Hi Volks,

OK, got the news today. The coolant "leak" turned out to be a non
issue...practically. It's just that the vehicle's "old", hasn't been used
and had been sitting around for so long. Now it's just getting some
exercise.

Anyway, you Volks from the List came to my rescue and prevented me from
actually HAVING a cow! After reading your words of wisdom, I stopped
hyperventilating just when the EMT's showed up with the crash cart. So,
I've had the local Waterboxer wizard examine the thing. He determined
it's just old age and a seal, like many of you said. Current project:
replace hoses and belts. I'll be in the garage after this.

Next issue: TIRES!

I've read lots of the recommendations, but I've not seen anything on
these in the archives. I'm going to run 27x8.5x14's on my Syncro. So, I
began looking for a studable tire in that size. The commercial studded
tires the shops around here want to sell me are just plain silly! Now the
BFG AT/TA does have some large areas of rubber that I could sink some
studs into. They're a serious contender. However, I discovered that
YOKOHAMA makes the SuperDigger III (Y826) in the 27x8.5x14 size:
basically it's a mud type tire, ya know with solid rubber blocks, no
sipes(sp). Now, I've been running a set of these, which I studded
myself(250 studs per tire in a repeated, diagonal pattern), on my Montero
for 4 seasons now; and they're fantastic. I can stop when I want to. I'm
mobile during freezing rain, and after the typical thaw/freeze that
happens every February. It's like driving around on dry pavement. (I know
I'll catch hell from some of you out there for tearing up the streets -
so don't bother) So, I'm wondering what you all think about this setup
before I place the non refundable order for a full set. BFG provides an
outside diameter measurement for the BFG AT/TA's. I haven't been able to
find that measurement for the Yokohamas. Do ya think they'll fit OK? Are
all 27x8.5x14's the same size?

Oh List, please hear and consider my query good.

Thanks again for relieving my Newbie panic! (Probably won't be the first
time) Feelin' better now.
Kevin...turinsky@juno.com
"Anchored, down in Anchorage---Alaska"