Mizzle415's Gold Digger - Build Thread
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mizzle415
New member
Updated Ukiah Trip with a few pics
Was up in Ukiah, CA visiting family for Easter. Got a chance to get in the dirt a bit. The first few pics are out on my uncle property, just flexing for fun.
Last one shows the swaybar end link maxed. (Stock end link and my new LC shocks). This was my first off roading since going from OME 60028 to LC Tokicos. The main thing I noticed was that with the increased flex, I was getting a nasty grinding noise under certain conditions. I'm thinking it may be the old drive shaft meets gas tank skid deal, but i haven't investigated yet.
We rolled through South Cow Mountain OHV on the way out of town. We were able to go from Ukiah to Lakeport
We came across the 4x4 obstacle area, which is located up at the top of Red Mountain.
My wheeling buds were my pregnant wife and my sleeping two year old, so we stayed on the tame stuff. But the stuff we bypassed was as nasty as I've seen, much more extreme than the obstacles I saw at Hollister. Sorry no pics as we didn't want to stop and wake the kid.
A few poser shots before we got back to the pavement.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88814625@N00/8615637927/" title="IMG_6358 by meeatch1_1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8543/8615637927_5571281a27_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_6358"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88814625@N00/8616741380/" title="IMG_6356 by meeatch1_1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8396/8616741380_b45b887830_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_6356"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88814625@N00/8616740372/" title="IMG_6341 by meeatch1_1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8395/8616740372_a9b0bebea1_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_6341"></a>
Here's airing back up near Lakeport.
And my little Homie.
Was up in Ukiah, CA visiting family for Easter. Got a chance to get in the dirt a bit. The first few pics are out on my uncle property, just flexing for fun.
Last one shows the swaybar end link maxed. (Stock end link and my new LC shocks). This was my first off roading since going from OME 60028 to LC Tokicos. The main thing I noticed was that with the increased flex, I was getting a nasty grinding noise under certain conditions. I'm thinking it may be the old drive shaft meets gas tank skid deal, but i haven't investigated yet.
We rolled through South Cow Mountain OHV on the way out of town. We were able to go from Ukiah to Lakeport
We came across the 4x4 obstacle area, which is located up at the top of Red Mountain.
My wheeling buds were my pregnant wife and my sleeping two year old, so we stayed on the tame stuff. But the stuff we bypassed was as nasty as I've seen, much more extreme than the obstacles I saw at Hollister. Sorry no pics as we didn't want to stop and wake the kid.
A few poser shots before we got back to the pavement.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88814625@N00/8615637927/" title="IMG_6358 by meeatch1_1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8543/8615637927_5571281a27_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_6358"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88814625@N00/8616741380/" title="IMG_6356 by meeatch1_1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8396/8616741380_b45b887830_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_6356"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88814625@N00/8616740372/" title="IMG_6341 by meeatch1_1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8395/8616740372_a9b0bebea1_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="IMG_6341"></a>
Here's airing back up near Lakeport.
And my little Homie.
Last edited:
mizzle415
New member
Been a long time since I posted anything, but just got some new duratracs, so thought I'd document them here.
Added a few things in the past year:
OME 861 with LC Tokicos out back
XRC8 comp winch
Just been lurkin the forum, makin babies, riding my new DRZ 400, and camping with the family.
Watching lots of awesome builds go up on here. Dreaming of a custom rear bumper with built in air tank. With my second son just born, picked up an old trailer that I'm going to outfit for camping.
madbomber08
New member
I spy with my little eye.....Duratracs! Were the Toyos worn? What made you switch?
mizzle415
New member
Yep. Toyos were down to about 20%. With winter coming, I wanted to get some fresh tires. I was originally looking for D tracs, but found a good deal on the Toyos on CL. They were awesome tires for the last 35K miles, lots of camping and wheeling with them. They gave me the confidence to rip through rocky forest roads while aired down to 15 or 20 psi with no fear of sidewall damage.
I hear the D tracs are little more fragile on the sidewall, but I was wanting a little lighter tire with an AT tread, to hopefully help with my dismal gas mileage. Should be much better in the snow too for those trips to Tahoe this winter.
Aznwolf118
Member
Did you ever post pics of your compressor mount and air tank set up
Sweet stuff here. When I get my truck fixed and ready for the mountains, I'll have to hit you up for offroading suggestions in the Sierras since that's where I hope to go often! I'm definitely interested in deep wood camping up there when I can.
Looking ahead, do you foresee any difficulty in those Sierra areas you went with just a 1 inch lift and 32 inch tires? I was planning to keep it simply and get OEM '99 coils all around to put on my '97 for a 1 inch lift, and 265/75/R16s.
If you strongly recommend a bigger lift and tires if I want to go up to the Sierras extensively, I'm all ears.
Keep the pics coming!
Looking ahead, do you foresee any difficulty in those Sierra areas you went with just a 1 inch lift and 32 inch tires? I was planning to keep it simply and get OEM '99 coils all around to put on my '97 for a 1 inch lift, and 265/75/R16s.
If you strongly recommend a bigger lift and tires if I want to go up to the Sierras extensively, I'm all ears.
Keep the pics coming!
mizzle415
New member
I never did post pics of the setup since so many have done it in the past (and I'm lazy). [MENTION=48892]slomatt[/MENTION] did a really detailed write up on mounting the compressor within the rear interior panel behind the dirvers rear wheel well. I followed his write up for the most part. I used the VIAIR Constant Duty System from Wheelers Offroad. I really like that the kit included everything needed to install the system.
I routed the air to a 2 gallon tank that sits above the wheel well in a custom box modeled after [MENTION=44220]BigFishAllDay[/MENTION] cargo box. I'd really like to get the air tank out of the cargo area and build one into a custom rear bumper. It also pressurizes a gauge on the dash where the power switch is located.
I'll try to snap some pics soon.
mizzle415
New member
All the areas I've been camping in the Sierras (Bowman, Downieville, Feather River, Eagle lakes, Cherry Lake, etc.) have been relatively tame and would not require anything much more than stock. But once you put that 1-inch lift on, you'll soon regret you didn't go with 3-inch. Too many BA rigs on here that'll keep making you jealous.
I'd definitely like to get to some other locations like slickrock, deer valley, which will require more clearance than you're planning for. Come to think of it, the OME lift was beneficial for Wheeler Ridge (eastern sierra). Since you say you're looking to explore...I'd say get the 3" lift.
CenCalifoothill15
New member
Cool thread, nice 4Runner, & cool pics!
Glad to see you use your Rig in it's natural habitat! Looks like you know how to have fun with the kids too... :boink:
Glad to see you use your Rig in it's natural habitat! Looks like you know how to have fun with the kids too... :boink:
paddlenbike
Member
Nice build. Did the tire change improve your mileage any?
mizzle415
New member
Thanks paddlenbike. You're doing a great job on your runner as well.
There has been no detectable difference in MPG. Americas Tire had trouble getting one of them to balance and had to warranty the tire.
I have not had the chance to get them dirty yet, but hopefully they'll see some snow soon.
There has been no detectable difference in MPG. Americas Tire had trouble getting one of them to balance and had to warranty the tire.
I have not had the chance to get them dirty yet, but hopefully they'll see some snow soon.
BasinRunner
New member
Just found this build thread, I believe I ran into you on hull when you were up there. I was with a 3rd gen 4runner, 2 Tacoma's and I had a pathfinder with duratracs. Currently searching for a 5 speed 3rd gen so nice build thread!
mizzle415
New member
I do remember running into you guys up there on Hull in the snow last year. I'm sure I'll get up there again this winter. Good luck in your search for a 3rd gen. I had a Pathy prior to my runner: it was a good rig, but not much aftermarket support and the turning radius sucked ass.
mizzle415
New member
The bumper is from Outdoor Logic who apparently abandoned their efforts in the 3rd gen market. Having the winch inside the bumper keeps things pretty stealth for the DD, but makes installation and access a little more of a pain. I've been tempted to open up the top of the bumper like blcktspgr(sorry about spelling).
infamousRNR
Senior Member
snow
hey dude I'm from half moon bay. today must have been an awesome day to be up at the snow. looking to get a meet together soon of some members. liking your build so far!
hey dude I'm from half moon bay. today must have been an awesome day to be up at the snow. looking to get a meet together soon of some members. liking your build so far!
mizzle415
New member
Tahoe was pretty fun. Went up to Sierra for snowboarding. Being the only day snowboarding this year, was definitely pretty beat after a few runs in the heavy snow, back leg burning!
I see you're on your second 3rd gen, so probably are planning things a bit differently than the 1st. Interested to see what you come up with.
I'm down for a local meet if you are setting something up. Let me know.
