Discussion Topic |
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
sorry, just posting out loud.
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jun 23, 2008 - 02:18am PT
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As many of us are explorers and have vee-hickels for such endeavors, this seems on topic. Just Saturday I checked out a 4x forest service road that I was never able to before in my 2x. But I really don't know the limits of my 4x4 truck.
To that end, Moosie posted up his 'kit' in DMT's recent TR.
-trifold shovel
-Tow strap
-Rope
-steel fence post ( cut down to fit in a plastic bin, 3 or 4 lengths)
-blocks of wood for tire jack, soft stuff doesn't support a jack
-hand axe
-bow saw
I'm pretty much sold on getting a 'kit' together. Just in case. I've high centered my old 2x truck on snow.
So my kit will likely include going forward...
-trifold shovel (need to buy)
-1" tubular webbing (is a tow strap really needed?)
-Rope (hrm, hate to sacrifice a climbing line, but if it's that bad?)
-steel fence post (hrm, not sure about this)
-blocks of wood (really smart idea)
-hand axe (got one already - gerber makes a fine axe blade)
-bow saw (hrm, how big is this? will it still fit in a box?)
My best 4x trick nowawdays is to avoid driving on snow that is still frozen. I haven't done it yet, but I don't have chains for the 4x. I understand that if you're on ice, you could theoretically get stuck if all 4 are on ice? True or not True?
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jun 23, 2008 - 02:26am PT
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I keep multiple tire pumps, a patch kit, a spare shovel, a prybar, baling wire, duct tape, fuses, oil, coolant, hose clamps, flares, come-along, chicken wire, second bottle jack,
yada
yada
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jun 23, 2008 - 02:28am PT
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(most people are loath to let down their tires, but you get better traction and a softer ride)
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
sorry, just posting out loud.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 23, 2008 - 02:30am PT
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seems there are a number of baja tacos that keep a compressor for refilling the air after doing a let out.
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mojede
Trad climber
Butte, America
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Jun 23, 2008 - 02:37am PT
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A compressor could get heavy and awkward, but an air tank on the other hand....
Oh yeah, and tire chains.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
sorry, just posting out loud.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 23, 2008 - 02:40am PT
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what about those mini compressors you can get at Wal Mart, etc?
plug and play into the lighter? Worth a crap?
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Chaz
Trad climber
So. Cal.
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Jun 23, 2008 - 02:41am PT
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1" tubular is pretty strong, and I've pulled a bunch of cars with the stuff, BUT I have managed to break it attemptimg to tow a truck out of the mud.
And not at the knot either.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jun 23, 2008 - 02:48am PT
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I carry two Campbell-Hausfeld pumps with internal rechargeable batteries (that can be used in reverse as 12 volt "lighter" outlets, or even to boost a weak truck battery) which take up about a half gallon of space, and weigh about 10-12 lbs each.
Then I have a spare to run off the battery.
Compressor??
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Jun 23, 2008 - 02:49am PT
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My 3 inch wide tow strap has a rating to 30,000 pounds. If you really get stuck, then you just may need it. I carry two and have used them many times.
The steel fence post is usefull in soft ground for a winch anchor. If you drive 3 of them in a row into the ground and then tie them together you can crank pretty hard on that depending on how soft the ground is.
When I had a truck I carried 4 foot lengths of 2 by 6 that I had nailed short strips of wood to. This was great for getting out of simple stucks in soft ground. Like a ladder.
Yes you can get a 4 wheel drive stuck on ice, if it is slanted. Most 4 wheel drives are really only 2 wheel drive because they have open differentials and when a tire starts to spin, the power goes to just one wheel. If both axles are spinning, then the power only goes to one in the front and one in the back. Chains work great for these situations.
Your best buy is a limited slip differential or a full locker for at least one axle. A killer setup is an air locker for both axles which can then be used to reinflate tires, though you will need an air tank to get enough umph to reset a tire that has come off its bead.
Bow saws come in different sizes. I have a medium sized one that fits in my plastic bin.
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Jun 23, 2008 - 02:56am PT
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Forgot to mention my favorite trick for saving my ass.
Use your buddies rig. haha
My buddy has a tricked out landcruiser.
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mojede
Trad climber
Butte, America
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Jun 23, 2008 - 03:01am PT
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I forgot about cig-adapter air devices, I was thinking about a no battery/ flat tire situation. Informative thread, for sure.
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Juan Maderita
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jun 23, 2008 - 05:21am PT
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My kit depends on where I'm going, season, and what the plan is. Mostly I'm in the desert, sand dunes and Baja.
My Ford E350 (1-ton) extended van has a Detroit locker in the front axle and ARB "Air Locker" in the rear. Onboard air system: ARB compressor and a 5 gallon tank mounted underneath, with quick connect fittings fore and aft. Warn 12,000lb. winch.
I carry 2 snatch blocks, one for doubling the line pull to 24,000 lbs., and one for a directional. Main tow/recovery strap is 4" x 35', 40,000 lbs. breaking strength. Additionally, I carry two or more 20' x 3", thick nylon slings (previously used for hoisting shipping containers with cranes). Three 3/4" shackles, plus 2 on the front bumper for connecting, much like using carabiners. And a 60" Hi-Lift jack.
1" tubular or 11mm climbing rope is great - for pulling quads and dirt bikes. If you can pull a 4x4 out with it, then "it weren't really stuck".
My Jeep Wrangler has a Detroit Locker up front and Eaton E-Locker
in the rear. The Ramsey 9,000 lb. winch has been removed for a few years to shave weight for sand duning. The stroked Jeep motor (+75hp) is now the best feature for saving my ass in steep and deep sand dunes - the torque, applied to all 4 wheels equally, keeps me from getting stuck. I carry a Viair 350C 12v compressor mounted in a "Fat 50" ammo can. Quick Air and Oasis also make quality 12v compressors. A few beefy nylon tow straps and shackles get used every trip.
If you don't have a winch, or even if you do, a Hi-Lift jack is probably the best tool you can have. I don't carry a shovel. Why bother when you can lift the front or rear of your vehicle 4 feet in the air and then push it over sideways? Hi-Lifts are tough, versatile, and for around $60, will probably last a lifetime. Available in 48" and 60".
My best trick for saving my ass? Well, how about hitting a witch's eye (trench in the dunes formed by wind) at night and popping the beads on three out of four tires? Reseating tire beads is difficult enough on flat, solid ground. It's hard to get a perfect seal and to fill the tire fast enough with a small compressor to reseat the bead, even if you do have enough beer left to wash the sand off of the rim. The tire needs a sudden burst of air. Throw in a couple tablespoons of gasoline, spin a few revolutions to distribute and vaporize. Throw a match to it and the tire goes on with a ball of flame and a bang. Have to admit, it makes me flinch every time...
The best trick for getting unstuck is not to get stuck, of course. Locking diffs are the best modification you can make for added traction. Airing way down (10 psi) for soft sand probably triples the performance. Know when to use the throttle, and just as importantly, when to ease off. Drive with the tires placed on the high spots/rocks (most people will naturally drive in the low spots).
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Strider
Trad climber
one of god's mountain temples....
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Jun 23, 2008 - 06:38am PT
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Please, read Juan's post VERY carefully! This is EXCELLENT advice on the easiest, cheapest, most effective way to shred the gnar gnar in 4x4.
A high lift jack can be a simple to use life saver in a lot of basic situations. Rear end stuck in a rut? Jack it up 3 feet and exactly like Juan said, push it over! The truck falls over to a better position and either you drive away or do it again until you can. Stuck in a patch of snow? Maybe a set of fresh track will get you out of trouble, pick your truck up and move it over! Screw shoveling it out of the way...
A come-along is also a great tool in place of a winch.
http://tinyurl.com/65u37p
A friend rolled his car onto the driver side in the middle of a narrow dirt road and with 2 guys, two come-alongs, some chain and plenty of sweat, we rotated the car on it's side 180 degrees (so we could tow face first back the way we came and by tow I mean chain it to the back of another car and stick someone in there to wrestle with the newly minted manual brakes and steering), we dragged it 10 feet away from a hill and then flipped it back over on it's wheels.
A locking differential is also one of the best cost vs. reward upgrades you can do if you 4x4 anything tough. I have an electronic locking rear diff on my 4Runner and it has gotten me out of more sh#t that I ever thought possible. From snow banks on the Alaskan highway to a semi frozen tundra lake outside Denali to the thick mud of our California forests, that locking rear diff has made a huge difference.
Juan's advice on driving the high spots is also another good one. Sometimes I can avoid huge ruts and obstructions just by scraping by a few bushes or small trees. If ya don't have scratches on yer rig then ya ain't trying hard enuff! The ruts are a suckers bet anyway.
Last thing is driving through water. Start learning what a deep and fast river looks like and what a slow one does. Toss a rock in the river so you can gauge the speed by the splash. Also, know how your intake works. If it is low in your bumper or wheel well then see if you can detach the intake tube so you take air from higher in your engine compartment during your water crossing and fix it when your done. If you can do this, water crossings over your running boards and up to your door shouldn't be a problem except for your electronics. Currently by electronic locking rear diff doesn't lock because the wires that go to it are screwed from too much fun in water. Once I re-rig that I will be 100% again!
Good Luck!
-n
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jun 23, 2008 - 07:03am PT
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Forgot to mention the wonder putty.
Juan's gas trick is a new one on me, but desperate times,..
Better yet get "battle rims" that can separate and bolt back together.
Agreed about the climbing rope and not really being stuck. Found out trying to pull out a stuck Land Rover backing up only to have the rope stretch, then snap and whip back into my Bronco.
Time for a new grill.
Watch out with those Hi-Lift jacks, marvelous tools (you can even reverse them for impromptu chain winching) but they can get hinky, so if you are working under it use jackstands or something.
My FJ Cruiser has a locking dif and my F250 has an aftermarket 453 ratio that gives it a monster low end that lugs through sand like a camel.
This is a great thread gang. Keep up the good work.
But don't forget that it is 49% rig and 51% operator.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Jun 23, 2008 - 08:35am PT
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That trip when Alex put the dead buzz worm in my car i followed his jacked up toyota into some mighty crazy places with my honda civic and a bit too much redneck logic. By the time we got out from Hwy 16Z caynon I had the floorboards pushed up in a few spots and a dent in the oil pan but was still in buisness..
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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Jun 23, 2008 - 12:34pm PT
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For many years, my best 4x4 trick was the gimbel-mounted beer can holder on my front dash.
That and a pry bar with a cheater sleeve.
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Jim Wilcox
Boulder climber
Santa Barbara
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Jun 23, 2008 - 12:49pm PT
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A cool tip for tow cables and straps is to drape a blanket across the middle as it's getting taut. If the cable or strap was to break it will "ball up" on the blanket and slow it down. Helps keep it from flailing all over the place.
Tow straps with sewn loops rather then metal hooks much safer, too.
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Elcapinyoazz
Social climber
Joshua Tree
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Jun 23, 2008 - 01:16pm PT
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Come-along with a long strap. Got me out of more mudholes in the southeast than I can count. don't work so well in the desert (or anywhere without a sturdy tree or boulder nearby)
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Jun 23, 2008 - 01:33pm PT
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"don't work so well in the desert (or anywhere without a sturdy tree or boulder nearby)"
Thats why you either bury the spare tire as an anchor, or use the fence post tied together.
..........
As far as stuck goes, in my opinion stuck is stuck. Sure there are greater levels of stuck, but if you can't move it by driving it, then you are stuck. Most people don't want to go to the extreme of putting full lockers in both ends because to really get full use out of this, you often have to add a whole lot more upgrades, including bigger tires, suspension lifts, rerouting the airtake. Upgrading the axles, upgrading the gear ratio and on a on and on. To go to this level you have to be dedicated and have at least modest gear wrenching abilities plus be willing to spend the moola.
Many folks don't have the drive to go this far. It is cool to see what people can do, but I like all levels of exploration, including the dude with the stock vehicle that just wants to get unstuck from some simple stuck.
In this case having the basics such as a highlift, a shovel, a tow strap, a come along, and the knowledge of how to build anchors and how to use a highlift can really take you on some fun trips. Knowing of course that you can always get your vehicle MORE stuck. haha.....
Edit: I would love to see some pics of peoples rigs. Juan, strider, and anyone else. from stock to overstock, anyone have pics of their rigs in action.
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tolman_paul
Trad climber
Anchorage, AK
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Jun 23, 2008 - 01:46pm PT
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Nobody mentioned chains. I spend more time on snow then mud. Even with 4X4 you don't always have enough traction. I was pulling an suv out of the snow going uphill, and ended up chaining my front wheels (only have one set, need to get a second set) I use a tow strap, 1" webbing is strong, but not strong enough. I was using a steel locking biner that somehow must have had enough gate flutter that it started to straighten out.
A shovel is a must in the snow. I misjudged a shoulder, the grader made the road look wider than it was, and put 1/2 the truck in the shoulder. The snow was deep enough to keep me sliding further off the road, but back and forth as I went I just kept spinning the tires (this was before I had chains, and I couldn't have gotten them on that side anyhow). I dug enough snow out of the ruts to get out.
The stock (all terrain) michelins dodge puts on their 4X4's are really just a pavement tire. The are pizz poor in rain and snow, but at $800 for a new set of tires, I'm going to use them up before replacing them with BFG a/t's.
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Trad climber
San Francisco, Ca
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Jun 23, 2008 - 01:48pm PT
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Friend and I are driving a moving truck pulling a car carrier. We pull off to go to sleep, drive down a dirt rode and get the entire rig stuck in a wash. fuc. The next morning call a tow company- They told us it would be $1000 just to look. We are on our own. We let most of the air out of the car on the carrier and gun it down the carrier ramps and across the sand to solid ground (in reverse). Then we take the ramps off the carrier and use them to drive the moving truck to solid ground, ten feet at a time. Dig-move-dig-move-dig-move. Took hours. Car carrier is still out in the wash. Tied two nine mils together and hauled the carrier out. Onward ho!
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Jun 23, 2008 - 01:54pm PT
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Not only is a good come-along (w/ 3" tow strap) a must have but it's a damn cool tool to have.
They don't really take up any room either when they're stowed.
I bought mine after getting my truck stuck and snapping an old climbing rope. Truck came right out with the come-along deployed. Just winch it out!
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bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
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Jun 23, 2008 - 01:59pm PT
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sturdy toyota tacoma 4X4, decent winch, 32" BFG AT's, locking rear diff, 2" lift, and don't try anything you ain't confident about.
use this playbook and the only recovery tool you'll need is a small shovel.
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Jun 23, 2008 - 02:41pm PT
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"sturdy toyota tacoma 4X4, decent winch, 32" BFG AT's, locking rear diff, 2" lift, and don't try anything you ain't confident about.
use this playbook and the only recovery tool you'll need is a small shovel."
Don't forget the decent winch.... haha..
Only trying things you are fully confident about is not always possible. Most of my stucks came from situations where I just didn't have a choice I could live with. In the one I mentioned earlier, a large tree was across the road. To back track would have required more miles then I had gas for. The way back was about 40 hard miles, the way forward was about 20 easy miles. Yes I goofed and was pushing the envelope, but those last 20 miles were on graded road and I thought I could make that easily. I forgot about obstacles such as downed trees. I could have chewed away at the tree with the hand axe and the bow saw, but it was big enough that that was going to be a lot of work. Or I could try driving around it. I wasn't totally confident, but I had just enough confidence to risk it, I made a mistake in judgement and rolled my truck partially on its side. A tree kept me from going over completely The way it was positioned, I couldn't roll it back upright without a come along. I could have used the highlift jack as a come along but the come along is just easier and doesn't take up that much space.
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Juan Maderita
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jun 23, 2008 - 02:54pm PT
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Here are a couple more tricks from my travels:
Bent tie rod in Laguna Salada dry lake, one wheel pointing to Mexicali, the other toward Tijuana (not a good thing). Put a 1" tubular sling around the tie rod in Prusik fashion. Placed the base of the Hi-Lift jack against a chassis crossmember, looped the sling over the moving end of the Hi-Lift and pressed the tie rod straight.
Stuck in mud, Sierra San Pedro Martir on approach to Pichaco del Diablo, in a venerable Land Crusher FJ40. Creek crossing gone wrong. Open diffs and the two tires on the passenger side were mired to the axle and spinning without resistance. Lashed the spoked wheels to the frame with pieces of 11mm climbing rope. That transferred the power to the driver's-side tires which were on dry ground. Drove right out and never had to deploy the PTO winch cable.
I can verify first-hand that instant oatmeal will plug radiator leaks. Though, Alumi-seal is an inexpensive product made for that purpose and is easily carried in the kit.
More radiator troubles en route from Sonora to Chihuahua's Copper Canyon in a Toyota Stout (early pickup). My buddy neglected to tell me that his hood latch was broken and misaligned. I shoved on the hood and put the latch prong through the radiator tank. Scavenged a fat sheet metal screw off the fender, added a piece of inner tube rubber for a seal, and screwed it into the hole. A five minute fix and it didn't leak a drop.
Dusy-Ershim trail out of Courtright Reservoir, a fairly serious rock-crawling Jeep trip. Broken axle housing on a friend's rig. I carried the full kit for that trip, including arc welding rod. We rigged 3 batteries together and welded the axle right on the trail. Good enough to get it home.
Getting stuck and breaking stuff is expected. The fun is in figuring out the solutions and in dealing with it yourself.
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tolman_paul
Trad climber
Anchorage, AK
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Jun 23, 2008 - 02:57pm PT
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Not discovered offroading, but a leak in a radiator can be fixed with a blob of blue rtv, cures overnight.
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Jun 23, 2008 - 03:07pm PT
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Preparation and planning often help.
The most important tool in my kit is attached to and directly above my shoulders.
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Dr. Rock
Ice climber
Castle Rock
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Jun 23, 2008 - 03:15pm PT
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The more stuff you put on a jeep, the more sense it makes to walk, or buy a motorcycle.
Plus, you can spend a fortune.
If you can walk faster than a guy on the Rubicon, then what's the point?
It's the "Ray Way" of four wheeling, hoofin it, that is.
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Strider
Trad climber
one of god's mountain temples....
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Jun 23, 2008 - 04:20pm PT
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Not my rigs but some friends. This is them stuck in a lake about 12 miles down Stampede Road in Healy, AK. Same road from Into the Wild. And they were STUCK. I got stuck as well but was able to get out before it got too bad for me. I tried to help them but they were both set on their frame rails and all I had was some tow straps and none of the other goodies I like to have. They ended up paying a guy to pull them out with the most bizarre machine I have ever seen. 6 wheels, on tank tracks with a diesel engine. The guy just connected them both to his rig and pulled them out at the same time, with nary a bead of sweat, it was amazing. I guess this guys makes a lot of money doing this. Lots of idiots like to come down this road to try and drive to the Into the Wild bus and they get stuck and he pulls them out for $75 a pop! He said every week or two he gets a couple.
-n
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jun 23, 2008 - 04:56pm PT
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Sounds more like a trapper than a farmer.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
sorry, just posting out loud.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 23, 2008 - 06:34pm PT
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nice photos Strider and DMT
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F10 Climber F11 Drinker
Trad climber
medicated and flat on my back
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Jun 23, 2008 - 08:30pm PT
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Believe it or not a little brake can move you forward.
If you are running open diff's and you feel the one tire spinning but not going anywhere apply some brake pressure to keep the spinning tire still and power will be transfered to the tire with traction. This is the poor man's limited-slip and doesn't cost a penny.
Use a good eye to pick out a path that will allow all four tires to remain in contact will keep tire spinning to a minimun as Juan pointed out earlier stay on the high points.
Slow and steady is what usually works best. Low-range with a diesel E350 crawls along nice and slow, don't won't the beer all shook up !
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jun 23, 2008 - 08:32pm PT
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51% operator.
In "Hummer school" they teach the brake feathering technique.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jun 23, 2008 - 10:19pm PT
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Those bumper stickers are great red flags for thieves,..
How about making the pic a bit bigger.....
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originalpmac
Trad climber
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Jun 23, 2008 - 10:26pm PT
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when I was working as a sled dog tour guide in Oregon the truck would get stuck in the snow every now and again. we always joked about hooking up 54 Alaskan Huskies up and having them do the work. We never did, but I bet they could've done it, those dogs were strong.
Anyone ever heard of a Pinzgauer? made by Puch, Austrian military vehicle six wheeler. A friend back east growing up had the grandfather to it called a Halflinger, little four-wheel drive thing and man that fvcker could go anywhere. If it had the clearance, it would make it. drank a lot of beer on that little beast.
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Juan Maderita
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jun 24, 2008 - 12:58am PT
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Here's an inexpensive device for emergency tire inflation. I came up with this a few years ago to use inexpensive parts and paintball CO2 tanks. You saw it first, here on SuperTopo!
One 16 or 20 oz. tank should fill two or more truck tires. CO2 tanks hold liquid CO2, and are space efficient, unlike an air tank. This system will also give a burst of gas for seating tire beads.
There are now some pressure regulated valves for operating nail guns, but they are expensive. Adding a pressure regulator would tack on another $75 to the price, vs. my $16 in parts.
The key to my unregulated system is to modify the air chuck. Remove the check valve so that it will free-flow. On most types of air chucks you can unscrew and remove the guts. On some, I've overdrilled the orifice to get faster flow. Do not use hose clamps on the tubing. A plastic wire tie might be okay. The idea is that you want the hose to blow off, should the back pressure become excessive (over 35 psi). The CO2 gas out of the tank is around 900 psi, so be careful. Wear eye protection. Gloves or a rag to protect hands from freezing. Keep the bottle upright when discharging. You want the gas off of the top, not the liquid, to exit the valve. Keep the tank out of the sun. The tank's pin valve should have a burst disc, which will vent the tank before it becomes a bomb.
Paintball tanks are available in a variety of sizes. The 3.5 oz. (pictured above) is nice for a dirt bike, quad, or mountain bike group, and will easily fit in a fanny pack. A 16 oz. bottle stays in my sand rail, and 20 oz. in the 4x4. Refillable at paintball supply stores for under $5. A new 20 oz. tank is $25. There are great deals on eBay for tanks and valves, just watch out for certification expiration dates on the tanks.
QuickAir and PowerTank make large-cylinder CO2 systems for offroaders. Great for serious Jeepers, but they are heavy, bulky and $300+.
The paintball tank fill adapter (pictured, black w/ gold knurled knob) is $8 to $10.
The white cap in the photo is a dust cap, standard PVC pipe male threaded end cap. The cap also doubles as a holder for an extra tire valve core, core removing type valve stem cap, and extra pin valve O-ring. Those are secured in the cap with a cover of clear packaging tape. The aluminum cap (pictured) is a dust cap for the tank's pin valve.
The brass fittings are standard NPT (National Pipe Thread) for water applications.
The air chuck I prefer is the AMFLO #105L (not pictured).
If you have trouble sourcing parts, send an e-mail. I have the web links, the specs, or the part on hand.
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Jun 24, 2008 - 01:05am PT
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Lots of good info here. Thanks everyone for the pictures. I love pictures of people actually using their rigs.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jun 24, 2008 - 01:11am PT
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A lot of people ask me what the best offroad vehicle is.
Without question, it is:....
a rental car.
Its amazing where those things will go.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Jun 24, 2008 - 07:00am PT
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Last time I rented a car in Vegas the guy actually put his hand over the exaust to check for leaks and looked underneath it when we returned it. Must be climbers have a bad rep;) That rental car had done the 60 miles off road to Toroweep on the grand caynon as well as the little jaunt into Black Velvet Cayno.n
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pinckbrown
Trad climber
Woodfords, CA
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I carry:
Hi Lift, Shovel, Axe, come-a-long, deadman, PillowTracks,
2 spare tires, 20 ton air or hand actuated bottle jack.
The come-a-long:
More Power Puller
The Land Anchor:
Pull Pal
PillowTracks:
amazing new age device
Vehicle: Isuzu Rodeo Sport, 3.2 Liter V6.
K&N filter, computer chipped, Borla
stainless cat back exhaust, ARB air lockers
front & rear, low range gears replaced with
crawler gears, 4:10 differential ratio, 3 "
lift, pre-bent HD cro-moly lower rear links
with 22 degree joints, 1/4 thick skid plates,
rocker bars that have 140 psi air, twin CO2
tanks, Toyota Truck steering, and on and on.....
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pinckbrown
Trad climber
Woodfords, CA
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Using the vehicle:
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Dapper Dan
Trad climber
Menlo Park
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Nice pink , cool to see IFS rigs tackling tougher trails ...
My 90' 4Runner...
Full width axles with Dana 44 in front and 60 in rear...
Front and rear ARB's
5.29 gears turning 37" KM2's
Dual cases with a twin stick on the rear case
definitely gotta carry a shovel , recovery bag (snatch strap, tree saver, shackles) and a winch is handy sometimes :)
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pinckbrown
Trad climber
Woodfords, CA
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Dan-
No I haven't, high on my list along with Fordyce
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johnboy
Trad climber
Can't get here from there
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Try not to make any moves you can't reverse, sometimes in reverse.
I see it sometimes in the winter, someone goes down a hill they can't get back up after having no other way out. They're usually the ones that aren't equiped to be in a predicament like they find themselves in, yet have no fear of getting into one.
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mcreel
climber
Barcelona
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My best trick is to avoid getting in the damn things.
"Now I used to think that I was cool running around on fossil fuel,
Until I saw what I was doing was driving down the road to ruin."
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EdBannister
Mountain climber
13,000 feet
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you are in the paved parking lot, fresh black ice covers the incline to the road.. the tires will spin unless chained….
Spray Klister on the tires, up you go!
PS: enjoying the FJ Cruiser. I always carry tire repair, and battery operated pump.
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jonnyrig
climber
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Just got a 9klbs winch on the dodge recently. Haven't used it yet, but came close. Out here in the desert, two full-size spares. Tire plugs. Tools. Bailing wire. Full size shovel, full set of chains in winter, 115 ft of 5/8 nylon static rope (used to slingshot it out of below, and other escapades involving other stuck vehicles), pickaxe, high-lift jack, CB or other two-way radio, SPOT device, MRE's, fleece bag, jacket, 1st aid, toilet paper, and of course... climbing gear.
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Roots
Mountain climber
Tustin, CA
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Great advice in this thread. Everybody is on the same page - nice!!
I pretty much carry what is listed above.
I spent a lot of time off roading when I was younger and purposely got stuck time after time to learn how to get out. I rarely get stuck anymore.
Practice in controlled situations!!
My #1 item in my kit that goes everywhere when conditions might be challenging is a SHOVEL.
Air down is great. I bring a small plug in compressor. Takes along time to refill but damn if it doesn't give you FLOAT.
The towel/blanket idea is a must for tow straps. I saw that a person recommended it because it keeps it from "flailing" but to be more precise, it'll keep that hook or loop from breaking your windshield, denting your hood. Metal hooks are scarry but at least have them with Mussie type hooks (with a gate).
The feathering of the brakes is nice....I have found FEATHERING the accelerator in certain situations to be more helpful. Typically I will do this if one of my tires is digging a hole. A hole that I know I can get out of with finesse..feather accelerator, and/or/ a quick reverse will get my tire to the higher end (opposite side) of the hole, and then feather it in 1st ......or 2nd gear. The momentum from being higher on the backside of the hole helps a lot when going forward. 2nd will give you less torque (less hole digging).
*Think of this like a rocking chair. The more you rock back and forth the more speed you accumulate.
Jacking up with a tire jack is great. Especially when in sand. No need to "push it over to a firm spot", just fill the hole with sand.
Peg leg 4xs: shift all your cargo to the peg leg side. It'll help keep it down. Passengers work too, especially fat ones : )
But...you can pretty get out of most situations with passengers simply pushing your ride...
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Dapper Dan
Trad climber
Menlo Park
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..speaking of damage on the Dusy , the trail took out a friends pitman arm , front CV joint , and other various carnage , a portable welder is the only thing that got us through .
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johnboy
Trad climber
Can't get here from there
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Was with a guy once when he got a flat. After fixing the leak he got out a 30ft hose with one end fitted to screw into a spark plug hole and the other end would clip onto a tire valve stem. Pull the plug, screw in the hose, hook it to tire and and fire up the truck. Didn't take much time to fill it up.
With all the dead beetle bug trees falling over throughout the hills, a chainsaw comes in dang handy for clearing a road in short order.
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perswig
climber
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Pull the plug, screw in the hose, hook it to tire and and fire up the truck.
First thought was "wha..?" followed immediately by "holy sh#t, that's brilliant!".
Good thread.
Dale
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Fogarty
climber
BITD
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Can't call Auto Club.
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jonnyrig
climber
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What makes you think we don't get out and do the five mile approach with 4,000 elevation gain after covering 100 miles of 4x4 trail?
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jonnyrig
climber
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Pretty well with the KTM.
How far do you routinely hike? You know, just out of curiosity.
More than most of us, I'm guessing. Considering you're here touting the assumed inability of the off-road crowd to, you know, see and enjoy nature, I just wondered what it is that you seem to find so particularly offensive that you'd just naturally assume anyone with a transfer case is incapable of appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds us.
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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I dunno, Randisi...I'd agree with you more if driving around was all that these guys ever do.
But in the case of this thread, I bet most of these posters do plenty of the kind of adventuring you are referring to. 4x-ing is just part of their fun. I'm down with that.
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jonnyrig
climber
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Yes. We do more than just tromp the skinny pedal. Most of us don't have the time to commit ourselves to a week-long trek as much as we'd like. Others have reached the point where it's physically unrealistic, and possibly a health hazard, to get out and hike due to health issues. So 4x4ing, though fun in itself, often serves as an expedient method to get closer to some of the places in the outdoors than we would otherwise not have time to access. Some of them truly take close to a hundred miles of travel down roads that are not accessible to regular passenger vehicles.
Would you choose to have those roads graded and paved so everyone can get there? Or would you prefer maybe all such roads be closed permanently so that only the physically elite and independently wealthy are blessed with the ability to trek into the far-away reaches of unspoiled beauty?
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jonnyrig
climber
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I'd drive wherever I was interested with a designated access road. And then probably get out and hike as much as my allotted vacation would allow. Kind of what I do these days. Are you saying you're morally superior because you have more time to hike?
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Craig Fry
Trad climber
So Cal.
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Last year me and my wife were driving off road going to the Turtle Mts (awesome!). We had just finished a 12 mile sand section and I was maybe going a little too fast when it transformed into a rocky section.
When all of sudden we hear hissing sounds!!
I stop and watch as my front tire goes flat.
But the Hissing doesn't STOP.
My back tire is draining out of life as fast as the major sadness that enveloped me.
And of course my wife was hysterical "you were going too fast". Our cell phones were low on power, we forgot our chargers, it was Sunday.
There was nothing to do except call a Tow Truck, Needles was 45 miles away.
They asked us about the road conditions, I told them that they were easy, I drove a 2 wheel drive car up there before.
So they send out a flat bed, and it gets stuck 6 miles in. It gets it self out and abandons us as we watch with binocs.
Next they send out a regular truck, we pile in and take one of the tires to Needles. We get a new tire, we drive back, put it on, and drive out.
It took 6 hours and cost $800.
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jonnyrig
climber
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No, I like that there are designated wilderness areas set aside as roadless. I appreciate the idea that vehicles don't belong everywhere.
Maybe I took your comment in the wrong light... it sounded like you're completely anti-4x4, and the kind of guy who would hike a 4x4 trail and then shoot dirty looks at the trucks rolling by.
But if there's an expedient trail that takes me half way up the mountain so I can summit in a day hike, then be back to spend the evening with my kids and better half, then I'm probably going to drive it in order to accomplish that goal.
It doesn't mean we're not out seeing nature and appreciating it, just that in some respects the manner in which we get there sounds different than yours. For some, behind the wheel may be as much as they can physically do anymore.
Additionally, I don't intend to defend the actions of everyone with a truck either, as there are plenty of careless and reckless idiots who shouldn't be out there. I've seen them. We've all seen them. And they cause a lot of the anger and access prohibitions that the rest of us have to deal with.
It's just difficult to let stand an apparently biased statement.
I would LOVE to have the time and financial resources to allow me something like, say, the entire PCT. Hell, even a week of it would be great! I just don't have time.
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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What business is it of yours, Randisi?
I mean, anyone has the right to enjoy the world the way they want to enjoy it. As long as that practice doesn't infringe on other's experiences (stay on designated roads & areas, dammit!), they don't deserve anyone's criticism.
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jonnyrig
climber
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Meh. Just another bolt war. Which is more restrictive? Your right to roadless areas? Or my right to drive in? Both limit some user group's right to access. Both limit some group's experience. You don't like the noise and the dust, right? I don't like the elitist attitude that defines only physically fit people with time on their hands will get there.
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jonnyrig
climber
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Reminds me of a minor incident several years ago. Fordyce trail is one of the more popular HARD 4x4 trails in this part of the sierra. We took the easy portion to Fordyce Lake and camped for the weekend, fishing and canoeing around, with some minor bits of climbing too. That portion of the trail can be done in a relatively high clearance albeit stock 4x4. In other words, there tend to be a lot of 4x4's there.
While there, my old jeep developed a cab problem where it would not idle or run at anything less than half throttle. In the process of trying to diagnose and fix the issue, I passed a gal hiking down the road with the engine fairly screaming in 4x4 1st gear low. She actually ran toward the truck threatening to hit it with her walking stick, screaming what a f*#king as#@&%e I was, that there are other people on the trail, and some other obscenities just to... I guess drive home her point?
If I was doing 10mph in that gearing, I'd be surprised. Incidentally, there is a speed limit there of 15mph, as enforced by forest service on dirtbikes.
Considering that area, and its proximity to a designated roadless area with better views and no risk of degenerate 4x4's, what the hell was her logic in choosing to hike down that road? What did she expect? We passed her husband about 200yds further up, around a corner. We chatted briefly, mentioning her words and her reaction. His response? "yeah, she gets like that."
Randisi, are you that kind of guy?
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jonnyrig
climber
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If you want to consider me an as#@&%e with that attitude, there's not much I'm going to be able to do to change that opinion. I stay to the established trails, and use them to get closer to areas that I'd otherwise not have time to explore. I slow down when I pass people on trails (exception above notwithstanding) because I'm also a hiker and I don't like getting dusted any more than they do.
What I take from this exchange is that you view my use of four wheel drive as as a sign of moral degeneration and weakness. Along with, I suspect, anyone else who drives a 4x4. I see your objection to the existence and use of established 4x4 trails as an elitist and snobbish attitude that fails to take into account the diversity of people's available time and ability in an outdoor setting.
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pinckbrown
Trad climber
Woodfords, CA
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Randisi, what I take from your posts is that you
probably are not getting in the 4x4 with us this
Sunday on our way to the Selenites!
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 7, 2015 - 10:01am PT
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pinckbrown,
nice shots
jeesus, a portable welder? Yeah, maybe I'll stick to the flat stuff afterall. LOL
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Sierra Ledge Rat
Mountain climber
Old and Broken Down in Appalachia
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What's in yur 4x kit? Another 4x4 with me
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Mark Force
Trad climber
Cave Creek, AZ
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The simple stuff is the best and most reliable over time. Shovel, ax, pick, straps, chains, rings, Kevlar line, recycled tire doormats for traction, and hi lift jack. Favorite trick for getting unstuck when a diff or some other part gets hung up in the rocks is to hi lift off the bumper and shove the whole rig to one side or the other. Love how rough and simpe that is. The hi lift makes a reliable come along.
When you have lockers and get stuck, the simplest way to get going is just lock the diffs and move on.
My toy, a 1983 Landcruiser Wagon. Chevy V8, 5 speed with granny first, manual cable lockers front and rear, PTO winch, onboard air compressor. Makes me smile and takes good care of me.
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Dapper Dan
Trad climber
Menlo Park
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Wow, beautiful LC...
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Nonattachment
Kindness
Firmness
Focused and relaxed
If only one: judgement
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pb
Sport climber
Sonora Ca
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in some places they carry an earthquake kit; lots of goodies in em.
Mine? crowbar
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pinckbrown
Trad climber
Woodfords, CA
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Mar 22, 2015 - 04:05pm PT
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Couple more pics using the rig.
It is amazing the difference twin
air lockers and crawler gears make!
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ruppell
climber
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Does a 97 4Runner, 5.29's, dual locked and close to dual cased get to play the game? Long story short, my wifes DD has turned into our weekend trial rig. It's run all the hardest trails in Bishop without an issue. I decided to add the dual case to it. Here's the case on the bench:
I'm currently waiting on the correct 23 spline coupler to finish the install. Once they're in I have plans to Dusy it in August. In the meantime here's a few shots of what Bishop has to offer.
and then there was this gem on my way out. lol
As far as the best tricks for saving your ass go. Don't be stupid and have lockers. I keep it open/open until I need to be locked. Then I lock the rear. If that doesn't work I lock the front. Haven't been stuck yet. lol
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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There are some good gems in this thread!
Only new things I have to add are more for human survival in case of getting stuck somewhere for a while:
 a few gallons of water per person
water filter
emergency space blankets & first aid kit
If you don't heed the advice "don't be stupid," then having kids to take depth soundings and scout the holes during river crossings can be important too. This was from a few years back. Prius clearance is somewhere between a hand/fist stack and a double-fist. Hybrids don't have important electrical stuff do they?
Shovel is a time saver, but I've dug out the Prius when the whole belly was buried in sand, just using sage brush roots and my arms to scoop it out. I think that was when I started carrying a folding shovel. It went faster in times after that I got stuck. I also carry a folding handsaw, another survival metal coil wire saw, a small axe, bailing wire (which I used on the muffler at Black Velvet Canyon in Red Rocks), duct tape, fix-a-flat with a little 12V compressor, tire plugs (which I've used to fix a sidewall slash somewhere near Shuteye), and when I was with the kids, typically about 6 gallons of fresh water in the car along with a water filter. I also carry a few space blankets in case I'm caught in the cold without having planned sleeping bags or blankets. Plus bandaids with cartoons.
Jumper cables too. One time I gave myself a jump in the new van, when the main battery died but I forgot I had an aux battery not hooked up to anything yet. I've used the jumper cables to help other people, and to enable other people to help me when they don't have jumper cables but willing to help.
1" tubular nylon webbing does let a jeep pull a Prius about 50 yards through deep sand. It's not just for motorcycles.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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^^^ I am actually happy you posted that and relieved I didn't try it in my 4x4 Sprinter. Opened my eyes about what it would be like in a way that ranger warnings didn't :)
p.s. I actually did have the hubris try a bit, damn the torpedoes, but I got some sense at the easy obstacle in the first few feet coming from Courtwright Reservoir side. You need to have huge clearance and/or articulation of wheels, for when your front wheel drops over a boulder into a rut, to not have the boulder slam into the bottom of your vehicle. I thought my clearance and articulation was great after a decade driving a Prius, but this is a different league. And I'm so ignorant with welding I wouldn't know where to start... so kudos for the field repair story! I've heard legends of such things but cool to see it. Off-road adventures inspire me to learn more skills to be self-sufficient. My sense of self-sufficiency is an illusion compared to folks like you who actually know what they are doing.
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ruppell
climber
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Only new things I have to add are more for human survival in case of getting stuck somewhere for a while:
a few gallons of water per person
water filter
emergency space blankets & first aid kit
NutAgain!
Part of the not being stupid philosophy is having a plan and a contingency plan. I wheel alone almost all the time. I also tend to take on the hardest trails I can find.
My plan is to always do a pre-departure rig check, wheel smart, have tools and spares to fix common wheeling failures, and make it home to tell a cool story.
My contingency plan is simple. Get out and hike. I always carry what I call my go bag. It's a 25L pack with a lightweight stove, fuel, 5 packs of top ramen, some Probars, a waterproof shell, a small puffy, my 30 degree bag and my Nemo shelter. Sounds like a lot of sh#t but it weieghs less then 12 pounds.
If I ever break down or can't self-recover that bag is my way home. I wheel mostly in the Whites and Sierra. You're never more than 30 miles from a road. I can hike that easily in 2 days. That bag is with me on every trip. Even the casual ones.
Did someone say Dusy? Best hard 4x4 trail in the country IMO...shameless plug for my Dusy video...
Dapper Dan
I promise I will watch that video. After I do the Dusy. You can't onsight a trail you've seen video of. lol
While the Dusy certainly isn't the hardest technical trail I do agree that overall it is the hardest trail in the US. There's not many trails of it's length and there's certainly none that hold the aura that it does. I've done enough research to know it's gonna be a hard road but not enough to spoil the fun.
The guys I'm going with are all experienced wheelers. They all have the exact traits you'd want for this sort of trip. I'm pretty sure somebody will break something along the way but we're prepared for that. The plan is 4 days on trail. That leaves 1 full day for repairs or just chilling. Whatever is needed more. lol
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john hansen
climber
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Nut again.. the flip flop winch thing is really cool.
We used to say, "If we can move it an inch, we can move it a mile"
A winch or come along would work better but if your out there this is a good trick to know. I like that you gain rope on each turn of the spindal whether it is going left or right it keeps taking in rope.
Great thread.
Ruppell,it sounds like you really know about this stuff.
Edit: Dapper Dan, I know some people who have done the Rubicon,, but how do you keep your beer from being shook up,,, really,, it's a serious question..
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Dapper Dan
Trad climber
Redwood City
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4 days sounds perfect Ruppell. We did it in 3. 10 miles/day is a nice pace. If you see my vid, I have a backpack strapped to the top as well lol. It's the sh#t-has-hit-the-fan backpack and we are walking to civilization. Good call.
FWIW on our Dusy trip, the Montero and two Jeep's both had carnage and mechanical issues while the two Yota's walked it, your rig sounds plenty built for the trail.
Don't forget to bring lots of beer!
And Nut!, I'm glad you didn't try it in the Sprinter also! Those Sprinter's are super capable and plush for 95% of the trails out there but the Dusy is definitely in that other 5%...
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 8, 2018 - 10:49pm PT
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That Flip Flop winch is great, thx!
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Tim Bermingham
Mountain climber
Jamestown, California. U.S.A.
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didn't read the whole thread....but if one has a tire come off the bead ....try putting a LITTLE gas inside the tire and throw in a match. The explosion will inflate the tire and re set the bead. I learned this trick in Baja. Not many gringos know of it...a few. It sounds crazy, but it works. The boss wanted to take the backhoe tire in to get fixed one time and that woulda been the end of the work day....I wanted to keep working....I did my Baja trick and he was amazed....why is he the boss????
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Cragar
climber
MSLA - MT
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Moto(dirt bike) or my MTB; each of them cost more than my 4x4. I've never owned a car that cost more than my MTB. Either one can get me to cell phone service if need be and since I stick to roads, my 4x4 works pretty well. I've seen some crazy rigs down in Salmon ID. I can't believe what y'all drive in your modified pick'em up trucks..
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Batrock
Trad climber
Burbank
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Tire plug kit and a couple of cans of Fix a Flat. The plugs have come in handy on several occasions not just for me but for other drivers i have come upon. I also carry a basic tool kit and a shovel. Also if your truck doesn't come with a bottle jack they are worth getting in addition to your scissor lift type jack. Oh and a small air compressor or i carry a 10lb CO2 tank for filling tires and running air tools too.
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John Duffield
Mountain climber
New York
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My friends were surprised in the Army, when I volunteered for Driver Training School. As a draftee, I wasn't supposed to volunteer for anything. But three weeks in school in Texas Hill Country, was three weeks I wasn't in Viet Nam.
What I hadn't learned on the farm, I got there.
I guess it caused me to over estimate my abilities in Death Valley this past October. My abilities and the abilities of the SUV I rented.
I took the shortcut to "The Race Track". Got a flat. I don't recommend it. The "do-nut" got me out. Always have a spare tyre.
Backing over this bump was scary. I buckled the seatbelt in case I rolled.
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Dapper Dan
Trad climber
Redwood City
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^^^ Lippincott Road in DV. Nice job running it in a rented grocery getter lol.
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deuce4
climber
Hobart, Australia
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Not sure if this has been mentioned, but this is awesome tool.
Get the wheel attachment and super quick to get boards under wheels when stuck.
https://hi-lift.com/hi-lift-jacks/
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couchmaster
climber
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Sounds like inviting Toker or Juan along would be the move. Just remember to them them they're bringing the crap to get you out:-) The better alternative would be to invite one of these guys with an excellent rig to do the driving.
I'd heard that gas in the tire move from my climbing partner who was a 4 x 4er in an earlier life. Also, as noted upthread by Juan "1" tubular or 11mm climbing rope is great - for pulling quads and dirt bikes. If you can pull a 4x4 out with it, then "it weren't really stuck". " Exactly!! I just shocking broke my 11mm rope, twice, trying to pull a bush stump with my truck. I had it dug most of the way out too. Thought climbing ropes, even 20 year old retired ones, were stronger than that. They are not.
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ruppell
climber
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4 days sounds perfect Ruppell. We did it in 3. 10 miles/day is a nice pace. If you see my vid, I have a backpack strapped to the top as well lol. It's the sh#t-has-hit-the-fan backpack and we are walking to civilization. Good call.
FWIW on our Dusy trip, the Montero and two Jeep's both had carnage and mechanical issues while the two Yota's walked it, your rig sounds plenty built for the trail.
Dapper Dan
The go pack is a must. Let's face it though, a lot of guys that wheel would rather wait for help then get the hell out of dodge. Kinda like a lot of climbers. lol
The group doing it consists of 3 3rd gen 4Runners. One 2.7L with 37's and dual cases, one 3.4L on 35's, and one 3.4L with duals cases on 33's. The 33's are me. If I can save enough cash in a month I'll be on 37's for the trip but it doesn't look good.
Between us there will be a welder, a electrical engineer and a carpenter. We can fix stuff that breaks. There will also be 3 extra CV shafts. One extra front diff and one extra rear diff. Luckily where all 5.29's.
I'm expecting to break something. I'm not expecting major engine or driveline failure.
Since your rigs a Toyo and dual cased who did you have do your shafts? I'm close to having the numbers to send out. I'd like to stick with Toyo u-joints but will go with Dana 1350's if I have to. Tom Woods only uses Dana and they have a super fast turnaround time. Jesse at High Angle is weeks out. Anyone else you recommend?
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matty
Trad climber
under the sea
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Maybe mentioned earlier on thread but I just got a lithium ion battery jumper. Puts out 1200amps can jump regular and Diesel engines, has up to 20 jumps stored in it. Can charge a dead battery to the point where jumping it is possible has USB outputs for charging other devices and you can get electric air compressors that hook to it as well. Saved my ass once already. Small package too, easily fits under seat with room to spare.
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Jon Beck
Trad climber
Oceanside
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got a link Matty? the lithium jumper I got was much less than advertised. 1200 amps sounds exaggerated.
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Dapper Dan
Trad climber
Redwood City
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Ruppell if your talking about axle shafts, they're just run of the mill chromoly shafts, I think I got them from Ruff Stuff online. I have a Dana 60 rear and a Dana 44 in front. Chromoly was probably overkill in the rear but I feel better with chromoly shafts in the 44.
If you're talking about drivelines I had them done at a shop in Clovis. I'd recommend a decent shop in Sac or Fresno area. You have a lot of 4x4 folks in those areas...
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ShawnInPaso
climber
Paso Robles, CA
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A 15lb CO2 bottle.....
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matty
Trad climber
under the sea
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John it was the DB power 1200a. I got it on amazon. I’m sure the continuous output is less, but I was just spewing the “specs” given. 1200 amps was the “peak current” and it probably only does that for a fraction of a second LOL. I wanted a different model (rugged geek 1000) but it would not have arrived in time for a trip I was taking. I figured I could give it to my lady for her car if I wanted a better one st some point.
Edit: here is one that claims 2000A peak and 1000A “starting” current. So maybe the one I have does 500?? At least it worked when I needed it.
Suaoki U28 2000A Peak Jump Starter Pack (for ALL Gas or 8.0L Diesel Engines) with USB Power Bank, LED Flashlight and Smart Battery Clamps for 12V Car & Boat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072R2YJ9V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_URcrBbNQ7RVJE
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EdBannister
Mountain climber
13,000 feet
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2014 FJ Cruiser with locking rear, and the factory crawl system has been astounding...
only added slightly taller toyo tires...
170,000 miles flawless. no broken anything.
i listed my favorite trick earlier, repeat it here:
parking lot to road has a hill with black ice? forget chaining up. just use the XC spray red klister,... works great!
also, those little tire repair kit air pumps do not work as well after a few years, i think the seals go, if it has been a while, buy a new one.
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ManMountain
Mountain climber
San Diego
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Jul 10, 2018 - 11:50am PT
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The tire needs a sudden burst of air. Throw in a couple tablespoons of gasoline, spin a few revolutions to distribute and vaporize. Throw a match to it and the tire goes on with a ball of flame and a bang.
Carb cleaner or hairspray works well too.
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ruppell
climber
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Jul 10, 2018 - 06:00pm PT
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Dapper Dan
I'm talking about driveline work. I just got off the phone with High Desert Driveline out of Hesperia. Solid shop that came highly recommended. The owners sourcing the flanges and Toyo u-joints for me. He's only a few days out to complete them once I get the duals in.
I'm still waiting on the damn trans to t-case coupler. Once it gets here I can finish putting the duals in. I was hoping to have them in Sunday but that's life.
As far as axle shafts go, I'm still rocking the OEM Toyo shafts. They're pretty damn hard steel. Once then get knockered I'll do a full float conversion in the rear.
You still wheeling your rig?
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EdBannister
Mountain climber
13,000 feet
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Jul 10, 2018 - 06:41pm PT
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Favorite bear repellent:
small can of starting fluid (alcohol) and a lighter = 6-8 foot directable flame. mini flamethrower
keep this away from guys playing with gas, tires and matches.
once drove my 2x down a road that i failed to notice early enough turned to sand.. i dug smooth low pathways for all four tires. then poured water on three, when i got to the 4th i realized i needed to pee.. i smoothly accelerated in reverse to a solid place to turn around.
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ruppell
climber
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Jul 14, 2018 - 06:12pm PT
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If the going gets too tough for the vehicle I'm in, whatever the vehicle, I turn around. Hopefully I've kept my eyes open for the opportunity to turn around, too.
DMT
That is exactly what not being stupid is. Know your rig, know your capabilities and know when you're about to exceed them. Preferably before you exceed them. Everyone makes errors in judgement and sh#t happens. Using some common sense will always trump a winch or a hi-lift.
In my effort to make my rig even more capable I went ahead and installed a dual case. It's not done but it's damn close. I just need the driveshafts and some console work to finish it.
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Dapper Dan
Trad climber
Redwood City
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Jul 14, 2018 - 09:27pm PT
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Looking good Ruppell. Looks like a twin stick? So you can be in 2wd in any gearing configuration? What is gear ratio on your duals? I have the Toyota 2.2 case and Marlin 4.7 case. And can run both cases for a low low gearing. Altogether I have 20 forward gear ratios and 4 reverse ratios.
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ruppell
climber
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Jul 15, 2018 - 08:36am PT
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Dapper Dan
Thanks. After some yard work this afternoon will be spent bending the shifters and getting everything re-sealed. Then I'll drop the console back in.
My 97 4Runner is an auto. The stock case is twin sticked and has a 2.57 ratio. The crawlbox I went with 2.28's. With 5.29's in both diffs that give me a 87:1 ratio. In auto's the torque converter effectively doubles the ratio so I'n 1st I'll have about 175:1 ratio.
I went twin stick on the rear case for a few reasons. The first was because not many guys have done it in 3rd gen 4Runners. The second in my truck is ADD. I carry a spare CV and a spare stub shaft to plug one if they both break. On the off chance I ever break both I can still run in 2lo locked to get back out.
The mod is pretty easy. You just split the rear case and remove the interlock pin that connects the shift rails for the J-shift. Then you grind off a portion of the 4wd shift rail so the rails clear each other. Throw it all back together and put on the new shifters.
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Juan Maderita
Trad climber
"OBcean" San Diego, CA
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Sep 15, 2018 - 05:23pm PT
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Jeep's forward progress halted by guacamole!
Amazing and true story:
Finally getting around to posting this incident from a few years ago. Wife tried to leave for work in the morning in her Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.0L, Dana 35C rear axle, open diff, Michelin M&S rated tires).
She came back in the house, somewhat frantic, saying that the (automatic) transmission was not working and that she smelled something like burning rubber. I went outside expecting the worst. Climbed into the driver's seat. The Jeep was pointed up the rather steep hill in front of my house. Started it up, put it in gear, gave it some throttle. No forward movement, nothing, nada. Heard a whirring noise at the rear right side. Got out for a look...
Green slime around the right rear tire mixed with a bit of burnt rubber.
Turns out the neighbor's tree had dropped an avocado. The avocado rolled down the hill, stopping against the rear tire, next to the curb. The initial forward movement of the tire squished the avocado. The instant guacamole coated the tire with slippery slime. I busted out in laughter, picturing the headline, "Jeep defeated by a single avocado!!!"
Now for those of you who may not know about open differentials, limited-slip (aka: Positraction), and locking differentials, my story may encourage you to do some research. When you read how ineffective open differentials are under certain conditions, you may be inspired to upgrade your axles.
Btw, the Grand Cherokee is a daily driver. The other Jeep (a Wrangler) has a Detroit Locker in the front and an Eaton e-Locker in the rear (Ford 8.8 axle).
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ruppell
climber
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Sep 16, 2018 - 07:27pm PT
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The Dusy was done. We ran south to north and had a blast.
Everyone but me got some body damage. I managed to avoid that but did manage to break an outer tie rod end, 4 CV axles and I bent the shaft on my passenger side King shock.
Once I got the truck home I realized the CV's where breaking on the passenger side because I rolled my diff. I bent and cracked the passenger side front diff mounting bracket and severely bent the rear mount. i also bent the add tube. That put the diff 1" higher on the passenger side. It effectively added an inch of droop. Not a good thing where CV's are concerned.
The trucks fixed and getting ready for Big Bear this weekend. In the meantime I need to install some limit straps on the front. That will prevent any future CV breaks.
Here's a few photo's of the carnage and the trail.
The Dusy/Ershim lives up to the hype that surrounds it. There's not many trials of it's length and difficulty. I couldn't have asked for a better group of guys to do it with. We all have already made plans to do it again next year.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 16, 2018 - 11:30pm PT
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wow! That looks amazing!
Ironic post to me in that I just replaced a broken bearing and cv axle on my Taco. I'm pretty sure its from hwy 680 truck lane bumps, but I might be wrong. heh
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