Black798's 98 limited build thread

[Black798]

New Website

I have started a new website to start selling Toyota 4x4 armor and other accessories. I'm still adding products with plans in the works for built front bumpers and DIY kits. Head on over and check it out!

https://www.blackflagoffroadfab.com/

 

[jb10]

[MENTION=84643]JBurt[/MENTION] those kinds of people really piss me off, they're the reason why a lot of places get misused or shut down because they make it a "safety hazard." Unfortunately, this area is crawling with them, probably part of the reason we don't have many good trail networks here in Montana along with all the tree huggers. You do have a point though it could have been a lot worse. I've just gotten sick of barely getting to wheel the truck and having a lot of high dollar parts break wear out or need to be replaced all at once.

Talked to my buddy that was with me and he got a couple pictures of the snow bank we ended up on. You cant see the turn in these but about 150 feet down the road theres a blind turn that he slid around, over corrected and swung to the outside, so I threw myself to the inside.

[MENTION=123762]jb10[/MENTION] here are a few pictures of the latch. It is pretty solid and the swing arm is totally supported but if I were to do it again I think Id put the lat on top of the arm and I may do this in the future. I have a feeling it could turn into a rock anchor where it is at depending on the obstacle. We'll see in a few weeks...

thanks! i have a similar setup. currently i just have a lynch pin but it makes a bunch of noise when going over bumps so i am looking for a better alternative. i like the rubber bumper you have it sitting on

 

[Unner]

I do have Moab to look forward to, I need my yearly rock therapy. It's been too long since Ive been able to get out and really use the truck. The three weeks it was down and couldn't even move I started having thoughts of selling the truck and getting a newer Tacoma or something but now that it's back together and working pretty well I don't think that will happen.

It's hard to beat the reliability and capability of these 3rd gen 4Runners. Yours should be set for awhile now with the new diffs, and rear shocks.

I have started a new website to start selling Toyota 4x4 armor and other accessories. I'm still adding products with plans in the works for built front bumpers and DIY kits. Head on over and check it out!

https://www.blackflagoffroadfab.com/

Looks good!

 

[Black798]

thanks! i have a similar setup. currently i just have a lynch pin but it makes a bunch of noise when going over bumps so i am looking for a better alternative. i like the rubber bumper you have it sitting on

Not really sure what material it is, I found it in the scrap bin at work, its similar to a composite cutting board, but it allows the arm to slide easily but have a bit of support.

It's hard to beat the reliability and capability of these 3rd gen 4Runners. Yours should be set for awhile now with the new diffs, and rear shocks.

As long as I can manage to not do whatever I did to grenade the front the first time. I've put a lot of thought into it and I still can't think of when or how it happened which kind of worries me but I can't let it keep me from wheeling the truck. Breaking parts is just part of the fun I suppose.

 

[Black798]

So in the midst of getting the truck prepped for Moab we got SLAMMED by the biggest storm in probably 2 years. Over 1.5 feet in a day. I managed to resist the urge to go snow wheeling and risk breaking something but yesterday I didn't have much of a choice, the wind had picked up and drifted the road completely shut. To get home I ended up pushing through drifts that were all the way up to the hood and it was probably the most fun Ive had in the truck in a long time. I have to say these falken tires at low psi coupled with the locker make this thing damn near unstoppable. I also got the alternator swapped last night for a rebuilt denso

There's normally a road here but not anymore,
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/38833775130/in/album-72157688909626084/" title="IMAG0020"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4706/38833775130_efe234f02a_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="IMAG0020"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40643820491/in/album-72157688909626084/" title="IMAG0021"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4799/40643820491_592d4c9c07_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="IMAG0021"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40602131002/in/album-72157688909626084/" title="IMAG0023"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4711/40602131002_3026131390_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="IMAG0023"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[JBurt]

There's normally a road here but not anymore,
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40602131002/in/album-72157688909626084/" title="IMAG0023"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4711/40602131002_3026131390_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="IMAG0023"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There's normally most of a 4Runner here, but not anymore.

 

[Black798]

[MENTION=84643]JBurt[/MENTION] it likes to try to camouflage itself

 

[Black798]

Moab Trip Report: Day 1

I got back from Moab a few days ago and it was another epic trip that lived up to all expectations. Broke some stuff, fixed some stuff, met some new people, and got to spend a weak not freezing my ass off in the snow so not much to complain about.


Day 1 and Day 2

Day 1 we drove down to Moab which took way too long, 11 or 12 hours due to the stretch from Big Sky to Idaho falls that was a total sheet of ice. We got into town around 4:30 or 5, loaded up on ice and fuel and headed out to Area BFE to set up camp. Went to the same spot as last year, set up the tent ate some dinner and then aired down the tires to go mess around in the proving ground which there wasn't really much I could do so we decided to head across the road to go play in the dunes.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992105977/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_6924"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/791/25992105977_8c3275f364_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_6924"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992106357/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_6930"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/792/25992106357_8c6aa61128_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_6930"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/39054505040/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_6935"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4777/39054505040_dfaa991377_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_6935"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992107957/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_6944"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/796/25992107957_bdb6c0ef8f_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_6944"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Next morning we woke up and headed out to run seven-mile rim...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155615554/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="7 Mile Rim (25)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/821/40155615554_113056aeba_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="7 Mile Rim (25)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

First major stop was Uranium Arch...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155694634/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Uranium Arch (2)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/798/40155694634_6f07a10787_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Uranium Arch (2)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Then the trail heads up to a big overlook that lets you see the entire Moab Valley on one side and where the trail ends up on the other
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155702444/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="7 Mile Rim (11)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/789/40155702444_61c0e9143f_c.jpg" width="800" height="535" alt="7 Mile Rim (11)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/26994060728/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="7 Mile Rim (31)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/808/26994060728_c6730abc03_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="7 Mile Rim (31)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/39970559325/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="7 Mile Rim (3)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/788/39970559325_8871d5eac4_c.jpg" width="800" height="535" alt="7 Mile Rim (3)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A little way down the trail there is a series of optional ledges that were deceptively hard. It was more of an issue of tire size that was just making me get hung up on the gas tank
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155617604/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="7 Mile Rim (33)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4780/40155617604_1fe602819e_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="7 Mile Rim (33)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992085547/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="7 Mile Rim (43)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4783/25992085547_b1c33c22a7_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="7 Mile Rim (43)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Next up was the silver crack which I completely forgot to get pictures of, it's not very impressive, I didn't realize I even went through it until I looked on the map.

We stopped for lunch out at Determination towers after a fast sandy wash that let the new King shocks shine.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/26994064758/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="7 Mile Rim (44)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/795/26994064758_16cbd34cfc_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="7 Mile Rim (44)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992086437/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="7 Mile Rim (45)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/25992086437_e39ca2ceb3_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="7 Mile Rim (45)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Passing through the squeeze on our way out to Wipeout Hill
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155630314/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="7 Mile Rim (58)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/786/40155630314_d52516364b_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="7 Mile Rim (58)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Heading across tippy dome, this section feels way worse than it actually is but it has a decent pucker factor
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155631784/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="7 Mile Rim (63)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/812/40155631784_96916574a7_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="7 Mile Rim (63)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/26994070358/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="7 Mile Rim (70)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4780/26994070358_682758edd6_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="7 Mile Rim (70)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The last obstacle I did on this trail was Wipeout Hill which was pretty insane. I took the easier line going down and up but it is steep enough that on the way down I was literally standing up inside the truck
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/39970560265/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Wipeout Hill (4)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/800/39970560265_31ba0374ce_c.jpg" width="535" height="800" alt="Wipeout Hill (4)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On the way back up I ran into an issue as soon as the drive line went under tension when I started to climb. I felt and heard a wierd pop in the rear and then I felt the whole rear end shift back. Turned out that my driver side upper link bolt had somehow undone itself depite being torqued to spec with locktite and fallen out when I was turning around. I seriously cant figure out how it came out that fast or easy without making more noise. With nothing holding the rear link it allowed the axle to start shifting under load. Luckily I found the bolt in the sand and had an extra nut that I threw on and we were back in business. Glad it happened before I was really climbing though.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40822977712/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Wipeout Hill (16)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/806/40822977712_108bc0a505_c.jpg" width="534" height="800" alt="Wipeout Hill (16)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40822976742/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Wipeout Hill (9)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/820/40822976742_6982e9e83f_c.jpg" width="800" height="535" alt="Wipeout Hill (9)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40822980292/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Wipeout Hill (23)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/40822980292_e0ebcba26f_c.jpg" width="534" height="800" alt="Wipeout Hill (23)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


After that, we went back down wipeout hill and headed out that way since it was faster and we needed to be back in town to meet up with my parents who had been driving down from Bozeman.

 

[Black798]

Day 3

Day three or I guess day two actually in Moab we met up with [MENTION=78892]Fishwerks[/MENTION] [MENTION=107971]derpiful[/MENTION] [MENTION=82211]TCMach[/MENTION] [MENTION=129084]Flemster[/MENTION], and a few others to run Poison Spider. I ran this trail last year but didn't fully finish it and knew there were a lot of things I bypassed so I knew there was still plenty to have fun on and this trail has a lot of good scenery.

Chris giving the first big line on the switchbacks a go
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/26994100228/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (341)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/802/26994100228_e2d60f55be_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (341)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Tyler doing the same with his fancy new 37s with Otto keeping watch
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155667614/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (359)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4782/40155667614_605e742345_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (359)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155668644/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (362)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4785/40155668644_d3516affb1_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (362)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Moving on
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992129547/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (363)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/785/25992129547_96e569ddae_c.jpg" width="534" height="800" alt="Poison Spider (363)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Alex going up the first set of ledges. I really liked his chase light setup, I didnt really see a need for it when I first saw it but after following in his dust for a bit it was really nice to be able to actually see where the next truck was. It is something I will be copying once I pick up one of his racks...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/39054516860/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (380)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/796/39054516860_7912b4f4ac_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (380)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This was where I found out I had forgotten to put the truck in 4wd and had been running in 2wd which I was kind of surprised I made it that far
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/39054517230/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (386)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/806/39054517230_55dbcd469d_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (386)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/39054517630/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (389)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/788/39054517630_5ae9b6ffae_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (389)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Doug's sweet LS1 swapped 60 series...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992137157/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (392)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/25992137157_07848d322d_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (392)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Headed up the waterfall...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992137807/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (417)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/805/25992137807_89c8b984fd_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (417)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155678824/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (451)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/813/40155678824_10b26d0e4d_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (451)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992139677/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (452)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4782/25992139677_5433f2bf9b_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (452)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Stock FJ warming up the tires...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155681464/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (470)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/789/40155681464_48a8c30403_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (470)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hayden and Alex coming up the Wedgie...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992141717/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (476)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/796/25992141717_557cf0b638_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (476)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155683024/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (485)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4783/40155683024_0e9fca3b04_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (485)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

King shocks doing their thing...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155684104/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (492)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/805/40155684104_c6919a58fc_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (492)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Short wheelbase problems...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155685284/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (504)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/789/40155685284_febc942c31_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (504)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

37s make this look too easy...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155686824/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (521)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/799/40155686824_642e76fbc6_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (521)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

We stopped at the top of the Wedgie for lunch so I got the drone out and flew it around a bit.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155702134/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="7 Mile Rim (1)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4771/40155702134_046d80fb14_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="7 Mile Rim (1)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Black798]

Poison Spider Continued

After lunch we headed out across Tie Rod Flats and started on the outer loop of the trail. This section was by no means hard but had a few places with decent pucker factor and a couple sandy washes to play around in. We were able to make much better time on the way out than on the way in.

Stopped up on top of a dome
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155663494/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (314)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/783/40155663494_3153093e14_c.jpg" width="800" height="535" alt="Poison Spider (314)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992145157/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (530)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4794/25992145157_81fe29e8bc_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (530)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Alex decided to go down the Wedgie and I followed but don't have any pictures
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992146877/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (561)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/796/25992146877_ac98b898ba_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (561)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Stopped on top of the upper section of the waterfall getting ready to head down...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155691184/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (566)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/814/40155691184_0fb6eeef07_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (566)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On the way down
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155692874/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (607)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/783/40155692874_b18b78e286_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (607)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40864235451/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (608)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4784/40864235451_af20c6d58e_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (608)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And then airing back up...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40864235451/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Poison Spider (608)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4784/40864235451_af20c6d58e_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Poison Spider (608)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Overall a great day and an even greater group of guys to wheel with. I had a ton of fun and tried a few things I know I wouldn't have done normally so thanks guys for letting me and my group tag along.

 

[Black798]

Day 4

Day 4 we decided to run Hells revenge again so that I could do Hells Gate which I have been wanting to do since last year. I was super disappointed and a little pissed to find out that since last year they paved a ramp and closed off the steep line on the gatekeeper which can now be driven in a Subaru Outback. The whole trend of people "building" things like Subarus and RAV 4s and trying to pass them off as hardcore wheeling rigs and then complaining when they cant do something just irritates me. And after asking the ranger that was in the entrance booth of sand flats about it he said that was basically why they did that. Enough people complained it was too hard or got hurt trying it when they shouldn't. The one nice thing is they did put in an exit which should get rid of any traffic jams.

Onto the wheeling pictures...

Posing on the jeep at the overlook next to lions back...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992099047/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Revenge (5)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/792/25992099047_2a1a2fb250_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Hells Revenge (5)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

View from the overlook toward where the trail heads...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992105577/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Revenge Overlook (4)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4785/25992105577_33a3e8c504_c.jpg" width="800" height="535" alt="Hells Revenge Overlook (4)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

One of the more technical sections fairly early on
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992100237/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Revenge (12)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/803/25992100237_1295d9a14a_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Hells Revenge (12)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Now the fun part... Hells Gate... This obstacle is honestly way more intimidating than it is difficult. I would say it's not quite as steep as wipeout hill it's just very important to stay high on the wall and to make sure that your rear tires are placed correctly on the 1st ledge. This is where the majority of people end up flopping. They put their drivers rear tire too far in the hole and then by the time they realize their front tire is airborne it's too late to stop the truck from going over.

I ran the obstacle twice and both times had a little bit of an "oh shit" moment on that last ledge when I felt the front passenger tire start climbing, more so on the second time when I was running it without a spotter.

Dropping in...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155640194/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Gate (224)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/802/40155640194_f6eba534dc_c.jpg" width="535" height="800" alt="Hells Gate (224)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Starting the climb up
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155641004/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Gate (228)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4773/40155641004_3453ae4019_c.jpg" width="535" height="800" alt="Hells Gate (228)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/26994082098/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Gate (239)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/815/26994082098_47a07c5b7e_c.jpg" width="535" height="800" alt="Hells Gate (239)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Last ledge
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/26994083638/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Gate (259)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4781/26994083638_9fcd68bfa0_c.jpg" width="800" height="535" alt="Hells Gate (259)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Some shots from below and above...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40864186211/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Gate (393)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/799/40864186211_7a33a00f1c_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Hells Gate (393)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/39054500360/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Gate (399)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/794/39054500360_67cbe64f45_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Hells Gate (399)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/26994071128/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="DSC_0127"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/804/26994071128_a491143970_c.jpg" width="800" height="535" alt="DSC_0127"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40864184761/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Gate (322)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/787/40864184761_8dd20128a9_c.jpg" width="800" height="535" alt="Hells Gate (322)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Headed to the hotubs...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992102097/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Revenge (221)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4781/25992102097_22faf96050_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Hells Revenge (221)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Going through one of the hot tubs. I would have done the larger one but it was full of water and just looked gross
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992102987/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Revenge (237)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/796/25992102987_a86f5ed83d_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Hells Revenge (237)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The back mile or so of the trail was probably the most technical, it has gotten way more dugout and I'm surprised doing it last year I hardly damaged anything because this year I was all over the skids, sliders, and bumpers.

A lot changes in a year...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992103877/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Revenge (245)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/821/25992103877_aab33dc2d9_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Hells Revenge (245)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/33437494726/in/album-72157681496799305/" title="IMG_2616"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/33437494726_446fdcb2c3_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_2616"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Last climb out...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992105067/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Hells Revenge (268)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/822/25992105067_3714af52ef_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Hells Revenge (268)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Black798]

Day 4 Continued

After running Hells Gate we decided to take a break from wheeling and go out to check out Gemini Bridges. This was an awesome section to go fast and let the suspension soak up the road. I really need to get some better front coilovers though, these bilstiens are way too soft and they bottom out on any hard hit.

Once out at the bridges we ended up having a bit of a loss. My friend was walking out on an overhang to take some pictures of the bridge and the strap on her Nikon D80 broke or slipped, I never got a good answer. Long story short the camera bounced a few times and fell down one of the cracks. and landed down where it would be basically impossible to get to. Luckily I had taken all the pictures off the card before we headed out there so there wasn't much data lost.

Some Pictures from the drone...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/26994077298/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Gemini Bridges Drone (2)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/802/26994077298_53de120d40_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Gemini Bridges Drone (2)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155638774/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Gemini Bridges Drone (5)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/40155638774_566030fc5e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Gemini Bridges Drone (5)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A few ground shots...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/26994072228/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Gemini Bridges (5)"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/817/26994072228_e12aa7d29f_c.jpg" width="534" height="800" alt="Gemini Bridges (5)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155635934/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Gemini Bridges (12)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4783/40155635934_7c905ce7ed_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Gemini Bridges (12)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/26994075708/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Gemini Bridges (16)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4795/26994075708_4a46aa9acb_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Gemini Bridges (16)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/26994074558/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Gemini Bridges (14)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4780/26994074558_19aef26a93_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Gemini Bridges (14)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Gooney Bird Rock on the way out
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155639384/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="Gooney Bird Rock (3)"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4774/40155639384_18638a855d_c.jpg" width="534" height="800" alt="Gooney Bird Rock (3)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Black798]

Day 5

On the last day we ran Gold Bar Rim. We were hoping to make it out to the golden crack but by the time we started Golden Spike it was getting late and I was also having a difficult time finding the trail since it wasn't very well marked and there were tons of different tracks.

Heading out to the trail
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992109077/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7656"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4776/25992109077_cb55610b4a_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_7656"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

We made good time through Improbable Hill and up through the first mile or so of the trail to get to the waterfall. This thing is getting so damn dug out that there basically is only one way to get out now and dropping in is pretty sketchy.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992109437/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7674"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/811/25992109437_b3ee127098_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_7674"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/39054507670/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7681"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/809/39054507670_46ffb15e46_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_7681"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992112607/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7683"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4784/25992112607_44bfc97830_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_7683"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/39054509160/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7687"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/39054509160_6528707e02_c.jpg" width="534" height="800" alt="IMG_7687"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992114597/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7690"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/785/25992114597_67f379af5f_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_7690"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Surprised my tire carrier didnt drag here
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992115767/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7695"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4776/25992115767_b9916dc99f_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_7695"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The rest of the trail is pretty uneventful but about 3/4 of the way up to the end I took a bad slide off my line when I was lettin her buck up a ledge and the tire bounded into a rock that was hungry for some Wildpeak rubber
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155659274/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7723"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/814/40155659274_bf8ba49802_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_7723"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Views from the overlook...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/39054511810/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7714"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/786/39054511810_b6746a1e8e_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_7714"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992116887/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7713"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/812/25992116887_0bce8cdcc6_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_7713"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Since I wasnt able to make it to the golden crack I decided to pose up on a smaller one on the way out
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155659984/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7736"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4786/40155659984_2f744412a7_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_7736"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Airing back up I was looking at the truck and I think it would look pretty neat painted Moab red
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992119287/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7770"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/806/25992119287_55bbee08e7_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_7770"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That night we headed out to the dunes for one last romp before meeting up with some guys from Butte and sitting around the fir BSing
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/40155661034/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7775"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/784/40155661034_d959d5f366_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_7775"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The next morning on the way out of town we were greated with this kickass sunrise...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147275993@N05/25992120317/in/album-72157694595511975/" title="IMG_7781"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4788/25992120317_369483b5d2_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_7781"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Overall I had a blast, didnt break anything major, just some small stuff that were easy trail fixes and will definitely be heading back again next year. I can't seem to get enough of those red rocks. Ive already started another list of things I want to change on the rig but it performed exponentially better than last year and continues to impress me with what it can do. As far as the tire goes, I had 3 different shops look at it, they all told me as long as the bands aren't showing it's fine, but I don't want to risk puncturing it in the weak spot on another trail so I think its time for a new set of tires.

I have a whole bunch of videos too that I will get uploaded soon

 

[Black798]

New tires have been ordered. I decided on 285/75/16 Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws. I wanted the width of the 305s but they would have been quite a bit more expensive and I think they would have sat too far out of the fender flares and looked kinda strange. the 285s seemed like a more practical solution that would let me keep as much wheel travel as possible without rubbing. 664 dollars out the door for 4 thanks to the discount tire sale. Maybe Ill go to 305s someday but we'll see

 

[Unner]

Awesome trip! Looks like you had a good time, minimal breakage is always a good thing!

Moab has a tendency to make you want bigger/better tires. I ordered mine shortly after I got back as well...

 

[Black798]

Awesome trip! Looks like you had a good time, minimal breakage is always a good thing!

Moab has a tendency to make you want bigger/better tires. I ordered mine shortly after I got back as well...

Ive been on planning to get new tires this year but this chunked sidewall was the last straw basically. I already replaced one tire earlier this year due to a cut in the sidewall from wheeler lake and thanks to my awesome luck it was that replacement that got chewed up on Gold Bar Rim. I didnt really like the idea of running 3 tires with 8/32nds of tread and one with 14/32nds and the timing of the sale worked out well for me to say screw it and get new ones.

I wouldn't say I needed bigger tires though but I think 33s will look more proportional. I have never found myself backing off of obstacles due to having smaller tires but I did notice I tagged on my skids a few more times than the rigs that were on 35s or 33s.

If Bozeman wasn't so hard on my gas mileage I probably would have just gone to 35s but I can barely get 15 to 16mpg here so I couldn't justify that hit. It's really annoying because anytime I go out of Montana, regardless of how I drive, I can easily get 17 to 19 mpg and the truck runs so much better, must be something in the gas. Running an average of 82 mph through Utah and Idaho on the way back I was consistently getting 19 and as soon as I filled in Montana it went to 16.

 

[colovolvo]

Hey man, looks like you had a great time in Moab. I see you’re in Bozeman, I am too so I’ll have to keep an eye out for you. I also noticed you’re friends with Chris, I used to work with him years ago back in Colorado. Small world haha


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BigFishAllDay]

That looks like an awesome Moab trip, Phoenix! I was seriously considering hitting those guys up and inviting myself to tag along before my rig broke. Those BFE sunrises are amazing.

Nice work on driving some tough trails with a smaller tire. I was impressed to see you handling those trails with your setup. It looks like you showed the new wheels some love though! Did you cringe at all?

I really enjoyed your thoughts on, and the pictures of, you rig playing on Hells Gate. For some reason that on intimidates me and I have never done it. It sounded like a piece of cake for you, going up and down like a slide.

Did Chris happen to share any thoughts on those STT Pros?

 

[Black798]

[MENTION=44220]BigFishAllDay[/MENTION] that really sucks about the timing on your rig breaking. It would have been awesome to finally see your truck in person.

I was really impressed with what the truck was able to do this year compared to last. It just flat out works now and between the flexy suspension and locker it just seems to drive itself a lot of the time. I think the only reason why I tried a lot of the obstacles though was because I had wheeled it so long with open diffs that I kind of knew just how far I could push it.

I did cringe a little about the wheels but I knew it would happen with them being wider than factory and with the huge "bro lock" ring that they have. The only time I really got pissed about it was when I thought I was going to hit it, asked my passenger who said I was fine, and then when I rolled forward 6 inches he goes "oh your on your rim." Overall though it looked worse than it was after I cleaned them up there are only 2 or 3 spots that are really noticeable. Hopefully, it will happen less with the 285s.

As far as hells gate it is definitely intimidating, had I of stood around much longer I probably wouldn't have done it, but I think its so intimidating because of the reputation it has for putting rigs end over end which after doing it I can only see that happening when either the spotter is just not paying attention or they pick a really bad line.

Chris didn't share any thoughts about the STT Pros with me personally but I saw some posts by him, I think in his build thread, that they were wearing a bit fast and didn't seem to do well in the snow with the rear lockright. I was damn close to ordering them but decided to go back to the falkens because they have performed so well for me in the snow which I really need here. If I end up moving back to Colorado after college, which I probably will, I will most likely get a set of those.

 

[Unner]

Ive been on planning to get new tires this year but this chunked sidewall was the last straw basically. I already replaced one tire earlier this year due to a cut in the sidewall from wheeler lake and thanks to my awesome luck it was that replacement that got chewed up on Gold Bar Rim. I didnt really like the idea of running 3 tires with 8/32nds of tread and one with 14/32nds and the timing of the sale worked out well for me to say screw it and get new ones.

I wouldn't say I needed bigger tires though but I think 33s will look more proportional. I have never found myself backing off of obstacles due to having smaller tires but I did notice I tagged on my skids a few more times than the rigs that were on 35s or 33s.

If Bozeman wasn't so hard on my gas mileage I probably would have just gone to 35s but I can barely get 15 to 16mpg here so I couldn't justify that hit. It's really annoying because anytime I go out of Montana, regardless of how I drive, I can easily get 17 to 19 mpg and the truck runs so much better, must be something in the gas. Running an average of 82 mph through Utah and Idaho on the way back I was consistently getting 19 and as soon as I filled in Montana it went to 16.

I know what you mean about the gas mileage. I seem to get better gas mileage out west at slightly higher speeds and with 85 octane which we don't have down here, the lowest we have is 87. I think the difference for me is out west you've got real long up and down grades, whereas here you climb up a steep hill, and then you go right back down, like a roller coaster. But throw wind into that and everything goes out the window...