Odomandr Truck Build and Trip Log

So in mid August I took my truck to Pedersen just to let someone else put some eyes on it as it turned over 130k. I had a power steering line that was weeping a bit and my brakes were leaking too at the caliper. I also wanted to replace the bearings and water pump as well as I had a idler go out in June. Made an appointment in July for August 6th. Had all the parts ordered (toyota parts) that i was aware of along with a short list of items I'd hoped they would take care of for me, mostly fluid drain and refill as well as what ever was needed for the brakes... They ended up custom making the flex line between the hardlines off the caliper, they only checked the fluids and deemed them fine, they declined to swap out the inner and outer tie rods and when I brought the wheel lock key the service adviser, he declined to take it to the tech and said they had the tools needed...... The brakes didnt feel right and I questioned the service manager about it but he ensured it was ok when I picked it up... After 600 miles the brakes were leaking again in my driveway and the pedal was soft and I had to go back and get it checked out. Pedersen has a new service manager and he tried to argue with me at first about the lift being the issue...... I was able to come to terms about them doing me wrong with that work and left it this week ( fuck am I a fool?) for them to fix. I got it back today and the brakes feel better and the work the second time didn't have any charges. I will come back after another 600 miles and notate but what an ordeal

 

damn, that sucks. They used to be pretty darn reliable.

 

Maybe the service manager that is there now will bring that back. Like I said I feel a bit better today than I did a week ago but man was I livid.

 

Shitty deal! I have become less than enthused with Pedersen’s service department. I agree, they used to be good, but over the last couple of years...eh. I won’t take my truck there anymore unless it’s warranty.

Edit: and my truck only has 500 miles until the warranty is done. Guess I won’t be going there at all. Parts department is pretty good if you get the right guy. Nothing’s ever in stock, but they always try to get me a little money off.

 

Well Rochelle surprised me with a plan to get away from the snow. She planned a trip to zion and bryce and left a couple days to explore sand hollow as well. Today we explored the west rim trail outside sand hollow state park. Lots of trails out here, I'll definitely have to plan another trip to explore it the same way we have Moab on past visits. Didn't spend much time outside the truck except at lunch. I asked her to spot me through the tollbooth and she grabbed this picture too. It's a bit further than moab but really glad we came down to explore.

 

That was my favorite trail in that area when i was growing up! Definitely some great views and a super fun trail between the sand and the rocks.

This was taken up there looking north toward Pine Valley Mountain. My buddy’s ‘73 CJ-5 on the left and my ‘71 CJ-5 on the right. If it looks like the picture was taken with a potato, that’s because it was (I’m pretty sure that was around 2000-2001, and it was long before the reservoir and that f*cking golf course were there.) Anyway, good times and good memories!




If you’re checking out Zion and you have the time, look into the Kolob Canyons section just up I-15 from Sand Hollow. It’s quite literally my favorite place on the planet. A nice little day hike would be to park at the Lee Pass trailhead and hike down to La Verkin Creek and then back out. You could check out Kolob Arch while you’re at it. Totally worth it!

 

We hiked around la verkin creek a bit this morning I believe, in the confluence park area just in town. Needed to walk a bit ourselves after driving over yesterday. La Verkin is a cool town, we had beers again this afternoon there. Like I said im looking forward to planning another trip here before the summer is upon us. I'll definitely keep that canyon in mind for the next one. It looks amazing.

 

Actually I got tickets for the shuttle tomorrow so we will be going to the south entrance. I'll definitely keep that on tab for the next visit Jason

 

The main canyon is incredible in its own right. Emerald Pools is an easy hike, and Hidden Canyon is a favorite, but it can be super sketchy if it’s icy. Same for Angel’s Landing, of course.

Regardless, enjoy it. It’s definitely a special place.

Oh, and hopefully there’s some snow on the ground for you guys when you visit Bryce. Winter is the best season up there, IMHO.