Four-Wheeler's Bible

Disclaimer: I've met Jim Allen and had some email correspondence with him over the years. He was also the instructor for a good friends Land-Rover School trip in Colorado (approx.) 10 years ago. I'm an experienced off road driver (4-wheeler?). I bought the book because I knew that with Jim being the author, it would be useful and entertaining and I wanted to read what he had to say. I wasn't wrong. Coinciding with the arrival of this book was the (unexpected) purchase of a new rig--a modern Land Rover to complement my "old school" Series truck. This book definitely helped ease the transition between driving the modern "auto" Discovery and the old manual rig. I don't believe the purpose of the book is to tell you "what truck to buy" or "how to use a specific truck" and so I feel that the criticisms along those lines somewhat miss the mark. The book is intended to explain the "art and science" of offroad driving in general, to provide background information about the activity, and to outline expectations that you should have--and that others will have of you--while participating. I think it does a spectacular job of doing so. Jim's approach is thoughtful and friendly. The photos are (in many cases) worth the price of the book in and of themselves and the diagrams are clear and useful. My girlfriend, who is new to the activity, has placed this book on her bedside table and is also finding it very helpful. I think I'll be able to convince her to take the wheel of our new truck soon--much sooner than if she hadn't been able to read "how to" do it herself! This book has something to offer anyone who is interested in driving offroad and I would consider it a "must" for their bookshelves.

I am a professional 4-Wheel Drive Instructor and this is the number one book I recommend to my clients. I cannot say enough about this book. Whether you are a beginner or a trail-hardened expert, this book offers something for everyone at every level. It is down-to-earth, easy to read, thorough, and applicable to all types of four-wheel-drive vehicles and terrain. As your skills and experience increase, you can go back to this book and glean more than you did the last time you read it. Even if your 4-wheel-drive is a push-button-do-everything-for-you variety, you will at least be able to understand WHAT your vehicle is doing FOR you. The author's style is professional, yet personal; thorough, without putting you to sleep; respectful of trails, vehicles and other wheelers, without being preachy. Very helpful and descriptive charts, diagrams, and photos. My only complaint is that Jim did not write this book sooner!

Jim Allen's casual style will keep the seasoned off-roader's turning pages without overwhelming or intimidating the new comers. 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.

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.

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.