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Notice that I wrote "to my surprise". Then again, not much earlier we had been testing mileage gains with a full-time GM converted to a basic 4x2/4x4 system with free wheeling hubs. Thought that there was something wrong with the test equipment, as after numerous tries we were faced with worse...

I find those DC numbers a bit odd. Yes, the Challenger is a brick, but the 'Hawk is a larger box. But be that as it may, those 3.70 gears (while helped slightly by taller tires) seem to play a big part. Enough so that the 'Hawk's Lie-O-Meter only reads up to 20 mpg, rather than the 30 I'm used...

No kids, that I know of. Maybe that's where I went wrong?

Oops. Another thing I don't have. Guess I'll just drive the 'Hawk from now on. They're more youthful, aren't they?

Not only that, but I'm apparently missing all the personal accoutrements. Wearing jeans, a T-shirt, and boots, I'd be lucky to get to park with the mechanic's personal cars, I guess.

I stay away from dealerships, so I wouldn't know if people do dumb stuff like that.

To me it's the gear (diff) break-in that's most important, having had bad luck with FCA setups. That means 20-25 miles at low speeds, let it cool off, another 20-25, and so on. A real pain, but worth it to me. You at least have a town that slows you down. My closest one is 10 miles away, and I...

That's a pretty good clip for your train. About 50% faster than the average 100 miles/day I've seen mentioned. Either way, it won't be that long before I can start teasing you about having to drive like an old lady during the break-in period.

Hey, that's a long trip. It deserves stopping for a break, I think.

I got inspired to check the status today. It's in D1, again. Was D1, then went back to D, and now it's been D1 for four days. Pierre has a solid lead now.

I dunno. There's a lot to be said for having all my vehicles at home. It was bad enough during my somewhat lengthy interstate move when it seemed like I often had the right vehicle at the wrong place for the occasion. Of course, if wanted to get away from my girlfriend, a remote vehicle...

I definitely have "too many", but...for the most part each vehicle has its special purpose. Whether it has a winch, is light or heavy, how much (and what) it can tow, it all makes a difference to me. I like using the right(est) tool for the job. Rarely do I transport just myself, and when I do...

You're right. And I'm a slow learner. It's just that I'm trying to plan ahead (which never works out as it's supposed to, anyway) and in the meantime my girlfriend is trying to keep the miles down on the trade-in.

Uh, oh. This is starting to look like deja vu all over again. Today I found out that the D1 status has reversed back into D, where it's been for five days now. Pierre, did your Challenger end up with an engine destined for a Jeep, by any chance?

For now, just use the time tested method of turning the fastener until it starts turning more freely again. Then back off half a turn.

They can do it, since the suspension won't stick to the aluminum body.

That may work with vehicles equipped with such things, but far from all of mine are. Besides, they generally frequent completely different places, so there are fewer saved ones to scroll through when using a separate GPS for each.

Loans aren't an issue for me, but the amount of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, tool bags, radar detectors, and GPSs, can get a bit much at times.

I think I know why: They're very simple, and generally mechanical. But to get today's consumer to have to push valves, or drain air tanks, just isn't going to happen. Not when it's a travesty (in their mind) if the heated seat didn't come on with the remote start.

Well, I didn't panic when the Challenger took over four months to get delivered (after being built), so I figured that my anxiety account needs to be used up, at least to some extent. The last order sure didn't accomplish that, showing up a month quicker than I had expected. Besides, I would've...