Articles

14 Bolt Axles: The Differences Between SRW, DRW, and C&C

The GM 14 bolt is found in 3/4 and 1 ton Chevy and GM vehicles. There are many different types, but we'll do a quick pass over the most common … Read more

Air down tires with a binder clip and screw

4 Ways to Air Down Your Tires for Fourwheeling

If you fourwheel with any frequency, you'll eventually find out that you need to air down your tires in order to increase your traction. Aired down tires give you a … Read more

4.10, 4.56, 4.88, 5.29 - What gears should you get for your Toyota?

Choosing gears for your Toyota mini truck, Tacoma, or 4Runner is a dilemma. So many ratios, so many brands, different diffs, pinion splines, and more! Gears, setup kits, and installation … Read more

Stock Toyota IFS Pitman Arm with Ball Joint

4 Ways to Adapt Toyota IFS Steering to Toyota High Steer

High steer steering is the most common setup for strong, high clearance steering on 4x4 Toyota 4Runners and pickups/minis. It puts the tie rod and drag link over your leaf … Read more

Toyota Transfer Case Mounted E-Brake by Sky Manufacturing

4 Ways to Get a Parking or Emergency Brake on Your Toyota Mini or 4Runner

When you go to bigger tires on your Toyota, you’ll eventually switch to rear disc brakes. They’re easier to maintain and clean and sometimes it’s more cost effective to swap … Read more

5 Guides to Help You Set Up Your Ring and Pinion Gears

Setting up gears can be a pretty daunting task even for those of us that are are very mechanically inclined. It does require some special tools, takes a few hours, … Read more

Toyota Hilux Inner Axle Cage and Inner Race-2, Stock (left) and 30 spline Longfield (right)

All About Stock Toyota Birfields

Here is a breakdown of the parts of a stock Toyota front axle Birfield. The axle in this article is a short-side Birfield from a '79-'85 Toyota pickup. Keep in … Read more

Bass Pro Shops Deluxe Camp Kitchen with Sink Review

The Bass Pro Shops Deluxe Camp Kitchen is a camp kitchen that hits all the marks for us - including having a sink and being relatively light weight. Read more

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 Brake Master Cylinder

Toyota 4x4 Brake Master Cylinder and Brake Booster Specs

Mushy brakes? Worn out brake master? There are lots of options for improving your Toyota's brakes. You can easily swap in a master cylinder with a bigger bore or swap … Read more

Cabela's Deluxe Camper's Kitchen Outfitted

Cabela's Deluxe Camper's Kitchen Review

The Cabela’s Deluxe Camper’s Kitchen is an excellent kitchen that clearly had a lot of thought put into it. Many of the camp kitchens we’ve used and looked at are … Read more

Camco Deluxe Camping Kitchen Table with Sink Review

The Camco Deluxe Camp Kitchen with Sink (model 51097) is a popular camp kitchen with tons of good reviews - but be warned if you look it up on Amazon. … Read more

Cheap 4.88 Gears: 4.88s straight from Toyota

Need taller gears for your big new tires? Gears and setup are expensive, but if you can find some cheap Toyota 4. 88s, you can save some serious money and … Read more

Coleman Pack-Away Deluxe Camp Kitchen Assembled

Coleman Pack-Away Deluxe Camp Kitchen with Sink Review

The Coleman Pack-Away Deluxe Kitchen with sink is an inexpensive camp kitchen that will make your fourwheeling campsites feel like home. It is lightweight, sturdy, has a sink and several … Read more

Trail Gear Six Stud Knuckle with Steering Arm

5 Ways to Upgrade Toyota Knuckle Studs

We can all agree with one thing: Toyota steering studs have problems with loosening and shearing when wheeling hard and with heavy rigs. How can you prevent broken knuckle studs? … Read more

The Basic Four Angle Grinder Wheels for Fabrication

The Angle Grinder Wheels You Need for Fabrication

Getting started in fabrication? One of your most useful tools will be your handy angle grinder. You can clean rust and paint, whisk off welding slag, remove metal, and cut … Read more

How to Fix a Ladder Lock on a Backpack - or Your Soft Top

Daystar's D-Ring Isolators and Washer for Noisy Shackles

Make Your D-Ring Shackles Quiet

D-ring shackles are amazing. They're small, strong, and can connect any recovery gear to your rig. But: They swing against your bumpers, scratch your paint, chip your powdercoat, and make … Read more

How to Properly Install and Maintain Toyota Steering Arm Knuckle Studs

When assembling or rebuilding a Toyota knuckle, many people think that installing the steering arm studs is a set-it-and-forget-it job. If you fourwheel with any frequency, it’s not! Even with … Read more

How To Take the Top Off Your Toyota 4Runner

Once it gets warm out, it’s time to take the top off your 4Runner! This is usually a pretty quick job and is easiest with a friend or a way … Read more

Pick a Pitman: All About Stock and Aftermarket Toyota Pickup and 4Runner Pitman Arms

You need to know at least a little about pitman arms if you take your Toyota pickup or 4Runner off road. Picking the wrong pitman arm can result in a … Read more

Toyota dash pad bolt behind passenger side vent

Removing the Passenger Side Dashboard in Your Early Toyota Pickup or 4Runner

Taking the dashboard apart in an early Toyota truck of 4Runner can be very frustrating if you don’t know the secrets or have the factory manual. If you’re replacing a … Read more

Solving Confusion Between So-Called "4 Cyl" and "V6" Gears: LPH vs. SPH

In Toyota 8” gearsets, there is one point of confusion that stands above all others: How is a 4 cylinder ring and pinion different from a V6 ring and pinion? … Read more

Hi-Lift Hood Mount for JKs and Unlimiteds Installed

The 5 Best Hi Lift Jack Mounts

The Hi Lift Jack is probably one of the best tools you can take with you off road. It lifts you when you’re stuckIt can winch you out of tight … Read more

The Best Hi Lift Jack Accessories

We all know that a Hi Lift jack can be one of the most helpful recovery accessories you can have in the backcountry. Lifting and maneuvering your 4x4 with your … Read more

Repairing a Radiator by Rodding or Recoring

When your radiator goes bad, it’s most likely related to the core being clogged or punctured. This can be repaired in two ways. Frankly, while it's possible to do this … Read more

The Best Radiator for Your 1995 and Earlier Toyota Pickup or 4Runner

If you have a 4 cylinder 22R or 22RE, it’s very likely that you have a 2 row radiator. For normal folks this is pretty sufficient. They might go to … Read more

The Best Winch Accessories For Off Roading

If you bought a winch, you may be wondering, “What’s next? What do I need to use this thing? ” There are some essential winch accessories that everyone should have, … Read more

Viking Offroad Synthetic Winch Rope Splicing Kit

The Best Winch Accessories For Synthetic Winch Ropes

Synthetic winch ropes are a great addition to your 4x4. They are extremely lightweight, safer than steel winch lines, easier to handle, and have higher breaking strengths than comparable steel … Read more

Warn Heavy Duty Epic Winch Recovery Kit - 97570

The Winch Recovery Kit Comparison Guide

Reliable, strong off road recovery gear is the difference between getting home and staring stuck. Just got a winch? You might be wondering? What do I need to make this … Read more

Shrockworks' 1st Gen Tacoma Bolt-On Rock Sliders

The Guide to Choosing Rock Sliders and Rocker Guards

If you're going to be on rocks or in ruts you need rocks sliders. They protect your rocker panels from rocks and stumps, make a handy pivot point when you … Read more

The Best Camp Kitchen: How to Choose It

There’s nothing like pulling into camp after a day of off-roading and having a clean, flat, space to cook your meals. We have camped and cooked with several different setups … Read more

RuffStuff Specialties 63" Chevy Spring Swap Kit

The Guide to the Chevy 63" Spring Swap for Toyota Trucks, 4Runners, and Tacomas

Building trucks is expensive, especially lifting them. Toyotas are no exception. You probably often wonder: How am I going to lift this beast without breaking the bank? Luckily, we Toy … Read more

Toyota Extended Brake Lines

If you're working on a 25 year old Toyota, it might be time for some extended brake lines. Here are a few bolt-in options that will give you longer brake … Read more

RuffStuff Specialties Ideal 63" Chevy Spring Swap Kit

Toyota Chevy 63" Spring Swap Kits

The Toyota Chevy 63 spring swap might look like a lot of work - there's a lot of stuff to fab up. But: You can still do this swap with … Read more

Toyota Axle Widths

Toyota axle widths! If you want to do an axle swap, you gotta know ‘em. Here are all dimensions and factoids you need like spring perch width, pinion drop, and … Read more

Toyota Brake Maintenance Tips

It’s always a good idea to follow your service manual when dealing with your brakes, but there are some tips when you’re working on them that might not be so … Read more

Toyota Gear Styles - Differences between 7.5", 8", 9.5", and more

Frankly, when you go to buy gears it can be a little confusing at first. There are different sizes that go on different Toyotas with a couple of oddballs. When … Read more

6 Reasons Tow Straps with Hooks Will Kill You

You go to your local auto parts store and see all the beautiful tow straps with hooks. "That's what I need, " you think, "I'll be the coolest guy on … Read more

Chromoly Birfields for FJ40s, FJ55s, and FJ70s

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40/FJ55/FJ70 Chromoly Birfield Axle Guide and Comparison

You finally broke a Birfield in your Land Cruiser! Or maybe you just want to NOT break a Birfield and you've discovered that you've got options that are way stronger … Read more

FJ60/FJ62 Chromoly Birfield Upgrade Title

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 and FJ62 Chromoly Birfield Axle Guide and Comparison

You've finally come to the dark side. Maybe it was with some 35s and the skinny pedal. Maybe you just know what you'd do to your stock Birfields on the … Read more

Toyota Pickup and 4Runner Chromoly Birfields Title

Toyota Pickup and 4Runner Chromoly Birfield Axle Guide and Comparison

Stock Birfields are for weenies! If you want to play with the big dogs, you need to get some chromos. There are currently 10 (10! ) different sets of upgraded … Read more

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ80 and FZJ80 Chromoly Birfield Axle Guide and Comparison

How do you prep the fattest, heaviest Land Cruiser for the trails? After you've built your 80, filled it with gas and supplies, and people, it's going to be approaching … Read more

Toyota Hilux Birfield, Stock (left) and 30 spline Longfield (right)

Toyota Birfield Upgrades: All About Chromoly, 30 Splines, and Fit For Minis, Pickups, 4Runners, and Land Cruisers

Once you start breaking front axle shafts, you’ll start looking at replacement options. 30 spline aftermarket axles are the most significant strength upgrade you can make to your front axle, … Read more

A Primer on Screw and Bolt Threads

If you’re working on a 4x4, car, or motorcycle, you’ve got to deal with screws, bolts, and nuts. If you have no idea what you’re doing, it can be intimidating … Read more

Winch Hook Straps

Winch hook straps are a simple accessory included with a lot of winches. But why? Read more

Recovery Dampers for Winching and Snatching

Winch lines, snatch straps, and mounting points break. It's a fact of fourwheeling and can result in flying debris that is dangerous to you and the people around you. You … Read more

Stock Toyota Axle Birfield Bell or Outer Axle

Can I Drive On a Broken Birfield?

You might wonder how far you can get on a stock broken Birfield or an aftermarket chromoly Birfield. It turns out that you probably won't get far. Read more

Use Your Hi-Lift Jack as a Winch

What do you do if you have no money for a winch, but you have a Hi-Lift Jack? Turn it into a winch! Winching with your Hi-Lift is possible and … Read more

Winch Anchors for When There's Not a Tree in Sight

Fourwheeling can often be a solitary activity where you can only rely on yourself, your vehicle, and your preparedness. You might take your significant other or your kids out to … Read more

Cascade 4x4's Flipster Winch License Plate Mount Flipped Up

Winch License Plate Mounts for Staying Legal

Most aftermarket winch bumpers don't have provisions for a license plate. But if you're in a two-plate state you'll want to have your plate mounted up front so you don't … Read more

Rugged Ridge Foot Down Raised Winch Plate

Use a Winch Mounting Plate to Mount Your Winch To Anything

Before mounting your winch, you should know a few things about how to mount it. We'll talk about foot-down vs. foot-forward orientation, hardware, and list some of the common dimensions … Read more

Winch Rope Length Calculation Measurements

How Much Winch Line Will Fit on Your Winch?

Need to figure out how much steel cable or synthetic rope will fit on your winch drum? Use our calculator or the formula below. Also read below you shouldn't cram … Read more

How Much Do Synthetic Winch Rope and Wire Rope Weigh?

Need to know the weight savings that synthetic winch rope can give you? Start here. Read more

All About Winch Cable

How much load are you really putting on your 4x4's winch cable? Is all winch cable created equally? Need some safety info? We have it all here. Read more

EAG Bolt-On D-Ring Shackle Mount with Shackles and Isolators - Installed

D-Ring Shackle Mounts: The Best Bolt-On and Weld-On Mounts

We can all agree that having a D-ring shackle mount break off during a recovery operation could be catastrophic. But do you know what a good recovery mount looks like? … Read more

The Warn M8000 and M8 Winch Buyer's Guide

We all can agree that a winch can add a whole new dimension to your fourwheeling. Suddenly, you can can go places you've never gone and self recover. The Warn … Read more

What Size Winch Do I Need?

We all know that a winch can mean the difference between spending the night in your 4x4 in the middle of nowhere or having a pleasant, challenging cruise down the … Read more

6 Simple Ways to Have Trails to Ride (in the Next 10 Years)

We know what it's like. You just want to go trail riding, but all you hear about is this trail access BS. But think: What happens 10 years from now? … Read more

DMOS Folding Shovel - Collapsed Position

The 8 Best Off Road Shovels (and What Makes Them Great)

It's always nice to have the right tools for the job when you go off road, isn't it? When you're wheeling in mud, sand, or snow one of those tools … Read more

Smittybilt XRC 9500 Winch with Synthetic Winch Rope (98495)

Smittybilt XRC 9500 Winch Buyer's Guide

We're not all rich, driving around in Mercedes 4x4s with diamond-studded rims. Some of us actually have to budget for bigger purchases and make sure we remember to save money … Read more

Why You Shouldn't Use Chain for Off Road Recovery

You might think that chain is a natural part of your off road recovery kit. After all, it's heavy and it's metal. But no: For most of us, chain is … Read more

The Hi-Lift Jack Buyer's Guide

When you're fourwheeling, getting stuck on the trail is part of the adventure. It's kind of part of the point of wheeling in the first place - conquering unconquerable obstacles. … Read more

Iron Rock Front Jeep XJ Frame Stiffeners

3 Jeep XJ Frame Stiffeners to Keep Your Cherokee From Tearing Itself Apart

Jeep XJs tick a lot of the boxes we want in an off road rig: They're light, cheap, have room for gear, and are pretty cheap to build. But: There … Read more

Hellfire Knuckles for FJ80s - Driver Outer

Hellfire Knuckles for FJ80 Land Cruiser Axles

FJ80 axles have had very few options if you wanted high steer. You could get some expensive right hand drive steering arms and. . . not too much else. The … Read more

5 Fox Shocks for Jeep JKs

If you want the best suspension for your Jeep JK, Fox Racing is certainly up there in quality. Stock parts or the generic shocks you get in a lift kit … Read more

RuffStuff Specialties Dana 60/70 Welded Diff Cover

Dana 60 Diff Covers for Hard Use

It seems like everyone is selling Dana 60 diff covers now. It's no surprise - 60s are an easy way to get frontend strength. But: That stock stamped steel diff … Read more

Trail-Gear Bolt-In Single Battery Tray Dimensions

Battery Trays - Lock Down Your Electrons

Most of us that have upgraded to a better battery also need a better battery tray. Why? Your old tray usually won't fit your Optima, Deka, or a dual battery … Read more

How To Use a Ratchet Strap

We use ratchet straps all the time in the 4x4 world and out of it - securing canoes and kayaks, lashing lumber, clamping steel for fab work, and kludging together … Read more

Winch Fairleads: How to Pick the Best One

There are way many more winch fairleads out there than it seems there should be! It's this confusing mass of parts and configurations when all you want is a smooth-feeding … Read more

Foot Forward Vs. Foot Down Winch Mounts

What are foot forward and foot down? You should know this before you mount your winch. We'll take a look at the difference between the two and why it's so … Read more

How to Clock Your Winch Motor or Gearbox

You may find your winch doesn't quite fit where you thought it would or that some component on your winch is in an inconvenient location. The fix? Clock your winch … Read more

Optima Battery Post/Terminal Configuration

Which Optima Battery Is The Best For You?

Optima batteries are confusing. While they have a reputation for being durable and tough, it's tough to figure out which is the best one for you. Besides the different colors, … Read more

Jeep JK Dual Battery Kits To Keep Your Jeep Starting in the Boonies

If you spend a lot of time on trails or in the backcountry, dual batteries are your friend. The extra capacity can be put to good use for winching, refrigerating, … Read more

4 Winch Cable Hook Stoppers to Protect Your Winch

You've got a winch, but now you realize how easy it is to reel the hook right into the fairlead! This can damage your roller or hawse fairlead and your … Read more

Jeep Rubber Tie Rod Boot Replaced With the Cure

Jeep XJ Steering Upgrades: Beef Up Your Cherokee

Once you start running big meats on your XJ, you're going to notice something: The stock steering is terrible for big tires. Besides being weak, it'll often feel loose or … Read more

Shackle Hitches for Your Tow Receiver

If you're gonna 4x4, you need a recovery strap. It's the most basic piece of recovery gear you can own and probably one of the most useful. And you need … Read more

Big Shackles for Big Trucks

Some of our readers definitely have a need for big D ring shackles. We're not talking about those wimpy 3/4" shackles that come in a recovery kit, we're talking the … Read more

How to Release a Jammed Ratchet Strap

Ratchet straps are super-handy, but can also be a little tricky to use. They can get stuck or jam if you don't know how to use them. So: We'll take … Read more

How To Tell If Your Optima Battery Is Bad

Electrical tech is confusing! And when you think your battery is acting funny, it can be a real problem to figure out the cause. Optima batteries are different from a … Read more

Find the Best Optima Battery Charger

Optima batteries are expensive. A lot of us run them in weekend rigs or something that only gets used seasonally - the last thing we want is to need to … Read more

Roller Fairleads vs. Hawse Fairleads: The Differences

Warn Winch on a Lathe in Clackamas, Oregon, USA

Are Warn Winches Made in the USA?

If you like to buy American and you're planning to buy a winch, you've certainly asked yourself whether Warn products are made in the US. But: It's way more complicated … Read more

Made in China Warn Winches: The Old VR vs. The New VR EVO

Looking for a Chinese Warn winch? Warn has recently released it's new Warn VR EVO series of winches. This is the third generation of made-in-China Warn VR-series winches. If you … Read more

Roadmaster Universal D-Ring Tow Bar Adapter

D-Ring Tow Bar Adapters: Flat Tow with Your Rig's Offroad Bumper

If you need to flat-tow a 4x4 with an aftermarket bumper, it can be difficult to find fittings that'll connect the tow bar to your bumper's D-Ring mounts. So: We've … Read more

The Best 10000 lb Winches

It's time to choose a 10000 lb winch. But which one is best? Are you getting a good deal? We'll take a look at the 10000 lb winches and tell … Read more

Tacoma Bed Bars for Better Gear Stashing

Extra utility: If you want to get more use out of your Toyota Tacoma's bed, one of the simplest ways to do that is with a set of bed bars. … Read more

14 Bolt Locker Options

A 14 bolt rear axle is one of the simplest and cheapest strength upgrades you can do when you need a strong rear end. Because they're cheap and strong, some … Read more

Easiest, Most Versatile Dimple Die Setup

Dimple Die Sets for Sleek Strengthening

Dimple dies take your fab work up a notch: Using dimple dies in your fabrication is one of the easiest ways to cut weight and increase strength in your project. … Read more

RuffStuff Ford 9" Axle Housing Faceplate

Ford 9" Axle Housings That'll Bulldoze Dirt and Crunch Rocks

If you wheel long enough with the lovable Ford 9", you'll want to upgrade the axle housing. The 9" has some great things going for it, but a fresh, wheeling-ready … Read more

The Parts You Need to Build a Bulletproof Ford 9" Rear End

If you don't know, the Ford 9" axle is amazing. Not just because it's good by itself, but because it has a ton of aftermarket support. You can literally build … Read more

US State DMV Links

This is a quick list of links to state DMV websites in the US. Useful if you need to look up vehicle modification laws! Read more

Jeep XJ Bushwacker Flat Fender Flares, Rear Set

Jeep XJ Fender Flares to Cover Your Meats

You gotta stay legal! Slap some big meats on your XJ Cherokee and it's pretty easy to have them sticking out past the body. Unfortunately, the po-po in many areas … Read more

ARB Basket Roof Rack, Expanded Mesh Floor, with Jerry Can Holder

35 ARB Roof Racks to Load Up for Adventure

ARB roof racks can be pretty difficult to decipher - there are several different types, sizes, and configurations. It really shouldn't be so hard to figure out what is offered … Read more