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

Shouldn't have taken that ambien yet, i know you are going to post the EPIC trip report as soon as i pass out.

I ll be there next time dammit. I got a lot of trips to make up for with yall. We need to put our planning caps on.
 
The AOR Colorado Toyota Jamboree was a blast!

I'm going to say the trip was EPIC as it combined all of the things I love about Colorado. Altitude, scenery, BIG fish, sights, sounds & smells, hospitality, and incredible wheeling... were all there in plenitude. The people in attendance were great company, and many were very experienced wheelers, which created an opportunity to learn a LOT while having a hell of a time.

To spread out the windshield time on the way up, I stopped off at our cabin to spend Thursday night grilling a steak and relaxing. I was on the road well before sunrise on Friday morning...

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After setting up camp, I met Kyle and his Wife, along with one of the organizers of the event, and we hit the road for the Wheeler Lake trailhead. Ominous grey storm clouds hung over our destination as we set out on the trail, but thankfully they cleared as the day progressed.

I was slacking on the camera work early on, which is when all the best action shots presented themselves. There is some video floating around out there, which will hopefully show up soon. I followed Dirtco up all the hard lines, and made them, albeit with a lot less finesse and skill.

Kyle heading up the first obstacle.

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Had to get my fix...

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Bowling ball hill...

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Jeremiah (Dirtco) was the only one who got to play coming down the second obstacle... just after he made it look like a cake walk, the sky opened up and rain and hail began to fall. With the rocks slick and wet, the rest of us opted not to tempt fate and took the easy line.

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Kyle, headed down the first obstacle. Believe it or not this is the easy line, which we all took due to the rain.

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Had to get the money shot in front of the old mining structures...

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After that I got some dinner with a couple of the guys at Coyote Cantina (lots of funny stories surrounding this place), and went back to camp to chill, conversate, and consume some Old Chub scottish ale.
 
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Saturday's plan was to run Chinaman's Gulch. While I was roaming camp and checking out rigs that morning, I spotted a nice looking red 3rd gen sitting on MTR's across the field. I went over to strike up a conversation and invite the owner, [MENTION=82095]buttersfab[/MENTION] , to join us on the day's run.

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We got to the trailhead and realized it was going to be a busy day on the trail. There was a wide variety of rigs setting out ahead of us, so we prepared for a long day. We figured we'd finish up that afternoon, and go watch the buggies make their way up the top section of Carnage.

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Playing around on a section that really gives your suspension a workout...

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Soon we got to the wash, and the rock pile located there. Jeremiah went through it pretty quickly, putting his truck through a nasty line in short order. The solid axle 1st gen before him took 15-20 minutes, having to be strapped out backwards several times, and he did it in less than five. I should have taken some pictures, but I was too busy studying the line in preparation for my attempt.

(Big thanks to Kyle & his Wife for taking the following series of pictures!)

Here we go...

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And I'm stuck... high centered like crazy, and sitting on the rear section of the belly skid.

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A few of the guys rocked the rig side to side while I worked the steering wheel and we got it backed up for a second attempt.

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That was all it took... up and over she goes!

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On to the Whale's Tail / waterfall...

Zac (buttersfab) went up the Whale's Tail easier than Kyle and I did, and he was open/open... as a result, I only got one picture.

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I think it was the lack of a rear bumper that helped him to not get hung up like we did...

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I did this to my license plate on the whale's tail

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Playing around on some big rocks... I caught my drivers rear quarter panel and tail light on some big tree branches to the left of this line and took my first little bit of body damage. I've now got a small dent and a cracked tail light on that side. My driveshaft also got some love on these rocks.

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Zac, headed up one of the last tough spots...

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After that we worked our way back down to the exit of Carnage. I should have taken some pictures of the buggies going up the top section... it was insane. I decided to walk down the trail and see it for myself, and I can tell you that there is no way you could take an IFS 3rd gen up this trail. By far, the craziest trail I've seen first hand. I took a few pictures of the V-notch section near the bottom.

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Finally, out to the trailhead... There were some nice views on the downhill stretch.

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I thought about going fishing after getting off the trail, but it was such a long (and tiring) day, I decided to just air up and head back to camp to sip on some brewskies and chill.

Back at camp, everybody gathered around the BBQ grill to share stories and mingle. Scotty and the crew from Addicted Offroad grilled up some burgers & dogs with a bunch of sides. We all got our raffle tickets and hung out until the raffle got started at dusk.

I'm not going to give away exactly what I won at the raffle, but let's just say the front end of my rig is going to get a little face lift. I'm stoked.
 
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Most people were heading home on Sunday morning, myself included, so I packed up and said my goodbyes. From there the plan was to run an easy trail up to a high elevation reservoir, and then hike up to an alpine lake for some fishing. On the way up, I took a little detour to check out mining site. There was a tunnel up there that went way back into the mountain, but being by myself I didn't venture very far inside.

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When I got back to the rig, I saw a stock 3rd gen coming up the trail. There was only room for one vehicle at a time, so I had a snack and waited for them to make their way up. When the stock rig reached the parking area I found that it was being piloted by an attractive woman, with a younger guy in the passenger seat. I thought maybe he was her son or relative, but nope... they were an item. So I can officially say I've seen my first Colorado cougar!

Time was running short, so I booked it up to the lake. I'd read that there were some large fish roaming the waters, but when I looked down into the crystal clear depths I nearly shat myself. :jaw:

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Let's just say that if the Jambo ceased to exist, I would still find a way to make it back to the area and fish this lake again. It took me awhile to figure them out, but I caught some of the smaller ones that I saw...

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The wildflowers were starting to disappear, but the bloom was still pretty strong. Some of the blue ones had faded to a striking purple.

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So that was the trip. My rig is pretty smashed up from this one. The skids are going to come off and get straightened with a sledge, the paint needs polishing, and I'm going to have to replace a tail light. The finish on the sliders is a lost cause at this point. New upgrades will come as a result of the challenges I experienced, and the '01 will become stronger and more capable.

THE END. :biggrin1:
 
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Awesome pictures and trip report! I really enjoyed checking out all the action & scenic shots you and Kyle shared. Looks like a good time!

BTW- Zac [MENTION=82095]buttersfab[/MENTION] makes some really nice bumpers-
 
That's what it's all about, man.....being in good company and enjoying every moment of it, and at the same time putting those built rigs to good use and use them well.

new upgrades will come as a result of the challenges I experienced, and the '01 will become stronger and more capable.

:pop2: ahem...cough it up!!
 
Killer write up man! I can't believe I have never commented in here as many times as I've read through this thread.

Your rig is going to be so sweet with that new mystery prize.
My offer still stands if you decide to trade for the tire repair kit I won. Its sweeeeet.

Hit me up if you are ever anywhere near Fort Collins and I'll definitely do the same if I wind up anywhere closer to you. Awesome time indeed.
 
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We got to the trailhead and reaPlaying around on a section that really gives your suspension a workout...

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I'm not going to give away exactly what I won at the raffle, but let's just say the front end of my rig is going to get a little face lift. I'm stoked.

I don't remember but you have a 1/2" BL correct? Really shows how much flex is in the frame, unless you fixed the gap. Looks like a fun section though! Wish I could have come!

Excited for the face lift as well!

Edit: Just realized its not your rig! Still looks like a fun section though!
 
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I figured that was the case with the suspension. It seems like you have worked out a lot of the kinks and is set up perfectly for you. Only reason I asked is because my FOX's are extremely better than my old bilsteins and Eibachs and Tundra/Bilsteins up front. I didn't think it would be that much more noticeable, but it really is. I agree people go way off the deep end with resi's, secondary shocks, ect. just to get the groceries (not saying Patio Burrito is that guy at all, just a general example of other rigs I've seen).

All of that being said, I have been keeping my eye on those Kings in the classifieds. :whistle: On this last trip, there was a long section of trail that had softball sized rocks covering the road surface, and the front suspension was pretty jarring from time to time. At times like those, I do think of getting a better suspension under this thing.

I could look at these pictures and videos all day. The look, sound, and performance are spot on.

Thanks for the compliments, Alex. Your rig is looking quite impressive lately as well.

Shouldn't have taken that ambien yet, i know you are going to post the EPIC trip report as soon as i pass out.

I'll be there next time dammit. I got a lot of trips to make up for with yall. We need to put our planning caps on.

I don't know how that first post got in there (the one that you replied to with only one pic)... weird. Oh well... I hope I left you something interesting to read over breakfast. As far as time on the trail, you definitely have some catching up to do. I'm looking forward to wheeling with you again when you get back.

Nice.

Wish I had my 4runner here after the seeing the photo's from the event.

Coulda, woulda, shoulda... Gotta make stuff happen sometimes.

Awesome pictures and trip report! I really enjoyed checking out all the action & scenic shots you and Kyle shared. Looks like a good time!

BTW- Zac makes some really nice bumpers-

Thanks, amigo. I appreciate you taking the time to look & read. You're right about Zac's bumpers. I got to check out some of his work in person and it was definitely clean fab work w/great lines.

Great pictures. I can't wait for this event next year.

Thanks man. Hopefully more of us can make it out and meet up.

That's what it's all about, man.....being in good company and enjoying every moment of it, and at the same time putting those built rigs to good use and use them well.

new upgrades will come as a result of the challenges I experienced, and the '01 will become stronger and more capable.

:pop2: ahem...cough it up!!

This coming from the master of suspense, himself! In due time, Ervin. I've got alot of ideas spinning in my head right now, and have to work a few things out.

It's good to see you posting again... I've spent a couple hours reading through your updates over the last few nights.

Killer write up man! I can't believe I have never commented in here as many times as I've read through this thread.

Your rig is going to be so sweet with that new mystery prize.
My offer still stands if you decide to trade for the tire repair kit I won. Its sweeeeet.

Hit me up if you are ever anywhere near Fort Collins and I'll definitely do the same if I wind up anywhere closer to you. Awesome time indeed.

Thanks, Kyle. I always wondered why you didn't think my thread was cool enough for a comment. Needs more wiring diagrams, huh?

Just kiddin'. I'll give that trade some serious thought and get back to you. I'll look forward to wheeling with you and Lindsey again in the future.

Awesome pics and a fantastic narrative! Man, those are BIG fish, BFAD! :P Keep it up! :)

Thanks Jon! I wish I had caught the really big ones.

I don't remember but you have a 1/2" BL correct? Really shows how much flex is in the frame, unless you fixed the gap. Looks like a fun section though! Wish I could have come!

Excited for the face lift as well!

Edit: Just realized its not your rig! Still looks like a fun section though!

:confused: You're funny man. ARB vs. Shrockworks. No hood scoop. Desert Dune vs. Millenium Silver. No rhino liner on the flares. FN 5Stars Vs. Procomp 8069's... were you drunk?

There is definitely a ton of flex in these frames, though. It's just something we all have to work around. Hope to see you there next time.
 
confused: You're funny man. ARB vs. Shrockworks. No hood scoop. Desert Dune vs. Millenium Silver. No rhino liner on the flares. FN 5Stars Vs. Procomp 8069's... were you drunk?



There is definitely a ton of flex in these frames, though. It's just something we all have to work around. Hope to see you there next time.


Yeah I don't know what I'm thinking. Obviously I deserve to get some more sleep. Either way trip looks fun!
 
In due time, Ervin. I've got alot of ideas spinning in my head right now, and have to work a few things out.

That sounds chilling! I like the sound of that.. I hope it involves alot of steel. You got me anxiously awaiting now! and yah, appreciate you checking in, amigo.

That suspense stuff, you've got me >:rofl:
 
Another great write-up

Good job looks like a killer time. Good weather, trails and everyone had fun except those fish with the sore lips.

Real sorry I missed it, look forward to next time.
 
Great trip report! It was a great time. I havn't been on here in a long time, never really looked through your whole build thread. Wow. Glad guys like you are into this stuff, it sure is nice to see some good pics and tech info.
Thanks for the compliments on the bumpers guys!
 
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Nice find, a few months ago I found a 2000 Limited with 50,000 miles on it, showroom condition for $11,000. I would have bought it if I hadn't already dumped a ton of money into my truck. Some guy on here recently said that no 3rd Gen is worth $10,000. Probably a kid, he has no clue. :-) I love the upgrades!
 
........................................................................

So yesterday I got 90% of the install done on the new axle. By end of day Tuesday, all I had left was to torque the UCA's, LCA's, and the Panhard Bar, refill the diff, bleed the brakes, plug in & route the harness, and put the wheels back on.

As mentioned before, the rear axle seals were leaking, but when I pulled the drums everything was dry as a bone. Not a drop of gear oil had gone through the bearings, so I feel confident that with the new (updated version) seals in place I'll be good to go.

Getting there...

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On '01 to '02 4Runners the brake line setup is a little different from earlier model years. There one small modification you have to make to the housing if you are putting a '96-'00 housing into an '01-02.

Thanks for this^^^little tid bit
Mine is going in next weekend.
What did you do to get yours soo clean?

Thanks
Dan
 
I'm glad you made the trek from NM to the Jambo! Nice meeting ya and getting to know you over the weekend. I've got the GoPro video but haven't even looked at it. Let me know if you need "upgrades" transported from CO to NM :biggrin2:

Aaron
 
That sounds chilling! I like the sound of that.. I hope it involves alot of steel. You got me anxiously awaiting now! and yah, appreciate you checking in, amigo.

That suspense stuff, you've got me >:rofl:

There will definitely be alot of steel involved. Maybe some rubber too.

Good job looks like a killer time. Good weather, trails and everyone had fun except those fish with the sore lips.

Real sorry I missed it, look forward to next time.

I wish you'd have been there, Chris. I know you would have enjoyed the trails, and I think with two lines in the water, we might have been able to catch one of the bigger cuttys.

Great trip report! It was a great time. I havn't been on here in a long time, never really looked through your whole build thread. Wow. Glad guys like you are into this stuff, it sure is nice to see some good pics and tech info. Thanks for the compliments on the bumpers guys!

Hey Zac! Thanks for checking out the build... hopefully there's some info in here that will help you with your rig.

Nice find, a few months ago I found a 2000 Limited with 50,000 miles on it, showroom condition for $11,000. I would have bought it if I hadn't already dumped a ton of money into my truck. Some guy on here recently said that no 3rd Gen is worth $10,000. Probably a kid, he has no clue. :-) I love the upgrades!

Thanks, Scramble. The $10K I paid for this one was back in 2010, so it was a great deal at the time. If I was in the market today, I'd still consider paying $10k for the right 4Runner.

Thanks for this^^^little tid bit
Mine is going in next weekend.
What did you do to get yours soo clean?

No problem, Dan. Before I put the axle under the rig I did a full clean & wash/sand/strip/prime/repaint/undercoat job on it. It took some time, but it's holding up great, so I think it was worth the effort.

I'm glad you made the trek from NM to the Jambo! Nice meeting ya and getting to know you over the weekend. I've got the GoPro video but haven't even looked at it. Let me know if you need "upgrades" transported from CO to NM :biggrin2:

Hey Aaron, thanks for checking in. I'm glad I made the trip, and it was good to meet you too! You're definitely a class act, and I have a lot of respect for your definition of friendship. I'll give you a call regarding the transportation, and thanks for the offer!

RE the GoPro video... this year, next year... whenever. I just want to see it someday.
 

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