Building for Alaska/ TransCanada Adventure

[1loudLX]

Be a turd and ask all this, so I dont have to when I go do it Still love this thread, motivation for me to keep the 100 up to snuff just incase I do actually get a chance to speed over to AK!

 

[Bogo]

Another question: How should I go about island hopping in SE Alaska near Juneau? I imagine there are ferry services. I intend on going to Wrangell, Prince of Wales, and Admiralty Islands. Has anyone pointers about a side trip like this?

I feel like a turd asking for all of this information, but the time it would take me to do it here would mean me never leaving. Thanks again for everything guys.

Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) :: Official Site :: Alaska DOT&PF

 

[Blue Phoenix]

I know this trip is meant to happen because things that would never normally fall into my lap are practically slapping me in the face. We get alot of books sent to us by groups, organizations, and individuals who are doing what they can to help, and in a recent batch, after all the other books had found ownership, I found one that had my name all over it: John Muirs America. I have read alot about him and after flipping through the book, found an entire unit of the book devoted to Alaska, specifically the Southeastern coast.
This came after I mentioned earlier in this thread about going there.

I read up a little on the AMHS and definitely plan on visiting as much as my sea legs will allow.

1loudLX- You bet on it. From what it looks like I may have to make a blog before I leave and do a bona fide write-up on the trip.

As a side note I pulled the trigger on sliders today. I ended up getting Metal Tech as I think they'll be a better fit for me.

 

[Blue Phoenix]

UPDATE:
I just got back from leave not too long ago so Ive been out for a bit, and Ive been meaning to give an update.
While I was at home, I went to change the oil on the old lady and found what I supposed was a mixture of oil and coolant. Yeah. Anyways long story short, Toyota wanted 2900 to do a head gasket replacement with nothing else for me to go by except their "expertise". Wanting to get a second opinion, I took the truck to The Cruiser Company outside Little Rock. Great Shop from my experience.
Did a compression test and all but two of the cylinders were running up above 145. The bottom two were 112 for the number two cylinder and 120 for the number 5, which from what Im told isnt miserable, but but Im not taking my chances on a trip as long as this. Also, to make matters better, the valve cover gasket is leaking badly and the rear main seal as well.
Im not sure is this is normal for a landcruiser, but I think any vehicle wheeled as much as mine would have this happen eventually.
As I write this the engine is being torn down and being rebuilt with new gaskets all around, injectors are being ultrasonically cleaned along with a slew of tune-up related items.
On a positive note, the Metal Tech sliders are being installed as well and soon new 295 BFG rubber all around. So the truck has officially begun its transformation.
Ill post pics ASAP since there seems to be alot of talk on my part, and not much in the part of progress.

 

[Blue Phoenix]

Also, I looked in depth at the Alaskan Maritime Highway, and depending on money and time, I may go up to Alaska via the AMHS stopping at Admiralty Island, Ketchikan, among others that I cant think of at the moment (only one cup of good coffee so far).
I think itll be a good change from being on the road.

 

[Dave 2000]

I love threads like this, I am slowly collecting info for an expedition build and the advice/information ect is brilliant! For example I did not know there were sliders out there that can hold air tanks or batteries, any links?

Keep it coming guys and good luck with the trip BP,

regards

Dave

 

[alia176]

check out Metal Tech's website for the sliders you're asking about.

 

[Dave 2000]

check out Metal Tech's website for the sliders you're asking about.

Will do, many thanks

regards

Dave

 

[Blue Phoenix]

Not sure if youve heard of 4WDToyotaOwner Mag, theres a link to them as well under the vendors section I think, but they put on a set for their long-term 80. Theyre light, for the amount of construction, tucked well against the vehicle, and as you mentioned accommodate either an air tank or a spare battery. Im opting to use it for a battery.

 

[Blue Phoenix]

Heres one for the locals, or at least those who know more than me about the weather.
I've decided to completely fore go an overly expensive/heavy/large rooftop tent and just stick with ground camping since I really only see myself using it for this trip in the immediate future and i plan on going backpacking along the way. My dilemma is this:
I have an REI Half Dome 2 IIRC which is great for camping in moderate weather, but I have doubts about its AUGUST/SEPTEMBER performance in Alaska. Any pointers would be very welcome. I have two high quality 0 degree bags, but is this enough?

Before I get blasted, I fully understand the motto ALWAYS BE PREPARED.

 

[Dave 2000]

Not sure if youve heard of 4WDToyotaOwner Mag, theres a link to them as well under the vendors section I think, but they put on a set for their long-term 80. Theyre light, for the amount of construction, tucked well against the vehicle, and as you mentioned accommodate either an air tank or a spare battery. Im opting to use it for a battery.

If the price is right perhaps one of each?

regards

Dave

 

[Mark W]

Heres one for the locals, or at least those who know more than me about the weather.
I've decided to completely fore go an overly expensive/heavy/large rooftop tent and just stick with ground camping since I really only see myself using it for this trip in the immediate future and i plan on going backpacking along the way. My dilemma is this:
I have an REI Half Dome 2 IIRC which is great for camping in moderate weather, but I have doubts about its AUGUST/SEPTEMBER performance in Alaska. Any pointers would be very welcome. I have two high quality 0 degree bags, but is this enough?

Before I get blasted, I fully understand the motto ALWAYS BE PREPARED.

August in AK I usually sleep under the stars. September will be cool, but any cheap ass department store tent will to the job.


Mark...

 

[Blue Phoenix]

Well, the engine is being put back together after having the head milled, all-new internals minus pistons and such, and being balanced. This should be good for compression and a little more kick in the pants. I should have pics from the mechanic in the next couple of days.
This is putting a huge dent in my budget so the list has been modified significantly. Revised list:
Bumper-maybe
Slee Tire mount
Roof Rack- Yakima megawarrior (second tire and fuel)
Dual Battery
Snorkel
These are the major items. Ill add more as I think them up.

 

[alia176]

Sorry to hear that dude, sucks that the engine rebuild is taking money away from the fun(dage)! Curious, are you going to a larger set of tires or sticking with the 285s? If so, why not leave them under the rear cargo and just move the whole assembly upward few inches (like others have done to gain clearance) and reduce the amount of air drag on the roof? Perhaps you stated your reasons before and I just don't recall at the moment.

 

[Blue Phoenix]

Alia, its all good. This post is getting so long now that when I think of things I saw on it before, I have to make myself go back and thumb through everything.

It sucks about the engine, but Id rather have an essentially new engine instead of toys anyways. Plus, with the head being milled and a new exhaust and everything added, I should get better performance.

As far as the tire is concerned, Im taking two spares (one on the mount bar inside and one on top). I may go ahead and put the tire back under the truck once I leave Moab. Last time I was there I nearly punctured my spares sidewall coming down off a rock.

I decided from looking at people with much more overland experience than I that my current tire, 295 BFG AT, is more than enough for what Im doing. Plus I can use the two good tires I have left on the truck for the spares instead of having to buy more tires. So it comes down to common sense and economy. Plus I dont want to feel the need to regear at the moment since Ive already reached the $5K mark between the work Ive had done.

 

[Blue Phoenix]

P.S.- Im still waiting on the pictures from the rebuild to post up. From what I heard the truck is in the reassembly phase. Ill post the pics as soon as I get them.

 

[alia176]

I decided from looking at people with much more overland experience than I that my current tire, 295 BFG AT, is more than enough for what Im doing. Plus I can use the two good tires I have left on the truck for the spares instead of having to buy more tires. So it comes down to common sense and economy. Plus I dont want to feel the need to regear at the moment since Ive already reached the $5K mark between the work Ive had done.

Excellent, you arrived at a good balance between needs and wants. I'll be curious to hear your feedback on the engine power increase.

 

[Blue Phoenix]

I think afterwards i may post up the full rebuild in the 80 Tech Section once I get some pictures.

 

[Thuri]

My Apologies if these locations were mentioned but you were looking for side trips.

If you're heading up Hwy 37 in Northwestern BC consider a sidetrip to Stewart, NBC/Hyder AK and further North at Dease Lake check out the road to Telegraph Creek.

 

[Bogo]

My Apologies if these locations were mentioned but you were looking for side trips.

If you're heading up Hwy 37 in Northwestern BC consider a sidetrip to Stewart, NBC/Hyder AK and further North at Dease Lake check out the road to Telegraph Creek.

Near Hyder there is supposed to be a nice boardwalk where the bears can be seen fishing for salmon during the salmon run. Of course you need to be there at the right time of the year.