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…
We Bought a 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero … And Drove it From Houston to Portland
Sometimes you have to go out of your way to get what you want. And by “out of the way,” I mean traveling 3,386 miles. Well, we wanted a 1992…
Guest Posts
Reducing Costs and Improving Performance With Advanced Fleet Management
Effective management of the company’s fleet is not limited to the use of the organization’s vehicles. The costs of fuel, vehicle performance, maintenance needs, and productivity of operations should be considered as well. The growing number of vehicles requires businesses to use innovative approaches for the management of fuel consumption…
How to Reduce Blind Spots When Towing a Caravan
Towing a caravan opens up a world of travel freedom, but it also introduces one major challenge: blind spots. Compared to normal driving, your field of vision is significantly reduced, making lane changes, merging, and reversing more difficult. The good news is that with the right setup and a few…
Rear Visibility Upgrades That Make Older Cars, Trucks, and SUVs Easier to Drive
Modern vehicles have become increasingly packed with safety and driver-assistance features. Newer models often include large infotainment screens, parking sensors, blind-spot alerts, 360-degree camera systems, and advanced warning technology. But for many owners, especially those driving older cars, trucks, and SUVs, the experience behind the wheel can still be very…