If it’s anything like GM’s AutoTrac, isn’t the front axle disengaged when operated in 2HI mode, and only engaged when rear wheel slip is detected in “torque on demand” or Auto 4WD mode?

Definitely a star for the Dakota. I’ve owned tons of Dakotas, and my current 2001 Quad Cab 4WD V8 stick shift is going strong at 176k miles.

I’m in Michigan, and yes, gas prices seem to have gone up about 10-12%.

Wasn’t that Francis’s opinion? Sir John was always “Mr. Optimistic”.

Alanis, serious question: If you were approached and offered a substantial amount of money and the opportunity to travel the world doing this, would you?

Hey Andrew, nice review but one issue:

I have always felt that Ford’s interiors (at least in their trucks) have always been cheap and lacking.

Thank you for the laugh. I almost got tears in my eyes.

Northwest Craigslist has the best deals/vehicles in the county. I bought a 1969 Power Wagon site unseen out of Bend Oregon (I live in Michigan).

10/10

My buddy in high school had a late 80's Pontiac 6000 with the 2.8L V6. The thing was absolutely unkillable. The number of reverse/neutral/drive slams that the car took was unreal.

That’s how I broke the nut loose on my 2002 Bonneville. I needed to add a section of pipe to my breaker bar to break it loose!

This one doesn’t even have the right transmission :(

My Dad had a Colombia 2-speed axle in his 1941 Ford 1/2 ton with a flathead V8 engine. Allowed him to cruise the highways at 60-65 without killing it.

I wouldn’t mind another slight increase of the gas tax IF the money was specifically being used to repair roads (instead of flowing into a general fund and disappearing into politicians [doesn’t matter if democrat or republican] “special projects”.)

I’d enjoy the opportunity to watch curling and women’s figure skating!

Guess we will have to agree to disagree. I’ll take the 5.0 over the 4.6 (unless it was the DOHC variant) any day of the week.

You’d have a lot easier time if you traded the 4.6L mod motor for a 5.0L pushrod motor. Smaller dimensions will make swapping it easier, and the 5.0L pushrod motor can be built to VERY respectable output.

I’d suggest you take a closer look at the Indians. While the Scout and Victory Octane were very similar, the Chief models are completely different than the large Victory bikes (Victory bikes used 106 ci OHC motors, whereas the Indian uses a 111 ci OHV engine.)

Call it the neurotic in me, but for your photo shoot, couldn’t they have been bothered to loosen up the lock nut on the shift knob and straighten it out?