features • Suddenly, it's 1997 Ford has the jump on the competition in model year and performance. • Border Patrol The Canadian-based Cherokee has all the right credentials. • Bronco Built for Two A do-it-yourself sleeper for you and yours. • The Ultimate Pair We built the ultimate maxed-out CJ5 and CJ7. Here are the results. • Past, Present, Future Jeep's new '97 Wrangler has ingredients from each era in one neat package. • Playing Dress-Up A Ranger that wants to be an F250 when it grows up. • Taming Black Bear Pass This Colorado challenge is not for the faint of heart.
Tech • Easy Reins for Early Bronocs A possible solution for early Broncos with steering woes. • Fixing Failing Fasteners Broken screws and stripped threads are easy to repair. • Cleaning Your Own Radiator Renew the inside of your radiator with a pool solution. • Diamonds in the Rough ...Black Diamond Advanced Suspension, that is. • See the Light How to get the most from your 4x4's headlights. • Practical Solutions Getting more value from your Lock-Right. • 4x4 Towing Steps to prep your four-wheeler for towing.
Road Tests • 1996 Toyota RAV4 A new light-duty 4x4 is a budget trail-buster. • Rediscovering the Land Rover Britain's greatest contribution to off-roading is still improving - after 50 years. • Rocky Mountain High Geo Tracker four-door takes on the high ground!
Departments • In Gear • Milepost • Detroit 4x4 Hotline • New Terrain • Trailing Off