Rock Rat's Imperial Jade Mica "Next Adventure" Build

[Rock_Rat]

Whitson Rack and Flat BAR - BFF

So, as I'm preparing for the WABDR trip I'm finding out that flat bar is my BFF with the Whitson rack. Yup. vise, angle grinder, bench grinder, drill and Rustoleum semi-gloss paint have become good friends the past few days. The quick fists only come with washers as do the Rotopax mounts.

 

[Rock_Rat]

Wheels with Nitto Grappler Trail

I retired the Level 8's and the Toyo A/T's for the next two weeks and installed the Sequoia/Nitto's for the WABDR trip. Thanks to [MENTION=88597]MyHigh[/MENTION] for the lead on the wheels in CL over a year ago. I actually like the look of them despite my efforts to highlight the old 90's gold badges with the bronze colored Level 8's. I need to do some research on here and see what size spare everyone is using with their 33's. I have my old steel wheel and a 265/75-16 Bridgestone snow tire under there now. I would end up having to do a front/rear swap if needed because of the TBU.

I still have my ARB compressor to install (in the back small cargo area. I want to keep it away from the heat in the engine bay.) over the weekend. I also need to figure out the puzzle pieces on the roof. I'm not happy with my hi-lift taking up that good real estate on the roof rack. Damn squatter. Guess I can't complain too much. The Fiskars axe fits nicely under it though on the quick fists. I might mount the "treds" (they're the MAXSA Innovations 20333 Escaper Buddy Orange Traction Mat - $130pair) on the side. I'm not sure yet. Anyway here's a peak at how she stands right now. Looks like a swing out rear bumper is in order. ( [MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION] ) Never really thought I would get one. I can see now how it can become a necessity very quickly.

 

[zluzvay]

Man i want those wheels so bad, mostly for the extra width for my 315s and also because i hear the color is spot on for dorado gold.

 

[MyHigh]

Looks like she's ready to hit some Washington backcountry trails!

FYI: I have an extra tundra wheel if you want to borrow it and throw a good used tire on it for the trip. That way it's just one less thing to do on the trail if needed. Also, one of those hi-lift bag of tools (thing)? Shovel, pick, hammer, 12.gauge, rocket launcher, and so on. Well, all but the last two but nun the less compact and useful. Anys, let me know if you wanna take some stuff I'd be more then happy to help. Oh and also a de-Walt compact 20amp lith Impact wrench, not only a blast at lug nuts but nice trail tool.

 

[Unner]

She looks great! Your truck makes me realize I'm not crazy for putting money into a 200k mile 15 year old truck, keep up with it and it'll last forever.

I second the rear bumper, you should get one. I like to have a full size spare so I will need it when I go to 33's this fall most likely. Swinging out that rear tire carrier is a pretty cool feeling after wanting one for so long.

Good idea on the whitson rack, I always just used fender washers, but aluminum stock would work well. I have never had good luck painting aluminum, I also just found out recently that there is a special primer you are supposed to use for aluminum other than self etching...

 

[Rock_Rat]

Looks like she's ready to hit some Washington backcountry trails!

FYI: I have an extra tundra wheel if you want to borrow it and throw a good used tire on it for the trip. That way it's just one less thing to do on the trail if needed. Also, one of those hi-lift bag of tools (thing)? Shovel, pick, hammer, 12.gauge, rocket launcher, and so on. Well, all but the last two but nun the less compact and useful. Anys, let me know if you wanna take some stuff I'd be more then happy to help. Oh and also a de-Walt compact 20amp lith Impact wrench, not only a blast at lug nuts but nice trail tool.

Tim, thanks for the offer on the Tundra wheel. I'm pretty sure my coke bottles will fit over the TBU. I hadn't even thought about using one of those as a spare with a cheap tire. Great idea! I think I'm set on tools. Just bringiong an axe, shovel and machette/saw (Gerber). I'll have a bag of tools with a hammer along with a spare axle and spare set of LBJ's. A rocket launcher sounds like fun! One thing I would love to have for this trip is a drone. I still may run out and pick one up. The aerial footage would be amazing.

She looks great! Your truck makes me realize I'm not crazy for putting money into a 200k mile 15 year old truck, keep up with it and it'll last forever.

I second the rear bumper, you should get one. I like to have a full size spare so I will need it when I go to 33's this fall most likely. Swinging out that rear tire carrier is a pretty cool feeling after wanting one for so long.

Good idea on the whitson rack, I always just used fender washers, but aluminum stock would work well. I have never had good luck painting aluminum, I also just found out recently that there is a special primer you are supposed to use for aluminum other than self etching...

No doubt Unner. A rig with 200K is still a baby. I just commented on Woody's recent pole about having a good platform makes the investment worth while. Eventually when the motor dies or the tranny dies it's a no brainer. Just replace it. The guys I really feel for are the ones in the rust belts. I can't imagine the headache that must be.

Rear tire carrier is moving higher on my "want" list. Not 100% sold on it yet. I know for a fact if I was heading out on a longer adventure then absolutely a necessity.

Aluminum is funny stuff. That's why I went with the steel.

***********************


Here's what my weekend consisted of: Installed the ARB Compressor and tidied up my wiring. I can now air down and air back up along the way. I "wanted" the twin cylinder but just couldn't justify the cost - even with the group buy. I think I read somewhere that the inflation times with this one is around 6-7 minutes per tire. I'll soon find out.

 

[Rock_Rat]

WABDR Departure Tomorrow but first this...

So I felt guilty as all get outs yesterday pulling into NAPA and buying a spare axle for the trip but I looked around in my garage and realized I had so many unfinished projects including my original axles that I really had no choice.

I swear, one day I will finish rebuilding the axles, the LCA's, the spindles, and I might even install the SC and the AEM kit. Only as long as no other projects come up that take priority.

Am I the only one with unfinished projects laying around their garage? And to think, this is just 4Runner stuff only!! Life just get's in the way. But man oh man I wouldn't trade a thing! I'm just about set for the trip. Next post...

 

[Rock_Rat]

Limb Risers and Camera Mount

...Ok this is why I can never get all of my projects finished. Two other priorities came up.

First off I LOVE my Whitson rack. Little golden nuggets hidden in there! When I duid the Olympic Peninsula last year over labor day, I mounted my tripod on my hood and bumper using gorilla tape.

This year I picked up the rack and there are these pre-drilled holes from the previous owner. Obviously he drilled one just for me because that is exactly where I'm mounting my video camera this trip!! Used a Grade 8 bolt a couple washers and a piece of rubber hose to absorb some of the shock.

I also needed to take a page out of [MENTION=55891]Bandit Runner[/MENTION] build and fab up some limb risers. Ran to true Value and picked up two 1/2" x 8 eye bolts, 88" of 3/16 rubber-coated aircraft cable x 2 with swedges and two turn buckles.

Replaced my two front support feet for the rack with the eye bolts and came up with some pretty dang good limb risers. When I return, I need to look for stainless steel instead of galvanized and go shorter than 8".

Rig is set to go! Lubed all the shafts yesterday (Woody get your mind out of the gutter) and did a once over.

 

[Scramble]

Enjoy the trip & stay safe!

I dont have a garage but yes! My basement is full of unfinished projects. Custom grill, S/C with 5th injector, gauges etc...starter, re-booting both OE axles, replace rear speakers, install my Black Pearl Emblems, finish rust proofing my frame, put my interior back together. I'm basically driving a 2 seater. LOL
But all of my maintenance is up to date. :clap2:

 

[Rock_Rat]

WABDR Itinerary

So we leave for the WABDR tomorrow morning. I'll be on channel 4 if you're in the area. Itinerary is as follows:

Day 1(Thursday) - Stevenson to Packwood (Camp)
Day 2(Friday) - Packwood to Ellensburg (Camp)
Day 3 (Saturday) - Ellensburg to Cashmere (Hotel)
Day 4 (Sunday) - Explore Leavenworth and surrounding area stay in hotel another night
Day 5 (Monday) - Cashmere to Chelan (Camp)
Day 6 (Tuesday) - Chelan to Concocully (Camp)
Day 7 (Wednesday) - Concocully to Nighthawk/Oroville (Camp)

Back on permanent pavement. Will take two or three days to go home. Crash at my sons place in Seattle and hit Pikes Place

Here's how she sits ready to go. I can finally, after a year of having it on my desk, put my "Overland Bound Outfit and Explore" Medallion on my rig. The metamorphosis has taken place. Thanks guys for the input for the trip, especially [MENTION=82154]GSPRunner[/MENTION] and [MENTION=63487]A.Wilson013[/MENTION]

 

[Rock_Rat]

Enjoy the trip & stay safe!

I dont have a garage but yes! My basement is full of unfinished projects. Custom grill, S/C with 5th injector, gauges etc...starter, re-booting both OE axles, replace rear speakers, install my Black Pearl Emblems, finish rust proofing my frame, put my interior back together. I'm basically driving a 2 seater. LOL
But all of my maintenance is up to date. :clap2:

Thanks man!! You and I know it's the maintenance that takes precedent over anything else!! That's why we've owned them for so long.

 

[A.Wilson013]

The truck looks great! I truly wish I could join you for a leg or two!

When you're in Seattle we should grab a drink. I'll buy.

 

[GSPRunner]

Have fun man, I too wish I could join you.

 

[Bandit Runner]

The limb risers look real good. Can you open the hood with them on?

 

[kolelt]

Awesome thread. Absolutely awesome. Great work sir. I have a question. What is the purpose of the cables going from roof rack down ?

How's that arb air compressor?

And have you done the big 3 upgrade ?

Are you still on stock alternator?

 

[SLO_Rob]

Ob

Looks great! OB is in the PNW this weekend too!

 

[TheDurk]

Awesome thread. Absolutely awesome. Great work sir. I have a question. What is the purpose of the cables going from roof rack down ?

He just wanted it to look like the medallion. (j/k)

 

[A.Wilson013]

Awesome thread. Absolutely awesome. Great work sir. I have a question. What is the purpose of the cables going from roof rack down ?

The cables are "limb risers" and they're meant to do just that: raise limbs up off of your hood, windshield, rack, etc. The way he has them mounted will also keep branches from getting under his roof rack.

 

[aueamerla]

I like the direction you're going with your build. The bronze wheels on that color are a match made in heaven.

 

[Rock_Rat]

Quick update on the trip. Epic so far with amazing views and trails. The rig is a beast. The toughest part of the trip so far was Umtanum Ridge. Transmission temps went as high as 271 (edit) but averaged around 230 most of the way. Tough climb in 4wd with entire family and cargo loaded down. The gears paid for themselves.

Sweet run from Wenatchee to Cashmere until an Enduro had to lay down his bike before hitting me. It was his third time out and took the turn too wide. I yanked right as far and as quick as I could and basically saved his life. His helmet saved his life as it was trashed. An experienced rider wouldn't have had to lay the bike down. But he was anticipating.the worse. Anyway, I'm here in leavenworth trying to figure out what was bent when he impacted my tire. Rig is tracking left. Not pulling left but can't keep the steering wheel centered. BTW I have complete video footage.

Bandit, I can't open the hood with the limb risers but for this trip it's perfect. Definitely needed them. I'll re-engineer them when I get back home. Leavenworth hotel pic from 2nd floor.