Builds 4BT/ NV4500/ SOA - AKA- Project Snowball❄️

[boots4]

Nice progress Jason. Those are looking great. When are you taking off this week?

 

[Hojack]

I leave Tuesday morning and get back Friday afternoon. The Grundfos competition is on Wednesday. 12 people qualified across the US. My co-worker Danny and I both qualified. It’d be awesome if I win but should be a fun time anyhow. This is at the National Groundwater Association in Las Vegas. I’ll keep you posted.
Next Saturday will be great to work on the 60. I need to get 2 new spring bolts. Are those grade 8 or a higher grade?

 

[boots4]

They don't have to be grade 8's but it's nice to have the strength. The ubolts are what really hold the packs together in operation when torqued to the axle. I like choosing a center bolt size that is tight in the spring holes. They can be longer and cut short if you have challenges finding the right length.

 

[Hojack]

They don't have to be grade 8's but it's nice to have the strength. The ubolts are what really hold the packs together in operation when torqued to the axle. I like choosing a center bolt size that is tight in the spring holes. They can be longer and cut short if you have challenges finding the right length.

ACE in Sandy has a great selection. I’ll get it Saturday morning.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Keep it up!!

The snowmobile pics bring me back.

 

[Hojack]

Thanks Johnny
Can’t wait to take this out and start getting some snow wheeling pictures with @boots4 and my other buddies.

 

[Hojack]

My buddy Logan at Timberline sent this to me this evening. Perfect conditions for making snow.

 

[Hojack]

In Las Vegas for the National Groundwater Convention. Flew down over the Cascade Mountains of Oregon yesterday.

Bachelor Butte far left.
Broken Top middle front.
Behind Broken Top to the right are the 3 Sisters.
South, Middle and North Peak rising above 10,000’.
In early 2000s my buddy Ryan and I summited South Sister and overnighted on the Crater rim, 10,358’. In August Oregon’s highest lake forms in the crater, Teardrop Pool.

 

[Hojack]

The Groundwater Convention was a good time in Vegas.

The Grundfos Competition was a great time. The challenge was very fun.

The power was 115V with a standard wall plug. Forgot they had a main power switch to turn on the outlet. How often do you need to turn on a wall outlet...This cost me some much needed time as I’d thought the GFI receptical had tripped. Both Danny and I did really well but didn’t make it into the top 3.

 

[Hojack]

Yesterday had to get my shoes dirty and went to Red Rocks 30 minutes outside Las Vegas with some of the competitors.

The hike turns into a scramble up the rugged valley floor. 2.2 miles to the trickling waterfall.

Looking back down canyon.

 

[Hojack]

At the airport and thought I’d post some more Red Rocks pictures.

This was a great spot where the overhang sheltered us from the steady rain.

Two rock slabs with a tree managing to survive.

 

[Hojack]

Back to work on the 60 tomorrow. Hopefully we can get the front leafs assembled and the 3rd installed. Possibly the knuckles but it’ll only be 3-4 hours of work. Tomorrow is our family Christmas tree run in the mountains.

 

[Hojack]

Mike and I had a few more hours today. Assembled the front leaf pack. And test fit on perches. @boots4 had a surprise for me, his football mask from his 60 front axle.

Started the heat pressure washing and degreasing the parts for the front knuckles. Cleaned the brakes and calipers. All coming together for install possibly next weekend.

Hopefully we’ll have time to mount the Cooper ST Maxx on the Hutchinson Beadlocks.
Thanks a lot Mike for the diff mask.

 

[Hojack]

Today was also time for the Hojack Family Christmas tree run in the snow covered Cascades. I took the family up to the historic Barlow Road area.

Chilly mid 20s with a few fresh inches of snow last night. Found an area with nice Spruce and Fir trees. The kids and dog had a great time enjoying all the snow.

Wife and I finally found our tree and she wanted to chopper down with my tree climbing Stihl saw.

Time for our family Christmas shot

Got some glimpses of Mt. Hood above the low clouds drifting through.

Another great family tradition.

 

[The Phoenician]

That's a good looking German Shepherd Dog you have.

 

[Hojack]

That’s Rayne and she is an awesome family dog.

 

[CuCruiser]

Alpine fir? my favorite as well.

Axles looking well sorted!

 

[Hojack]

Alpine fir? my favorite as well.

Axles looking well sorted!

Thanks.
It’s techncally a Pacific Silver Fir. Native to the Cascades of OR & WA. Can’t wait to take the 60 up for a tree run in the snow. I have a secret spot with a cabin I want to take @boots4 to. It’s up the Clacakamas drainage near Summit Lake. We went there last year in my 60 with my buddy Michael to get trees. Enjoyed Chicken dinner in my wife’s Dutch Oven. Snowed hard and played cards/ games. Didn’t pack to stay overnight but should have.

 

[CuCruiser]

Awesome. You guys got all the cool conifers!
Can't beat Dutch oven cooking. Makes me hungry just thinking about it and I just had breakfast!

 

[Hojack]

Got a few hours in this evening on the 60 with Mike. Cleaned up the surface of the differential and installed the 3rd member and the bearings. Bought a wire brush kit for my drill and it worked awesome.