Flemster's 2000 SR5 Sport

[ThySenteth]

Just had the same thing. small amount of white smoke, slow coolant lost, ran rough on cold start. Ended up being both of my heads were cracked. Shelled out 3800 for the heads/timing belt +

That's insane. In my parts, a used engine is a grand and I have someone that'll install it for $700.

So $1,700 for another ~200k miles.. Or in your case, I could do it twice for another ~400k miles, and still have $400 left over... :bolt:

 

[Flemster]

Continueing the trip.
So once we made it into Moab we were in need of some refreshing of snacks, beer, and hopeful for a shower. We ended up getting some cheap showers at Canyonlands Campground in town which was really nice. They also had water fill-ups so we were able to top off all our drinking water. We hit McDonald's for some ice cream and ice coffee than it was off to that night's camp.

We camped on the way back to Grand Junction while we contemplated doing the Kokepeli which we were sure was going to be a no due to none of us or our trucks enjoying 110-degree temps.

Once we set up camp fairly early in the afternoon we decided and sunset run of Top of the World was a must.

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Awesome views of course but it means working your way back down in the dark which is not terrible.
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Here was our camp for the night.
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Off to Fruita for Gas then into Grand Mesa!

Grand Mesa was a great change of pace, from 110 degrees to 50 degrees and rainy. Sadly, the mosquitos got immensely worse. A fair trade-off I guess.

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We ended up spending the next two nights up here and it was awesome.
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Then it was off to Marble for Slow Groovin' BBQ (THE BEST BBQ IN COLORADO).
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Also this GEM
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Then over Independence Pass for one last night on Georgia Pass for the final night of the trip.
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Videos inbound of the whole journey through Broco Adventure Media.

 

[Flemster]

Since my return I have done a few odds and ends, slowly making a dent in my list of to-dos which sadly only seems to be getting longer.

Firstly I slapped a new battery in, my new fridge... O yea I got a fridge. Found the wink link which was my battery. It did good for the entire trip but towards the end, I could tell it wasn't happy on startup and would never charge up all the way.
So yea new battery. Pics of the fridge will be below in a sec.

I replaced the rear body bushings finally. What a difference. I have had the parts for quite some time but I never had the motivation. I ripped the bumper off and got it done though.
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bada bing bada boom.
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So much rake without the bumper, swingout, spare tire, drawers etc haha.
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Next was rebuilding the swingout higher up.
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Should have taken a before picture but just went to town. I added a cross brace from the tire carrier to my rotopax/antenna mount tube. Then cut off the tire mount and added a tube at a slight angle about 6" higher and welded it back on.

Took about 4 hours but Im slow when it comes to welding things and I like to take my time with grinding and sanding.

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Lastly, Project new drawers is a go. We at Sherpa Equipment Co. are working on a cost-effective and high-quality answer to the overpriced drawers on the market.

Also, notice that fancy amazon fridge in the background. Works amazing and only $350. (Costway fridge)

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[Mzs14]

Really interested in the drawers and also thankful for the tip on the fridge:rockon:

 

[mesooohoppy]

Lastly, Project new drawers is a go. We at Sherpa Equipment Co. are working on a cost-effective and high-quality answer to the overpriced drawers on the market.

you have my attention!!

 

[MattJakobs]

I like what you're doing with the rear bumper. It's been on my to do list for quite some time now. My one gripe with the 4xinnovations rear bumper is how low everything hangs. My license plate and bottom of my gas can holder have seen better days - and my rear tire gets dragged a lot.

The new racks look good too, I need to get around to ordering one of those and setting it up with solar.

Sub'd on that drawer system I just picked up a new fridge slide with the intent to redo my drawers so they're stacked instead of side by side. Your aluminum system is intriguing.

And naturally, your journeys throughout CO and Moab look awesome. Keep them coming

 

[Flemster]

Really interested in the drawers and also thankful for the tip on the fridge:rockon:

Glad to hear there is an interest in them! Of course, can't pass up a good deal.

you have my attention!!

:banana:

I like what you're doing with the rear bumper. It's been on my to do list for quite some time now. My one gripe with the 4xinnovations rear bumper is how low everything hangs. My license plate and bottom of my gas can holder have seen better days - and my rear tire gets dragged a lot.

The new racks look good too, I need to get around to ordering one of those and setting it up with solar.

Sub'd on that drawer system I just picked up a new fridge slide with the intent to redo my drawers so they're stacked instead of side by side. Your aluminum system is intriguing.

And naturally, your journeys throughout CO and Moab look awesome. Keep them coming

I think it will make a big difference on the trail. I also chatted with 4xinnovations and they set me up with a new swingout bearing and lock pins. I also ordered the fill plate as well as their transfer case skid finally. They are an awesome group of people.

Thanks! You'll definitely have to hit us up. I'd be interested in hearing your ideas for a solar setup.

Exactly my plan, have them stacked on one side and have my Co2 and action packers on the other. Really like the fridge in the back seat, so much easier to access.

You'll have to come out and see for your self!

 

[Dirtco]

Damn Alex, I've gotta say I'm pretty jealous of all the trail time you've got in this season! I had also planned on running Rim Rocker to Kokopelli this summer, until I had my accident. I'll just live vicariously through your photos for the time being!

 

[Twan]

I replaced the rear body bushings finally. What a difference. I have had the parts for quite some time but I never had the motivation. I ripped the bumper off and got it done though.
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bada bing bada boom.
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I've been putting off doing this job on mine so I can finally get my rear carrier on. At least my excuse now is a family member is borrowing it while his car is getting fixed.

 

[Flemster]

Damn Alex, I've gotta say I'm pretty jealous of all the trail time you've got in this season! I had also planned on running Rim Rocker to Kokopelli this summer, until I had my accident. I'll just live vicariously through your photos for the time being!

Dude, you should have just taken the Tacoma out there (assuming you still have it). Really awesome scenery. We hit it at a great time of year too, it really wasn't super hot until we dropped into Moab from the La Sals. So if you shoot for it next year, Late spring into mid-summer would be perfect.

Super excited to see the 4runner all done (again). We are about to totally understand the blood, sweat and tears building our 4600 car.

 

[MattJakobs]

I think it will make a big difference on the trail. I also chatted with 4xinnovations and they set me up with a new swingout bearing and lock pins. I also ordered the fill plate as well as their transfer case skid finally. They are an awesome group of people.

Thanks! You'll definitely have to hit us up. I'd be interested in hearing your ideas for a solar setup.

Exactly my plan, have them stacked on one side and have my Co2 and action packers on the other. Really like the fridge in the back seat, so much easier to access.

You'll have to come out and see for your self!

Any other plans with the swing out? Fuel storage or anything like that?

Solar, I've been thinking about a Renogy set up. They seem simple enough, cost efficient, and have everything you need. I'll be doing some more reading on ExpoPortal before deciding fully though.

I, too, am a big fan of the fridge in the back seat but it can make things tricky if there's other passengers, or a dog back there - which is why I plan on putting it in the back.

Definitely have some plans rolling on getting out there and get exploring.

 

[fraidycat]

Thanks for the tip on the fridge! Will also be watching on updates for the drawers! Thanks

 

[Flemster]

Thanks for the tip on the fridge! Will also be watching on updates for the drawers! Thanks

Glad to help, gotta get them deals.

Any other plans with the swing out? Fuel storage or anything like that?

Solar, I've been thinking about a Renogy set up. They seem simple enough, cost efficient, and have everything you need. I'll be doing some more reading on ExpoPortal before deciding fully though.

I, too, am a big fan of the fridge in the back seat but it can make things tricky if there's other passengers, or a dog back there - which is why I plan on putting it in the back.

Definitely have some plans rolling on getting out there and get exploring.

Yea, we are prototyping modular panels for our racks which I will end up cutting one out of steel to attach to the swing out to mount my roto pax and maybe my hilift once again.

Solar definitely interests me but I think it will wait for another day, too much other crap to spend my money on atm haha.

For space, it's awesome in the back. I just hate how long it takes to get to it. I like being able to even reach behind my seat and grab a cold drink or a snack if I'm in traffic or something. Plus I rarely ever have a full car and If I do it is never on long trips just quick weekends which makes it easy to move everything around.

I also hate losing the stacking space in the back as you do not want to cover the fridge with duffles or something. When my car is packed it is packed to the roof haha.

 

[MattJakobs]

Yea, we are prototyping modular panels for our racks which I will end up cutting one out of steel to attach to the swing out to mount my roto pax and maybe my hilift once again.

Solar definitely interests me but I think it will wait for another day, too much other crap to spend my money on atm haha.

For space, it's awesome in the back. I just hate how long it takes to get to it. I like being able to even reach behind my seat and grab a cold drink or a snack if I'm in traffic or something. Plus I rarely ever have a full car and If I do it is never on long trips just quick weekends which makes it easy to move everything around.

I also hate losing the stacking space in the back as you do not want to cover the fridge with duffles or something. When my car is packed it is packed to the roof haha.

Well I'm definitely sub'd into seeing what you do next with the swing out, sounds intriguing.

Well for me, I guess solar has to wait for me to get a rack for mounting but it's definitely in the upcoming plans. 100% feel the "too much other crap to spend money on" thing, the struggle.

I've been working really hard on packing smaller, lighter gear for trips out (on those items that I can pack down on). One big thing I am considering, though, is the lack of stacking space if I have to transport any bigger items. Huge draw back for sure. Not in any big rush so I guess it's worth waiting to see what Sherpa comes out with.

 

[Flemster]

Nothing but maintenance lately.

I replaced the upper and lower ball joints on both sides as mine had started to get some play. I also replaced the spherical bearings on both of my Kings as they also had some play and were squeaking terribly. Also the Ujoint that i threw in while in moab gave out. Sounds about right for Moog.

Here is photos of that mess.

Ran out of black paint so I colormatched it to my wheels... whoops. RICERAF

Once all that was done, I went out on a quick trip with some friends.

Got to test the drawer for the first time!

Super fun night out minus like 70mph winds all night long. It literally closed my tent on me in the middle of the night.... freaking stupid.

Well on upon my return I immediately ripped my rear axle apart because I had nasty vibrations when turning to the right. Left rear wheel bearing was FU&%^D

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So both my rear hubs are at a machine shop getting new bearings and outer wheel seal. I'll be replacing all the rear brake components and the inner seals. It should be good to go for a while. Off to Moab this weekend and the following weekend as well for Rock Therapy.

 

[Flemster]

Got my wheel bearings all did up. New bearings and outer wheel seals on both sides.

I then decided while its all out I would do a total drum brake overhaul being it has never been done so I replaced everything that I could.

Before:

After:

Pretty Easy, I referenced some Timmy the Toolman of course.
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Heres some mid fix photos.

I also did new drums.

It is fresh, to say the least. I also now have access to a forklift so naturally...

 

[Flemster]

Immediately after finishing this project I headed out to Moab to meet up with [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION], his bro Chase, Nate Mobster and some of their friends from up North.

Made it into Moab late Thursday evening, just as they made it off the trail. It was perfect timing. We camped in town that night at a questionable campground under some powerlines. My Tent literally was buzzing all night and every now and then would ark. It was pretty terrifying but survived..

The next morning was off to swap an axle seal on Addison's rig.

We then shot out to Top of the World for a sunset run.

As you can tell by Chase's expression there was a fun little obstacle.

Unfortunatly, Addison cracked a rock pretty good and it managed to crack the radiator. I know the feeling all to well.

No bigee. Nate also did some winching on the Taco.

After some cleanup, we packed up and headed down to find camp, drink beer, and have some laughs.
Next morning Nate towed Addison down to the main road and they shot into town for a new Radiator.

After a solid day of relaxing, Addison's truck was fixed up, and he headed for home while the rest of us headed for Denver with a quick stop in Grand Junction for the night.

Headed back out there next weekend for TaCo Rock Therapy! Hopefully, see a few of you out there.

 

[rickashay]

Cool to see your pics Alex. I'm bummed we didn't do more wheeling but at the same time, it was kinda nice just hanging out and relaxing. Definitely had some good laughs that night after TOTW.

Enjoy Rock Therapy and stoked to get down there again next year!

 

[Flemster]

Cool to see your pics Alex. I'm bummed we didn't do more wheeling but at the same time, it was kinda nice just hanging out and relaxing. Definitely had some good laughs that night after TOTW.

Enjoy Rock Therapy and stoked to get down there again next year!

Stoked to see all your guys pics. It was great to finally meet the crew. I am looking forward to doing some actual wheeling with yall! Definitely want to make it to your neck of the woods here soon.

 

[Flemster]

Its been a minute. But Im here with some updates and stuff.

I went out to Moab again, the following weekend from the trip before this as well. Basically left the day after I finished the rear axle rebuild.

First Trail we ran was Moab Rim was a serious bucket list trail but finally knocked it off the list.

Most of these photos are by Hayden and Will.

Yay normal 3rd Gen things

Looks like the truck is leaning pretty hard to the left and "Im gonna loose an arm" but its just the angle of the photo the trail actually slopes pretty hard to the right.

That tock geometry though.

Then we farted around in the dunes for a bit.