I found "The One", 2001 Sport Ed. TRD SC'd

[4-Ripcord]

Hah! Totally deserved that one.

Good luck on the contest, Nick!

 

[NateMob]

Beauty marks! :heh: nice. I'll look forward to seeing your 4Runner in Moab next year, and count me in for a local run before then. I saw you post in Ripcords thread about meeting up this weekend... what do you guys have cooking?

/QUOTE]


That's what I like to think about all the scratches and dents on my undercarriage, lots of character.

As far as a local run sometime soon, do you think you could lay out a plan for some decent trails up there some time this summer? I know you are a busy guy but you seem to really know the lesser known trails around ABQ that I just don't have the knowledge about to help plan. It sucks that Tank Trap is closed at the moment, I want to check it out.

Jim and I are turning some wrenches tomorrow on his and my own truck. It would be great to shoot the breeze and check out your truck if you don't already have plans.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

I was just thinking about what I might buy if I had such a "golden ticket", ha, and was wondering if you considered the ARB tent? I'm not sure what the price even is, but im guessing that 25% would take out a good chunk.

The locker would be sweet, but as other's said, there are other promotions on the lockers that might be similar to that 25% off deal.

I like those rooftop tents, but I can't see myself ever getting one unless it was going on top of a trailer (e.g. Dirtco's setup). My crystal ball is telling me that someday soon I'll be buying one of those aero rooftop carriers to stash gear that used to occupy the space where our baby now sits. I don't have any plans of going to a bigger vehicle, so the plan is to use the spaces available on this one as efficiently as possible. Rooftop tent = bad use of roof space, IMO.

I dont know. If I can't decide, I'll probably just give the coupon away. I'm sure one of you guys would want it.

yea me too, i think running in packs of 3-4 trucks of cool people is the best thing. and your currently in the lead with 34.29% but Sn0wrunner is right behind with 32.14% :vader:

Small groups are definitely more fun. It's going to be a close one this month, I think. We've still got half the month for more votes to roll in... could go any direction from here.

I agree Nick, get rid of the 4Runner. 3rd Gen's suck, offroad especially. Yours is trashed and I would consider moving on if I were you.... lol

Me and Jim are just taking a beating lately... but I guess it's deserved!

Great videos and write up, in all seriousness. Once again makes me want to make the LOOOONNNNGGG trek down there. It WILL happen within the next year. I've got some buddies running the Rubicon in Sept. and another group going to Moab in April next year. Sweet seeing your rig offroad and I'm sure you were loving the extra movement with the front endlink disco'd. I can tell from the vids, you've got some good offroad driving habits too, so props there. You seem pretty smooth and in control, which can't be said for everyone! Gotta love little tricks like two-foot braking and just being generally smooth when you pick your lines and not over-using the throttle when it's not necessary. Poetry in motion my friend! haha

I'll be giving you guys a hard time every now and then for as long as you remain on this forum, you damn quitters!

Thanks for checking out the Moab report... it was a fun trip, and you should definitely make a point of doing it someday soon. I'd love to check out the Rubicon, too. Especially after seeing the trip reports that J-money posts.

RE the driving skills, it's like I told the guys at the event, I'm new to Moab, but I'm no beginner when it comes to driving... on or off road. I'm probably getting pretty rusty at driving a sports car right about now though... I miss my Supra. Thanks for the compliments, man!

Hah! Totally deserved that one.

Good luck on the contest, Nick!

Thanks, Jim. We'll see how it goes.

As far as a local run sometime soon, do you think you could lay out a plan for some decent trails up there some time this summer? I know you are a busy guy but you seem to really know the lesser known trails around ABQ that I just don't have the knowledge about to help plan. It sucks that Tank Trap is closed at the moment, I want to check it out.

Jim and I are turning some wrenches tomorrow on his and my own truck. It would be great to shoot the breeze and check out your truck if you don't already have plans.

Definitely. I could set us up to hit nothing but backroads and 4x4 trails from ABQ all the way to CO if you wanted. I think it would be fun to do a run from La Bajada > Caja Del Rio > Tank Trap> Diablo Canyon > Otowi Bridge > Paliza Canyon... that would be a nice overnighter/3-day in the fall. A Red River trip would also be fun... Goose Lake, Greenie Peak, and 4th of July Canyon are all right there. Lets see if we can pin down some dates and get a couple rigs on board. Maybe Jim will take his new Audi. :tape2:

PS... had to work yesterday, but I would have if I could have.

 

[smkd13]

Same to you, Ben! It was cool to meet you, check out your rig, and talk 4Runners around the campfire. I thought you did camp at BFE this year, I guess you were just showing up early/late at camp on some days. I'll look forward to hitting some trails with you next year.

Yes yes next year will be better as i will have armor and a few other things done that will make my life a lot nicer as well. Probably gonna be changing jobs soon too so that i can have better funds to play a little more that i do now. I think i stayed at BFE 1 time out of the whole week. My buddies were at KOA and i was sticking with them as they had all the tools and what nots, as i wasnt able to get everything put together that i needed to be self sufficient this year. next year though i will be perfectly fine. OBA and everything.

you ever figure out what your going to do with your fender walls now that you know you rub on the front with flex?

 

[NateMob]

Definitely. I could set us up to hit nothing but backroads and 4x4 trails from ABQ all the way to CO if you wanted. I think it would be fun to do a run from La Bajada > Caja Del Rio > Tank Trap> Diablo Canyon > Otowi Bridge > Paliza Canyon... that would be a nice overnighter/3-day in the fall. A Red River trip would also be fun... Goose Lake, Greenie Peak, and 4th of July Canyon are all right there. Lets see if we can pin down some dates and get a couple rigs on board. Maybe Jim will take his new Audi. :tape2:

PS... had to work yesterday, but I would have if I could have.

That sounds awesome! I looked up the La Bajada-Paliza Canyon trip and that looks like an incredible time, a 4 day trip to run those would a lot of fun. I haven't checked out the Red River spots yet but will tonight. October would be ideal for me, Im not allowed to take any leave in September. I am in though for sure whenever we can get a solid date down.

I will be helping out with Thrill on the Hill 2013 this year, leading trails mostly. All the trails from my build thread along with a few more will be available this year. Its a Toyota only event, its focus is for FJCs but as long as its Toyota its all good. Killer food and raffle also!

Thrill on the Hill 2013

Here is the video from last year.

http://youtu.be/T1LNIHi9Xrg

 

[zumogo]

You got my vote.
You and rickashay and many other members. have been helpful in my recently acquired 4runner.
Specially you with all the write-up like the b&m cooler.
I had no idea you where nominated. I found out thru Facebook. Someone ask to vote on another member
I saw your name. I checked your build which is awsome. You got my vote.
Keep up the great work.

 

[rideexileex]

Ha well let me know what you decide about that coupon! I'm in that same trailer / roof debate as well - I just need a place to park a trailer.

If you do want to do a Rubicon trip, I'm 100% in

 

[white toy taco]

That sounds awesome! I looked up the La Bajada-Paliza Canyon trip and that looks like an incredible time, a 4 day trip to run those would a lot of fun. I haven't checked out the Red River spots yet but will tonight. October would be ideal for me, Im not allowed to take any leave in September. I am in though for sure whenever we can get a solid date down.

I will be helping out with Thrill on the Hill 2013 this year, leading trails mostly. All the trails from my build thread along with a few more will be available this year. Its a Toyota only event, its focus is for FJCs but as long as its Toyota its all good. Killer food and raffle also!

Thrill on the Hill 2013

Here is the video from last year.

Thrill on the Hill, FJ Rally 2012 - YouTube

ive never even heard of that. looks so awesome from the video

 

[smallfry]

The link to your photo's is broken but how much did you cut off when you installed the front mud guards.

 

[poleclimber63]

I just had a chance to look at the entire trip... all I can say is WOW!!!! I've been to Moab but wow, you REALLY covered it! Trip of a lifetime! We have incredible lo-cals in Canada, but I must say Utah is unbelievable! I thank you sincerely for sharing your pictures and experiences with the rest of us!! Your dedication is beyond awesome! Keep it up, as you enrich our experiences here! Maybe next year the family will be up to some trail rides!
Good luck for the rest of the summer, and again thanks!

PS you got my vote!!

 

[BigFishAllDay]

you ever figure out what your going to do with your fender walls now that you know you rub on the front with flex?

Not much more I can do... my pinch welds are flat, and I've already trimmed out a bunch of the inner fender liner. It's not rubbing too bad, and all the surfaces that get rubbed on are flat, so no risk of tire damage. I've been considering a 1" body lift off/on for years, but I don't want to re-work the bumpers.

That sounds awesome! I looked up the La Bajada-Paliza Canyon trip and that looks like an incredible time, a 4 day trip to run those would a lot of fun. I haven't checked out the Red River spots yet but will tonight. October would be ideal for me, Im not allowed to take any leave in September. I am in though for sure whenever we can get a solid date down.

I will be helping out with Thrill on the Hill 2013 this year, leading trails mostly. All the trails from my build thread along with a few more will be available this year. Its a Toyota only event, its focus is for FJCs but as long as its Toyota its all good. Killer food and raffle also!

The Thrill on the Hill meet looks like a good time. I've always wanted to explore that area, too, but I just checked my schedule and I have to work that weekend with NO chance of getting approved for a vacation. Maybe next year on that one.

I'll let you know as we get closer, but send me a PM if you get a chance and we can start kicking some dates around. I do have several weekends off in October, and a couple stretches of weekdays too.

You got my vote. You and rickashay and many other members. have been helpful in my recently acquired 4runner.
Specially you with all the write-up like the b&m cooler. I had no idea you where nominated. I found out thru Facebook. Someone ask to vote on another member. I saw your name. I checked your build which is awsome. You got my vote. Keep up the great work.

Thanks for the vote Zumogo! I'm glad that you've found my posts useful and glad I could help. I don't have a Facebook account, so I wasn't aware that there were people out there trying to influence the vote. Oh well, I guess my 4Runner had what it took to pull it off based on it's own merits.

Ha well let me know what you decide about that coupon! I'm in that same trailer / roof debate as well - I just need a place to park a trailer.

If you do want to do a Rubicon trip, I'm 100% in

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.... Rubicon. I'd love to get a piece of that action, but it's unlikely that I'll be able to swing another long distance solo wheeling trip this year. I've gotta be there for our family, and my Wife gave me a huge pass with the Moab trip. Will do on the coupon.

The link to your photo's is broken but how much did you cut off when you installed the front mud guards.

The photos should be working now, go check it out, there are pics of how much I cut.

I just had a chance to look at the entire trip... all I can say is WOW!!!! I've been to Moab but wow, you REALLY covered it! Trip of a lifetime! We have incredible lo-cals in Canada, but I must say Utah is unbelievable! I thank you sincerely for sharing your pictures and experiences with the rest of us!! Your dedication is beyond awesome! Keep it up, as you enrich our experiences here! Maybe next year the family will be up to some trail rides!
Good luck for the rest of the summer, and again thanks!

PS you got my vote!!

Thanks for the vote, poleclimber! That's a really cool post you put up, and I appreciate it very much. I'm glad that you enjoyed the write-up on the trip, and you're very welcome. Like you, I get a lot of enjoyment out of reading trip reports from others, and living vicariously a bit, so it's my pleasure to share the good stuff when I've got it.

I'm really looking forward to taking the Family along next year. Moab has so much to offer, it would take years to do it all.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Engine cleaned & photographed...

After the Moab trip, I parked the '01 in the garage until I could get a chance to fully inspect it for mechanical issues and damage.

I'm pleased to say, that after going over it with a fine toothed comb, the '01 came back with ZERO problems. I took some nice chunks out of the Duratracs, scraped the hell out of the ring surrounding my drain plug on the rear axle, and a couple of the bolts on the front skid got loose... that's it.

About a week ago, Ripcord came by to pick up a stock front skid to put on his rig prior to sale. I traded him straight across for a small TRD item that I've always liked, but couldn't bring myself to cough up $50 for...

I went to install it, and noticed that the stock oil cap had been letting oil slowly leak out onto the valve cover. The TRD cap has a rubber O-ring that seals at the mating surface on the valve cover so hopefuly the leakage should stop.

After seeing all that oil, I stood back and looked at the whole engine bay. It was a mess...

So, I got some engine degreaser, a toothbrush, and the hose and gave it some love....

While it was all nice and clean, I decided to take a few shots of the goods...

New oil cap, and valve cover all cleaned up

Lots of horsepowery goodness!!!

I also got to catch some fish.... FINALLY.

...saw a cool Super Moon!

Other than that, I've just been spending time with the family. Gotta love summer time!! :biggrin1:

 

[BrianSD_42]

Glad to see you won t4R of the month. I didn't actually vote since I very rarely browse those threads but still glad to see it went to a great thread.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Congrats BFAD. While Brian absconded from voting, I did cast my vote. Thanks for all the detailed write-ups throughout the years.

I am glad the Moad trip went well. It was not good to hear about Ripcord's dilemma but sh*t happens.

Beautiful fish. I am leaving for the Keys/Marathon on Friday to catch some tarpon, and maybe a sailfish. If I catch some, I will post some pics.

Those teeth are coming in fast!

 

[rickashay]

Congrats Nick, well deserved and finally acquired T4R of the month! Thanks for all the write-ups and detailed information you've contributed over the years. This thread is the BOMB. haha

 

[farmerjon]

FINALLY! Stoked that you finally won T4R of the month, frankly, I'm kinda shocked you haven't won yet. But now it's on the books! Congratulations Nick, you deserve it, big time!

Fish looks awesome, looks like a rainbow trout, right? Haven't been fishing for a few years... Your daughter looks like she got her teeth in, eh, looking cute!

Keep it up, BFAD!

 

[poleclimber63]

You've prompted me to do some cleaning too. It is long over due in my case. I haven't had much time or money to do mods as my middle boy SUCCESSFULLY made the grades and will be going to College in September in the Computer Science Program! One year of this, cost more than my T4R!!!! I guess I'll have to be patient and wait before I'll be in a position to do the mods I'm itchin' to do... Great pics! Maybe I should make some time to try some fishing (at least it doesn't cost much), it can be a great way to spend a sunny afternoon! You have an adorable little girl! I remember that age well--- lots of new discoveries and funny situations!
We're planning a road trip this summer to Yellowstone among other spots, however, nothing firm, as my wife's release from Hospital has been delayed... again. Looking forward to getting out but I may have to wait till August. At least I've had the boat out a few times!!
By the way, congrats on Winning T4R of the month!

 

[jmildoc]

awesome build thread.

 

[zoski]

:iagree: BIG congrats on a long overdue win! Thanks for this inspirational thread and all your help and hard work.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Glad to see you won t4R of the month. I didn't actually vote since I very rarely browse those threads but still glad to see it went to a great thread.

No Vote!!! WTF? Ever heard of civic duty? You're what's wrong with this country!!!!

Just kidding. Thanks, Brian!

Congrats BFAD. While Brian absconded from voting, I did cast my vote. Thanks for all the detailed write-ups throughout the years.

I am glad the Moad trip went well. It was not good to hear about Ripcord's dilemma but sh*t happens.

Beautiful fish. I am leaving for the Keys/Marathon on Friday to catch some tarpon, and maybe a sailfish. If I catch some, I will post some pics.

Those teeth are coming in fast!

Thanks, LC! Good luck on your trip, and hopefully you get into both species. I'd be happy with just a tarpon, but a sailfish would be awesome. Saltwater is a whole other game, that's for sure. I'll keep my fingers crossed for pics.

Congrats Nick, well deserved and finally acquired T4R of the month! Thanks for all the write-ups and detailed information you've contributed over the years. This thread is the BOMB. haha

Thanks, Addison! I'm glad to have it under my belt. You're absolutely welcome, and realize that I still fully intend to tap your extensive headlight knowledge when the time comes, so don't disappear now that you've sold the Duster.

FINALLY! Stoked that you finally won T4R of the month, frankly, I'm kinda shocked you haven't won yet. But now it's on the books! Congratulations Nick, you deserve it, big time!

Fish looks awesome, looks like a rainbow trout, right? Haven't been fishing for a few years... Your daughter looks like she got her teeth in, eh, looking cute!

Keep it up, BFAD!

Thanks alot for the kudos and support, Jon! I've only been in the contest twice, and both times I've been up against some heavy hitters. I'm glad to have won though, it's nice to get the recognition.

The trout are a brown and a rainbow... the brown is the golden colored one and the rainbow more silver. Dust off that rod, man! And my little girl is growing FAST. She's cut 3 teeth now, is working on the 4th, and she's almost ready to start walking. It's very fun watching her grow. Thanks again!

You've prompted me to do some cleaning too. It is long over due in my case. I haven't had much time or money to do mods as my middle boy SUCCESSFULLY made the grades and will be going to College in September in the Computer Science Program! One year of this, cost more than my T4R!!!! I guess I'll have to be patient and wait before I'll be in a position to do the mods I'm itchin' to do... Great pics! Maybe I should make some time to try some fishing (at least it doesn't cost much), it can be a great way to spend a sunny afternoon! You have an adorable little girl! I remember that age well--- lots of new discoveries and funny situations!
We're planning a road trip this summer to Yellowstone among other spots, however, nothing firm, as my wife's release from Hospital has been delayed... again. Looking forward to getting out but I may have to wait till August. At least I've had the boat out a few times!!
By the way, congrats on Winning T4R of the month!

Thanks, poleclimber63! Congrats to your son on his upcoming journey to college! It sounds like he picked a good major that should land him a job quickly. Mods can wait, these things do just fine in stock form.

Re the fishing, you should definitely give it a shot. Sorry to hear about your Wife being in the hospital. I hope she heals & recovers soon from whatever is ailing her. It sounds like you've got a full plate of life right now, and you seem to be handling it all pretty well. Hang in there!

awesome build thread.

Thanks, jmildoc!

:iagree: BIG congrats on a long overdue win! Thanks for this inspirational thread and all your help and hard work.

Zoski, thanks for the congrats! I'm glad you've found my posts useful, and thanks for taking the time to read them.