Builds Big Red Toy (9 Viewers)

[The Phoenician]

The mini truck is rad and it looks like a damn fun time. Also as the son of a USMC Colonel, I've learned from him that even in his 80s he and his Marine buddies are still lots of trouble in the best way. I was born in Beaufort when he was stationed at MCRD Parris Island, so my whole childhood was on bases around the world and I couldn't have imagined a better childhood.

Thanks for sharing this and much appreciation and respect to your father for his service. It's been 20 years since I joined the service and had many tours ranging from conventional to nonconventional units. I started as a Grunt in the Corps, but years later I accepted a direct commission in the Navy while deployed. My fondest memories are from my Marine Corps days. It's hard to explain to anyone who wasn't a Devil Dog, but those who were, know what I mean.

 

[The Phoenician]

Not the best I've gotten in this car but it's close. VW needs to sell these engines like Cummins sells the 2.8.

 

[The Phoenician]

Got some sliders welded thanks to Hunter at land cruiser specialist. Had to deflate the rear tires so the jack can reach.

Pics in no particular order.

 

[The Phoenician]

This finally arrived, the last of the armor I ordered.

I wanted a before and after pic. So here's the before. Look at how much it drops.

The jack almost didn't reach to support the transmission.

Here it is with just the cross-member.

Make sure to order the lower profile bolt or it won't fit.

Here is the after, looks like I gained at least an inch and a half, which according to some, is a lot.

Look how much clearance that gained me.

 

[The Phoenician]

Last minute prep for Solid Axle Summit.


Installed a better muffler, now Ican hear myself in the cab.

But blew out the ac line . It was an old hose so due for an upgrade.

swapped out the roof to tent from the trailer.

And now Sushi Roll is ready for Solid Axle Summit #8.

 

[The Phoenician]

Ron Burgundy is ready as a support vehicle.

 

[davegonz]

Glad that you're not driving your 40 to SAS.

 

[The Phoenician]

Glad that you're not driving your 40 to SAS.

The plan was to take it. But it's no yet ready. Maybe next time.

 

[The Phoenician]

I Drove Sushi Roll to Solid Axle Summit #8, and had a blast and some unexpected adventures. My wife and son followed along in the Tacoma and I'm so glad they did. After this week, I'll never say anything negative about the 3rd gen Tacoma again. Not only did it wheel with the best of them, and showed up some built Jeeps, but it also towed Sushi Roll up steep summits and maintained highway speeds when level.

The problem began in New Mexico, Sushi Roll started to sound like an old Diesel engine. At first, I thought it was just the elevation messing with the sniper, making it run a little rough, and then I thought it could be the valves that needed some adjustments. Once in Colorado, it became obvious it was coming from the front cover where the timing chain was. So we assumed the tensioner wasn't doing its job and the chain was slapping around. Despite all this, I still went wheeling in it, and it did great. It kept up with the Tacoma and went over every obstacle with little issue, but then it died with 0 compression about 100 yards from my campsite. Once we got it towed, Jim from Trail Legends and a few other mechanically inclined folks came over to help ( I love this community). after much debate and inspection, Jim figured out the cam pin had sheered. All I can say is thank you Toyota for making non-interference engines, I plan on upgrading the powerplant at some point, but I'm not ready yet. The rest of the trip was spent wheeling with the Tacoma and on the last day, when I went to get a tow trailer, I rented a Rubicon for my wife. She fell in love with the Jeep and we are discussing counseling or possibly divorce.

The trip home was slow but did it with full AC. Ron ( the Tacoma) pulled Sushi Roll up and down mountain passes, ranging between 6 and 8 mpg. It managed 70mph on highways. I got her home and ordered a new high-torque cam from LCE Performance. I can't wait to drive it again.

 

[The Phoenician]

More pics

 

[Hokie LX]

Great meeting you on the way out to SAS. Sorry to hear about the engine trouble on Sushi Roll. Hope to see you at another SAS in the future.

 

[The Phoenician]

Great meeting you on the way out to SAS. Sorry to hear about the engine trouble on Sushi Roll. Hope to see you at another SAS in the future.

It was great meeting you as well. No worries on Sushi Roll, I'm impressed she made it and got a full day wheeling on some tough trails; I wasn't even upset when she broke down, just kinda laughed at the situation. I hope to see you at other events sometime soon.

 

[BigHighBlue]

It was great meeting you as well. No worries on Sushi Roll, I'm impressed she made it and got a full day wheeling on some tough trails; I wasn't even upset when she broke down, just kinda laughed at the situation. I hope to see you at other events sometime soon.

Also great meeting you at Casey's finally. I didn't realize all this was going on the background. The good news about breaking stuff is you get the opportunity to replace it with something stronger. See you at the next meet up!

 

[The Phoenician]

Also great meeting you at Casey's finally. I didn't realize all this was going on the background. The good news about breaking stuff is you get the opportunity to replace it with something stronger. See you at the next meet up!

Likewise. It's always great putting faces to names or handles. I already have a pro torquer cam from LCE Performance installed. It's driveable again. Can't wait to meet up at the next event.

 

[BigHighBlue]

Likewise. It's always great putting faces to names or handles. I already have a pro torquer cam from LCE performance installed. It's driveable again. Can't wait to meet up again. View attachment 3703153

That's pretty incredible. Glad it was a relatively easy fix.

 

[The Phoenician]

I was trying to talk to the wife to let me get a RAM 3500 or F-350 so I can tow to the trails, but now she wants a Rubicon. We might meet in the middle and get a Tesla instead.

 

[The Phoenician]

Sushi Roll is back up and running but i wanted to introduce the newest addition to the tribe. Everyone meet GreenGo (pronounced gringo, it's funnier in Texas than it would be anywhere else).
A 2021 Tacoma with 18k miles for less than $20k. My son is on cloud 9. He technically has 3 cars before his license, but I'm taking Sushi Roll and Snow Ball back for my purposes. I think I will install a tune on Snow Ball and a sportier clutch. Sushi Roll is pretty much all upgraded and needs a break from my wallet.

Anyway, enjoy the pics.

I need a bigger yard.

 

[davegonz]

What the hell? I blinked and he's a grown man now.

 

[The Phoenician]

What the hell? I blinked and he's a grown man now.

It's crazy how fast time flies. Every time i Come back from overseas it's like he's a new person. I use him to lift heavy things now that I struggle with.

 

[The Phoenician]

Found the clanking noise. Still drivable?

Will need to get the center pins replaced, maybe get beefier U Bolts.