AZ BS Thread 4²0

All over. Mom lived in Rita Ranch, my dad lived off 44th and La Cholla lol

 

That’s a great neighborhood

 

There's a mix, at least it used to be, there aren't many great neighborhoods anymore

 

Wow - you all generated 5 pages of stuff on a Friday afternoon, I really missed out. But, I have a new hire coming in on Monday - a super green machinist kid and not a smoker! (we are self insured and have a serious non-smoking policy since 1994) so didn't get to participate in some of the frivolities. There are 6 of 13 retiring in my dept in the next 9 years. So, I am excited.

On a real question topic, not PP touching or hot tubs or anything, do you all carry a recovery kinetic rope with the accompanying rigging gear? It just seems to me that is a mud boggin' thing, not necessarily an AZ thing. I mean, I have self recovered using shovel, air down and traction boards in deep Vermillion Cliffs fine sand, so the rope thing isn't even in my mindset (probably watching too much youtube). Do you carry a kinetic rope? And, is it a yankum or bubba or factor55 some Amazon cost consciences (cheap) variety? In my use case, I don't see me getting bogged (not planning on playing in the dry looking Lake Mary, Mormon Lake, Lk Pleasant flats like others who have self-confessed here on the forum....)

 

Nope that’s why I left lol. What part are you in?

 

Sir cookiedough, I kindly ask that you refrain from using such large words when addressing us simpler folk.

But to answer your question, I have a harbor freight tow strap and some shackles for recovery. I’ve never needed anything more than that out here. If I can’t get out with a shovel by myself then I call a buddy and wait. If I’m with a group I utilize the strap and shackles. Honestly though I haven’t got myself into a situation that 4lo couldn’t get me out of in at least a decade.

 

Been debating whether or not to switch to steel for my front skid. I get after the aluminum one pretty hard and it shows it. I have to hammer and pry out the oil filter door every time I change the oil. Then hammer the bitch back in when I'm done.

I've definitely deformed but not ever folded em. I do like the weight and the not having to worry about respraying/buying raw w/no powdercoat, though.

Speaking of which, what kind of interval do y'all use for diff/tcase/transmission fluid... I know brake fluid lasts a little longer out here because so little moisture in the air to contaminate it, but is 30K for a drain and fill all around too aggressive?

 

No idea about the fluid changes but as far as skids…steel is the way to go if you’re actually getting after it regularly. Aluminum is good for overlanding with an occasional impact but the aluminum ones are more intended for a fast strike (Baja type) or an easy drag over. Not really meant for hard direct hits.

How do you abuse your rig?

 

Generally speaking I'm just dicking around on easy trails but I do bonk a bit more often since I have the TRD Pro Foxes on my rig and that's literally all, no lift aside from 1".
Most aggressive stuff I've taken was a washout out in Box Canyon and Devil's Staircase, most of which are drag overs.

So I'm kind of like 50/50... part of me says Steel is overkill since I'm not actually ruining these skids, just giving them a nice battle worn look. Other part is like why worry, steel will just take anything and can also be used as a jack point.

 

Is it too late to get in on the boot conversation? Need some hiking boots and struggling to find my size. I wear a 13 4E. Anyone have a brand or model you like for fat feet?

 

North east, Catalina hwy and snyder area. Grew up here.

 

Come on man! I'm just trying to help out those on the younger side of dad-hood! I've written about the VARBS https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/shovel-short-long-d-handle.765193/

and just hoping I can gain some knowledge from those of more experience in other realms. @TailHook says his youngest is 20, well, mine is 22 - so I'm hoping to use the experience of those ingrained in new fangled technology to "learn" from their mistakes and not need to make them on my own!

And it sounds like I can save my cabbage for other more desirable upgrades. Which ultimately I was hoping for...

 

@cookiedough , kinetic not just a mud bogger thing, i mean sand is alot like mud when your stuck in it.

i have had a flat strap since the 80's and never thought rubber bands would be better, however i will say i bought a cheap Amazon kinetic and used it once, to try it not cause i needed it, burried my sons runner and yanked it out like nothing,,, burried it again and with the flat strap, PULLED it out like nothing,,, i'd say unless you find yourself rescuing or getting stuck regularly, save your coin.

i do however carry and really find soft shackles usefull.

 

Sounds like you made up your mind bud

 

i dont have particularly wide feet, but i sure do like the pair of Jim Green African Rangers i bought last year,,, they are very comfy and have a very ample toe box.

built like a heritage boot rather than a lightweight hiker, but they were literally made for African Rangers based on the Rangers input for what they wanted in a boot, i got them cause the Razorbacks i had for years before them were awesome, and figured the lighter Rangers would be even better for my use.

 

Legit Friday night question: try to find Magnums, or spray and pray?

@KingOfTheNorth - no need to answer.

 

I thought @05tacomabro had mutant feet!

 

Hope your pullout game is strong bro. Could always get the snip and get some amoxicillin from Mexico you’ll be fine brah

 

I second this @cookiedough why change what works?

 

I used to play around there a lot back in the day. Had a 72 Datsun 240z that I ran up and down that hill on a regular basis on Saturday nights