Errors in Sept '09 issue

Generally, I like what Phil Howell has to say. Usually, he's right on the mark, both technically and subjectively. But this month he got a couple things wrong, missed an opportunity, and while I'm at it, misused a term that is often misused.

In the article "A TJ with the Little Engine That Could", it mentions the AMC 2.5L used in the CJ, YJ, and TJ. It stated that the transmissions that matted to this bell housing bolt pattern were sub par in every way. But, the AX15 and the NV3550, both regarded as quite respectable transmissions, can be mated to the 2.5L. The bell housing used in '96-'00 Dakota pickups with the same 2.5L engine makes this happen. The Dakota came with the AX15. The AX15 and the NV3550 have the same case bolt pattern, so you can bolt either tranny to the Dakota 2.5L bell housing.

Then the article goes on to say that the new 2.4L uses the 4.0L's bell housing bolt pattern. This is not true. The 2.4L is a Chrysler "NEON" class engine and has its own unique bell housing bolt pattern. It does share the same 42RLE 4spd auto, but with a different bell housing case. And its manual version still used an inferior and weak NV1500 for '03 and '04.

In the 4Word, Phil talks about warranties and how they are good for nothing, almost. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is something that all consumers should have knowledge of. It protects consumers from companies that do not honor their warranties. Often a dealer will tell you things that are completely false, with regard to warranties. It's important to know that you don't have a warranty with the dealer, you have it with the manufacturer. Get with the manufacturer's rep and let them know that you know your rights under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. That usually gets things off to the right start. The FTC will handle any heat that may arise. So, an article on the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the missed opportunity.

Finally, the term "third member" refers to the entire rear axle assembly. Often, editors refer to the drop-out or removable "center section" of a Ford 9" or a Toyota axle as a "third member". The correct term is "center section" or "differential housing" or slang "pumpkin". Most people don't know what a "third member" is and those that do, just see the term used incorrectly.

Anyway, keep up the good work, especially the trail overviews. That's what sets 4WD&SU apart from the other 4x4 mags.  

I just blogged about my mistake regarding the bellhousing bolt pattern, then saw that you had brought this error up yesterday here.

I have to disagree, though, about the term "third member". We usually call the whole axle assembly the front or rearend and the housing is, of course, the axle housing. Currie Enterprises, and many other companies that supply parts and build axle assemblies, call the center section the third member (especially the drop out of a Ford 9", 8", Toyota, etc.). You're right that it can also be called the center section, pumpkin, or even the chunk (remember that?).

I know you've been a long-term reader and we appreciate it. Have fun in the backcountry.  
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