The Sciencemobile

[thenightman]

Leaving Texas for New Mexico
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37106522286/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4189"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4363/37106522286_14f235b8d3_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4189"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
And into Colorado again.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/36899804750/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4216"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4427/36899804750_1d269b5602_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4216"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
We crossed the Continental divide, for perhaps the sixth time this trip.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/36899809830/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4241"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4371/36899809830_da59bbff72_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4241"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Back into one of favorite destination states, Utah!
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37298170905/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4251"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4366/37298170905_c6fe47216b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4251"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
This time we actually had a few hours budgeted to recreate in Utah. What do you do in Utah? Go to Moab, of course! This is how you know you are in Moab, when you see this:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37154482881/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4295"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4430/37154482881_1d277c3bb8_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4295"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
And you see this;
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37298186785/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4312"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4404/37298186785_b12b41a876_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4312"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[thenightman]

We ran onion creek trail in Utah. We picked onion creek because I knew it was fairly easy, and we didn’t have lots of time. Any trail in the Moab area is going to be breathtakingly beautiful, so you can’t really go wrong. I was tempted to go up to Sand flats and play around, or into one of the Canyonlands trails, but I knew this would be a blast.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37166247902/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4309"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4418/37166247902_c286fc37c7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4309"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37148381726/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4329"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4372/37148381726_57e8a759c1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4329"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37148387536/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4334"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4338/37148387536_b981865091_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4334"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37166275582/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4373"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4378/37166275582_79a9584b4d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4373"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37166280162/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4374"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4437/37166280162_bb45080968_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4374"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37148400946/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4375"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4420/37148400946_292fda43dc_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4375"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37148403276/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4380"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4403/37148403276_a6212da8f7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4380"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37148407096/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4381"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4345/37148407096_a5bb97e268_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4381"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37196109731/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4402"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4375/37196109731_e4ec589a97_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4402"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Shout out to [MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION] for putting this trail on my radar. I don’t think I had ever heard of it before I saw it in his quality build thread.

 

[Unner]

Glad I could inspire you to ride onion creek. It's a really fun trail. Water crossings are the best.

 

[johnbyebye]

We ran onion creek trail in Utah. We picked onion creek because I knew it was fairly easy, and we didn’t have lots of time. Any trail in the Moab area is going to be breathtakingly beautiful, so you can’t really go wrong. I was tempted to go up to Sand flats and play around, or into one of the Canyonlands trails, but I knew this would be a blast.

Shout out to [MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION] for putting this trail on my radar. I don’t think I had ever heard of it before I saw it in his quality build thread.

That looks like so much fun!

 

[thenightman]

Glad I could inspire you to ride onion creek. It's a really fun trail. Water crossings are the best.

That looks like so much fun!

Onion Creek was a lot of fun, I'm glad we ran it. The constant water crossings are great, I'm not sure why driving through water is so fun, but it is. There used to be a place near me where you could drive down a stream for probably about a mile, but it was shut down years ago. Moab is a great area, everyone who is into 4x4s needs to visit at least once. Not just for the amazing trails either, but Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are incredible.

 

[thenightman]

Going west on 70
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/36941832120/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4414"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4426/36941832120_d423a8738c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4414"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
This cool 3rd gen was heading our direction on the same road as us for maybe an hour, I think we passed each other a few times, and even stopped at the same scenic viewpoints. I have three things to say about it; 1, this might be the best 3rd gen color. 2, it is a nice build with cool rock sliders similar to what I want. 3, I freaking love those wheels, and they look to be color matched to the body (which might be the dim light). Those wheels + that brown color are drool worthy. When it is time for me to buy wheels these are at the top of the list. They look sort of 70s truck, and sort of military, awesome.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/36941835420/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4425"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4357/36941835420_3f2dc0f6fe_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4425"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Our last destination on this trip was Meadow Hot Springs. We are hot springs aficionados. A hot spring is like combining a hot tub with the great outdoors. This area has three hot springs, one about 100, one in the 90s/high 80s, and one in the mid-80s. The 100 degree one is on Pinterest or Instagram or something, and is more famous. It is also too hot for use in the Utah summer. The mid 80s one is full of tropical fish, a few of which are probably over a foot and a half long, and the low 90s one is just about perfect. There are also a few big tropical fish in the low 90s one. It is an excellent hot spring; I would recommend checking it out.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/36941851070/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4453"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4347/36941851070_d9037dea94_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4453"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/36941856530/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4454"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4364/36941856530_c0b2b19482_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4454"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/36941853550/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4457"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4368/36941853550_dfd5fbf9f2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4457"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37148497426/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4640"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4339/37148497426_fa1db0f159_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4640"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37196181731/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4555"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4387/37196181731_e1a46cc755_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4555"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37196194671/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4535"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4423/37196194671_1a0611155a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4535"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37148558906/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4492"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4418/37148558906_bbc4b273c6_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4492"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37196250861/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4522"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4394/37196250861_5b628248ff_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4522"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The tropical fish pool was very cool. It was full of thousands of mollies, cichlids, and the like. We fed them small and large pieces of bread and the rate at which the bread disappeared was incredible. We never feed wildlife, ever, but for some reason ravenous tropical fish in a meadow in Utah got a pass.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37148566956/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4505"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4437/37148566956_939c9d0836_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4505"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[thenightman]

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/36941931670/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4671"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4398/36941931670_a87b662afd_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4671"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
From Utah we went by the Ruby Mountains in Nevada. This area could definitely use more exploring.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/36941941660/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4696"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4431/36941941660_6b36952153_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4696"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Then back home into California. Here she is triumphantly in front of a field of sunflowers in the central valley.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37166410302/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4737"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4371/37166410302_6d8d7f9086_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4737"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
16 days, 5954.1 miles, A good trip.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/36526666093/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSCF4762"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4372/36526666093_307012da91_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCF4762"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Would happily leave tomorrow to do it again.

 

[thenightman]

After some fluids were changed, the 4runner was all ready to go out for some more fun. Well, technically I still hadn’t fixed the rear lock barrel yet. I had figured out what I needed, but hadn’t found a used one locally. My cousin’s birthday is mid-august, and a weekend trip up to a cabin in north Tahoe was organized. The plan was go up Friday, rent bikes and do downhill bike riding on Saturday, and hang out a bit on Sunday before coming back to the bay. I threw a wrench in that and announced that I was wheeling Saturday instead. Downhill biking sounds cool, but for well over a hundred bucks for lift ticket and rental, plus medical expenses, I think driving around in the national forest has more bang for the buck.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37648928471/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170812_165333435"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4485/37648928471_f2ac459489_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170812_165333435"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The trail I ran is the Mt Watson trail, I ran it north to south, from Truckee to Tahoe, and was easy. There was one hard spot on the spur to the actual peak, and I managed to find some harder stuff on side trails too. If it was to be run south to north, I might rate it as a moderate, as there is quite a bit of uneven surface, and about 2000 feet of elevation change.
These are from the peak. The lake is Tahoe.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37648926271/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170812_155309669"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4491/37648926271_a5544a52ce_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170812_155309669"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
On the way to the top I slid a bit to the passenger side and scraped the plastics front and back of the rear wheel well. If I had sliders on then haald of that could have been prevented. Sliders need to happen.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/37648924781/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170812_155047251"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4464/37648924781_83a954c199_b.jpg" width="1024" height="333" alt="IMG_20170812_155047251"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

With plenty of side trails to explore, and some shooting to do, I had a blast all day in that trail system. :50cal: I went almost 70 miles, starting a block away from the cabin.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/23795116738/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170812_103811223"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4503/23795116738_4a06199710_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="IMG_20170812_103811223"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
This whole day I was going pretty fast much of the time. Most of the day the transmission temperatures were in the 210-220 range. Way higher then I would like, but it never got above 230. At 230 I stop and let it cool.
Another thing I was noticing that day was the great ride. The 4runner rides so much smoother on washboard and small rocks then the jeep ever did. The IFS is good for that.

 

[LimitedBlack]

What are the chances of me buying a light bar off of you?

 

[LimitedBlack]

What are the chances of me buying a light bar off of you?

Guess not very good ... hwell:

 

[thenightman]

What are the chances of me buying a light bar off of you?

I have to think about it. My tooling is very basic, so it is actually fairly time consuming. It would have to be about $50, plus shipping. Sorry for the delay in response!

 

[thenightman]

Hot transmission oil
Temps regularly hitting
Two hundred thirty.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/27130672169/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170910_204240382"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4546/27130672169_0987e433ae_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170910_204240382"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
B&M cooler
Model 70268
To come save the day.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/27130668699/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170910_163950763"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4548/27130668699_031c418d72_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170910_163950763"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Reused these stock sleeves
Where lines go through the steel hole
Protect from cutting
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/25035984128/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170910_185802702"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4521/25035984128_ffac3ea0de_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170910_185802702"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Installed on left side
Hoses are barely long enough
Seemed to fit there well.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/27130670959/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170910_201719163"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4576/27130670959_0b41668d4d_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="IMG_20170910_201719163"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Radiator mount
Used the plastic mounts through rad.
Not the metal strips
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/27130669899/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170910_201618971"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4531/27130669899_cebe1ffde5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170910_201618971"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Radiators new
But still bypassed anyway
Very Glad I did that

Normal tranny temps
Signifigantly cooler
Less than coolent temps

 

[twitchee2]

Hot transmission oil
Temps regularly hitting
Two hundred thirty.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/27130672169/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170910_204240382"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4546/27130672169_0987e433ae_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170910_204240382"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
B&M cooler
Model 70268
To come save the day.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/27130668699/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170910_163950763"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4548/27130668699_031c418d72_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170910_163950763"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Reused these stock sleeves
Where lines go through the steel hole
Protect from cutting
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/25035984128/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170910_185802702"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4521/25035984128_ffac3ea0de_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170910_185802702"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Installed on left side
Hoses are barely long enough
Seemed to fit there well.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/27130670959/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170910_201719163"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4576/27130670959_0b41668d4d_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="IMG_20170910_201719163"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Radiator mount
Used the plastic mounts through rad.
Not the metal strips
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/27130669899/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170910_201618971"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4531/27130669899_cebe1ffde5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170910_201618971"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Radiators new
But still bypassed anyway
Very Glad I did that

Normal tranny temps
Signifigantly cooler
Less than coolent temps

Dude I am loving your build/trips. I spend a lot of time up in the eastern sierras but on the mammoth side. Hoping to move back up north soon.

Looks like a good upgrade. Quick thought I had, do you leave the gear shift "D" when you are going up the big grades up like hwy50, etc? If so, you are likely pushing it and it is going into non-lockup mode which will get really hot, really fast. If you take it out of O/D it will stay in lock up and not get nearly as hot.

You may already have known this but I figured I would throw it out there anyway.

keep up the adventuring and keep posting pictures, I don't get the chance to do it as much as I like!

 

[thenightman]

Dude I am loving your build/trips. I spend a lot of time up in the eastern sierras but on the mammoth side. Hoping to move back up north soon.

Looks like a good upgrade. Quick thought I had, do you leave the gear shift "D" when you are going up the big grades up like hwy50, etc? If so, you are likely pushing it and it is going into non-lockup mode which will get really hot, really fast. If you take it out of O/D it will stay in lock up and not get nearly as hot.

You may already have known this but I figured I would throw it out there anyway.

keep up the adventuring and keep posting pictures, I don't get the chance to do it as much as I like!

The wife and I are both big fans of the eastern Sierras. Mono lake, Bishop, Bridgeport, all very cool. there are a few great hot springs in the area as well. We keep going back to the Alabama hills too, beautiful scenery there with the rocky hills and Sierra Nevada in the background. Really though the reason I can do any of this stuff is because I have an awesome wife.

You are 100% correct about manually downshifting when on a grade. With the scangauge 2 we have the digital transmission temperature gauge, and I always have one of the four options set to show that number. I quickly found out on our summer trip that manually downshifting, as soon as you hit the grade, will be the main difference maker in transmission overheating. When we hit the grade, we would downshift. If we were on a slower road, maybe 35 mph or slower going uphill, we would even go down another gear. Using that method we only occasionally had to pull over due to hitting 230. 230 was my self-imposed pull over and let it cool number. When four wheeling it has never gotten to 230, even in 108 degree Moab temperatures. Since installing the cooler it has never gone over 210, though that was in the fall, and has not seen summer yet.

We will keep going out to see cool stuff and posting about it here when we can. I often read these forums to live through the cool mods and adventures of others, it’s nice to be able to contribute as well.

 

[thenightman]

We spent a few hours touring around Hungry Valley SVRA, in Hungry Valley, or Gorman CA.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/25035985858/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170917_124302918"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4692/25035985858_e78e5e9c1a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170917_124302918"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
It is a state run area on the “Grapevine” of Hwy 5. I have driven past this place a few times a year my whole life, but never had either the 4 wheel drive or the time to stop.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/38907434051/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170917_125004215"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4568/38907434051_eeccd62e51_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170917_125004215"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
This time we took the 4runner and planned time to spend there. It is a fun place and worth the stop.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/27130675929/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170917_131627169"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4539/27130675929_ebf784e946_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170917_131627169"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Some roads connect to the Los Padres National forest, so you can explore in there too, we didn’t have time.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/38907432991/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170917_131646706"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4737/38907432991_59e4020177_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170917_131646706"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
As you can see, I flew the flag, as I am want to do. Because America.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/38907432031/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170917_134513550"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4568/38907432031_5658410140_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170917_134513550"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Suspension wise, the rear does all the flexing work.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/27130678739/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170917_134555102"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4681/27130678739_3bed296133_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170917_134555102"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


There are Flat areas, lots of fun small hills, and tight washes to go down. There are grassland areas, desert scrub areas, and parts with low trees. It is a good variety of terrain and surroundings.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/38871611262/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170917_135535486"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4581/38871611262_5e0ddf66c9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170917_135535486"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/27130680419/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170917_135547353"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4683/27130680419_97da9378a9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170917_135547353"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
You might have noticed in these pictures that I still have the duct tape over the rear key hole. I still had not gotten a new rear plastic bezel yet. This was the first four wheeling fun done with the transmission cooler, and it stayed cool the whole time. I would heartily recommend a transmission cooler, bypassing the radiator, to every 3rd gen owner. The transmission runs cooler then the engine most of the time!

 

[thenightman]

It was finally time to replace the rear door garnish. While getting supplies outside Rocky Mountain National Park, I attempted to unlock the hatch, and simply pushed the lock barrel inside. This was fairly inconvenient as we still had roughly a dozen days and a few thousand miles still to go on our trip. For the next few months we had a square of duct tape covering the hole. You can tell this is a classy build by the external use of duct tape.
I did some research, and found that either the screws that hold the barrel to the plastic fall out or rust away, the ears on the barrel rust away, or the plastic breaks. I did some recon in the lift gate region, and found that the plastic, the “rear door garnish” had broken. The plastic bosses the screws that hold the barrel in place go into had broken off. Apparently I don’t know my own strength. Or, more likely, it fatigued over time. I bought a rear door garnish for my sub-gen on the classifieds here from a part out. This is the kind of job that should only be attempted in the dead of night.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/38871608452/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170921_205452679"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4633/38871608452_1889a8dabd_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170921_205452679"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Having armed myself with knowledge gained from reading a few threads on here, I started taking things apart. I actually did not break any little plastic clips! There is a first time for everything.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/38871606392/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170921_210212033"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4635/38871606392_78bfe539af_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170921_210212033"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Now people will tell you that it is difficult to get to one of the four bolts that hold the rear door garnish on. They may be right. However, If you are prepared to be as big of a hack as I am, it is not so bad. In the way is a piece of plastic. I drilled a bunch of holes, and cut between them with a coping saw blade I held in a pair of locking pliers. After removing the offending area of plastic, getting the bolts off was no issue.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/38871602762/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170921_232110865"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4558/38871602762_2e00d5d920_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170921_232110865"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Comparing them side by side, I confirmed that it was indeed the right part.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/38871599972/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170921_215704486"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4684/38871599972_932e1b0e2f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170921_215704486"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I switched all the guts between the two garnishes. I was once again reminded of the plusses of not living in an area with snow or salt. While the new plastic was fine, all the metal was rusty to the point that it was near impossible to remove. This was a good chance to clean the dust off the license plate lenses, rendering them twice as bright as before.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/38871604712/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170921_221548314"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4579/38871604712_ff2d97ed9b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170921_221548314"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Here is where I hit my big snag. I dropped one of the nuts that hold the rear door garnish on inside the hatch cavity. I could not for the life of me find it. I closed it and reopened it a few times, shook the crap out of it, and couldn’t find it. It was definitely in there, but god knows where. I looked through the garage and could not find a nut that fit. (Since then I have bought a few nuts in every metric size, just to have around.) What would you do in this situation? Would you put it together with just three nuts? Would you wait to put it together when you had the time in a few days? Well, you aren’t thinking hack enough, this is what I did.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/38871601512/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170921_231607056"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4548/38871601512_e526d1c4bb_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="IMG_20170921_231607056"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
That’s right, I tapped a slightly smaller SAE nut with Metric threads. :tape: Hey, it worked. Of course, a few miles later the mystery nut in the hatch shook loose, so I can swap the re-tapped SAE nut out for the correct nut now, and remove that ghettoness.
So, in spite of some minor setbacks and inconveniences, everything in the rear now works. Now I’m thinking that I can possibly use the two wires that connect to the barrel for a switch to operate the rear window from the rear interior of the vehicle.

 

[thenightman]

After a family Christmas party I took the 4runner out to Carnegie SVRA. I have an aunt and uncle gracious enough to host sometimes over 25 family members at their house, and its only 16.5 miles, or 25 minutes away from Carnegie. Normally it would be about an hour’s drive from home. Carnegie is actually the closest wheeling destination to where I live, and one I used to frequent. Driving an hour to play on a few acres is a mixed bag. On one hand it makes me jealous of people like [MENTION=143526]theesotericone[/MENTION] and [MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION], who in their adventure threads show them wheeling seemingly right outside their front doors. But I am sure there is some poor sap out there that has to go way farther then I.
Carnegie SVRA
When I used to go there several years ago you had the run of the whole flat land area (but not the hills), maybe a few square miles total, stretched out in a long thin strip about a quarter mile wide. There was a ton of berms, a few small hill climbs, what felt like a million different little trails crisscrossing each other, only a few feet apart from each other. One of the most fun parts was the creek beds, in the winter there would be varying depths of water, and you could crawl the creek for over a mile. Well, that’s all shut down now. Almost all 4x4 activities were shut down in the flat lands of the park, citing water runoff and groundwater pollution as the reason. They tried to shut down the whole park actually. Now there is actually a ton of water pollution in that area. It comes from here.
https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0902742
That’s right, one of the most polluted superfund sites in California is ACROSS THE STREET! Look at the address. And they blame it on the OHV enthusiasts, to shut us down. People will pull crap like this all over, not just in Commifornia, so keep your ears open. Someone is undoubtedly looking to shut down your favorite or local spot.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/39435128472/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20171230_164710715"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4646/39435128472_957e49ccfb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20171230_164710715"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/38757058094/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20171230_164730273"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4691/38757058094_25ce8f2afe_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20171230_164730273"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
As you can see from these poser shots, I took it easy, and tooled around. I drove every bit of dirt around the obstacles in the remaining 8 or so acres we have left to play on.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/27688212029/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20171230_170110826"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4634/27688212029_df158f0e34_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20171230_170110826"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/39435129932/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20171230_172040465"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4646/39435129932_85c055d00a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20171230_172040465"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The SVRA people and rangers are very cool, and built up the 4x4 area with two stair step hill climbs, several obstacle courses, and giant concrete culvert pipes and tons of rocks to make the best of the small area. They really do a good job, and are not part of the problem. Once I get some rock rails I will be sure to go back with one of my cousins, so they can pull me out when I get high centered.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/27688209269/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20171230_172051361"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4682/27688209269_97754e4a96_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20171230_172051361"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/39435131022/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20171230_165631533"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4689/39435131022_fe807160b1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20171230_165631533"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/39435131522/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20171230_164936473"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4729/39435131522_2e345ea6fe_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20171230_164936473"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/39435126992/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20171230_164919963"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4590/39435126992_b5e7673ebc_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20171230_164919963"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Of course, I ended up with a wheeling opportunity the day after I spent over two hours painstakingly washing the every nook and cranny of the 4runner. Well worth it though.

 

[thenightman]

I paid a dealership to do the timing belt, water pump, cam seals, and crank seal. I told them to do the idler pulley and tensioner if there was any question about the quality of those components, but the tech said they were fine. I called all the dealerships in the area (there are a lot within an hour’s drive) and went to the least expensive. I can be simultaneously cheap and still blow a thousand bucks. I had the money saved for this from the original purchase. This 4runner was cheaper because it had no service records, and I bought it knowing I would do the timing belt/water pump soon, not knowing their age.

The dealership said I needed to do a few things;
Replace rack and pinion, citing a leak. It might seep, but does not drip, ever. Will ignore
Replace battery. Battery is 7 months old. Will ignore.
Replace LCA due to bad bushing. Probably the source of my squeaking in cold weather.
Replace tires due to uneven wear. Knew about this, will replace when I hit wear bars probably.
Replace positive battery terminal end. Easy, will clean, inspect and probably do in a timely manner.
Replace drive belts. They look pretty good actually.
Need a brake job. Will do the tundra brake upgrade soon.
Brake fluid exchange. Will do at same time as TBU.
Valve cover gasket. Knew this, put it off too long already, will do soon with the half-moons.
“Reseal end plugs” does anyone know what that means? Did some searching and couldn’t find it.
Spark plug tubes, will do soon. Probably should have done when I did the plugs in may.
Replace extension housing seal. Does not drip, Will probably ignore.
Needs an alignment, already knew this, it has always been bad, thus the uneven tire wear. Hopefully the LCA bushings are good enough to do this.

It’s always nice to pick up your vehicle with a laundry list of 11 items that the shop says it needs done.

Who knows what an “end plug” is? They only wanted $142.49 to do it so I bet it is easy.

 

[thenightman]

I had a few free hours so I finally changed the gear oil in my front diff. When I first tried to six months ago I noticed the drain looked stripped. I gave it a try and stripped it more, thoroughly blowing it out to be basically round.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/38674459265/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20180106_115950899"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4599/38674459265_f007b9dee2_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="IMG_20180106_115950899"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
My solution was to grab an old m10x45, and cut it down to about an m10x20 or 25, and stick it in the hex hole. Notice it’s a 10.9, definitely want to make sure it is strong enough for the job.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/39540864292/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20180106_120036805"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4638/39540864292_447a064de3_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="IMG_20180106_120036805"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Then I shot some boogers in there, followed by some PB Blaster.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/25700401488/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20180106_122039305"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4634/25700401488_66429ff769_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="IMG_20180106_122039305"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
It worked! It took a ton of force to budge it loose, that’s probably why it was stripped out when I got it.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/39570489791/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20180106_124721101"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4683/39570489791_c16aecbfa0_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="IMG_20180106_124721101"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I drained out the old gear oil and put new stuff in. This is my go to solution for a problem like this for two reasons. 1) the hex bolt is much harder to strip then a hex key, making it easier to break loose, and 2) the heat helps break the fastener loose as it will usually heat up at a different rate then the surrounding metal, unfreezing them from being stuck together. Also I suspect that it sucks a little bit of the penetrating oil in the threads. Did I replace the drain plug? No, in my opinion I improved this one by making it easier to break loose.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

I will admit I had a few beers reading this but when I seen u welded that nut onto that drain plug for a second,hwell: I thought u had threaded the bolt into the dif and spot welded it.... Kinda freaked me out for a min once I observed the pic for a little while longer..