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        4x4 Math       Gear Ratio Chart       Wheel Specification Guide       Tire Fitment Guide
        Articles: The Art of 'Wheeling       Fabrication Resources

4x4 Math: Calculations for Optimum Performance Math was never our favorite subject in school (thank God for calculators!), but in the world of four-wheel drive vehicles there are some key equations that can help you understand and optimize the performance of your 4x4.

Click here to download a Microsoft Excel version of 4x4 Math Click here to download a .pdf version of 4x4 Math

Gear Ratio Chart Whenever you change tire size from the original diameter to a larger diameter there will be a direct effect on power and drivability.  In effect, changing to a larger tire size is like switching to a higher (numerically lower) gear set.  This chart will help you select the optimum axle gear ratio to accommodate the larger tires and retain original performance.

Click here to download a .pdf version of Gear Ratio Guide

Wheel Specification Guide This document contains information on bolt pattern and lug nut size for many popular 4x4s.  This is good information to have on hand when you're determining which wheels to buy for your 4x4.

Click here to download a .pdf version of Wheel Specifications

Tire Fitment Guide When fitting larger tires to your 4x4, there are a number of factors to consider such as tire height, width, wheel backspacing, vehicle weight, clearance for suspension and steering, etc.  This document won't answer all your questions, but it'll provide guidance on the common amount of lift required to fit specific tire sizes by vehicle.  (This guide is a work in progress.)

Click here to download a .pdf version of Tire Fitment Guide

The Art of 'Wheeling by Richard Miller In my continuing effort to provide useful information and resources on our web site, I’m beginning a series of articles dealing with different aspects of four-wheeling.  From off-highway driving techniques to approaches to building your 4x4 to benefits of particular upgrades, I’ll cover a wide range of topics that I hope you’ll find useful.

Article #1: Mud Techniques

Fabrication Resources Okay, so you want to do some minor fabrication at home, say a trail rack or a set of rocker guards, but you can't find a local metal or scrap steel supplier.  Or if you do find one, they either won't sell in small enough quantities or it's prohibitively expensive.  Don't start cutting up the frame on your neighbor's truck for materials! ;-)  There is an alternative!

Online Metals specializes in small quantities and custom cuts of hot and cold rolled steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and much more.  From rectangle and square tubing to flat sheet and round tubing offered in varying thicknesses, your options are almost unlimited.  They also offer a wide variety of plastics such as Delrin, polycarbonate, nylon and Teflon, as well as titanium and tool steels.  Sure you have to pay extra for shipping, but their prices are affordable, product quality is top notch, and the convenience of having it shipped right to your door is worth some extra cash.    If you want to take your fabrication to the next level, but you don't have the tools or knowledge, you can even design, price, and order custom parts online at eMachineShop.com.  Download their free CAD software and start designing your next custom bracket or heavy-duty hinge today!