UPDATE
Some Ramblings...
The 4Runner has just been chugging along for the past year basically without issue. Regular oil, diff, filter changes without much drama. Recently I have been getting a P0420 code but I will chase that down further once I buck up for a real set of headers and exhaust crossover (URD?) then chase down the codes. Doesn't affect drive-ability so, meh.
I did also recently replace the rear ABS harness, LR wheel speed sensor due to my dash lighting up like a Christmas tree with all the traction lights. Luckily for me I grabbed the Techstream computer at work, diagnosed, and ordered the parts for a quick fix. Once pulling the old sensor though I noticed some gear oil on the end of the sensor... which could only mean one thing - the inner axle seal was leaking but hadn't leaked bad enough yet to be visible on the exterior. Good catch! Glad I caught it before it washed all the grease out of my wheel bearing and did some real damage. Definitely the most maintenance and problems I've had on the 4Runner in the ~30,000kms that I've owned it.
Other than that I've been busy driving the 4Runner offroad/camping as often as I can while I have been turning wrenches in the background on my 85' pickup (just pulled the tranny for a rear main seal leak and added a new Marlin clutch/flywheel while I was in there). But I won't go into too much detail on that because it deserves it's own build thread.
NEW MODS
Dobinson 675V Rear Coils:
One thing I did do on the 4Runner about a month ago was ad the lowest LT rear coils that Dobinsons makes - the 675V. THe Metal Tech LT coils were great but I dropped down a solid 1.5" in the rear with the new coils. With my stock rear bumper, fridge, and a full cargo area the truck literally sits perfectly level with only mild droop when its loaded. I still have about 1" front to back rake when the truck is empty and that is fine by me. Mission successful. The only downside to this change is that I do notice the rear end hitting the bumpstops more frequently due to the drop in uptravel with the lower coils. That is me being pretty finicky though as it only happens slightly more frequently and I still feel the amount of uptravel I have is very sufficient. Just something worth noting for the eager.
Storage Platform:
This is something that has been in the works since I bought the 4R. Basically been using the truck and evaluating my priorities and how I want to organize the rear cargo area. A couple napkin sketches later and I seem to be on my way. Trying to make it light, simple, and versatile so that I can easily ditch all the camping gear when the winter season hits. I've got some pretty cool ideas for it but hopefully my welding and carpentry skills can do my idea justice! haha Steel 3/4" frame with a wood top and dual slides. Should have some progress photos this weekend with more details.
Wheeling - June 30th
The weather was decent and we decided to head out and explore some new routes and trails local to us. The weather was wet for the entire weekend basically but still gave us some great scenery and fun trails. Still snow at the higher elevations too!
Back at camp
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Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
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Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
My brother Chase weaver through a tight obstacle
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Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
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Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
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Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
Two great tires - can you name them?
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Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
Tight trails...some too tight for the nice paint on RickRunner
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Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
It'll buff out they said...
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Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
Views through the clouds
_08I2707.jpg by
Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
IMG_20180701_151741.jpg by
Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
A new trail on a new day with a few of the fine folks from The Gear Shop out of YYC.
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Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
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Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
The reason/views that keep me coming back!
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Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
Nick's cool Defender (no power steering...)
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Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
Because beadlocks
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Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
All in all, an excellent weekend with the boys (girls invited but none came with...lol). We got lots of sun and even managed to get a 10,000 ft hike in to the summit of one of the peaks pictured. Even shoe-ski'd our way back down on one of the glaciers which was an absolute blast. I'll let the photos do the rest of the talkin'.
