Chokecherry 5-1-10

[TroutRunner]

Well, I had 2 groups to wheel with on Sunday.

The first is the local group that meets every Sunday at 9a. I've got the smallest rig from a tire and lift standpoint. The group goes all the way up to insane rigs on 40's and buggies. We run pretty hard trails that measure 4+ and higher in spots on the Moab scale. We ran a trail called RJ's Trail, good stuff, ledges, rocks, dirt and climbs. One guy brought an 80 that was narrowed at the front and behind the rear seats the sheet metal was cut off. He was riding 35's. You'll see in the pics what happens if you follow my Lexus. The 80 always performs well and I think people are amazed how I stick to the rocks and what I can do. The only thing that gets me is the breakover ledges, other than that I do just as good if not better than some of the more lifted and bigger tired rigs. Now the buggies are just amazing, I don't care what brand your running.

Around 1p, I met up with the rest of my family and bunch of other friends, we had another 80, a newer taco (lifted on 33's), a 100 (OME lift, 33's and sliders), and a JK on 35's with a little lift. We ran it pretty easy, or at least I thought. We all had fun until the Taco grenaded his rear diff. We got him out and we'll see the real damage later.

Double damage day. I can't believe I still have straight sheet metal. I called Slee last week to discuss lifts and where I would be wheeling, he responded, "Chokecherry's a lot of trail for an 80."

Enjoy the slideshow: Chokecherry 5-1-10 :: Chokecherry 5-1-10 slideshow by grahamtull - Photobucket

Graham

 

[TroutRunner]

Found some video of the morning part of this trip.

YouTube - 4x4tricks's Channel

YouTube - 4x4tricks's Channel

Looks like I require more momentum to get it done, but my tank a@@ sure is good for a winch point when you need it. In both climbs in the first video I'm on my sliders. The first climb the left side and the second climb the right side. "80's don't slide...they beach."

Now, do you guys see why I've been posting on upgrades and bigger tires.

G

 

[alia176]

Nice videos, I enjoyed watching them.

You're playing with nimble rigs with mondo tires. I'm not sure if you're going to achieve the same thing with your whale of an 80 playing in the same field but I'm dying to see what you come up with.

 

[evanz80]

Crazy! If you're going to keep running trails like that, I see a buggy in your future. Pretty hard core stuff.

 

[TroutRunner]

I'm leaning towards the Slee 4" and 35's and then be done with it. I'll continue to push its limits and keep it streetable and easy for the wife to drive with the girls to the mountains.

I think its time to start a savings account and call it "Buggy Money". I've seen some sweet 4 seaters with 105" wheelbase that would be crazy fun. I'm on the 5-10 year plan.

G

 

[alia176]

This guy is doing a good job with his LX450 on Pritchett but it ain't easy. He has large tires and no extra weight hanging off of the rig, but it ain't a nimble vehicle by any stretch.

The videos in the link are cool and educational: https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/382445-pritchett-canyon-videos-80-series.html

It sounds like you made up your mind finally. Congrats!

 

[OGBeno]

Graham--you did a really good job following the more suitable rigs for those trails. While some more lift and bigger tires will help a bit, the fact remains that the 80 will never be like those rigs. A buggy fund is a good idea.



Nice late 1970's version of "Peggy-O" from the Grateful Dead in the second vid.

 

[alia176]

G,

This might throw a wrench in the mix but have you given any thought to going with 5.29s? This would allow you more crawl ratio while maintaining a decent hwy speed. It'd also allow you to "experiment" with a larger set of tires should the itch get too strong!!! Given the type of elevation available to you, going with 5.29s may actually work out for the best. The trans won't down shift as often, thus resulting in better fuel economy.

Just a thought.

 

[TroutRunner]

Ali,

I've been following the video guy in the main 80 section, pretty good stuff. The way he slid down that hill and bent his drag link and birfield was classic. I've gone down similar before, but not as long a slide. Those sliding hills give me the feeling, "Here I come in my boat of a rig, best stay out of the way, I'm not going to be able to hold her back!"

I think the goal of my 80 is to do most things pretty well but leave the hardcore crawling to other rigs, while excelling in difficult trails that I can camp on or wide open exploring like your and Onur's recent trip. You guy's should call me for the next one!

5.29's or 4.88's were on the list. Reading about Nay's experience and others, I don't think 5.29's are a bad way to go. A little higher in the RPM's on the highway, but for the most part the limit is 65 from here to Moab or to any of the Colorado stuff anyway. I need to call the local college, they have one of the Toyota Master Mechanic schools and I thought I might try to get my truck as a teaching rig for the diff setup class. Keeping with the idea of general use truck, maybe the 4.88's are better. If I plan on getting a crawler, why bother with 5.29's and increase the expedition side of the 80.

I'm thinking this for the future: Twisted Customs Shop Projects
It just sold on Pirate last month. Drool!!

Onur, I liked the tunes as well.

G

 

[alia176]

there is a shop in ABQ that apparently does awesome diff setup work as well but is not known in the general community. If you need that info, let me know and Ill dig it up.

Think hard about the 5.29s because some of my 4.88 buds are wishing they went the 5.29 route due to the extra weight and climbing tall grades. Your driveablity is not that bad and neither is your fuel economy with 5.29s from what I'm hearing.

There has been a paradigm shift in gears and tires apparently. 4.56s for 285s at elevation, 4.88s for 315s at sea level and 5.29s for 315s at elevation.

Good luck.

 

[TroutRunner]

Well, I found out last night that my renters (for the house I never sold in ABQ) will be leaving this July. This is both good and bad.

I've decided to put the "Upgrade" on hold.

Anyone, want to buy a house about 2 blocks from La Cueva?

G

 

[marcfj60]

Anyone, want to buy a house about 2 blocks from La Cueva?

G

What are the details?

 

[TroutRunner]

Map of 8008 Corona Ave NE Albuquerque, New Mexico by MapQuest Located between Barstow and Wyoming, just south of La Cueva.

4 Bedroom(3 upstairs, 1 down), 3 Car garage, 2.5 baths (2 full upstairs, 1 down with shower and toilet). Granite countertop kitchen, stainless fixtures. Living room, dining room, and den. 2400 Sqft.

Views of the Sandias from the front and from master bedroom balcony. Xeriscaped front with drip system in front and back. Backyard with grass (sprinklers), dogrun, and high wall in back for privacy. Sits directly across from a cul-de-sac.

La Cueva High School (located over the cul-de-sac wall), Desert Ridge Middle School (2 blocks to the East, walkable), Dennis Chavez Elementary School (bus picks up close by).

I don't know if many of you have checked out the new community complex, North Domingo Baca Park. It is located on the SW corner of Wyoming and Corona. It is amazing. It has a skate park, dog park, regular playground stuff, senior center, and a swimming pool is in the works.

Ask if you have any questions.

Graham

 

[Bad Mojo]

Plus that puts you less than 5 minutes away from CDan.

 

[TroutRunner]

Plus that puts you less than 5 minutes away from CDan.

True!! You could even ride your bike if your junk is broken. Very convienent to Smiths, Office Max (Depot?), and restuarants.

I forgot: SqFt 2400, added above.

G

 

[Beowulf]

Well, I found out last night that my renters (for the house I never sold in ABQ) will be leaving this July.

Not a problem.

Now we have a centrally located meeting place for the August, September, October, November, and December meetings.

We'll pick up after ourselves. Promise.

-Mike-

 

[TroutRunner]

Not a problem.

Now we have a centrally located meeting place for the August, September, October, November, and December meetings.

We'll pick up after ourselves. Promise.

-Mike-

Great, I'll draw up a contract and the club can close in mid July.

I think you all should continue to recruit more members.

G

 

[marcfj60]

Map of 8008 Corona Ave NE Albuquerque, New Mexico by MapQuest Located between Barstow and Wyoming, just south of La Cueva.

4 Bedroom(3 upstairs, 1 down), 3 Car garage, 2.5 baths (2 full upstairs, 1 down with shower and toilet). Granite countertop kitchen, stainless fixtures. Living room, dining room, and den. 2400 Sqft.

Views of the Sandias from the front and from master bedroom balcony. Xeriscaped front with drip system in front and back. Backyard with grass (sprinklers), dogrun, and high wall in back for privacy. Sits directly across from a cul-de-sac.

La Cueva High School (located over the cul-de-sac wall), Desert Ridge Middle School (2 blocks to the East, walkable), Dennis Chavez Elementary School (bus picks up close by).

I don't know if many of you have checked out the new community complex, North Domingo Baca Park. It is located on the SW corner of Wyoming and Corona. It is amazing. It has a skate park, dog park, regular playground stuff, senior center, and a swimming pool is in the works.

Ask if you have any questions.

Graham

Sounds nice. If I use Google's street view, there's an 80 in the driveway. Guess it's been a little while since the photo was taken.

 

[TroutRunner]

Sounds nice. If I use Google's street view, there's an 80 in the driveway. Guess it's been a little while since the photo was taken.

That is too funny. Yep, that's my Lexus.

I didn't use the google link, bc when I used it, it gives the wrong location. I guess you took the time to drive the streetview pics around the corner to my house?

Are you interested in moving? If you are...PM me and we can save some money by not using a realtor.

G

 

[TroutRunner]

5-30-10

Made the video this weekend. Lots of trucks, did a trail called the Rim Trail. Had to leave a little early since I had work.

I'm in this video at about 5:30. YouTube - 4x4tricks's Channel

Long wheelbase got me, but I worked through it.

Here's some more local stuff: YouTube - farmington 667 glen slickline , man I need a buggy!

G