Four-Wheeler's Bible

The 4-Wheeler's Bible doesn't simply proclaim a technique "right" but explains the reasoning behind it. The vehicle and trail shots are not the typical 4x4 book's fluff, but are excellent tools in demonstrating both good and bad driving techniques. Jim Allen spends as much time documenting and illustrating the common mistakes as he does the proper techniques, in doing so he allows the reader to not only learn from his experience but from other peoples mistakes (I know I'd much rather learn from someone else's crunched bumper or seared drive shaft than my own).

You will not only read the 4-Wheeler's Bible cover to cover, but you'll find yourself referring back to it over and over again.


Four-Wheeler's Bible review   April 10, 2003
 10 out of 26 found this review helpful

I have no experience off-roading at all. I am in search of a decent off-road vehicle to access my new cottage that is in the bush. I bought this book to learn about off-roading and what to look for in a vehicle.

I does not talk about specific vehicles at all, the author tries hard to avoid that. It does mention all vehicles a bit, but never says which is better or anything like that. If at all, it's a little US biased towards US built vehicles.

It does however give good overviews of many different things like differentials, tires, wheelbases, vehicle lengths, gear you should have, lifting, etc. All in a general way.

It's a good book and I feel it was worth the money. Good luck!


Eye-Popping , Entertaining & Educational   March 2, 2003
 29 out of 32 found this review helpful

I'm telling all my friends about this book. It's the most complete, in-depth book on 4-wheeling I've ever read. It's packed with so many eye-popping color photos, at times, I thought I was actually on the trail. Jim Allen's down-home style had me laughing out loud. Whether you've been 4-wheeling for years or just bought your first SUV, you won't be able to put this book down.

The 224-page book covers everthing you need to know before, during and after 4-wheeling. Topics include: attitudes and ethics, preparation, emergencies, beginner to advanced mechanics, tires, traction, vehicle modifications, tools, equipment, recovery techniques, navigation and much more. In his unique, tongue-in-cheek style, Allen talks about testosterone poisoning, Chop Suey Mud, vehicular hemorrhages, the battle for traction, what's the diff, manhandling, and the winching hall of shame. You'll learn such things as when anti-lock brakes are dangerous, what to do when a spotter holds up two clenched fists, how to safely step over a winch cable and how to avoid embarrassment by having that one piece of equipment every 4x4 should have.

Don't miss this chance to capitalize on Allen's 28 years of 4-wheeling experience. His credentials include time as off-highway-driving instructor and master technician for Land Rover as well as twenty years wrenching his own vehicles. He is an accomplished photographer and has written six books and nearly 1,500 magazine articles on 4-wheeling.


The best guide to off-road driving there is   December 10, 2002
 9 out of 13 found this review helpful

This book really tells you almost everything you need to know to go four-wheeling. Even if you've never done it before, this book will start you out easy. But the more technical information is there for more advanced drivers. It also has lots of great photos and the explanations of techniques and buildup tips are very clear, yet very detailed. This is a book that will make you ready to grab your keys and hit the trails.