Hello MUDders - long time gearhead here but first ever build (or rebuild for that matter) thread. First the truck deets:
1993 Pickup, SAS'd, dual cases, front & rear locked, 3.4 (5VZ) swap mated to R150F trans, Chevy 63s in back, RUF. I bought the truck with all the major stuff already done and in place. I did a lot of fixing this fixing that kind of thing. Did a lot of small upgrades & some significant ones like hydro assist steering, new-to-me bed, DIY sliders, etc. This rig punched above its weight and was (and will be again) an amazing wheeler.
Why the rebuild?
May of 2025 on a Moab trip with buddies I put it on its top on Hell's Revenge. Ironically I had already done Hell's Gate and the location I rolled wasn't even a named obstacle. It was really dug out at the bottom from rigs going up it and we just went over. Fortunately neither myself or my buddy riding shotgun were hurt more than some bumps, bruises and soreness. We got the truck back on its wheels and clear of the obstacle. Had to winch out the core support so the engine fan could turn. By this time it had been on its wheels again for quite awhile and the oil was able to drain back into the pan. Gave the key a real quick hit to see if it wanted to turn over. All sounded good. Started right up, didn't even smoke much. Drove it off the trail. I was lucky to be out there with a capable, experienced crew of wheeling buddies and they came through big time.
I had trailered the truck to Utah so fortunately was able to tow it home and then park it under a cover and not think about it for awhile while I licked my metaphorical wounds.
1993 Pickup, SAS'd, dual cases, front & rear locked, 3.4 (5VZ) swap mated to R150F trans, Chevy 63s in back, RUF. I bought the truck with all the major stuff already done and in place. I did a lot of fixing this fixing that kind of thing. Did a lot of small upgrades & some significant ones like hydro assist steering, new-to-me bed, DIY sliders, etc. This rig punched above its weight and was (and will be again) an amazing wheeler.
Why the rebuild?
May of 2025 on a Moab trip with buddies I put it on its top on Hell's Revenge. Ironically I had already done Hell's Gate and the location I rolled wasn't even a named obstacle. It was really dug out at the bottom from rigs going up it and we just went over. Fortunately neither myself or my buddy riding shotgun were hurt more than some bumps, bruises and soreness. We got the truck back on its wheels and clear of the obstacle. Had to winch out the core support so the engine fan could turn. By this time it had been on its wheels again for quite awhile and the oil was able to drain back into the pan. Gave the key a real quick hit to see if it wanted to turn over. All sounded good. Started right up, didn't even smoke much. Drove it off the trail. I was lucky to be out there with a capable, experienced crew of wheeling buddies and they came through big time.
I had trailered the truck to Utah so fortunately was able to tow it home and then park it under a cover and not think about it for awhile while I licked my metaphorical wounds.
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