The Batoll Builds

Before hitting the park we stopped by Newspaper Rock



With the Arches entrance temporarily closed(to many visitors) we opted for the preferred 4wd route and it came with a surprise, Dino tracks!






As we got closer, we started spotting some of the parks features and a few minutes later we had made it to the heart of the national park and sought out what we came for Arches.








Found a trail with a small turn out. The perfect lunch spot with a nice view of our next destination, Delicate Arch












Leaving the park after sunset, we found a campsite near by but never got to see the views as we arrive after sunset and left before sun rise. Just a few more arches and hikes to hit before we move on to scratch the surface of Canyonlands.

 

Back at the park the next morning, so far our experience was great, crowds were minimal and this morning was even less crowded, especially once you get out on the trails.









With our tour of the park complete, we made way to another hike outside the park.












Took Shafer, up and out to finish the day light with a sunset and Dead Horse State Park.






Rather than heading back to the previous campsite which was the plan... we decided to make our way towards Capital Reef. In and out of cell reception we had no idea exactly where we were but we pulled off the main road found some BLM pitched the tent and called it a night.

 

Woke up to a great view, figured out our location and found an interesting hiking trail near by, so off we went.















With the hike complete, we decided to find camp and hangout for the rest of the day and just relax. Searching for our campsite we explored so trails and got caught in some deep sand when turning around but nuthin 4Lo couldn’t get us out of. Finally found some shelter from the sun and set up camp. For the rest of the day we just listened to our audio book, had a few drinks and made some tacos on the nottle(Not a skottle). I have to say this is one of my favorite spots so far.

 

nice the 4X4 roads there are better anyway! Explored some but did not get enough time to explore enough of it.

 

Right! There never enough time, when your traveling one road you see another and another and it’s like hmm where do those gooooo.

 

Yep! Can’t wait to get time to do that again.

 

Woke up and watch the sunrise, then packed up camp and made our way to Capital Reef.





Time was not on our side today, but still able to take a few scenic drives in Capital Reef.



Next stop Zion, we had a hotel waiting for us and a much need shower. We splurged on a nice anniversary dinner and enjoyed the outside dinning and reminisced on about our last trip here 7 years ago in my old VW Golf. Highlight from that trip was me packing the camping gear but forgetting the food and cooler Ahhahahah











By the time we got back to the hotel we were dead. The next day we set out for our drive home to be reunited with Fluffy!

 

After post trip truck cleaning I found some roof rack rails For the 4runner as they were missing the end caps and bent, after some cleaning and paint the new rails look gouda.



Seeing the design of the rails Has me sketching some designs for a roof rack for the 4runner. Also picked up some toytec adjustable coilovers.... things are slowly happening.

 

So officially started collecting goodies for the 4runner.

So. Far I’ve picked up:
Toytec coilovers
PCK
Steering Rack Bushings
Sliders(trail gear 78”, length need modication)
Lower control arm skids (may put on the truck)
Brake lines
Fairing (For roof rack)

Still on the list:
Tundra brake upgrade
LBJ’s
UCA’s
Rear springs
Brake valve portioning bracket

also picked up a new 3rd gen leather seat cushion for the truck (there’s a small tear on the passenger cushion)

Current project in the work :

Full length roof rack, pics will follow soon.

 

That trail looks awesome where is that at? thanks

 

4runner has been great so far, one small issue is with the climate control, You can’t see the screen at night. Turns out this is a common issued with the limited’s.









Let there be light!!



So the Tacoma does have 3rd gen 4runner seats. Recently the passenger seat has been tearing and came across a replacement while looking for a few components for the runner.

before



After

 

keep reading the build and you’ll find out.

 

Bahhh work is killing my build productivity!

Mounted the lower control arm skids to the truck.

Another limited 3rd gen 4runner turned up at the local junkyard and I got lucky.

I found the rarest plastic clip ever!!(as seen below) Also picked up some smaller plastic clips I’ve broken.




Another good find was the center dash assembly and swapped that in and replaced the 3rd brake light bulb.

 

Still a work in progress

 

Painted and Swivel feet are on. Overall the rake the ridge



Next up and chop the excess threads off the swivel feet and mount the fairing

 

It’s time.



This chapter will be coming to a close. Sad to say the next few weeks all be prepping the truck for sale.

Overall the build process has been fun and an amazing experience, the trips the even better.

Sale will include the truck as a whole in its current configuration with the tent and some accessories water port, scanguage etc.

Items not selling CO2 setup, hilift, recovery gear, probably few other things I can’t think of. These items will be for the next chapter, The Batoll Family build.

 

So is there a congrats in order as well as the "Bummer, the Taco's going away?" If so, I completely understand - we've got our own family build as well, and those are some of the best trips. You using the 4Runner as the platform?

 

Thanks I’m excited. Moving on from the taco is a bummer. I contemplated keeping it but I know it wouldn’t see much action in the future as solo trips aren’t to often and watching it sit would kill me more than selling it.

As for the next platform I have been setting up the 4runner but I’d like to say it’s still up in the air.


My wife loves the 3rd gen 4runner body style but wishes the interior was a little more updated with today’s creature comforts. I’m like woooooahh it’s a limited with leather interior POWER seats, keyless entry, sun roof ahhaha.

I started looking at getting her an upgrade from the 4runner to get those creature comforts and Friday my wife and I are checking out a low mileage 1st gen........




Lexus GX470



In doing the research the platform is pretty solid. I have always wanted to build a trailer from the ground up but been hesitant with the 3.4L but with a 4.7L.

So yeah I’d say things are up in the air.

 

Here’s the new edition to the drive way.

 

Fancy!