Learning the hard way!!!

[Footofgod]

So last year I bought a 1991 T4R 4x4 with 230k miles on it. I'm sure this is not the original engine, but the 3.0 runs great.

So I went out with a friend and his Jeep without upgrading anything. We ended up on some ATV trail that was stupidly narrow and a tree root punctured the sidewall on my crappy bald AS tires. No spare so that story did not end well.

Replaced tires with BFG AT tires. Replaced stock shocks and steering stabilizer.

Went back up the mountain. Splashed through a few puddles and fried some ground wires and my alternator. Got a tow back down the mountain. Repaired.

Back up the mountain a few times with no issues, but did not attempt anything challenging.

Back up a snow covered mountain. Everything went beautifully. Tried again on another day. Since I was a bit over confident, I tried a deep trail buried in snow drifts. Of course got stuck. The guy who just happened by got stuck trying to pull me out. Went down the mountain in another car. Bought more straps and a hand winch. Got 4Runner out.

I need to stop learning things on my own. Joined the forum. Found local wheelers to go with. Buying a new daily driver so I can properly prepare my T4R for Colorado mountain trails.

Build Plan:
2" lift
Sliders, skid plate and brush guard.
lockers
cold air intake

I will run the 3.0 v6 in to the ground and then replace it with something bigger and better when the time comes. Any reccomended mods for the first timer?

 

[BucknutBob]

I read this a while back, and am sorry to see it hasn't received any replies yet (obviously, they did just like me--d'oh!). You've got some great country to explore around there--I've been through a couple times, and it's just beautiful! I'm actually considering moving to CO, though probably on the west side--I want to be near the canyonlands of UT as much as the mountains, and the San Juan Mts. offer tons of cool trails. As for the wheeling, you aren't the first, and certainly not the last, to go out and get in over your head--we've ALL done it to some extent. On the equipment, I would recommend Old Man Emu for a top-notch conservative lift (check Rocky-Road for info), and Budbuilt makes great skids. ARB is probably the best all-around locker, allowing open diffs for snow-covered CO pavement, and world-class durability and traction for off-road. Have fun out there, and don't let those kids talk you into too many crazy stunts!
p.s. That road that looks out over the USAF Academy is a blast--my brother and I did it on a snowy day a couple years back--what a drive!

 

[gptoy96]

Learning the hard way is a great way to learn, at least you know what to do next time.

Welcome aboard and have fun with your T4R!