fruhling

Letter sparked by International Diesel Engine question in the July 2014 4x4 AnswerMan

Wow David, you sure have a lot of history with International 4x4s.  I love your Mojavebahn story. 

It’s good to know there are still people out there keeping these machines ticking.  I’m naming you our “Mr. International.” Feel free to chime in anytime.

Cheers!

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Have a truck or SUV question for the 4x4 AnswerMan? Send your questions to editor@off-road.com. Please include your name and location, and be as detailed as possible about your questions.

More 4x4 AnswerMan Columns
August 2014

July 2014

June 2014