Been getting out to an area south of me called Chokecherry canyon. I searched and only found a few brief mentions here and there. Knowing of the area I started making some calls. I was lucky enough to meet a local guy named Rick Jenkins that has been showing me the ropes the past couple weekends. He's on a KOH race team(currently in Tucson) been in the area awhile and introduced me to some good people. He's helped me with a lot of the learning curve with the truck, it's abilities, my abilities, the terrain, picking lines, trusting your spotter, etc. Up to this point I'd only done some easy mountain passes, lots of snow and zero hood in the sky style wheeling.

I'll list the trails I've now done or done part of rather. There are several youtube videos out there on the area. Rick made or posted a lot of them and is spotted in many either spotting someone or tearing it up. Most of the vehicles in the vids are jeeps and buggies as the area caters to them, but there are a few sas'd tacos and LC's. With caution or an experienced guide like I have met one can still have a great time. I think it's safe to say that there is plenty of very challenging terrain. The greater challenge is probably finding the right loops that are challenging enough without breaking stuff. Admittedly I have taken a few bypasses but considering they aren't really obstacles for a vehicle like mine I didn't feel bad. The trails so far have been:
-Anasazi refrigerator trail
-Upper Rim
-Gladiator
-Rj's
-Frog Rock
-upper and Lower Playground

I posted some pictures before but I'm going to dump some on here from the last 2 weeks and a few trips. I've got some decent videos I'll add later as well, if anyone wants to see. He took about 80 pics for me the first trip and about half as many this time. I'll drop some and probably update this thread over time after future trips. I actually went today for a few hours this morning. Is that crazy to drive 1 hour(supercharged, W/7th to wheel for 3 hours and drive and hour home?

The starting group from last weekend


I'm tagging along behind my buddy.



I went up this before this jeep but being that I was with a larger group there wasn't as much photo taking. I wanted to get a perspective of the grade.


Entrance to Rj's


Notice no camera and the buggies are up top. Well as I'm approaching and get onto that first rock.



This happens above me

The leader came back down and after some winching the buggy was upright and they brought it back to life I went to check my clearance on that first rock.



OOh that's close,,Lil skips or something in order


Then the buggy was off to prove his point


which cleared the way for me


To get here



I tried a few times but really needed front locker, they broke out the winch for about 1 lousy foot

Loving the AOR approach angle


Final climb with me picking my own line.





After a couple photos he had me back down. I then approached further passenger side which pushed my tire down sooner.

GOOD TIMES.. Hit me up if anyone is around here!!

Great pics! That looks like a fun trail!

Nice pics. Looks like fun. Beautiful 4runner you've got there!

Where is this at? Sweet trails!


I miss Durango ....sometimes. Born there.

Sick truck. Eff that wheel stand, I'd be

I would love to go wheeling some time. Every time I go down to chokecherry I just go play on little trails. I have yet to find RJs trail! Hit me up if you go back I'm going this sunday!

Sweet report. Are these trails in the Durango area?

it's outside of Farmington NM right outside of town. some of the coolest trails I've ever seen. super fun.

Thanks, I was lucky to get so many. The guys were super cool to not only spot and guide but take photos too. So many missed and bad shits. I'm taking go pro next time.
By the way your rig is sick!! I found a 79' ford 1 ton for some parts, watcha think?

Thanks a lot, you too. Maybe we'll meet up as I will be putting in some miles this year.

Near Farmington, NM. Search 4x4tricks for vids

I admit I was nervous. But with the voices of confidence out the window it wasn't bad. I have some decent vids I'll post some time. Thanks for compliment..let's meet up and turn some heads..fish heads that is

I'll be there tomorrow. I'll be in the upper playground and hoping to run into a group. I'm sure most are at EJS though. You probably know the trails are serious. I wouldn't go on them too far w/O a local and or someone whose rig was built more than mine. The trails aren't clearly marked and u easily can get stuck, broke or in a spot you wish you weren't.

Farmington, nm..it's more suited to leaf and 4 link rigs. BUT..it's close, as challenging as u want it to be, close to a town on case of problems, for the most part looks like Moab if you don't loom to far and can look past some debris and gas wells and there's a community of good people I've met done there.
Indeed, if u ever make it out LMK.

Ford balljoint 60 sounds like a good plan!

Yea, I'm going to slowly start getting parts together. Not so sure I'll do anything to interrupt the summer ahead. However it is certainly a want for now especially after seeing what that stuff can do.

At least you have the axle. Gear it, lock it, upgrade knuckles, 35 spline outers and hubs, new seals, bearings, and ball joints. Since you're in no rush, I'd just slowly build it and search for a cheap 14 bolt (under $200), gear it, lock it, do a disc brake conversion, and get a toyota flange for it and you're set.

Went out again today and did a variety loop winding in and out...heres' RJ's trail





this is where I got winched last time. This it only required someone pulling down on my front bumper once I got up..