Heading south from Bishop on 395, there was a dirt road that connected to Movie Road, which is where my next stop was, Alabama Hills. Thanks to offline maps and GPS, navigating these roads were easy.

Right off 395, going towards Movie Road


After about 3 miles, we finally entered Alabama Hills. No one else in sight, until we drive another 1 mile past the sign.. Guess it's the road less traveled.


Looking for camp, came down into the valley. Wanted more off-road, but got too tired and wanted to set up camp and relax.


Picture of our camp site.


Next morning, we packed our things and made our way towards home. Before hitting some asphalt again, we decided to scout a few more trails near by.


Video
Outside the car


Inside the car

Since I have a 3 day weekend, I figured I'd continue forth on my project. Going to be planning out my front bumper, and 32" LED bar mount. Progress from here will be measured in hours.

https://caliraisedled.com/collection...nt=26170728656

I was going to fabricate my own brackets. But you really can't beat the deal of $60. Already done and powder coated.

Too bad they're for the 5th gen.. Otherwise i'd be all over them.

5th gen? I'm 4th gen.

https://caliraisedled.com/collection...umper-brackets

Sorry. Wrong link prior.

Awesome! Thank you

Simply paying it forward. I went through the same thing just a few weeks ago. The quality is top notch too.

Ended up just making brackets since I was at home depot, and figure it was only going to be around $7 for everything.

cutting the L-brackets with a dremel to allow the LED bar to sit behind the lower grille. Otherwise, it would stick out too much for my liking.


Bumper mounted, sits about 1cm off the crash beam, and 1cm away from the closest spot of the lower grille. Success!!!


Now need to think about how to get maximum light output or close to it, while still using the license plate... I did this, but it looks a bit weird...


Any suggestions?

edit:

Here's a picture of my switch

Today, my Bilsteins were supposed to come in the mail but they didn't.. Ugh.. In any case, I lifted the truck after I got home from school and decided to do a power steering flush, as well as brake fluid as I had some remaining unopened DOT 4 fluid from my WRX brake job.

Power steering flush. Fluid was black. Made a HUGE difference in steering feel and it doesn't feel like it's "loose" any more.


ATE TYP 200 brake fluid, replacing the old fluid.


Now.. When I first picked up my truck, I knew that the brakes needed to be serviced soon since the brakes were quite spongy. I never got around to doing it because A) I was busy B) I was lazy. Kinda feel I took the time to do it today.. I didn't think it would be this bad...

Finally got my Bilsteins in the mail today and opted to install everything today as well. Install was a breeze... Minus, the rear top nut on the shock was rusted and wouldn't come off with ease. Opted for new KYB top hats since i'm already there.

FJC Moog's set at 1.75" is perfect. Because of the body lines, the 4r looks like it has reverse rake, but the measurements of the wheel wells show otherwise...

Here are some install pics.

Picture of the truck, CV axles and Measurements.


CV Axle Angles:


Front, right around 37.5"


Rear, just under 38"

Also, since I was underneath the car already and my CV boot tear had gotten worse, I'd figure I'd wrap it with a ziplock bag and ziptie the ends for a temp solution while I wait for my CV boots to come and I make time again to reboot the CV's. Looks ghetto as hell, but hey... it works.

LOVE this picture!

Thanks! It's one of my favorites as well. Just wish I had a wider lens when I took the photo..