Optimism: 2021 will be better; Big 4 trail trip.

well, that could go one of 2 ways: add-on/weld-on wings for the existing top plate, or a 2-piece (split through the center of the top plate) bent part... what's your preference?

 

and for some reason, TW does not send me email notifications at all. So I only catch this stuff when I happen to wander across it whilst surfing!

 

Yea the coil bucket side reinforcement plates are what come to mind first.
There were a few other things that some people mentioned in other forums, but I can't remember what they were.

Do you have the bolt pattern worked out for the chain case rear output extension housing too?

I turned off my email notifications otherwise my shit would be blowing up all the time lol

I thought your idea of having them as separate plates that you just weld together at the edges was a good one. Then you can account for bent towers and stuff considering everyones will be a bit different/tweaked

 

I'm planning on buying your top plate reinforce plates already. The sides... I don't think there is really an easy way to weld them in there anyway. I'd be open to what ever you come up with.

 

@eimkeith ... this

 

Ouch. Missing it by .05mm had to hurt. Hope the machine shop ate that one.

Might as well have them make the ADD stub shaft and intermediate shaft. Can they machine them out of 4340? I'm still waiting for mine to grenade but it's been years now. Although I was there when Andy grenaded his on the Dusy. I guess 2nd Gen Tacos just aren't as strong as 3rd gen 4Runners. RCV is tooled up for that and I talked to them about it 2 years ago. They are willing to make the stub shaft if I send them one. If they aren't on your radar as a machine shop it might be worth a call.

When you finish the flat belly and get some shakedown runs in you need to come out here. We where going to do the run it till it breaks run this year but that fell through. It'll be next August most likely. Dusy, Rubi, Fordyce, and whatever else we can squeeze into a week. Make sure your AAA is paid up. lol

 

I’d be down for a mod day.

to mod list:

1.) rear extended brake line
2.) sliders (picked them up last week)
3.) replace CV axles both side
4.) new head lights
5.) mount winch
6.) bs with TW folks while drinking beer for ideas how to mount fridge and Dual battery setup

I can bring beer, chicken wings to grill, and spicy sausages.

 

I think my truck is trail ready again, where we going?

 

Crazy. Hop on the wagon.














My dad jokes are on par.

 

Met up with a buddy and his Landcruiser and headed off to Barker Meadow trail.

Had a ton of fun. Went through some fun and challenging spots and further learned taking different lines and made through some nice obstacles on 4 low, took a beating.

Driver error on my behalf
and went passenger too early going over a large Boulder and hugged a tree, battle scar happened. Man I wished installed those sliders earlier in the week.

Met a bunch of retired gentlemen in Razors, Can-Am, and Polaris General. Chatted and BS around and saw them on the trail throughout the day.

Got down to where the Rubicon trail sign was at that met at the trail.

Took an offshoot trail to Ellis Peak. Got up to Ellis peak. While turn around one of the Can-Am broke its steering ball joints and the front two wheels butter flied.

Spent a few hours winching the broken Can to the side at a safe spot. Gave them some tools to take apart the steering rod and ball joint. Drove the driver down the peak to join the rest of his group.

All while the sun was setting, darkness ensued, the moon rose, and down the hill we go.

Met a guy in a Jeep who was part of a trail clean up group. Gave us a trash bag to spread the clean up efforts.

Today was a fun day. Went to a trail I’ve never been before. Met some cool folks. Helped some folks. Learned that taking your time on the trail and taking the right line, a 4x4 without rear lockers will do just fine for a day of fun.

Started at 8am, didn’t plan on wheeling in the darkness, but it happened for the first time. I need to get some light mods for sure, didn’t get back out to Highway 89 until 9:45pm

 

Am I reading it right? Are NF open for camping again starting 10/15/2020?

 

I saw an abundant of dispersed campers yesterday and last night.

 

I saw a handful of folks camping at Mendocino NF last weekend. The northern part is closed due to fires but the southern area around Pinnacle Rock is open.

 

Some of "The List" items finally arrived

 

I saw over head signs saying “no camping in National Forest, day use only” on 88 around Jackson or something on Monday.
Im not sure if they mean El Dorado NF only or all of them?
I was on pavement until I got to Humboldt Yoiybe NF where I am now and see people camping.

 

I may or may not be heading to Death Valley this weekend and coming back next Wednesday.
Otherwise I’ll be coming back this Saturday.
Either way I won’t know until Friday afternoon.
Right now I’m about 5 hours from where I want to go in DV.
If anyone wants to join let me know. I probably won’t have much cell service between now and then so I’ll be slow to respond.

 

Southern passes (120/108/4) might close briefly this weekend. Snow level may drop to the 4000’ level. Only a few inches though, they might try and keep em open.

 

That was plan A.
Plan B is south.
I’ll keep an eye on the weather. I might end up elsewhere or home.