a utah cave dweller says hey

Hey...

Me? 54 yrs old; "involuntarily" retired; no kids; not married; two dogs; and typical "Aspie" (I have Asperger's autism).
I'm pretty much a Howard Hughes type - an intelligent, eccentric, recluse - but without the money...

My current ride is a nearly stock 1999 Taco TRD 4x4, with the auto, ext cab, and 3.4 V-6.

I have a little money coming in, and a bit of savings, and a whole lot of time. I want to fill the time with some expedition style off-roading, so I'm planning on spending a decent dime to fix up the Taco this year, so I can head out next spring.

New suspension, sliders, armor, winch, bumpers, seats, tires and to top it off a "Four Wheel Camper" pop-top camper with a few conveniences. My major problem is building a "dual purpose" machine - one that will work decent when its empty AND when its loaded with 1200 lbs of camper and equipment. My best idea so far is a medium weight supension (600 lbs comfortably) and a set of Firestone Ride-Rite air springs to boost the capacity for the expedition stuff.

Then I want to see the northern lights in Alaska, the fur seals at the tip of the Baja peninsula, a few raptors in the Arches slickrock, and whatever I find in between.

I'll probably lurk quite a bit, ask a few questions, and try not to be an idiot (he he he ... that's a stretch... )

later... Don

 

welcome to TW

 

Cant wait to see the build! Welcome!

 

thanks...

 

Welcome, sounds like you'll fit in just fine around these parts. Also sounds like you have a nice trip planned. Good luck!

 

Welcome aboard. What kind of internet access you gettin out in caveland? Striving to become a caveman later myself.............

 

Welcome to TW! You live in the right state for the expedition stuff. Did you see the Dangerous Drives episode when they were in Moab in the winter for a few days?

 

Hi y'all..

Appreciate the welcome. I'm looking forward to using the experience here, to build something I've been thinking of for years. I'm a bit concerned for the IFS, but I see some real possibilities in these threads.

Already made one change to my plans cause of the forum = replace Firestone Ride-Rites with Timbrens. Using the bags for leveling would be cool, but KISS says to use the Timbrens and drop the airlines.

Had no idea the lifts would be so easy on a Taco. Got a friend who's an excellent welder and think he'll help with the hot stuff - I might even learn how myself, especially since he likes to see the boot do the work.

I'm keepin a close eye on the group buys and plan to accumulate the suspension, bumpers, and armor first. Wish I could keep the build under $4500 (not counting camper), but my guesstimates are already up to $6000. Good thing I'm a fair wrench.

I'm a bit worried I am pushing the load to much and thinking I might need to do a little boxing and gusseting, if I want to go exploring with a 1200 lb. load. Being solo I think I better build it pretty strong.

Back to planning. I'm not much of a talker or typist, but will try to be a part of the conversation. Hope to start buying stuff immediately, and maybe do a first stage build in 3 or 4 months. Got a check today that will go a long way towards funding the plan.

Funny - I'm totally stoked to cut off some body work to improve my angle of approach and departure - its a dream come true...

Keep yourselves upright... H

 

Welcome Don!

 

Welcome Don! Nice to see another Utah'n on here.

I'd like to invite you out to a Meet and Greet/Trail Run if you're up for it.

Here is the link:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/south-west/96544-official-utah-meet-great-trail-run-list.html

We would love to see you out there if you can make it!