ive got updates!
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Will Marshal, on Flickr
Another real world shot of the new HIR1 bulbs in the headlights. this is accurate to what i experienced with the exception of the hot spot is a bit over exposed. it was hard to get the rest correctly exposed without that being an issue.
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Will Marshal, on Flickr
its been near 0 here every day, and some days getting into the negatives. the other morning it was -8 out. i guess its just the nature of this truck, but the cold and winter gas is absolutely ruining my fuel milage. I can't ever quite get the engine as warm as id hope. Yeah, it gets to its 220 degree operating temperature, but as soon as the thermostat opens it will drop to 175ish and have to build its way back up. I think i might need a radiator blanket for these ultra cold conditions. My theory is that the combustion chamber is not an optimal temperature.
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Will Marshal, on Flickr
i got the Leitner Gear Pods to go along with my rack
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Will Marshal, on Flickr
Im really impressed with these, they're made of roto-molded black UV-resistant plastic, the same kind they make heavy duty Kayaks out of. These things are stout. They have brackets on the top and bottom to fit into the rack's modular portions, and have a strut on the inside to keep the top open. They're pretty weather proof, and have a keyed-locking handle. Im really impressed with them and im going to load them up with all my trail goodies
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Will Marshal, on Flickr
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Will Marshal, on Flickr
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Will Marshal, on Flickr
Lastly, the new tires came - Falken Wildpeak MT 37x13.50R20.
Untitled by
Will Marshal, on Flickr
should be a snug fit
Untitled by
Will Marshal, on Flickr
I've had a couple people ask me why i went with a 20" rim vs the 17", and here is why: Im trying to retain as much on-road handling characteristics as possible despite the increase in height and width. I've heard from people that this is an internet myth, that a 17" rim on a 37 would perform just as well with no noticeable difference. I simply can't buy into that. I can't fathom how thats possible, that a large variable flexible section of rubber is just as stiff as a smaller section of rubber mounted to a much larger rigid mounting surface. Its common knowledge that larger rims ride rougher, but deliver more precision in steering input and smaller sidewalls aren't driven through as easily on the street.
all that said, the section height of the 37x13.50R20 is still almost double what my current 285/70s are. There is a huge increase in footprint from the tires over what i have now, and while im losing a bit of off-road performance by not going with a 17 - i'll be making up that difference with my wheel selection: 20x9.5 Trail Ready Beadlocks. Not a street lock, a true beadlock. Im hoping to order those this month, just waiting for some money to free up. Then we'll be cooking.
