Builds Dad's Montana 80

[cbmontgo]

In the Spring, a few of us decided to explore Grand Mesa, in Western Colorado.

En route, camping in Wolcott.

Grand Mesa.

 

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Loaded up the family one day to look at some timber for a cabin I wanted to build. We drove over to Salida, CO to take measurements. It was a go.

Got the cabin built over the next couple of seasons.

 

[cbmontgo]

Eventually I decided to make a suspension upgrade. Went OME springs/shocks all the way around with caster correction bushings and trim packers up front.

 

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Off to Utah.

Camp at Green River.

Abandoned missile silo.

 

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Canyon Country.

Beef Basin.

 

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Beers and lunch at Ray's Tavern in Green River, Utah. Great food, drinks, and smokeshow waitresses in the middle of nowhere.

 

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Downtown Leadville.

 

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Another trip to Utah, kicking off at the Angel Point Airstrip on the west side of the Green/Colorado Rivers.

Day canyon hike with the Henry Mountains in the background.

Back at camp.

 

[cbmontgo]

Every November, my son and I meet up with some great friends at an off-grid cabin in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. We took the 80 this time. 1,700 miles round trip.

Local fare in St. Paul, Arkansas. This place has some fantastic burgers.

 

[cbmontgo]

Inside the cabin. Teaching the kids about fine dining (sardines). No one wanted anything to do with it.

 

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The boys have been coming here since they were little. Returning here every year teaches them about the importance of friends and tradition, as well as the simpler things like cooking over a stove, heating with a stove, and splitting firewood.

Lots of exploring as well.

 

[SoTexCruiserDoc]

Thank you SOOOO much for sharing your story!! I lost my father in 2020 when he said “no mas” to any more chemotherapy, but I have NO sadness as the innumerable memories (adventures) are with me always, from East Texas to Colorado. He was a piece of work, the strongest and toughest guy I ever knew who could do/fix anything. You know exactly what I mean!

Some of my buddies and I describe the time with our kids as “making memories”. Nothing more important while we’re on this planet.

August in the San Juans will be the 8th annual Solid Axle Summit, and this year is the Year of the 80. Would love to have to join us!!
(MF, that’s a good looking dog you got!)

 

[cbmontgo]

@SoTexCruiserDoc thanks for that. I know exactly what you mean. Talking about people we've lost and reliving those memories keeps them alive. They are still with us, somewhere in another universe.

I went to SAS 4 in 2020 in my FJ40 and may just have to sneak down there this year if a slot opens up. Ouray/Telluride are my favorite spots in Colorado.

 

[Godwin]

Next stop was the family cemetery outside of Yazoo City at Concord Church. Many of our relatives are buried here. Neelly is a family name, which also is my daughter's first name. I made some careful notes this time, marking this location since it would be our last time together here.
View attachment 3532929

20 years ago I bought a pair of FJ60s from a catfish farmer that lived near Yazoo City.

 

[cbmontgo]

I just noticed that the axle seals have finally started leaking, particularly on the driver's side.

I'm getting ready for another backcountry trip to Utah in a couple of months, so time for a knuckle rebuild before the trip. I also need to get the front rotors resurfaced, since I've noticed a little bit of pulsing when hot.

The brake lines and calipers look good and I put new pads on last year, so I don't foresee too much mission creep. Just gonna be a good ole knuckle rebuild.

Started teardown today.

This side was getting bad. Moly was heavily mixed with gear oil.

 

[samh]

I see those Madison County "25" plates are going to live on forever. I live just up the way from where your Dad was and I've currently got my '62 on jackstands doing the knuckles, tie end rods, rotors, calipers, leafs, and shocks so I thought I'd throw in a shout out to you and your Dad's Montana truck. May your pops rest in peace.

 

[cbmontgo]

I see those Madison County "25" plates are going to live on forever. I live just up the way from where your Dad was and I've currently got my '62 on jackstands doing the knuckles, tie end rods, rotors, calipers, leafs, and shocks so I thought I'd throw in a shout out to you and your Dad's Montana truck. May your pops rest in peace.

Good eye, @samh.

Thank you.

These plates never expire, so they are staying on. It'll always be a Montana 80.

 

[samh]

These plates never expire, so they are staying on. It'll always be a Montana 80.

I own three vehicles all with permanent tags. Paid for themselves a couple times over easily. Enjoy the truck. Hopefully you get it back up on top of the Gravelly Range again someday.

 

[cbmontgo]

I own three vehicles all with permanent tags. Paid for themselves a couple times over easily. Enjoy the truck. Hopefully you get it back up on top of the Gravelly Range again someday.

I've got a backroads route to Montana mapped out for an adventure in the next couple of years. She'll definitely see Western Montana again.

 

[cbmontgo]

Knuckles are wrapped up. I went with Koyo bearings and new OEM rotors.

This is always a satisfying project when I can take my time. Thanks, @cruiseroutfit for new kit.