How We Are Preparing Our Vehicle for Extreme Cold
In less than two weeks, we’ll be departing for the 2020 Alcan 5000 Winter Rally. Frankly, I don’t know if we’ve ever prepared for anything this much. The vast majority…
We’re Doing the Alcan 5000 Rally. What is it?
As you may know, we’re doing the Alcan 5000 Rally this February. It’s going to cover 5,120 miles (and then some) from Kirkland, WA all the way up to the…
Trading Places: Swapping Spots at Rebelle Rally
Dust, dirt, and dreadfully long days can’t keep Kathy and me away from the Rebelle Rally. That’s why Kathy and I both drove it as competitors, as well as covered…
Crankshaft Culture Gear Garage: AeroPress Go Coffee Press
Listen, if there’s one thing I don’t like to skimp on when traveling it is good coffee. Whether we’re camping a few hours from home, or circumnavigating Iceland, I don’t…
Alcan 5000 Prep: Lights, Heat, and Recovery Gear
We’ve made a second appearance on Tim Esterdahl’s Pickup Truck + SUV Talk, this time to further discuss preparing our our 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero for the 2020 Alcan 5000. Hey,…
Inside the New 2020 EarthCruiser EXP
In Part 1 of our EarthCruiser video series, we toured the outside of the amazing overland vehicle. In Part 2, we take a look at the inside. Our guide to…
The Cars of My Youth Were Slower Than I Remember
Something occurred to me today as I was watching one of those old MotorWeek videos; this one was about the 1990 Mitsubishi Galant GSX. I realized today’s cars are faster…
Up Close With the New EarthCruiser EXP
Dream cars. Some people want a Ferrari. Others, a Rolls Royce. Us? We want an EarthCruiser. Based in Bend, Oregon, the company outfits Mitsubishi Fuso vehicles for overland travel, and…
Crankshaft Culture on Pickup Truck + SUV Talk
As you may have heard, we’re taking our ’91 Mitsubishi Pajero, aka the Terra Tractor, on the 2020 Alcan 5000 winter rally. Today, Pickup Truck + SUV Talk, run by…
Installing a Long Range Fuel Tank on our Mitsubishi Pajero
Our JDM Mitsubishi Pajeros have some great features. We love their size, diesel engines, and off-road capability. One of the things we don’t love, however, is the small fuel tank…
Guest Posts
VIN Secrets: What a Transmission Lookup Can Tell You About Your Vehicle
A used car can smile with fresh paint while hiding an expensive transmission story. One quiet VIN check can change the whole deal. The VIN is more than a label. It is a 17-character code that links a car to factory build data, records, recalls, specification notes, and ownership clues.…
The Most Overlooked Way to Lower the Cost of Car Ownership: Auto Loan Refinancing
Most drivers focus on fuel costs, maintenance, and insurance when thinking about what a car actually costs to own. The monthly loan payment often gets treated as a fixed number, something set at the dealership and left untouched for years. That assumption, however, is where a significant amount of money…
Why Precision Matters In Every Automotive Fabrication Project
Automotive fabrication is where creativity meets engineering. Whether building a custom hot rod, restoring a classic muscle car, or modifying an off-road vehicle, fabrication work demands attention to detail at every stage. The difference between a project that performs flawlessly and one that develops ongoing issues often comes down to…