Index to Articles

Published Articles & Photos by Rick Russell - recently seen in Off-Road Magazine, 4-Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine, etc.

Kids On Public Lands Event (by Rick Russell)

Off Road Lights vs. Driving Lights  (by Rick Russell)
Bottom line:  Don't tamper with the lighting installed by the manufacturer.   This primary lighting went through an approval process and  must be replaced with DOT or SAE approved lamps.  Auxiliary lights are a different story.  At least in California you can add two auxiliary driving lights to the front of your vehicle, without limit to power or a SAE/DOT approval and they do not need to be covered, so long as they are 16-42" above the ground and dim with your primary headlights (wired into the dimmer switch).  This is a story of being ticketed by the CHP for uncovered off road lights and the resulting court cases.    

Hub Bolts Keep Getting Lose? (by Rick Russell)
The front locking hubs on CJs will frequently loosen the retaining bolts causing the hub to shear-off one or more of the retaining bolts.  This problem becomes even more apparent if you're running a locker or limited slip differential in the front axle.   There is a solution.

Colorado Expedition (by Rick Russell)  This article documents our trip to Colorado.  During the expedition 6 of the hardest trails where run:  Battlement Mesa, Holy Cross City Trail, Kelly Flats, Wheeler Lake, Mt. Blanca and the Rattler Trail.   As a result of this trip two videos were produced: Colorado Trails Volume I & II.

4x4 Training The following 4x4 training classes are offered by various people and companies throughout the United States.  Sidekick also sells a 58 minute video tape: Rick Russell's 4 Wheeling Basics.  You can find more information about this video tape in our catalog section or order it from our online order form.

Axles - Rick Russell's Opinions on Axles

Transmissions & Transfer Cases - Rick Russell's Opinions