New Mexico Owners BS Thread

I definitely getcha on that I refer to those maps quite a bit or at least the GIS layers for them. Depending on the forest they do have a good amount of data in the layer for high clearance and dispersed camping. It makes it really easy to put together a route I can export as a gpx file and share it with others. I typically carry a printed version of those maps or have the Avenza map on my phone as well just in case.

 

Lol ive got almost the same exact map on my wall

 

Haha nice definitely looks great on the wall!

 

To counter that... the Gaia app has those FS MVUM roads as a layer that you can put on top of any other layer (nat geo topo, USGS topo, forest service maps...)

I do use Avenza for benchmark maps for driving around. But for finer detail... Gaia’s layers and ease of use for recording a route or building one to follow later. Gaia wins it for me. Plus $30 a year means I have access to all Nat Geo topos ever made.

Below you can see some of the routes I’ve recorded and points I’ve marked, the layered effects of the MVUM above other layers. Nat Geo where they have them, forest service, etc. the nice thing is you can turn of and on layers or rearrange them, fade them. Routes are easily shareable.



heres an example where there are three types of maps butted together... Nat Geo which is the best option when it’s available, then FS Visitor map (the bottom left), the FS topo maps (up top). And on top of all of them is the labeled MVUM roads.

 

Many people like Gaia but there are other options that offer similar functionality. I think the youtube overlanders have definitely raised awareness of the product but I personally am not fond of it being a subscription. I would rather purchase the program and maps I want and be done.

 

The features it has over Avenza and onX make it worth the subscription for me. I’ve been using it for 6+ years or so and it just works for me. Besides finding out that in Avenza the updated benchmark maps I already purchased cost money to update is annoying.

I do get the subscription thought. From Netflix to Spotify to this to adobe to Microsoft, the world is all about subscriptions that nickel and dime everyone to death. But this one is worth it to me.

 

OnX is used by mostly hunters and offers different features that Gaia does not have. I'm not familiar with Avenza but plan on looking into it. All of the programs have seperate pros and cons.

 

Avanza is nice because it allows you to import geolocated PDFs or TIFFs but its really just a static map rather than Gaia, OnX, or other similar maps that allow you to turn layers on and off. Also OnX has been developing their off-road/overlanding side of the app.

 

Well... the free version allows you to import exactly 3 Georeferenced maps. Otherwise you pay $30 per year. But that is a nice feature if you make your own maps. A couple years ago they wanted $130 a year to import maps, looks like they wised up.

 

I'd be in for group ride

 

Anyone know of a suspension/alignment shop in Albuquerque who would install and align new suspension, and might as well mount and place my new tires/wheels?

 

I know 4wd parts Menaul can handle all of those things... but I'm sure there's other shops some of the guys have used

 

Many shops will not install parts if not purchased through them directly. Try calling 4wheel parts or desert rat seeing what their lead times are and if they would install.

Honestly I'd install the suspension then take it for an alignment paired with the new tires and wheels.

 

I went to 4Wheel parts just to get an installation quote on the suspension I purchased. They mentioned they couldn't install my 5100/887/SPC UCA/AAL combination because of company policy and vaguely understood the ECGS needle bearing install. They did refer me to a mechanic but I wasn't sure how reliable they are.

@nmbowhunter recommended Ron McCall to me in this thread, I've reached out to him. So far he seems like a really stand up guy but he also seems really busy. He also wasn't sure about the ECGS install but would look into it which was a plus. He has also installed suspensions on a some Tacoma's based on his Facebook posts. I need to get back into contact with him since the shutdown sort of put things on hold. He mentioned having to get an alignment after the install but my truck would be as close to aligned as he could get it. I may ask him to just install the suspension and then go to Albuquerque Tire Inc for the alignment.

Before all of that I went to Desert Rat and the verbal estimate they gave me seemed high and at the time it did not include the ECGS needle bearing preventative maintenance. Plus they seemed to prefer Toytec suspensions from what I gathered.

I will probably go with Ron when he has an opening and then attempt the ECGS if I need it after the new suspension.

 

Sounds like a self install is in my future LMAO

 

It's really not that hard, worst part of the whole suspension for me was not removing the front swaybar from the start. Made it so much easier on the GX470.

 

Yeah I've been thinking about that as well. When I visited Desert Rat it was quite a while ago so things might have changed especially if they a hurting for business.

 

I've literally only ever changed a tire before in my life when it comes to anything mechanical ..... big oooooof lmao

 

I would even be willing to help you install it. If you buy pre-assembled struts It's about 8 bolts per side from start to finish. Obviously issues might come up but, it's certainly something that can be learned by watching a youtube video.

 

This is you're best bet. There are few places I'd take a truck to around here, especially 4 Wheel Parts. Like NMrunner said, it's not all that hard. Watch a couple YT videos beforehand and that will make it go a little quicker as well.