Rating: 
Summary: An excellent addition to any personal library
Review: recently purchased a Jeep with the intention of doing more 4x4 off-road exploration in the upcoming months. In my search for information I stumbled upon Brad DeLong's 4-Wheel Freedom: The Art of Off-Road Driving. This book clearly and confidently spelled out all that I needed to know to begin my adventures in a safe (individually as well as environmentally), respectful and confident manner. I was so pleased to find the author's compassion and sound respect for the environment and how he simply challenges his readers to have the integrity to do the same. 4x4 Wheel Freedom: The Art of Off-Road Driving is clearly organized into 14 chapters and several information filled appendices with resources for continued education. Packing Up - The Basic Toolbox, Rocks and Ravines - Basic Crawling, and Winches and Jacks - Up and Out are some examples of the chapters included. Each chapter presents basic knowledge and details on its theme and further clarifies the information with personal accounts that seem to wrap it all together for the reader. This is an excellent addition to any personal library or bookshelf! Anyone who drives a vehicle with 4x4 and/or owns an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) will find useful information in this text and will benefit from its application at sometime in their life as a driver. Brad Delong presents information for all - from those experienced in 4x4 adventures to those with even a small bit of interest in 4x4s.
Rating: 
Summary: Good introduction
Review: This book is a basic introduction to driving off-road. If you don't know what a locker is, how it works or why you might want one for off-road use, you'll find the answers in this book. On the other hand, if you've decided to save money on a locker by welding the spider gears together in your garage, this is not the book for you. Having said that, I think it's a very good introduction and I knocked off one star for its only fault -- I found the organization a bit strange. If you read through the book cover-to-cover though, you'll know where to find what you need in the book. I'd give it four and a half stars if I could. On Amazon's recommendation, I bought this book with The Off-Road 4-Wheel Drive Book by Jack Jackson, which is a very different animal. Jackson's book is for hard-core expeditions more than recreational off-roading. Many paragraphs start with sentences like, "As I forded a raging river during the rainy season in Pakistan, the engine suddenly stalled." If you're planning on crossing the Sahara, I'd recommend Jackson's book for you. Even if you're not, he does give good ideas for tough situations and you know you're getting advice that's been tested off-road in some of the worst conditions imaginable. The bottom line: if you're just starting out, buy DeLong's book alone. If you find yourself venturing off-road more and more and you'd like to be more independent, buy Jackson's book as a follow-up.
Rating:
Summary: This is the best 4-wheel drive guide I have every picked up!
Review: This book is great! Whether you are new to 4-wheeling or have been at for a long time, you need this book. It has a lot to offer everyone. I have been 4-wheeling for years and still learned from this book. I could hardly put it down. Brad writes so anyone can understand the fine points of 4-wheeling. If there is only one book you are going to buy about learning the art of 4-wheeling, this si it. There are none better. Kern L. Napoletano (4wheeldrive.guide@miningco.com)
Rating: 
Summary: Simplistic, but then it's meant for beginners
Review: This is the one book to read before leaving the asphalt!With the knowledge gleaned from 4-wheel freedom one can venture off road with confidence,knowing the limitations of his or her vehicle,and understanding the basics of keeping safe.This is not a book for radical off-roading only,this book should be required standard equipment for all 4-wheel drive vehicles sold.The enviormental issues covered are good practices that can help to keep off-roading an acceptable form of recreation.This is one that deserves more than 5 stars.
Rating:
Summary: necessary reading
Review: This is the one book to read before leaving the asphalt!With the knowledge gleaned from 4-wheel freedom one can venture off road with confidence,knowing the limitations of his or her vehicle,and understanding the basics of keeping safe.This is not a book for radical off-roading only,this book should be required standard equipment for all 4-wheel drive vehicles sold.The enviormental issues covered are good practices that can help to keep off-roading an acceptable form of recreation.This is one that deserves more than 5 stars.
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