snivilous
Senior Member
North. The valley you go through after Brigham City on the way to Bear Lake, where Logan and Utah State are.
New guy from Utah
- Thread starter Brownfaux
- Start date
North. The valley you go through after Brigham City on the way to Bear Lake, where Logan and Utah State are.
smkd13
New member
Oh ok sweet yes I am sure I will make it up there sometime to come play around an check it out
Done, and it runs great! Much easier than I thought it would be. Only problem was the new axle didn't have a lip to put the crowbar on to hit into place. But, I just got under the car and pulled the axle into the front differential.
Super easy to do. I would have never thought I'd be able to do this, but so relieved I did!
Super easy to do. I would have never thought I'd be able to do this, but so relieved I did!
shallcallhimtim
New member
is that trail that goes up the mountain in brigham city a 4x4 trail? i thought it was just hiking but it looks really wide. I would love to get up there and then to the back side of the mountain.
KidVermicious
New member
Good for you!
KidVermicious
New member
If it's not signed, then the best way to find out is to ask who owns the land. I have heard that most of the land uphill of Brigham City is State Trust land and a wildlife preserve.
4 wheeling basics.....
So I found a Toyota guide to 4 wheeling, and learned about the differential lock, when to use what mode, all that stuff, I guess the real basics.... But I have some dumb questions still.
How easy is it to throw out your alignment while wheeling?
Is the 4runner not a good choice for recreation due to size, weight?
What else should a total newb need to know before he seriously breaks crap that could have been prevented?
So I found a Toyota guide to 4 wheeling, and learned about the differential lock, when to use what mode, all that stuff, I guess the real basics.... But I have some dumb questions still.
How easy is it to throw out your alignment while wheeling?
Is the 4runner not a good choice for recreation due to size, weight?
What else should a total newb need to know before he seriously breaks crap that could have been prevented?
KidVermicious
New member
Random dirt roads aren't going to jack your alignment. It's the rock crawling or desert bashing that can throw your toe and camber out, and it'll happen for sure if you get into the technical trails. I used to have to take my IFS truck in for an alignment at least once a summer, and my old Exploder used to lose it's camber settings if it even saw a rock.
The 4Runner is a great choice for lots of people, but it ultimately comes down to what you're doing with the truck, what terrain you're doing it on, and how you do it - driving style plays a huge part in rig choice. For random backcountry camping and exploring and moderate wheeling, I think the 4Runner is one of the best choices out there, and with some moderate modification it's an excellent trail rig too.
I think the most important thing new wheelers/offroaders tend to forget is recovery and repair. You probably won't get yourself into a situation that requires it, but being able to self-rescue is huge any time you get off the main roads. Here's a decently comprehensive list of what ought to be in your truck any time you head out:
- A good spare tire, and a jack and tire iron to change it
- A tire plug kit and a can of Slime
- A tow strap
- A snatch strap and shackles
- A basic tool kit - metric sockets, box ends, screwdrivers, duct tape, bailing wire, hose clamps, Rescue Tape, etc
- A set of essential spares and fluids- CV shaft, tie rod ends, radiator hoses, engine belts, fuses, oil/coolant/brake & PS fluid, anything that has a decent chance of failing and will strand you if it does. Some people even carry a spare battery, or set up a dual battery system.
- Jump bag - emergency food/water/shelter, survival gear
Other stuff you'll want to consider if you make wheeling a habit - an air compressor or CO2 setup so you can air back up when you hit pavement, a better jack (I really like my Bushranger exhaust jack, hilift jacks are useful too), a winch (or even a strong comealong), a CB and/or Ham radio. Always let somebody know where you're headed and when you expect to be back, and go with another truck whenever you can. Hit us up at http://desertrunnerst4r.forumotion.com/, we're always looking for more wheeling buddies and we don't mind new blood.
mikebontoft
New member
for what it's worth, expect a need to balance your tires if you still have a nice smooth IFS suspension. I know I spun my tires a few times on those rocks, but hey... I have to balance the tires now.
Yeah a hi lift jack is on my list. From their website it looks like I can even use it for recovery.
My second time out I may have thrown out my alignment, I got into some deep ruts and felt the wheels following them as I was fighting the steering wheel. But.... It was pulling left on the way to wheeling, since I did the cv axle. The shop redid the alignment for free, and I had thrown out the tire I hadn't touched also so I think I did throw out the alignment.
My dad tried telling me the 4 runner is too heavy to go off road and play like I have done with it twice. I'm old enough now that I'm certain there are some things I may know better finally. Plus that was coming from a guy who bought a jeep wrangler with big tires and never left the road.
Anyway, just random thoughts. It's also hard to gauge the capabilities of the 4runner since I have no reference to how it should feel at any given angle or surface.
My second time out I may have thrown out my alignment, I got into some deep ruts and felt the wheels following them as I was fighting the steering wheel. But.... It was pulling left on the way to wheeling, since I did the cv axle. The shop redid the alignment for free, and I had thrown out the tire I hadn't touched also so I think I did throw out the alignment.
My dad tried telling me the 4 runner is too heavy to go off road and play like I have done with it twice. I'm old enough now that I'm certain there are some things I may know better finally. Plus that was coming from a guy who bought a jeep wrangler with big tires and never left the road.
Anyway, just random thoughts. It's also hard to gauge the capabilities of the 4runner since I have no reference to how it should feel at any given angle or surface.
smkd13
New member
And well this is where your already on the correct path. Test and push the limits in your own confort level.
Too heavy yeah you could say that but then tell that to all the people that wheel them or avid off roaders. Jeeps can be just as heavy. I have seen toyotas be more capable than jeeps and vice versa.
The more you wheel the more you learn what your truck can and can't do. For instance I came from a jeep grand Cherokee. Solid axle front to IFS. Big change as to how it reacted to different situations.
Feels good to gain knowledge and wisdom huh? Lol
Yeah just from the mild stuff I've done, the angle the car has been at felt crazy, but I got out and looked and it looked like nothing from outside. I've just never been off road like that.
I should have got into this a long time ago. Much easier to take an off road car for a fun drive on a trail than it is to take a sports car for a spirited drive. The stuff sports cars are made for can basically only get you a ticket.
I should have got into this a long time ago. Much easier to take an off road car for a fun drive on a trail than it is to take a sports car for a spirited drive. The stuff sports cars are made for can basically only get you a ticket.
smkd13
New member
Lol good point. Yeah I had the same thing happen to me the other day. I put my truck at a crazy angle. Like I though it was going over but it didn't. Kinda scares the shit outta ya when I happens but you learn from things like that. You ever make it to Utah county and we can go wheeling. I am always down to go
smkd13
New member
Omg there is mud on it lol ha ha some good A/Ts or M/Ts would make that puddle waaayyyyy easier
