Update: A lot done since posting this. Got the fridge in the back and all the gear squared away, had IPOR fab up some stout sliders, installed PIAAs in the front along with a WiredWagon headlamp harness with RoundEye headlamps and a few basic things like an actual oil pressure gauge with numbers, new calipers, pads, shoes and cylinders along with rebuilding the injectors and a few other basic maintenance things.
Ive got a set of EMPI 30 spline front shafts (same as the Dirty30s and Marlin ones) that I got for a sweet price sitting on the garage floor awaiting install along with an IPOR high steer kit (sitting on their shop floor awaiting pick up) and a set of IPOR front seats on order (to replace the back and hip pain inducing stockers). I am taking 2 weeks to head out to my sisters cabin outside of Salida, Co so I am making sure the truck is good to go as the trip will be solo most of the time. After these things are on the truck, I am calling it done (for now).
Have been on a few trips but since Im usually flying solo, there is no photographic evidence of this. Did Uwharrie a couple of weeks ago but didnt do all of it. Power steering belt shredded on the way down and I could not find a replacement. I did suffer through a few trails but waved the white flag and retreated back to the camp site. Rocks and sharp turns with no power assist SUCKS! I ran through a couple of bushes and saplings simply because I could not get the wheels pointed in the right direction fast enough. Oh well. Luckily, did a ride with a few club members on Saturday and have some new photos, all of which are borrowed. So, here she is:
Impressions: Great. Love the truck that much more. It did everything, albeit nothing was terribly hard really, without any problems. Was in 1st gear, 4 high but was moving faster than the guys in the other Cruisers who were in 4 low. Switched to 1st gear, 4 low and then was going too damn slow (4.11 gears, H55 trans). Switched to 2nd and 4 low and found I was still just a little slow but that made for some gap between trucks which was great. Diesel impressions in low range, holy crap! Let off on the clutch and it required almost no gas. It instantly started pulling. I know that gassers have their advantages but there is no reason that a trail truck shouldnt have a diesel powerplant. I used almost no fuel the entire way. Amazing. Only drawback was in the noise department. The 3B is a rattler and on a narrow trail, the sound reverberates back at you so a set of ear plugs went in (common 3B driver equipment). Another mention are the tires. They impressed the hell out of me. They are Pro Comp (32x11.50) all terrains and they cleaned mud out very easily and quickly, gripped everything without any issues (I dont air down) and are wearing phenomenally well. Very impressed.
