2009 Jeep AEV J8 MILSPEC Offroad Review

The J8 is one of the toughest vehicles in the world and, until now, it was only sold to foreign militaries and governments. A very limited number of 2010 J8's will be made available to enthusiasts in the United States exclusively from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) as the AEV J8 MILSPEC.
"Hardcore off-road enthusiasts have been asking for a vehicle like this for years, no frills and setup for a choice of diesel or V8 power and built with extra heavy-duty components," said Dave Harriton, CEO of American Expedition Vehicles. "It's certainly not for everyone, but that's all part of the appeal. Being able to offer even limited quantities to the American public is really a dream come true for AEV. First, it's a perfect match with our niche manufacturing and distribution channels, and second, the J8 is a unique part of history that we're proud to be part of."
The AEV J8 MILSPEC will be sold as a component rolling chassis. The vehicle is meant for off-road use, and as typical for component vehicles the engine and transmission will be installed by the buyer or at the buyer's direction by an independent contractor. Although AEV does not provide the powertrain, there are a number of independent AEV dealers that can supply and install either a 2.8-liter diesel engine or a 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI® engine and transmission package.
The J8 MILSPEC will be assembled in Detroit by AEV. The complete rolling chassis will be delivered painted, upholstered, fully instrumented and will include ABS brakes, heavy duty suspension and axles, exhaust, wheels and tires.
Designed for military use, the J8 was designed to pass one of the world's toughest durability cycles, which is three times more severe than what civilian applications must endure. The axles are both beefed up to a heavy duty Dana 44 front and a Dana 60 rear axle equipped with Dodge Ram brakes. The frame is built for severe use and the rear suspension uses leaf springs to facilitate more than a 2,500 lb. payload capacity and a 3,500 lb. tow rating. The J8 MILSPEC will accept two powertrain options, either a VM 2.8-liter diesel engine rated at 174 hp and 339 lb.-ft.of torque or a 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI rated at 330 hp and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engine choices will use a 5 speed automatic transmission. The vehicles also have a number of military-specific components, including tow loops that are rated for helicopter use, an air filter capable of running as long as five hours in zero visibility dust storms and remote-mounted batteries. Don't look for satellite navigation or leather seats, options are limited to paint color (Desert Sand or Military Green), a choice of a three door or five door body styles and air conditioning.
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The 2009 Chrysler Aspen is a big, traditional sport utility vehicle capable of towing substantial loads. The Aspen is in the same class as the Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition, but it has more luxury amenities than most of those vehicles. For 2009, a new hybrid gas-electric model joins the lineup for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Chrysler Aspen is based on the Dodge Durango and shares its size and mechanical components. Introduced for the 2007 model year, Aspen is distinguished from Durango by its styling, interior trim, and suspension tuning.
The Aspen offers the ability to tow trailers up to 8,900 pounds. Like the Durango, the Aspen uses a truck chassis and engineering.
Boasting a cavernous interior, the Aspen accommodates seven or eight passengers, depending on the seating configuration. Three rows of seats are standard, starting with front buckets, a second-row bench and a third-row bench. Buckets are optional for the second row to reduce seating to seven.
Two V8 engines are available, plus the Hybrid. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD or 4WD) with either standard engine. The Hybrid is offered only with all-wheel drive. The standard V8 powertrains earn decent fuel economy ratings, either matching the competition or at worst giving up no more than one or two miles per gallon. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 gains 30 horsepower for 2009.
The Hybrid boosts city fuel economy by 40 percent and overall fuel economy by more than 25 percent compared with the standard Aspen, says Chrysler. Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 19 miles per gallon City and 20 mpg Highway compared to 13/18 mpg City/Highway for the regular Aspen V8 4WD. We found it very rewarding to silently motor around town and in slow traffic using only the electric motor. Developed with BMW, GM, and Mercedes-Benz, the Chrysler's two-mode hybrid system pairs its 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with two electric motors, along with a lot of fancy gearing and electronics. The first mode is mostly for around-town driving and can use battery power alone up to 25 mph. The second mode is meant for highway speeds and always uses engine power. Stop at a stop sign and everything goes quiet. You start noticing small sounds like the climate control fan, even on low speed. Total output for the Hybrid is 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, and we found it quite responsive in traffic.
The standard Aspen models rewards the driver with hearty mechanical sounds from the engine compartment, prompt throttle response, solid gear shifts, and thoroughly competent brakes. Ride and handling are average for the class. The Aspen is tall, heavy and narrow. The ride tends to the springy end of the scale, cushioning bad pavement but bobbing at times.
The Aspen is a nice-looking SUV with styling that features Chrysler's traditional but subdued egg-crate grille, mildly curvaceous bodylines reminiscent of the Dodge Durango, and an attractively sculpted tailgate. The wheel wells are filled with good-looking 18- or 20-inch chrome rims.
The interior blends elegant-looking, satin-finish metallic accents with woodgrain trim on the dash and center console. The standard upholstery is Chrysler's stain-resistant fabric. Leather trim is optional and all of the usual power and personalization features are available.
For 2009, the Aspen gets available Sirius Backseat TV for the rear DVD entertainment system. Chrysler's MyGIG hard-drive radio is now included under the UConnect brand and the hard-drive grows from 20 to 30 gigabytes.
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MileOne chose to support the American Cancer Society based on the Society’s commitment to research, advocacy, and patient services. So the company began its involvement by participating in community-based events such as Baltimore’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® and Relay For Life® throughout Maryland.
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eBay Find: 1987 Yugo GV

Children of the 1980s will likely remember this week’s eBay-tastic discovery. When the Yugo appeared on U.S. shores in 1986, it was marketed as the cheapest (in this instance, least expensive) new car in America, with a base price of just $3990. Unfortunately, it also gained the distinction of being the cheapest (in this instance, well you get the idea) new car in America, with a reliability record rivaling Freddie Mac. Built in Soviet-controlled Yugoslavia using Fiat bits, the Yugo became known as the ultimate disposable car, universally ridiculed by nearly every corner of the motoring media. Even Time magazine bashed the Communist-era compact, saying it “had the distinct feeling of something assembled at gunpoint.” As such, despite a U.S. sales run of over 100,000 units from 1986-1992, finding a survivor is nothing short of miraculous.
This miraculous-looking Yugo with only 54,606 miles could well be the best example left on the planet. Provided the 1.1-liter, carbureted four-cylinder is in top condition, expect upwards of 60 horsepower which, according to the current owner, is “eager to rev.” The auction also states the timing belt was recently replaced, which is actually quite important considering the little mill is an interference engine with a self-destructing reputation. The interior looks new, underneath appears surprisingly clean as well and there’s even a sunroof for your bunny ears to stick through. Ideally, the car would come with the bunny suit shown in the photos, but if not, you can always opt for the AK-47 gun rack and the Vodka holder. For the discriminating quirky car shopper, this could well be your next ride, especially if you don’t take yourself too seriously.

The Chesapeake and Ohio canal went from where to where?
Washington D.C. to Frostburg, Maryland
Chesapeake Bay to Cleveland, Ohio
Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Md
Chesapeake Bay to Cincinnati, Ohio

See answer under Car Doctor.


Ask the Car Doctor

Tire Safety Tips

Your tires are one of the most important parts of your automobile. Proper upkeep and maintenance will ensure save, affordable, and effective traveling. The following tips will help you remember what to do to keep them working well, as well as how to determine when the time is right for replacements.
It is extremely important to check your pressure regularly. Tires soften over time, and they can easily become a hindrance on your driving and on your gas use. It is recommended that you check you pressure once a month, and keep them filled to the level printed on your owner's manual and the inside of your driver's door. Pressure should be checked several hours after the car has been parked, as the friction of driving can often temporarily increase the pressure. Remember that replacements often have different pressure levels and maintenance needs, so keep those in mind when caring for your vehicle.
Don't forget to keep your spare in the same working condition as the ones in use. It would be very frustrating to get a flat, only to find that your spare is flat too. Compact spares usually have the inflation pressure written on them, so use that to guide you.
Checking tread depth is an important way to determine if you need to purchase new tires or not. A simple way to do is by setting the edge of a penny into the groove of your tire's tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, they need to be replaced. Also, check for even wear when checking for tread depth. The inside and outside edges of your tire should be worn down equally. Uneven wear is often a sign is misalignment. Also, check all of your tires thoroughly for signs of cracks, cuts, nicks, and tears. These sorts of damages are rarely fixable, and can be very dangerous. The easiest way to avoid frequent trips and misalignment is by replacing all four of your tires at once; if this is not possible, at least purchase them as axle pairs.
If your car seems to pull in a certain direction at different speeds, it might mean that your tires have lost their balance weight. This can easily be fixed at a low cost by your auto repairman.
Consider your geographical location when deciding on which type or brand to purchase. If you live in an especially cold and snowy region, you should consider buying snow tires, which will best protect you and keep your car running. Dry and sunnier climates often go best with summer performance tires, which have a great impact on your car's handling for a long stretch of time.
Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule.
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Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Md.
The original Chesapeake and Ohio canal was about 175 miles long. It was originally intended to go all the way to Ohio, but never made it.
