LeadFoot "Build"

Wish I had had the time to spend a couple days up there. A long weekend trip will be in the works after January.

 

Things & Stuff
Not too much to report but I've done some little things to the truck. I picked up some 1" spacers and appropriate hardware to do the front seat leveling mod based off @mthopton thread. Didn't notice a huge change in comfort but I haven't done any super long drives yet. I also cut the back seat platform in half and redid the carpet. I spent a weekend in Tahoe during the first big winter storm of the season which was really neat to see. Got a feel for driving on the highway with snow on the road....4x4 is awesome.


My old CB antenna mount was originally a universal under hood mount that I hammered flat to go in the tailgate. I was finding that it moved a lot and would sometimes be too close to the tailgate and knick the paint. It also put the antenna at a rearward angle which looked silly. I finally got around to ordering the CaliRaised mount and it's a bit sturdier; it also lets the antenna sit straight up and down which looks way better.


I had to cut a bit off the back side to fit around the topper.

Lastly, and the most exciting part of this update, a little blue thing just so happened to follow me home a couple nights ago...


Rust free, all original, 1977 SR5 Longbed Pickup. Seller said it didn't run but we got it started with a jump and all it needed was a new battery! 120PSI in all cylinders and she runs like a top. Pretty stoked to be working on this. Just tuning it up and getting mechanicals sorted for now. Then seeing how the paint buffs out before deciding to respray or not. Only 2 black widow encounters so far, hopefully I can continue to stay clear

 

Just got back from a 10 day solo road trip through Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks. Put about 1200 miles on the truck, with roughly 500 being off road miles. Loaded down with the RTT, water, gas, 2 spares, and all my camping/backpacking gear, the Tacoma still managed 13-15 MPGs.
I was very impressed with what the truck was able to do off road with just a 3" lift and 33s. Rubbed a bit on some of the bigger rocks and I popped a few of the tabs that hold the front flares to the fenders but I was expecting a lot worse. I'm going to take the truck to the alignment shop this week to see how the stock UCAs are holding up.
I'll have pictures and a story of the journey coming soon!

 

Death Valley & Joshua Tree - 4x4 Adventures Day 1 & 2

There I was, enjoying the morning cup o' joe, cruising down HWY 50 as the sun was peaking over the Sierra Mountains. It was a perfect morning to start an off grid adventure in the backcountries of Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks. About halfway down from Sacramento, you'll reach an overlook of the Bridgeport Reservoir.


Just past Lone Pine, the largest dolomite mine in the U.S. is a neat spot to drive through on a bypass road before Keeler. The mine was discovered in the 1860s and still operates today. It borders Owens Lake.


After hearing about the Cerro Gordo ghost town that is now privately owned and being restored/preserved through a YouTube rabbit hole early last year, I decided to check it out. Cerro Gordo Rd connects with White Mountain Talc Rd on the Western Border of Death Valley. At the beginning of the road, there was a sign saying the mines were closed and to call a number to schedule a visit. After a a not so quick phone call with a very kind older gentleman, I was told that as long as I do not get out of the truck in town, I would not be considered trespassing. He asked what I was driving after explaining the back side of the mountain was probably snowed out and rocky. I told him about my Tacoma and he got very excited because he too is a Tacoma owner. He proceeded to ramble on about how capable they are and how great his handles the commute up and down the mountain. I appreciated his enthusiasm and I was glad to listen because I don't think Keeler, CA gets too much traffic.
From the base of the mountain, it is about a 9 mile, very steep climb on a decent dirt road. It was neat driving into a town that had sat abandoned for so many decades and I am excited to see what Ghost Town Living (YouTube channel) is able to turn it into. As instructed, I did not stop or poke around in town as I made my way to the snowy and rocky decent leading to DV. I switched over to 4LO and smoothly rode down the mountain. After completing the decent and making it to WMT Rd, it was a nice and easy dirt ride through a joshua tree forest and up into Jackass Canyon to my camp site for the night.


First night in the RTT was a success! It was quite comfortable and I was able to stay well insulated from the howling winds. It is quite the luxury not having to squeeze into a camper shell after shuffling with all of your gear just to go to bed every night.

I was up with the sun the following morning bound for Racetrack and Ubehebe Crater. Having no detailed map, GPS (Backcountry Navigator really let me down. Still need to get that sorted.), or cell service, I was taking wild guesses as to which roads I needed to take. Thankfully, I made the correct turn towards Lippincott Pass. Lippincott was technical to say the least. I am fairly new to 4x4 and I was well aware how little forgiveness rocks have. Being solo and without skid plates or another vehicle, I was praying to the internal combustion gods to send me on the right lines. I was thrilled with the truck and full of relief as I reached the top of the pass.


With Racetrack in my sights, I switched back to 2wd and let out some yee haws! Racetrack, Grandstand, and the sliding rocks were a great first stop, but with a lot of ground still to cover, I carried on. Next stop was the Ubehebe Lead Mine.


It will never cease to amaze me how folks in the 1900s got vehicles and equipment through such desolate terrain. This car was perched up a steep and rocky mountain side. I guess there could have been a path there at some point but I'll leave that to the historians and miners. Time and conditions have taken their toll on the structures built around the mine with only the remains of one house, some foundations, remnants of a kitchen, some mine rail, and a single tramway cable dotting the landscape.

Obligatory stop at Teakettle Junction for some pictures and coffee. You can just barely see my little tin mug hanging just below the orange pot.


Ubehebe Crater and the adjacent Little Ube provided a quick and scenic hike. Without a cloud in the sky, the panoramic views of the park were spectacular. After completing the loop around, I made the steep decent into the crater. Being 600' deep, folks at the top look like small dots in the sky. It was a grueling 15 minute walk back up the crater and almost not worth the hike down. Good times nonetheless.

After a solid PB & blackberry J with chips and a soda lunch, I was onward to Eureka Dunes


I made it to Crankshaft Crossing in the mid afternoon and stopped at the map board to take some pictures and get my bearings in the park. There was also great LTE service so I was able to check in with home base.


In between Last Chance Mountain and the dunes, there was a sulfur mine with some remaining equipment. There is no signage since it is technically private land but after a quick Googling it says there hasn't been any operations since the 1960s even though the mine still contains ore.
A couple more minutes down the road brings you to the turn off for Eureka.


Part 2 coming soon....

 

Death Valley & Joshua Tree - 4x4 Adventures Day 3

After watching the sun set behind Eureka Dunes, I fired up the ol' camp stove to fry up some steak in the trusty cast iron. I enjoyed my meal under the dim light of the stars and got my first ever view of the Milky Way. Bundled up and enjoying a piping hot cup of cocoa, I sat back and watched the stars and airplanes decorate the sky.


I haven't shot with my camera much since high school but I'm slowly picking it back up. I tried light painting for the first time in years. Not great but the best I could do with my weak 7" tripod.


I called it a night after the wind picked up and enjoyed a few pages of Graham Nash's autobiography in the RTT before knocking out. It stayed quiet through the night, with the exception of the wind and once again I was up with the sun. With fresh pour-over coffee in hand and a full jerry can in the back, I set off on the "experienced four-wheel drivers" road bound for Warm Springs.


I was able to keep the truck in 2WD for 98% of the ride but there are a couple parts of the road where it would be tough (but maybe not impossible) for a 2WD only vehicle to pass. There was one section with loose sand and a couple of rock gardens to do some flexing.


As the miles pass, the coffee gets sipped, and you realize how expansive Death Valley really is. I had been driving for a couple hours at this point so I couldn't help but stop to take pictures trying to do justice for such beautiful formations. It was also time to stretch the legs and make a second cup of coffee because I'm on vacation.


After another hour or so of driving, I made it to Warm Springs. Unfortunately, none of the pools were filled (assuming bc of COVID) so I did not get to enjoy any warm water on the brisk morning. But I made the best of it by enjoying another PB & blackberry J sandwich in the heart of a true desert oasis. It was about 1030 so after my PBJ lunch (brunch?), I put 5 gallons of gas in the truck and crossed my fingers that I'd have enough to make it the rest of the way to Panamint Springs.
With a bit of disappointment from not being able to soak in the springs, I set course towards the base of the Inyos and Saline Valley Rd.


Driving down SV Rd, I saw a steep "road" that I thought would have some great views of Saline Valley/Dunes and the Last Chance Range. While I was correct about the views, I gave the truck a bit of a challenge getting up the "road." It had a pretty hefty grade and was all big rocks. Consistent with "rocks don't forgive," this route showed me exactly why some trimming is needed with 33.5" tires. I popped both front flares and did a little more bottoming out than I would have preferred but it was worth it.


Just like at the Ube mine, I have NO idea how folks got a vehicle up there.


After an equally sketchy decent back to SV Rd I took a good long stare at the gas gauge and realized I needed to avoid any more detours, no matter how tempting. I went with the Jeremy Clarkson method on fuel consumption...if I drive faster, I'll get there sooner over the possibly more efficient method of slow and steady wins the race. I had been through this stretch of road earlier in the trip so I didn't mind not taking it all in.
With about 45 miles still to go, the gas light flicked on.... Now normally (pre-lift & wheels/tires), I knew I could still go about 50ish miles after that light turned on. But now, with tires that weigh something like 65lbs each before wheels and riding around with 15PSI, I was again praying to the internal combustions gods to give me enough gas to make it to highway at the very least.

I did make it to Panamint Springs without running the tank dry, but I'll reckon I was running on fumes. I filled up and pulled into the parking area to air up. I was setting up the Harbor Freight compressor to fill the tires when I noticed a big compressor with a paper sign that said "FREE FOR USE." In the interest of time, I pulled up and was aired up and bound for Stovepipe Wells in under 10 minutes!
Full of relief that I didn't stall out on the side of CA190, I gingerly made my way across Towne Pass and into town. Made a beer and ice run at the store and finally picked up a map from the ranger station before plotting my next moves. As the sun set, I drove up into Marble Canyon to make camp. I found a great spot tucked between the canyon walls with a window across the Panamint Range.


After tending to a fire for a couple hours and watching a fox creep around the truck setting off the motion lights, I called it quits on a long day.

Next stop, Titus Canyon!

 

Death Valley & Joshua Tree - 4x4 Adventures Day 4

I packed up camp, made coffee, and pulled out of camp just as the sun was making it's morning appearance over the mountains. I got into town and topped off the gas tank before making my way to the beginning of Titus Canyon. It was about 0800 when I got to the trailhead so I pulled off, fired up the camp stove and threw on my last steak. While breakfast was cooking, I aired down to make the ride a bit smoother. After breakfast, I got started into the canyon. It was a great climb up the Amargosas and just before making the decent into the canyon, I stopped to try and capture some spectacular views.


I stopped in Leadfield to take some pictures. Small ghost town created on a lie and abandoned in less than a year.



The canyon wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be, but it was still pretty neat driving through the narrow passages.


After finishing up the ride, I aired back up with a couple other trucks who I had let pass me while I was taking pictures. This was the first use of the HF 150PSI compressor. It definitely isn't anything to brag about, but it got the job done in a respectable enough time frame. I did find it's duty cycle which is about 30 minutes; enough to get to 45PSI from 15 in all four tires. I would recommend this compressor to anyone that goes wheeling infrequently but still wants to have some air on a budget.


I stopped at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to make lunch and figure out what I wanted to do next. I decided to check out Badwater Basin before making my way up the 4x4 road to Echo Canyon.


There was still a couple daylight hours left and I wasn't ready to make camp just yet so I kept driving to see Inyo Mine and possibly make my way into Nevada and the Big Dune BLM land. The map says "experienced 4-wheel drivers and short wheel base" past the mine but I thought I'd give it a shot anyway. Things were all well and good until I reached a pretty heavy rock section. I crept my way over the first part in 4Lo but as I rounded the corner, I reached a 3.5' rocky step up that I had no chance of making in an ACLB w/ 33's. My "just send it" meter was firing pretty hard but I went with my "you have no skid plates and are solo" better judgement. It was basically dark at the point so unfortunately I did not take any pictures. With 35's or a Jeep, it would have been cake but what are ya going to do? I made a 27 point turn to head back to where I planned to make camp. I setup in the dark and made dinner before calling it a night around 1930.

 

Death Valley & Joshua Tree - 4x4 Adventures Day 5 & Beyond

Sometime the next morning, I set off South bound to Joshua Tree. Leaving Death Valley in the dust I became grateful for the well manicured and smooth CA190 and CA127. I stopped for gas in Baker, CA and got to see a true American icon..... The World's Tallest Thermometer! What would we do without a landmark like that.


I decided to drive through the Mojave National Preserve instead of the Interstate for some easy driving and scenic views. It was desolate and spectacular at the same time. I only saw two other cars and one very long train on the ride down. I carried on down through small town California, and over to 29 Palms and Joshua Tree. I had set up a reservation for an independent "Vanlife and Nomad Camp" about 20 minutes outside the town of JT. The camp is run by a guy named Aiden who has built a primitive communal camp with a shower, toilet, and kitchen area. Great guy and we shared a few socially distanced beers and Tacoma talks. I ran into town to grab a couple things and made it back in time for an incredible sunset.



The next day I went into the park for a drive on the Geology Tour Road and continued down and over on Berdoo Canyon Road. Berdoo is an easy 4x4 road with a couple fun and small rock gardens and sandy, rutted climbs off to the side towards the end. I gave them a shot but the ruts were too deep for my 33's. The road exits the official park boundary 5ish miles before Dillon Road in the Indio Hills. Immediately after you exit the park boundary the graffiti and mountains of trash start. You can tell it is the high school hangout for the area. The locals have also set up shooting ranges that looked like a good time, shoulda brought the ol 9mm.

It was about midday when I got back into JT so I patronized some of the local shops before settling down at the vanlife camp. The last few days of the trip I spent backpacking the California Hiking and Riding Trail. It was a fantastic and terrible time and I was sorely underprepared. Remember, proper planning prevents poor performance.....if only I listened to myself. As tough the 75 miles over the course of two days was, I had a helluva time and it was the perfect way to cap off a stellar trip.


Slept in the driver seat when I got back to the truck, woke up and showered at the camp before hitting the road for home.
Spent the first day at home assessing any damage and unpacking. Only a few broken fender flare tabs and some new trail stripes! I was very proud of the truck and look forward to the next trip.
This new setup was everything I needed and more but skid plates have now made their way to the top of the priority list, for the peace of mind factor alone.

 

Good story thanks for posting

 

More Things and Stuff

Not too much to report since the Death Valley trip. I have mostly been working on my 1977 Toyota and I bought a diesel VW Beetle to commute because gas is outrageous right now. However, I did make some time over the last couple days to put a couple hours into the truck in preparation for upcoming camping and road trips.

From a TW ride in the Tahoe area late April. I jumped in the river and boy was it cold.


During this trip, I tore up the 7-pin harness and mount. I have wanted to relocate it for awhile so this gave me the motivation to get it done.


Another little addition that has been on the to-do list for a bit, the UniFilter.


And the last two, mounting a shovel I got for free to replace my not so great folding shovel and a 22" lightbar.


I am going camping this weekend and planning a NorCal road trip to Lassen Volcano, Mt. Shasta, and Redwood NP. Looking forward to spending some time bagging peaks and taking some roads less traveled.

Here's how the '77 is looking after a few months of tinkering. I was daily driving it until I picked up the Beetle

 

A+ build!! How do you like the Mt Baker?? Thinking of getting one. Helluva rig you got there!

 

I like it. Pretty robust and super easy set up/take down. I keep 2 pillows, a down comforter, and sheets in there and it still closes fine. Kept me warm in cold weather and as cool as a black tent can when it’s warm. I never would have gone for an RTT had it not been second hand right in front of me but I’m glad I did.

 

Yeah I found one used (barely) for a good price and need to do some research. How much added weight? Did you add leaf springs? I’ve had some light suspension work done to fit tires but not a lot to deal with a ton of added weight. Any water or condensation issues? Not sure why but I’ve always envisioned this being a problem with the RTTs that fold into a hard shell like this

 

I have an AAL in the back but I need to buy a heavy duty leaf pack with the weight I carry around. I have had zero condensation issues so far but I've only stayed in very dry climates. It came with the anti-condensation mat and I tend to leave the windows open at camp to let it air out.

 

Odds & Ends w/ a Clutch Accumulator Delete

Not too much going on, just working on the truck for something to do and make it more comfortable.
CH4x4 button, DIY satoshi grille/color match the chrome, sound deadening on the rear bulkhead and cab floor...will do the doors eventually. I haven't committed to anything for the grille yet. The badge out of the stock grille would be easiest as I already have it but upon searching "vintage Toyota emblems" on eBay, I found that the BJ70 Landcruiser "TOYOTA" grille badge is very clean and just about the right dimensions to fill out the front without being overbearing like a lot of the ones I see.



ADM - The best $4 and 90 minutes you will ever spend on your Toyota
As many of you MT drivers know, the stock clutch is super inconsistent, produces choppy shifting, and is overall not enjoyable to drive. It makes enough sense why it is there but c'mon, just drive stick better
If you do not know what the Clutch Accumulator is, check out this great thread.... https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mt-accumulator-delete-mod-adm-and-bs-thread.568303/
I bought the line and the fitting at Autozone. I would recommend just ordering it online for in-store pickup. Even though it said the part was in stock, the employee couldn't find it when I went in person with just part numbers.


I ended up not needing the line. This is because I based my purchase off the 2.7L Tacoma as described in the above thread. In my V6 6MT, the accumulator has a different orientation, so the way the lines are routed made it possible to connect them with just the brass fitting.
First, remove the exhaust support bracket (3x14mm bolts) to give you better access to the heat shield and accumulator bolts. I broke the bolt attached the the exhaust flange and did not reinstall the bracket as it didn't seem to provide much support anyway.


Next remove the heat shield (3x12mm bolts). Remove the accumulator (3x12mm bolts). It took a couple different length combo wrenches and some arm contortion to reach the top 2, and thankfully they were not tough to break loose. Before I totally removed the accumulator, I cracked the in & out fittings open as to not be fumbling around with a free floating accumulator. I pulled the 'in' line out first and attached the new fitting, plugging it with my thumb to prevent heavy loss of fluid. While holding the accumulator with my plugging hand, I pulled the 'out' line. I was able to contort both lines enough to close the gap left behind by the now forever banished clutch engagement ruiner and get them both tightened into the coupler. I hit the area with some brake clean, wiped it down, and let it sit for a minute to see if there were any leaks. Nothing! I cracked open the bleeder, let gravity do it's thing, closed the bleeder, and topped off the reservoir.


Here's how it looks after a bit more moving to not contact the heat shield.....


.....And the mess of tools


I attacked this project from underneath on a creeper with the truck on some beefy boi jack stands.

It is true what they say about the ADM, it is like driving a whole different truck! The truck now shifts so smooth, "Like a hot locomotive through butter!" as my high school calculus teacher would say.

In other news, my 1969 Volkswagen Bus arrived from FL about a month ago. It's a solid runner but I had to tow it to the shop to fix having ZERO brakes thanks to the cheap wheel cylinders.

 

I actually went with that same BJ70 Landcruiser emblem. Painted it grey to match the skid plate. It is tough to get flush but I think I have a solution for that. I love the look of it. Vintage and a nod to the coolest SUV ever!

 

Haven’t done a whole lot with the truck, was busy putting a new engine in the Volkswagen.
I did however sell the RTT, install Deaver stage 2 leaf packs, and mount the hidden front hitch from 4X Innovations.


I also made a quick run to Crankshaft Crossing to litter the Bus’ old crank in the dessert as my offering to the gods of internal combustion (find the smallest crank in the picture).
Death Valley was fantastic as always and the Deaver springs are worth every cent. I wish I had pulled the trigger on them during the initial lift.


I’m just shy of 40k miles and have a big move in a couple weeks so there’s a long maintenance check list ready for next week. Until then, Happy New Year!

 

Well it's been a little while.
Since the last post, I made a table and bought a trailer:

I moved across the country:

Then I moved across the country again:

And I went off roading once:

It's been a helluva 18 months. The Tacoma has had a couple oil changes in various parking lots, greased u-joints along with those oil changes, has done 20k miles since the last post, and is still running as well as a 4.0 should. I debate every day whether or not to sell the little beast because it is $#i+ on gas, terribly uncomfortable on long drives, not fun to daily drive at all, and just barely tows what I need it to. But for some reason, I cannot bring myself to list it. Maybe it is the fact that I own it, that no matter what terrible situation I throw at it, it prevails, or the fact that it will do a few hundred thousand care free miles; I just cannot do it. There's just something about a Tacoma that keeps you turning the key and going.
The last three years have been good; not spectacular, not horrendous, just good. Maybe that's part of it; the truck just does what it is told to do with no fun and no frills. In a life without stability, the Tacoma brings you piece of mind.
Anyway, maybe I'll post about the truck more, but maybe it'll be another 18 months.
P.S. if you need anything hauled from Seattle to the Bay Area or vise versa in the next 4 months, send me a PM. I'll be making that trek about once a month with an empty bed and on one of the trips, an empty 18' car hauler.