AZ BS Thread 4²0

a lot of grassroots rally guys will use 1/4 thick HDPE sheets for skids of sorts. It works to deflect and flexes, some times cracks, but in true rally car fashion…

 

Yeah I have an idea to mod my existing RCI skids, a little plan that probably wouldn't cost a ton and gain me a fair bit of clearance but sadly I'm not a custom fabricator and I can't weld aluminum. Everything else is mostly just measuring and cutting, but I don't have access to a lift or a workshop with something to zip through 1/4" aluminum easily. So it'd be a lot of testing and fitting and going back and forth on my DD which would be an absolute ballbuster.

Basically it goes as follows:
-Zip off the diff drop tumor, since I'm not using a diff drop. Weld in a plate of aluminum, cut a relief slot in it if necessary.
-Move back to the interface between the transmission and engine skid. Use a setup with a plate and some nut serts on top of the crossmember to stick some countersunk bolts into, up through from the bottom. Kinda like the Artec belly pan:

-Cut the engine and transmission skid to fit against each other like puzzle pieces, instead of stacked one on top of the other. Zip down the bolt protection shelves because the new bolts are countersunk.
-Move to the rear of the transmission skid and give it the countersunk bolt treatment too.

Most of it is drilling countersinks but that cut and weld... yeah that'd be a bear for me to DIY.

 

Kinetic ropes are meant to give a head start and give a yank, tow straps are meant to be pulled tight then use the tension to pull out. A lot of people use tow straps like they would a kinetic rope and it’s super dangerous.

 

Well I’m usually the one getting the call for help, not needing it lol. Thanks @Sixthelement for coming to the rescue last night

https://www.instagram.com/p/CntJfgUOgir/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=

 

If you wanna buy me a spool gun for my Hobart handler I’d gladly put it together for ya lmao. And a 4.5” cut off on a grinder will work just fine to “zip” through the aluminum

 

Where’s that? Cinders?

 

Very, pretty sure that’s partially what helped kill that guy up near kingman not too long ago

 

Hey anyone know of a shop or someone who does good cmc or bmc for 4Runners. Need it done whenever because my tires rub.

 

Yeah. Enjoying the snow. And up to another foot coming tomorrow. This particular spot was very very deep and heavy snow

 

@state48overland

Maybe @Maxx, too?

 

I can cut but I can’t weld. Lol. My buddy who did all my welding moved so have to get a machine and comfy with it. Have to wait until I move since have no room.

 

I need to learn how to weld myself...

 

Hahaha screw it don’t need no plate there jk man! Yeah my brother is good but he’s all the way in northeastern AZ

 

sweet I will check them out for sure!

 

I should probably take my advice I gave my daughters, figure out what you want to do and acquire the tools and skills to do that. I'm probably spending too much time on the YT. I don't really trust some unknown to yank me out, and I don't want some unknown rear ending me. Traction boards, compressor and a proper shovel I think will be my recovery gear (which I already have). I only have the stock hooks on the front, maybe I'll machine up a factor 55 style hitch mount for the rear. If I'm in deep, I get to spend some quality time with a shovel.

@TailHook - ok, brain housing group - had to look that one up (I'm thinking, wow, I haven't ever heard of that brand) - and yes made me laugh! Agreed. As an engineer, I probably try to engage that way too often and spend too much time trying to work out a unique solution instead of just getting it done.

Thanks for all the input, yes I do appreciate and have look up most of the suggestions, and those using the urban dictionary were mostly done at home.

 

He looked a little spicy coming around that tree and back down slope!

 

Since we're on the topic of recovering stuck tacos, anybody know a good set of recovery boards for about $75 or less? I'm looking at the x-bull ones, but any advice would be great. Thanks!

 

I have the x-bull. Used them several times in Vermillion Cliffs NM. Always fully supported, in sand, never bridging a gap, careful throttle control. I guess I kinda know they are not as durable as say a real MaxTrax, but then not the cost either. A good shovel and a compressor to enable you to air down and refill will get you out of most things in the SW. Brain Housing Group, my newest acquired phrase - know the limitations of the tool, and you'll do just fine.

But then I'm not asking the most relevant question, what are you hoping to get out of, where are you planning on going and needing to get out of? Me - I'm mostly on forest service roads, probably some sand, never in a lake bed - ain't worth it - and other members have had multiple lessons.

 

Finished the ucs millennium falcon this weekend, it’s massive for sure:


Here’s what the family had built in the last 2-3 weeks of family building time:
Wife built the monkey kid set, daughter did the princess castle set, my son powered threw and built the tiger, groot, iron man set, the imperial light cruiser then moved onto a Star Wars armored marauder (not pictured, finished that in a day and now is onto the daily bugle set:

 

I just got the bonzai tree on friday, and I ordered the Jurrassic Park diorama set online since honey gave me $15 cashback. I can't wait to get the JP set, I'm a huge fan!