Reviewer's Notebook

4 Wheel Freedom - 2nd Edition
Brad DeLong

"4 Wheel Freedom" Book Review by Norm Lenhart Editor - Off-Road.com

General Overview The first edition of "4 Wheel Freedom was an instant hit with off-roaders around the world, and deservedly so. Containing a wealth of knowledge between it's covers, the book spoke in plain language, and was understandable to both beginner and expert alike. Now into it's second edition, author Brad DeLong has further expanded on the work, and made an already great book even better. The second edition deletes the specs on SUV's which were featured prominently in the fires, directing those in search of that information to internet sites like Off-Road.com. In it's place, DeLong provides a more in-depth look into the various 4wd / Awd systems now available. Also expanded upon are driving tips for ever more challenging terrain. Another major point stressed throughout the book is the need to "Tread Lightly". With the sport of off-roading under assault from many factions of the "environmental" movement, responsible landuse has never been more important than now. Highlights Driving tips and Tricks for a variety of terrain. Vehicle set-up. Preparing your rig for your intended terrain. What to pack along. Tools, spares clothes and more Safety and survival. Being prepared for the worst case scenario. Tires and Wheels. Sizing, tread and inflation Suspension mods. Bigger is nor always better Suspension vs. Body lifts - either or both? Glossary - Find out what those terms really mean The Verdict - 5 With the onslaught of new SUV's in the marketplace, more and more people are making the journey off pavement. For the neophyte 4 wheeler, there is no better source of information. In fact, the book should probably be included with every new SUV sale. If it were, there might be less people driving TJ's like Porsches. For the intermediate through advanced wheeler, there is still new knowledge to be found. Winching techniques, tire placement and more are just the tip of the iceberg here. Fact. No matter how much you may know, theres still room to learn more. Regardless of your skill level, 4 Wheel freedom is an important addition to every off-roader's library. The author, Brad DeLong.email: 4wfree@clearwater.net , 08/28/96: Choosing, using SUVs & pickups.All-weather & off-road. I was looking for a good current book on off-road recreation and all-weather driving. I discovered there wasn't one. This was the birth of "4-Wheel Freedom: The Art of Off-Road Driving." I saw a real need for a book like this, especially considering that 4x4s accounted for about 40% of new vehicle sales last year. People buy 4x4s for the feeling of freedom they get from owning one, but how do they learn to use it to its full potential? That's real freedom! This book not only gets the new 4by owner off the highway safely and ecologically - it also teaches even the most experienced 'wheelers new ways of looking at off-road driving. The chapter about driving on snow and ice can benefit any driver, 4WD, 2WD, or AWD. I had a lot of fun writing "4-Wheel Freedom," and I'm proud of this book. It's getting great reviews: "With 14 chapters and four appendices, it is the most modern, up-to-date, comprehensive book available." - Harry Lewellyn, "The Professor of Off-Road," Ecological 4-Wheeling Adventures Newsletter. "Brad DeLong has hit a home run with this book. '4-Wheel Freedom: The Art of Off-Road Driving" leads the reader step by step through all aspects of off-road travel, with a wealth of pertinent information for beginners and seasoned off-road adventurers alike." - Mark Cox, Director, The Bridgestone Winter Driving School, Steamboat Springs "...an excellent job of simplifying complicated topics. The book has all the information anyone would ever need or want to know about utility vehicles. An excellent book!" -Anthony J. Scotti, President, Scotti School of Executive Protection and Evasive Driving. "I grew up in 4-wheel drive country and have driven and sold 4x4s for over 20 years...Brad's book introduced me to many aspects of 4-wheeling I had never even heard of. The book is easy to read and understand and there is something for everyone, whether you are a beginner or have been around 4x4s all your all your life." - Keith Hanson, Owner, Hanson Garage - "Dependable Service since 1917" - Jeep, Eagle, Chrysler Dealer for the Inland Northwest. "I hope you enjoy reading and using this book as much as I enjoyed writing" it. - Brad DeLong Order Direct from Off-Road.com's Product Showcase!