Seattle206's 2014 SR5 Thread

[Seattle206]

Spent about 2 hours today tackling my driver side front axle seal. I noticed that it was leaking gear oil earlier during the week. My rig has 43k miles on it and numerous trips off pavement through pools, mud and dirt. I'm sure the CV axles have taken a little bit of a beating over the last 3 years too. I believe debris eventually built up in the seal area causing the leak. It was a bit involved but do-able with patience and the right tools. Took the most time trying to get the axle seal seated correctly, flush and square in the diff housing. Here is the complete DIY write up:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/249204-5th-gen-2010-2018-front-axle-seal-diy.html

Old axle seal

Tapping new seal with a 2" pvc coupler. Fits perfectly around the seal. Takes a bit of patience tapping it on evenly and flush with the seal housing.

 

[Seattle206]

Went out to the Wenas Wildlife Area by Ellensburg for some range action. We set up the steel gong between 200-300 yards for some fun. The Foshtech Bumpski stock was fun but got boring after the 6th mag dump.

Hard to beat clear skies, crisp air and that sun beaming on your face in January.

 

[Seattle206]

Spent Saturday with a group of friends out in Central Washington again. Toyota trucks, guns and awesome weather. Not often can you wear just a t-shirt in the middle of winter.

Jacked some photos from a buddy.

 

[Seattle206]

More pictures.

 

[Seattle206]

Installed a Tepui Ayer Sky 2 on the 3/4 Prinsu rack. It was difficult getting the RTT mounted since the crossbars sit very low to the roof. What I did was measure and pre-mount the crossbars onto the RTT first. I also shortened the supplied mounting bolts with an angle grinder or else they would contact the roof. Have another person assist and lift onto the rack. Then secure the torx screws. Had to be creative with an extra long ratcheting 13mm wrench to get the nuts snug.

This RTT measures 48"x42" and fits perfectly on the 3/4. Had I gone with a larger RTT it would've most likely stuck out towards the rear preventing the lift gate to open fully, this is due to the "kick-up" design towards the front of the rack.

 

[Seattle206]

Some new poser shots to update my thread. Don't really go on this forum much anymore.

 

[FirefighterMTN]

Thanks for updating....I hadn't come across your thread yet.

Killer rig! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Xtremluck]

Did you ever find out what the root cause of your Air Locker woes were? What did the installer do incorrectly?

 

[Seattle206]

Did you ever find out what the root cause of your Air Locker woes were? What did the installer do incorrectly?

The installer did everything right and was perplexed why mine developed a leak over a year later. It ran flawlessly from 9/2016-1/2018. The shop gave me a brand new locker free of charge under ARB's dime. An ARB rep was present as well when I got my vehicle back that night. I'm sure they were trouble-shooting that specific locker I original had.

I haven't had any issues since I got the new locker.

 

[Seattle206]

Went to NW Overland Rally 2018 last weekend in Plain, WA. Lots of vendors from all over offering classes on off-roading, camping and related outdoor activities.

I participated in the intermediate/advanced class. It was too easy for the Runna.

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[Seattle206]

We completed sections 3 & 4 of the WABDR this weekend. Two rigs, my 5th gen 4Runner and my buddies' 2nd gen Tacoma. Left Friday evening around 5:30 to Ellensburg where we began section 3. We relied mostly on downloaded .gpx tracks off Gaia GPS. Initially, we read that there were a couple major washouts in section 3 south of Cashmere, north of Mission Peak that were almost impassable unless you're a GOOD driver. There is a bypass you can take to HWY 97 for those who want to avoid those washouts but that of course would be too boring. The washouts on section 3 turned out to be very simple to get through, no more than 4HI. We crossed them thinking "okay, now where are those REAL washouts everybody mentioned? This can't be it, or can it?". The majority of the section 3 &4 were done in 2WD and only exercised 4HI now and then.

Finished section 4 by early Sunday afternoon as we head down toward Lake Chelan. Overall sections 3 &4 was quite easy. Any 4WD rig would complete this route with ease. I'd say even a 2WD truck with some decent ground clearance wouldn't have many issues either. We did sections 1 & 2 last summer and found 3 &4 a little more less involved as far as skill wise goes. Section 2 is still my favorite by far. We have plans to complete the WABDR next summer by finishing in the ghost town of Nighhawk at the WA/Canada border.

Packed up and ready to leave Seattle for the weekend.

Beginning of section 3 in Ellensburg.

Stopped by Lion Rock for some beautiful sunset poses lol.

Got to camp around 10:00 pm and set up for the night. Next morning we worked some breakfast before we continued section 3.

Working some bacon and chorizo on that Tembo skottle grill.

My girl on egg duty.

Our view from camp.

 

[Seattle206]

First washout on Liverty Beehive Rd/NF-9712 in section 3. There was another down the road which was easy to get through as well.

Buddy in his Taco going over that first washout.

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Made it up to a peak for a break.

Finished section 3 and into town for a refuel and coffee break.

Stopped by the 911 Memorial as we were in Cashmere.

 

[Seattle206]

I found section 4 to be a bit on the unenthusiastic side in regards to the drive. Majority of the roads were cliff side gravel roads and took us a while before we found a suitable place to set up camp.

Had to break out the blue label after driving for 7 hours. Kilt it.

Kabobs and longanisa on the gas grill.

Kevin cooking up some asparagus on the skottle.

Sun sets as we prepare dinner.

Called it a night around the "campfire". (Portable propane campfire due to burn ban)

Using whatever extra fuel I carried before we head out.

My tracks when I stopped recording as we got back on pavement in section 4.

 

[brtnstrns]

We completed sections 3 & 4 of the WABDR this weekend. Two rigs, my 5th gen 4Runner and my buddies' 2nd gen Tacoma. Left Friday evening around 5:30 to Ellensburg where we began section 3. We relied mostly on downloaded .gpx tracks off Gaia GPS. Initially, we read that there were a couple major washouts in section 3 south of Cashmere, north of Mission Peak that were almost impassable unless you're a GOOD driver. There is a bypass you can take to HWY 97 for those who want to avoid those washouts but that of course would be too boring. The washouts on section 3 turned out to be very simple to get through, no more than 4HI. We crossed them thinking "okay, now where are those REAL washouts everybody mentioned? This can't be it, or can it?". The majority of the section 3 &4 were done in 2WD and only exercised 4HI now and then.

Finished section 4 by early Sunday afternoon as we head down toward Lake Chelan. Overall sections 3 &4 was quite easy, any 4WD rig would complete this route quite easily, I'd say even a 2WD truck with some decent ground clearance wouldn't have too many issues either. We did sections 1 & 2 last summer and found 3 &4 a little more less involved as far as skill wise goes. Section 2 is still my favorite so far. We have plans to complete the WABDR next summer at the ghost town of Nighhawk at the WA/Canada border.

I'm considering doing one or two sections one weekend this summer. Would you say it's not totally ridiculous to do this solo/without a second vehicle? Is it fairly straight forward as far as navigation goes? Also, where are you finding trail updates? Is airing down/airing up tires necessary (I don't have a compressor)?

signed, non-seasoned off-roader.

 

[Seattle206]

I'm considering doing one or two sections one weekend this summer. Would you say it's not totally ridiculous to do this solo/without a second vehicle? Is it fairly straight forward as far as navigation goes? Also, where are you finding trail updates? Is airing down/airing up tires necessary (I don't have a compressor)?

signed, non-seasoned off-roader.

The whole WABDR is tame. The route can be completed solo or in a group. It's just more fun with others. You really don't need much to complete this route other than your basic camping necessities. Download the Gaia GPS app because it's what we relied on to navigate. You can download the entire WABDR track from other Gaia users who uploaded their tracks. The main route generally stays the same unless there is a road closure due to fire or washout. There is always a bypass, though we've never taken any. Those are easy to find if you read the Overland Bound NW section of their forum. Airing down makes the ride MUCH more comfortable on the trail. Invest $100 on a VAIR portable compressor and an ARB deflator.

 

[brtnstrns]

The whole WABDR is tame. The route can be completed solo or in a group. It's just more fun with others. You really don't need much to complete this route other than your basic camping necessities. Download the Gaia GPS app because it's what we relied on to navigate. You can download the entire WABDR track from other Gaia users who uploaded their tracks. The main route generally stays the same unless there is a road closure due to fire or washout. There is always a bypass, though we've never taken any. Those are easy to find if you read the Overland Bound NW section of their forum. Airing down makes the ride MUCH more comfortable on the trail. Invest $100 on a VAIR portable compressor and an ARB deflator.

Sweet, appreciate the insight. Would love to do it with friends but all of mine are back in Texas...

 

[baldrik78]

I'm considering doing one or two sections one weekend this summer. Would you say it's not totally ridiculous to do this solo/without a second vehicle? Is it fairly straight forward as far as navigation goes? Also, where are you finding trail updates? Is airing down/airing up tires necessary (I don't have a compressor)?

signed, non-seasoned off-roader.

Same. I'm trying to figure out a weekend to go. I've been looking at doing sections 2&3 or 3&4.

 

[Seattle206]

[MENTION=150162]brtnstrns[/MENTION] and [MENTION=178070]baldrik78[/MENTION]

Perfect! Looks like you got guys a small convoy going. I'd recommend sections 2 & 3 if I were to do it again.

 

[Seattle206]

Ditched the 5th gen and took an FJ80 out through Wadi Rum (وادي القمر). Rusted frame, nothing works on the vehicle except that it just keeps running. 380k miles on the odometer.

 

[2012sr5]

Ditched the 5th gen and took an FJ80 out through Wadi Rum (وادي القمر). Rusted frame, nothing works on the vehicle except that it just keeps running. 380k miles on the odometer.

Wow. You're just a little east of Seattle there, huh.