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Nature and the machine - Nature and the Machine |
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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Wednesday, 02 August 2006 |
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Page 5 of 7
BLING FOR YOUR 4X4
When modifying a rig for four-wheeling, it’s important to understand what you want and what you can afford.
“I tell people to determine what is the absolute worst or most extreme trail they might want to do and build the vehicle to handle that,” said Rob Wynne, general manager of Fort Collins 4x4 Center. “It’s important to look at the big picture and not do things twice.”
While 4x4 vehicles are designed by manufactures to be off-road capable, drivers often upgrade and modify their vehicles for better performance.
LIFT KITS
Probably one of the most popular modifications is adding a lift kit, which increases ground clearance.
“Lifting a vehicle further from the ground allows for bigger tires and can improve the suspension’s ability to go off-road,” Wynne said. “If you can keep all four wheels on the ground when going over an obstacle, that’s a good thing.”
A common misconception is that the higher a vehicle, the less safe it is. While that may be true on the highway, the opposite is true in the wilderness. Increased clearance and tire size makes four-wheeling safer, Wynne said.
Lift kits come in a wide price range. Depending on the type, they can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000.
TRACTION CONTROL
Another way to tweak a rig is to add traction control devices, also known as lockers. Instead of having two drive wheels, the vehicle will have traction on all four tires. This results in more power to the ground. Lockers usually cost between $300 to $750 per axle.
MORE POWER
To enhance power, opt for better exhaust systems, costing around $200-$300, and open air filter systems, costing around $200. For the more extreme, bigger motors and super chargers can be installed.
EASY BELLS AND WHISTLES
To make a vehicle stand out, rollbars can be swapped out for different colors and styles for $500 up to a couple thousand dollars.
“Don’t sacrifice or ruin a vehicle just because you want to modify it,” Wynne said. “I see a lot of vehicles get modified that aren’t done well. There is no reason to decrease the capability or dependability. If something costs less, that usually means you are getting less.”
— Erin Frustaci
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|  | "Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is Alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only truth." | |
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|  | Felix Wong is an outdoor enthusiast living in Fort Collins. A mechanical engineer by day, he is especially passionate about bicycling, running, and backpacking. | |
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|  | Ms. Giles currently lives in Colorado where she stars in her own private reality show. She writes aphoristic accounts of her life, taken completely out of context, and embellished with characters and situations disguised to resemble something close to interesting. | |
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| | My name is Michelle Turley and I'm 28 years old. I live in Severance with my hubbie, Brandon. We have 2 dogs and a cat. We enjoy camping, four-wheeling, and just being in the mountains. I like to cook, clean (go figure), flea market, and play poker. I have so much to say about poker... | |
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