Dirtco's 1999 4Runner Build

[Mr.Rick]

I really feel like this needs to be an advertisement for ActionPacker... "Need to send random crap anywhere?? We've got you..."

Glad they took care of you on the diff, you're right tho, this was definitely a testament to sales and service of ECGS... they set you up right, you wheeled the teeth off that thing for 5 years... and let's face it, those weren't your "dirt road photo shoot runs" and then they turn right around and make sure you get another 5 years of wheeling again.. and sent you back your ActionPacker haha!

 

[BigBluePile]

That's crazy sweet!!!

Sent from my 0PJA2 using Tapatalk

 

[Gadgetguy]

I took the 4Runner on it’s first real wheeling trip! I’ve taken it out on a couple dirt roads, and I’ve gone down a moderate trail, but this was the first time I really wheeled it and put it through it’s paces. I did not have rock sliders and I still need to install the ARB compressor (so I was open in the front).

I met up with a few friends and we ran Wheeler Lake on Saturday, it’s a moderate trail with a couple fun/challenging spots. We had planned on this run for a few weeks, so it only figures that we get our first big snow of the year that day. Even the drive to the trailhead was an adventure! Here’s a combination of everyone’s pictures…

At the trailhead

Heading up the trail

Let the action begin!

wow, I thought that trail was hairy when it was dry lol

 

[Dirtco]

wow, I thought that trail was hairy when it was dry lol

Yeah, snow brings the difficultly rating up just a little!

 

[Dirtco]

Time for an update…

I got the rear differential installed in the 4Runner, and completed the break in process. I decided to take the 4Runner up to my snow wheeling spot and see what i could find.





I started at 10psi but as the snow got deeper I dropped down to 4psi.



Then the snow got real deep, and it became obvious that it was going to be a fun trip! The road drops down a small slope, so at this point the snow is about 4-5 feet deep.

 

[Dirtco]

I found a cool snow bank to take some glamor shots on, then it was time to find the real deep snow.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Beautiful. My 99 Autumn Blaze would be thrilled to just get the new tires I have ordered put on her.

If I dared to put my 12 year old Swede chainsaw on my roof rack the bar oil would leak out in minutes.

 

[Black798]

I swear just when I start feeling like my rig is looking built this beast shows up again. Love the build [MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION], one of my favorites

 

[owyheerat]

Jeremiah, glad you got it back on the trails. Nice to hear that ECGS took care of you. I hope I never need their service, but it's nice to know they stand behind their products.

If you mentioned it, I missed it. How did you dent your driver's side doors?

Cheers

Durwin

 

[JWaldz]

Dude, do you two large dents on your driver side, middle of the doors? If so, I don't recall you getting those?!

 

[SnowLizard]

Dude, do you two large dents on your driver side, middle of the doors? If so, I don't recall you getting those?!

Pics
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/95322-dirtcos-1999-4runner-build-86.html#post1856499
Story at end of this post
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/95322-dirtcos-1999-4runner-build-86.html#post1856487

 

[Dirtco]

Jeremiah, glad you got it back on the trails. Nice to hear that ECGS took care of you. I hope I never need their service, but it's nice to know they stand behind their products.

If you mentioned it, I missed it. How did you dent your driver's side doors?

Cheers

Durwin

Dude, do you two large dents on your driver side, middle of the doors? If so, I don't recall you getting those?!

I hit a tree while snow wheeling a couple years ago, that's what prompted getting rid of the flairs / cladding, and tubbing the fenders / firewall for the 36's. Thanks [MENTION=126065]SnowLizard[/MENTION] for the links!

 

[Dirtco]

The snow only got deeper as I continued up the trail, so I stopped taking pictures and focused on getting video. I did take a couple pictures at the top though.





It was an amazing day to say the least, and when you guys see the video footage you will understand why. Things were going great and I started the return trip home, I was about half way down the trail before my world came crashing down! Okay not the whole world, just part of it...

It was mid afternoon and the snow was getting soft and slushy as I worked my way down the trail. I came around a corner and hit a section of snow that was super soft, the 4Runner sank and I was stuck for the first time of the day. I was just barely high centered and needed a small pull from the winch to get me out. I hooked up to the largest tree that was close enough to the truck and I pulled the slack out of the line. I was only on the winch button for a few seconds before I saw the top of the tree move, I instantly let off and spooled out but it was too late. Out of instinct I threw the 4Runner in reverse, not realizing I was still stuck. All I could do was crunch down and cover my eyes as the tree came falling down on top of the 4Runner.

 

[Scramble]

The snow only got deeper as I continued up the trail, so I stopped taking pictures and focused on getting video. I did take a couple pictures at the top though.

It was mid afternoon and the snow was getting soft and slushy as I worked my way down the trail. I came around a corner and hit a section of snow that was super soft, the 4Runner sank and I was stuck for the first time of the day. I was just barely high centered and needed a small pull from the winch to get me out. I hooked up to the largest tree that was close enough to the truck and I pulled the slack out of the line. I was only on the winch button for a few seconds before I saw the top of the tree move, I instantly let off and spooled out but it was too late. Out of instinct I threw the 4Runner in reverse, not realizing I was still stuck. All I could do was crunch down and cover my eyes as the tree came falling down on top of the 4Runner.

Holy crap! I hope the damage wasn't too bad...I love this truck.

 

[4-Ripcord]

:jaw:

 

[amalik]

[MENTION=7105]Scramble[/MENTION], you can kinda see the windshield, hood, lights, bumper, etc all in tact.

Probably some severe scratching though.

 

[theesotericone]

Am I the only one waiting for the to be continued?

Man that had to be hard to watch as it happened. Hopefully it's not to bad.

 

[Scramble]

[MENTION=7105]Scramble[/MENTION], you can kinda see the windshield, hood, lights, bumper, etc all in tact.

Probably some severe scratching though.

Well the roof isn't dented because it's the top of the tree but the hood could be pretty bad, hard to see with the tree in the way! LOL

I bet nobody ever thought that a bumper hoop would be saving you from a falling tree!

 

[owyheerat]

Dang! I hope it will 'buff' out....:lol: Seriously, sorry man, that sucks.

This year has been rough on your rig. I hope the rest of the year is much better for you.

:cheers:

 

[SnowLizard]

OH, now it's totaled... sell to me...

:focus: .... we need the ending.opcorn: