I’ve also used Frank at south bay 4x4 in the past as well. Yotamasters would be my first choice, but south bay 4x4 does a good job too if you don’t want to drive too far from LA
You might want to verify if Miller Jeep Trail is open in February, if I recall my brother and I tried going up that trail in February a couple of years ago and found out there it is only open from May 1st to October 31st.
The USFS web page shows its closed, but you might give them a phone call...
I ran the dusy this year in my 87 4runner. I tip my hat to anyone who takes an 80 through there. It just seems like it would be a huge pain in the ass to take one through with its width. It would probably take a lot longer cause there would be a few 3 point turns. Also, people say it's a lot...
No, Pumpkin eater is off of the 15 fwy in the Stoddard valley OHV area. I agree it's a deceptively tough trail. It seems short, but it kicks you're ass.
Extremely. The can has good directions and the hook up is basically idiot proof since the high and low pressure lines have different fittings. I say it's definitely worth a shot to do it yourself.
Gold mountain does not require 35s. 33s and skid plates with sliders and you will be fine. Me and a buddy with a stock height land cruiser (his not mine) on Cooper discovery 32.5s did both Holcomb creek and gold mountain. A little rock stacking and good spotting and you will be fine. I think you...
I would go with the 1994, 1fz and full float rear end is worth it. Also, prices in my observation are seasonal. Wait till the end of the year in our winter and you will see prices drift down a 1000 or 2000 dollars. I drove a 1fe cruiser and resolved to never get one. It doesn't hurt to check...
1 hour for the rear (you don't even have to take the tires off).
3 to 4 hours for the front.
It helps to have a transmission jack to get the rear 3rd out. It is significantly heavier than the front.
Those break in procedures are BS. 99% of 4 wheel drive trucks are part time (i.e. the front diff isn't spinning) and the front diff gears get abused their first time out. When I regeared my land cruiser to 5.29's I wheeled John Bull the next day without following any break in procedure. Also...
I've used south Bay truck and 4x4 (Frank Gilliland is the owner, cool dude) and Yotamasters in Corona. Both have done a decent job for me and prices were reasonable. I've dropped the 3rd off and it takes them a couple of days.
I mounted the beadlocks myself (I run 39x13.5x17 on allied beadlocks on my 4runner), it's not that hard to do, just time consuming. Using a 5 gallon bucket and lots of soapy water helps.
I run beadlocks in Cali, never had a problem. Just check torque frequently on the bolts so they don't come apart. If you're going to run toyos who cares what wheel you get since they are so f'ing heavy. Honestly, with the weight an 80 has on it you can run 12 all day and not really worry about...