RL Lemke
New member
This last week I spent a few days working on my real estate project in the Ozarks. Within the 2300 acres we have several miles of private dirt and rock roads. Over the weekend we cut a new road up a hill that was a struggle to even hike up. Well, as a part of work I had a great time pushing my 4Runner over all of the tight, twisty and in places steep roads. Since there were no other vehicles out there, I was rally driving during the day and after dark. Here are a couple conclusions:
1) The Lightforce lights made the road ahead easy to navigate at full speed.
2) The 4Runner is a blast at speed. I could kick out the rear end while the front tires were pulling me around the sharp bends.
3) Shooting up steep muddy roads using all of the torque the V8 musters is a real rush. The 4Runner literally jumps over the ridges.
4) The meager skid plates did work but look like heck now. I'll have to supplement or replace them.
5) I had to climb a wet blue clay section of road, from a stopped start. It took two times, with the successful technique being the dirt bike strategy of a full throttle launch.
6) Backing-up on narrow roads is easy using the wide mirrors and an open rear window.
7) With the center differential locked, the electronic "locks" on the front and rear differentials kept me from spinning the loose tire too much. A mechanical lock would be better, but not necessary.
Now that I have 30,000 miles on the clock, I remain impressed at what this Toyota will do.
1) The Lightforce lights made the road ahead easy to navigate at full speed.
2) The 4Runner is a blast at speed. I could kick out the rear end while the front tires were pulling me around the sharp bends.
3) Shooting up steep muddy roads using all of the torque the V8 musters is a real rush. The 4Runner literally jumps over the ridges.
4) The meager skid plates did work but look like heck now. I'll have to supplement or replace them.
5) I had to climb a wet blue clay section of road, from a stopped start. It took two times, with the successful technique being the dirt bike strategy of a full throttle launch.
6) Backing-up on narrow roads is easy using the wide mirrors and an open rear window.
7) With the center differential locked, the electronic "locks" on the front and rear differentials kept me from spinning the loose tire too much. A mechanical lock would be better, but not necessary.
Now that I have 30,000 miles on the clock, I remain impressed at what this Toyota will do.
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