Atomic6
New member
Thanks, moving to Colorado was the best decision my wife and I have ever made. We love this state.
Atomic6's build, history, maintenance, whatever-you-want-to-call-it thread
- Thread starter Atomic6
- Start date
Thanks, moving to Colorado was the best decision my wife and I have ever made. We love this state.
Atomic6
New member
November 19, 2017: 250,200 miles
On Sunday, I hit up Bunce School Road in Lyons, CO with AJ ( [MENTION=149376]AJvan64[/MENTION] ) and Bruce (in the Taco). Our plan was to run the whole trail, then hit up some of the off-shoots like the T-33 plane crash or Ironclads. This didn’t go as planned because half through the trail we hit too much ice and didn’t feel comfortable carrying on. Instead we turned around and found a good (legal) spot to practice shooting.
I really need an alignment too…
by Jordan Calpus
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/244360005" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
by Jordan Calpus
At one point on the trail, we encountered a hill with a ton of ice. AJ tried, but quickly slid back down. After assessing the situation, we found a better line and all made it up without much difficulty. AJ’s friend, Jordan, got a great video of an XJ not checking out the ice beforehand and sliding all the way back down:
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/244359234" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
He did finally make it up the trail though.
We only made it about a mile past the icy hill because we found another area that looked too dangerous, so we turned around and slid back down the hill. This was a lot of fun since the trail/ice keeps you in the middle. It was like a big water park slide!
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/244365380" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/244365320" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
by Jordan Calpus
On Sunday, I hit up Bunce School Road in Lyons, CO with AJ ( [MENTION=149376]AJvan64[/MENTION] ) and Bruce (in the Taco). Our plan was to run the whole trail, then hit up some of the off-shoots like the T-33 plane crash or Ironclads. This didn’t go as planned because half through the trail we hit too much ice and didn’t feel comfortable carrying on. Instead we turned around and found a good (legal) spot to practice shooting.
I really need an alignment too…
by Jordan Calpus
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/244360005" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
by Jordan Calpus
At one point on the trail, we encountered a hill with a ton of ice. AJ tried, but quickly slid back down. After assessing the situation, we found a better line and all made it up without much difficulty. AJ’s friend, Jordan, got a great video of an XJ not checking out the ice beforehand and sliding all the way back down:
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/244359234" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
He did finally make it up the trail though.
We only made it about a mile past the icy hill because we found another area that looked too dangerous, so we turned around and slid back down the hill. This was a lot of fun since the trail/ice keeps you in the middle. It was like a big water park slide!
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/244365380" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/244365320" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
by Jordan Calpus
Last edited:
trailbikerider
Member
God that hill looks soooooo sketchy hahaha.
Kmurt
New member
Hey Atomic, I want to go the same route you did. How is your current headlight conversion still holding up? The link I highlighted in RED is broken.
Would you be able to find that link again on what you bought? Thanks.
Atomic6
New member
The HIDs are holding up great! I still think this is my favorite mod to date. I drive with my headlights on most of the time, so they've had a good amount of operating hours already and I've only had one small issue with them. Last Sunday when I was driving to Bunce School Road, the driver headlight went out. I think it was just a loose wire, because it came back on and I haven't had an issue since.
It seems that company doesn't sell the relay harness on Amazon anymore ("AODE® Xenon HID Kit H4 Hi/Lo Bi-Xenon Controller Relay Harness Wire Control 12V 35W/55W Light Lamp Controller 130279"), but it looks like this is the same exact kit: http://a.co/gDp0NS5 or this one: http://a.co/f47ddoG
Atomic6
New member
It was pretty sketchy if you didn't check it out first. We parked our truck in a safe spot and watched a ton of Jeeps and UTVs slide down the hill.
There was one fender bender with a group of JK's trying to get up the hill. We tried to warn them but they didn't listen to us. One JK went full throttle up the hill while the other two sat at the curve. Just imagine how fast that XJ slid down in the video, but right into the front of another JK. :twitch: They attempted it the same way without moving the Jeeps and slid right back into the same JK! You can't fix stupid...
Atomic6
New member
January 27, 2018
Headed out to Switzerland Trail with some friends to find some snow. It was freezing and we didn’t find much snow, but we still had a great time cooking out and hitting some easy obstacles.
If you're familiar with The Fast Lane Car on Youtube (TFLcar.com), we hit "Gold Mine Hill, Stage 3" at the end of the day. They make this look like the hardest obstacle in the world, but it's truly easy. I picked the wrong line the first time, but with the right line, I walked right up it.
The GXOR guys showed up while we were cooking out. Pretty cool seeing so many GX’s on the trail… and an awesome Cayenne Turbo!
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254429139" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254429644" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254429819" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254430172" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254430555" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
...and here's Gold Mine Hill:
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254430803" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254430985" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
Headed out to Switzerland Trail with some friends to find some snow. It was freezing and we didn’t find much snow, but we still had a great time cooking out and hitting some easy obstacles.
If you're familiar with The Fast Lane Car on Youtube (TFLcar.com), we hit "Gold Mine Hill, Stage 3" at the end of the day. They make this look like the hardest obstacle in the world, but it's truly easy. I picked the wrong line the first time, but with the right line, I walked right up it.
The GXOR guys showed up while we were cooking out. Pretty cool seeing so many GX’s on the trail… and an awesome Cayenne Turbo!
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254429139" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254429644" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254429819" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254430172" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254430555" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
...and here's Gold Mine Hill:
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254430803" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/254430985" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
Atomic6
New member
Thanks, it was a lot of fun watching all the different rigs go up the same hill. It really showed off each one's technology (or lack there-of in my case).
That Porsche was a beast and totally showed everyone how it's done. I was told it's triple locked, but I'm not 100% that's true.
Atomic6
New member
February 2-6, 2018: 252,665 miles
I finally acquired all the parts I needed to rebuild the front suspension. My shocks and lower bushings have been shot for awhile and it’s been ruining my alignment and, in turn, wearing my tires unevenly.
New parts!
-Whiteline lower control arm bushings
-Donahoe Racing 2.5 coil overs rebuilt by 303 Shock Services
-Wheelers Off-road SuperBump bump stops
-Total Chaos spindle gussets
-Sonoran steel limit strap brackets
-Speedstrap 10” limit straps
-OE lower ball joints
I actually picked up the COs really cheap on facebook ($50), then took them to 303 Shock Service to have rebuilt. Tim had to replace one of the shock bodies, but it still ended up being much cheaper than brand new Icons. From what I understand, Icon bought DR when some bad sh*t happened and integrated most of DRs tech into their Icon products. Icon still services DR coil overs too (303 Shock Service is the regional servicer for Icon in Denver).
I also picked up some low-mile OE spindles and LCAs so I could weld on the TC gussets and press in the bushings before taking my truck apart. This is my daily driver, so I had to get the rebuild completed over the weekend.
Out with the old:
In with the new:
When I set the truck back down on its tires, I was about 1.5” lower than I used to be. I still need to raise it up about a half-inch, but it rides and handles so much better now. It actually responds to steering inputs instead of just swaying back and forth!
While the limit straps and spindle gussets are totally overkill for what I do, I’m really happy I shouldn’t have to worry as much about it. Without sway bars, the limit straps should keep my shocks and CVs from overextending and failing prematurely too.
Lastly, I stopped by Toytec to have my alignment dialed in. Blake and Mike really know what they’re doing when setting alignments on lifted trucks. If you’re in the area, I highly suggest calling Hugo and setting up an appointment.
They set my camber slightly negative so when I raise the truck my alignment should still be perfect.
I finally acquired all the parts I needed to rebuild the front suspension. My shocks and lower bushings have been shot for awhile and it’s been ruining my alignment and, in turn, wearing my tires unevenly.
New parts!
-Whiteline lower control arm bushings
-Donahoe Racing 2.5 coil overs rebuilt by 303 Shock Services
-Wheelers Off-road SuperBump bump stops
-Total Chaos spindle gussets
-Sonoran steel limit strap brackets
-Speedstrap 10” limit straps
-OE lower ball joints
I actually picked up the COs really cheap on facebook ($50), then took them to 303 Shock Service to have rebuilt. Tim had to replace one of the shock bodies, but it still ended up being much cheaper than brand new Icons. From what I understand, Icon bought DR when some bad sh*t happened and integrated most of DRs tech into their Icon products. Icon still services DR coil overs too (303 Shock Service is the regional servicer for Icon in Denver).
I also picked up some low-mile OE spindles and LCAs so I could weld on the TC gussets and press in the bushings before taking my truck apart. This is my daily driver, so I had to get the rebuild completed over the weekend.
Out with the old:
In with the new:
When I set the truck back down on its tires, I was about 1.5” lower than I used to be. I still need to raise it up about a half-inch, but it rides and handles so much better now. It actually responds to steering inputs instead of just swaying back and forth!
While the limit straps and spindle gussets are totally overkill for what I do, I’m really happy I shouldn’t have to worry as much about it. Without sway bars, the limit straps should keep my shocks and CVs from overextending and failing prematurely too.
Lastly, I stopped by Toytec to have my alignment dialed in. Blake and Mike really know what they’re doing when setting alignments on lifted trucks. If you’re in the area, I highly suggest calling Hugo and setting up an appointment.
They set my camber slightly negative so when I raise the truck my alignment should still be perfect.
2ndhandyotaman
Member
Every time I go to CO, I swear that I won't leave yet here I am, in Baltimore, trying to convince myself to just pack up and do it ! Your pics are helping me talk myself into it. :lmao:
"gold mine hill" WTF ?? I've watched a few of their episodes. Recently they had a H3 on that "hill" where off in the distance you could see a Honda Pilot being used for a support vehicle. A few scenes later you could see the Honda on top of the "hill" along with all of the other vehicles in the episode.
"gold mine hill" WTF ?? I've watched a few of their episodes. Recently they had a H3 on that "hill" where off in the distance you could see a Honda Pilot being used for a support vehicle. A few scenes later you could see the Honda on top of the "hill" along with all of the other vehicles in the episode.
Atomic6
New member
I'm a little behind. In a week from posting this, I’ll be going with some friends and the Toytec crew to run the Kokopelli Trail into Moab. I’ve been hard at work prepping the truck for the trip, so I figured it was time to update this thread before the trip…
February 16ish, 2018
I extended my stock roof rails. In the future, I want to build a full rack, but I can’t stand those rubber feet most people use. By extending the factory rails, I can have front mounts for the rack.
Found an extra set at the junk yard that I cut and welded to my stock ones. Then I carefully drilled into the roof, added metric nut-serts, and installed them with factory hardware and caps. Three bolts on each side.
February 18, 2018
After getting the front suspension rebuilt, I was itching to get back on dirt (and snow!). Josh (in the white Taco) and I headed up to Fort Collins to met up with Adam (in the black LX) to run a local-to-him trail: Seven Mile Road. The trail runs through the creek multiple times making it really fun. This is typically a glorified dirt road, but the snow makes it much harder in the winter. The unusually high temperatures and wind in the days leading up to our trip made for some interesting ice shelves on the water crossings too.
All-in-all the day was awesome. We had a few issues on some of the “water” crossings, but nothing a second line or a tug from another truck couldn’t fix. I did have quite the pucker moment when I thought I was going to roll when I slid sideways back off an ice shelf. When we looked back at the video Josh took, it wasn't as bad as it felt from the inside (thankfully!).
The last section of trail was... interesting. We finally found some good snow, but unfortunately it was deeper than we expected and got stuck multiple times. My worn tires and open diffs didn't help either. The LX got stuck further up the trail where we couldn’t reach him, so we spent two hours digging him out... not fun. Thankfully a guy in a dual locked Tacoma came to our rescue (with ease mind you).
Few things I learned: snow wheeling can be fun, but only if you go prepared. I really need to up my recovery game if I want to play in the snow! And my front suspension is awesome now. All I need to do is raise the coils an inch or so since I'm riding on the superbumps and could use the clearance for a future mod...
February 16ish, 2018
I extended my stock roof rails. In the future, I want to build a full rack, but I can’t stand those rubber feet most people use. By extending the factory rails, I can have front mounts for the rack.
Found an extra set at the junk yard that I cut and welded to my stock ones. Then I carefully drilled into the roof, added metric nut-serts, and installed them with factory hardware and caps. Three bolts on each side.
February 18, 2018
After getting the front suspension rebuilt, I was itching to get back on dirt (and snow!). Josh (in the white Taco) and I headed up to Fort Collins to met up with Adam (in the black LX) to run a local-to-him trail: Seven Mile Road. The trail runs through the creek multiple times making it really fun. This is typically a glorified dirt road, but the snow makes it much harder in the winter. The unusually high temperatures and wind in the days leading up to our trip made for some interesting ice shelves on the water crossings too.
All-in-all the day was awesome. We had a few issues on some of the “water” crossings, but nothing a second line or a tug from another truck couldn’t fix. I did have quite the pucker moment when I thought I was going to roll when I slid sideways back off an ice shelf. When we looked back at the video Josh took, it wasn't as bad as it felt from the inside (thankfully!).
The last section of trail was... interesting. We finally found some good snow, but unfortunately it was deeper than we expected and got stuck multiple times. My worn tires and open diffs didn't help either. The LX got stuck further up the trail where we couldn’t reach him, so we spent two hours digging him out... not fun. Thankfully a guy in a dual locked Tacoma came to our rescue (with ease mind you).
Few things I learned: snow wheeling can be fun, but only if you go prepared. I really need to up my recovery game if I want to play in the snow! And my front suspension is awesome now. All I need to do is raise the coils an inch or so since I'm riding on the superbumps and could use the clearance for a future mod...
Last edited:
Atomic6
New member
March 20, 2018
I picked up some secondhand, but new, 4x Innovations sliders a long time ago, but never got around to welding them on. Since I was moving houses in a few weeks and didn’t want to lug them around anymore, I finally welded them on. Very happy to have these since we were planning to run Rose Garden Hill on our Kokopelli Trip. This has since been canceled (Rose Garden, not the trip), but I’m excited to scratch these up instead of my new rockers.
April 14, 2018
Moved literally a mile down the road. I really need to get to work on the Camaro…
April 17, 2018
Originally, my wife was going to come on our trip west. With us sleeping in the truck, camping gear, food, tools, and all the misc stuff I carry in the 4Runner, space was becoming a premium. With that in mind, I picked up a 36” Plano waterproof rifle case to put recovery gear and tools in. I mounted it on my snowboard crossbars on the roof which left an empty drawer in the cargo box for camping gear. Unfortunately, my wife isn’t coming on the trip anymore (work calls), but it’ll be nice to have the extra room.
Another reason I bought the 36” case, it fits snugly between the wheel wells for when I get rid of the cargo box.
I picked up some secondhand, but new, 4x Innovations sliders a long time ago, but never got around to welding them on. Since I was moving houses in a few weeks and didn’t want to lug them around anymore, I finally welded them on. Very happy to have these since we were planning to run Rose Garden Hill on our Kokopelli Trip. This has since been canceled (Rose Garden, not the trip), but I’m excited to scratch these up instead of my new rockers.
April 14, 2018
Moved literally a mile down the road. I really need to get to work on the Camaro…
April 17, 2018
Originally, my wife was going to come on our trip west. With us sleeping in the truck, camping gear, food, tools, and all the misc stuff I carry in the 4Runner, space was becoming a premium. With that in mind, I picked up a 36” Plano waterproof rifle case to put recovery gear and tools in. I mounted it on my snowboard crossbars on the roof which left an empty drawer in the cargo box for camping gear. Unfortunately, my wife isn’t coming on the trip anymore (work calls), but it’ll be nice to have the extra room.
Another reason I bought the 36” case, it fits snugly between the wheel wells for when I get rid of the cargo box.
marcus clarkus
New member
She's lookin good! Nice job with the sliders.
I know you have some rust experience, so I thought you might be a good person to ask -- any idea where this rust is coming from and how to slow it down?? It was a bubble under the paint which I covered with grip tape about a year ago, but then the other day I noticed the grip tape was splitting so I peeled it back and it looks like it's gotten worse.
I can't locate where it's coming from/ how water is getting in there. Everything looks normal under the truck and when I peel the carpet back. Is there a drain here or something? Thanks!
FYI it is the rear passenger side door frame at the bottom, near a weld
I know you have some rust experience, so I thought you might be a good person to ask -- any idea where this rust is coming from and how to slow it down?? It was a bubble under the paint which I covered with grip tape about a year ago, but then the other day I noticed the grip tape was splitting so I peeled it back and it looks like it's gotten worse.
I can't locate where it's coming from/ how water is getting in there. Everything looks normal under the truck and when I peel the carpet back. Is there a drain here or something? Thanks!
FYI it is the rear passenger side door frame at the bottom, near a weld
Atomic6
New member
It looks too far gone to sand down and treat. Your best bet is to cut it out and weld a patch in.
There's a spot weld there and I'd guess that rocker was replaced or the factory weld wasn't up to par. The grip tape just expedited the rust by locking in moisture.
Atomic6
New member
Thanks, it's kind of a necessary evil on the roof, but it's growing on me.
Atomic6
New member
April 22, 2018
I scored a set of Tundra/Sequoia 17” wheels in November:
and while in the local UPAP yard getting an ABS sensor, I stumbled on a Sequoia with it’s stock spare still available:
These are my favorite factory wheel Toyota makes and I’ve been quietly looking for a deal for many years. Getting a matching spare was icing on the cake!
I’ve had them stored in the garage just waiting for my Duratracs to wear out enough to get new tires. After the Seven Mile run, I knew it was time to finally get new tires:
Enter the 285/75R17 Nitto Ridge Grappler (and a hint at my next big mod):
These measure 33.8” but are the same width as my old Goodyears (supposedly):
Good to know five tires and wheels fit in the truck too!
The difference:
That new new
Better pictures to come. I still need to adjust the coilovers, cut/patch more of the firewall to gain some clearance, and relocate my washer bottle.
I scored a set of Tundra/Sequoia 17” wheels in November:
and while in the local UPAP yard getting an ABS sensor, I stumbled on a Sequoia with it’s stock spare still available:
These are my favorite factory wheel Toyota makes and I’ve been quietly looking for a deal for many years. Getting a matching spare was icing on the cake!
I’ve had them stored in the garage just waiting for my Duratracs to wear out enough to get new tires. After the Seven Mile run, I knew it was time to finally get new tires:
Enter the 285/75R17 Nitto Ridge Grappler (and a hint at my next big mod):
These measure 33.8” but are the same width as my old Goodyears (supposedly):
Good to know five tires and wheels fit in the truck too!
The difference:
That new new
Better pictures to come. I still need to adjust the coilovers, cut/patch more of the firewall to gain some clearance, and relocate my washer bottle.
marcus clarkus
New member
Thanks man. New rubber looks great!
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