Overland Expo West 2018: Gear, Travel, and Fun
Travelers and overlanding enthusiasts from all around the world descended to Flagstaff, AZ recently to attend the 2018 Overland Expo West event. Men, women; young and old were present and…
Ask. Learn. Pass it on.
I just got back from Overland Expo West where I was on booth duty. Frankly, I love working the show booth because I enjoy helping others with their questions. On…
2018 NWAPA Mudfest, aka Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year
For more than 20 years, members of the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) have put trucks, SUVs, CUVs, and other 4WD/AWD vehicles through their paces at the group’s annual Outdoor…
Crankshaft Chronicles: Eric Bewley’s Suzuki Sidekick “Sweet Pea”
We unabashedly have a soft spot for Suzuki 4x4s. When I was a kid growing up in the 1980s, I remember thinking that Samurais were awesome and that someday I…
Crankshaft Culture on the Auto Off Topic Podcast
Both Andy and I had the unexpected pleasure of appearing on the Auto Off Topic Podcast last week while visiting family in Boston, and we want you to listen! The…
New 33″ Tires for Pajero Projecto
We’re just getting around to getting some work done on the Pajero Projecto. It’s been cleaned up, the oil and filter have been changed, and we finally got new tires…
Crankshaft Chronicles: Ray Hyland’s Land Rover Defender 110
Whenever we meet someone who owns a Land Rover, especially folks that own a Land Rover Defender, they always have good stories to tell. Many of these heavy-duty iron machines…
Crankshaft Culture on the Off Road Podcast
Both Mercedes and I had the pleasure of appearing on the Off Road Podcast last month, and we’re just getting around to sharing this out.
Crankshaft Chronicles: Josh and Elise’s 2012 Toyota Tacoma
Toyotas have long been admired as preferred vehicles for anyone looking to travel long distances over a variety of terrain. Their vehicles, such as the iconic Land Cruiser, or versatile Tacoma,…
Delicas Unite! A Crankshaft Culture Gathering in Oregon
Last weekend Andy and I hosted a gathering of Mitsubishi Delica owners from all over the Pacific Northwest. Local folks from Portland and Delica owners from as far away as…
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…