Medical Charity Expedition Build Questions

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Kentucky Trip

Thanks again for all of the advice! My first trip will be down to Red Bird Mission in Beverly, KY March 14-16 (tentative; Easter week sometime if the weather doesn't cooperate). I've still got a few things to do on the Cruiser before I'll comfortable loading her down all the way for a 10 hour drive. Still have a cracked eyelet on my passenger rear spring :(. But I'm psyched! It's going to be great- RBM has a great school, med clinic, and does community outreach (home improvement, etc) in the area. So the goal is to fill the back of the 62 with art, gen ed, medical, and food bank supplies. If, for some reason, I get more stuff I'll figure something out. I've sent out "needs" lists to friends, family members, and most everyone I know, so we'll so how that works out. I've bought a few things myself already; probably end up buying most of it this trip anyway- but that's ok with me. I'm going, and that's all that matters! I'll post plenty of stuff about the trip when I get back.

For those that have PM'd and posted offering help and encouragement in all different ways- thanks!
I've added our new facebook link to my signature if anyone is interested more in what we're doing and needs can check it out there. Otherwise, something I could use a tip on: a decent place to camp in SE KY or SW VA. Thanks again!
-Matt
 
EOE Update 10/2009

Hi Folks!

For all those who helped out with advice and encouragement when this thread started, I wanted to post a quick update on progress on the Medical Charity:

This summer's been interesting (sarcastically). Working through a few health issues in our family, Larry and I (the other half of Ends of the Earth) have used the summer to continue working on our trucks. I've continued upgrades and repairs on my truck as I passed 225K last month; I put 20K on it since I bought it last October. I've replaced my radiator, installed an extra cooler for my autobox (while I still have it), replaced numerous hoses and lines, oil pan, etc. I've got a lovely set of BFG ATs in 33x10.50 now. I've also started adding a few electronic items such as a CB, inverter, and hopefully soon a mobile HAM. Body is still just as pretty as before, with the only change being a flat-blacked out hood panel. Money's been tight with the economy not working out great for lowly boat technicians like me, but I've been slowly pecking away at it. And my truck continues to run great! In the next few months I hope to get my H42 4-speed in now that I have all the conversion parts.
Larry is finishing bringing his '99 TJ back from the hard rollover he took at EJS Moab in the spring that wiped out his fenders, hood, windshield, rollcage, 2/3 of his bodymounts, and rear heim joint and control arm mounts. I think that was it :)? Bloody brilliant:rolleyes:.

As far as the org goes, we've got our 501 applications in to the IRS. And I'm ankle deep in connecting with a charity in the Copper Canyon area (~Creel) of Mexico with the plans to head down in the spring. This seems like a good first trip south of the border, being a relatively short distance from the border in southwest Texas (as opposed to a trip to South Baja first). So things are slowly but surely ticking along. Our trip to KY in march was a great success! And locally I'm going to volunteer again this year to take doctors and nurses in to work during snow emergencies (Maryland drivers suck!). Thanks again for all the continued support. I'll continue to post updates as needed.
Matt
Ends of The Earth - Extreme 4-WD Medical Expeditions
matt@eoe4x4.org
62Powerline.webp
 
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kennyfj40 said:
Matt,
Good to hear things are coming along, even if it is slow going. How long do you plan to allow for the transmission swap? Hope we can do some more wheeling togather.:)
Click to expand...

Hey Ken- I've been planning on a week or two down time. She's my DD, so that will make things interesting. We shut down for two weeks at Christmas, so maybe then? I still need to rebuild Johnny's tranny and leave time during the swap to have my driveshafts altered (or buy a set of 60 shafts?). I'm hoping to get the pedal bucket and master cylinder in ahead of time to limit down time as much as possible. Planning on a week or more should give me time to take care of any issues that arise, take care of the others I know will arise (transfer case output seals, rear main, ...) and work slowly enough that I don't screw anything up :). Thanks man! Hope to go wheelin soon too. Larry just sent me a text today that he's down in southern KY wheeling at the Jeep Jamboree.

1leglance said:
Keep up the good work...the backoffice stuff can wear you down.
Click to expand...

Thanks Lance; checking in on your posts periodically gives me a little inspiration when the backoffice stuff gets old :).
 
:popcorn:

How did I miss this thread?

Document rebuilding that H42 very, very well. I'm going to need to rebuild my H55 in the next couple of years because the 2nd gear synchro is starting to go.

Thanks for the pics of Larry offroading in southern KY. I miss being down south:) Hey Kenny!
 
Mexico Border Crossing Advice?

Anybody have real-world advice on crossing into Mexico in the TX-NM area?

I was planning a quick recon trip to Creel in Jan/Feb to eyeball the charity we're connecting with and make a few other contacts in the area. Since I live near Baltimore (and it is supposed to be a "quick trip"), we (Larry, brother- professional spanish translator, and maybe wife) were going to fly cheap to El Paso on a friday evening, get an airport shuttle to Juarez airport to spend the night at an airport hotel. Then pick up a rental car (cheap!) at first light and drive straight to Creel. We have somewhere to stay in Creel, which I'm told is quite safe. But my buddy Larry is starting to get nervous on the border crossing. We could fly straight to Chihuahua, but that would be a lot more expensive and I was hoping to recon the border crossing for experience before I try to do it with my own truck filled with medical supplies (hello customs!). Anyway, I know about the "stay away from drugs/hookers after dark" and we'll be sticking to the nice toll roads. I've been other places with US state dept warnings, and I'm not too worried. Should I be? Anybody cross near Juarez/El Paso or Presidio/Ojinaga recently? Any help is appreciated!

-Matt :bang:
 
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You should pm cruiser-guy. He is a mod here. He travels a couple of times a year from Guatemala crossing that borer, through the U.S. and on into Canada. He just made this trip and is getting set to to do it again. I saw him about a month ago and we actually were discussing the various routes to cross the U.S. / Mexico border, i.e. pros and cons of each so this is fresh in his mind.
Good Luck
John
 
The border is tighter now than in times past. The US Homeland Security asked us questions the last time we crossed going south out of the US as did the Mexicans. In previous times you simply drove across and if you got the dreaded red light you might be searched, not so now. We were "searched" with some wand thingy also a couple of times (not sure what that was about).

You should check with both the Mexican consulate/embassy as well as the US Homeland Security about carrying drugs or medical supplies. You might need a broker to help you across.

I also responded to your PM.
 
EOE_overland said:
Thanks John,
Yeah good call; I'm going to shoot him a PM tonight.
Do you fly to ES or drive when you head down there?
Great advice,
Matt
Click to expand...

Matt,
My rig "development project/ build" :D is not as far along as Charles (cruiser-guy) two completed builds. While it is again my DD it is still very much in the development stage. As such I have been flying back and forth between the U.S. and ES. My plan, assuming that my contract is extended here for work, is to finish the build and drive the rig back whenever it is time for me to go home.
Love your project and when I relocate back in the U.S. East Coast, I'll give you a buzz and see if I can lend a hand.
Best,
John
 
Recon Trip to Copper Canyon

Quick Update: Feb 2010

Four of us (me, wife, brother, friend) just returned from Creel, Chihuahua on Tuesday about 12am.
We're still working on exactly what the plan will be for a return trip, but I'm thinking that we'll try to raise money for playground equipment, school supplies, x-ray detection equipment (badges?), and if possible a new x-ray machine for the clinic in Creel (GawÃ* TIBUSA | "Cuidando el mundo"). I'm also seeing what we can do to help the group that we stayed with to get a project started to grow a coffee test-field in Urique. I've been told (though the numbers may be anecdotal) that 90 percent of Urique is involved in marijuana growing, trafficking, or both.
Our trip was great! Though we spent way too much time in buses (didn't rent a vehicle :rolleyes:), we had an amazing time in Mexico. I can't wait to go back with the Cruiser!
I won't waste too much space here- anybody interested in more info about the supply end should see the support page on our website. I'll update it this weekend.

As far as the truck goes, I haven't been able to do much more than a spark plug swap on it this fall. My father passed away in September, so I spent most of 3 months driving back and forth to NC every weekend. That wiped out any time and money I had for the truck this fall. My new/old H42 transmission is still sleeping next to my bench at work. She still runs like a champ at ~235K. As the weather starts to warm up again, I'm going to start the work up again as my budget allows. Here's a list of things I've got to do as far as maintenance before a return trip with the truck sometime later this year (tentatively):
• Brakes/lines
• Transfer Case Seals/Rebuild
• Steering Box/Lines
• Rear Heater Coolant Lines
• Toyota 4-Speed (H42) Install (have all parts, except drive shafts and trans rebuild)
• Rear Wheel Bearings
• Tires- BFG AT 33x10.50x15 (my 33s will be bald by the trip)
• Dual Battery Install
• Winch Install/Front Bumper
• Better Trailer Hitch
• Bedliner Interior
• Paint/Rustproof Exterior
• OME Lift Kit
• Spare Parts Kit
• Minor Engine Overhaul?

I've also been working on a list of project items I'd like to do over the next years to turn the 62 into a dedicated medical supply hauler. She'll need to be able to take 5 people, gear, and possibly a trailer with equipment into the mountains. If any of these are stupid ideas for any reason, I'd like some input.
Wishlist:
• Cummins 4BT 3.9L Turbo Diesel
• NV4500 5-speed Transmission (or Toyota H55)
• NP203 Transfer Case with Doubler (or Toyota Manual Shift Split Case with Crawler)
• Coilspring Front Suspension Conversion
• Rear 1-Ton Axle (Toyota Full-Float?)
• Front Seat Upgrade
• Diamond-Plate Interior, Rubber Floor Mats
• Baja Rack
• Ham HF or Dual Band Kit
• Mac Mini Stereo/Navigation System (Hidden)
• Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier
• New Grill/Headlight Bezels
• Rock Sliders

I'm generally opposed to swapping out the Toyota gear with American stuff, but the Cummins, NV trans etc are pretty reliable and with the amount of GM trucks I saw all over Mexico there is no shortage of parts. And the cost for parts for the project will most likely be a little cheaper than getting a Toyota 12HT/H55 drivetrain from overseas.

I realize both lists are pretty ambitious (especially the maintenance list), but with the help of local family and friends I should be able to put a dent in it. And, as with all the progress I've listed on this thread, I'll do as much as I can and then just go with what I have. The second list is not going to happen until later when I'm able to have the $ and space to get a cheap car to drive to work, donate the 62 officially to the organization, and start putting more time and effort into the truck. Now I need her for work, so projects are limited to weekends.
I'll write a little more later; here's a few pics of the trip.
Matt

Pics (L to R):
1) Road Signs at circle in Creel, 2) Me on a rock in Valle de los Monjes, 3) Me and Larry with a new friend at Divisadero
RoadSign.webp
ValleDeLosMonjes.webp
MeAndLarryCanyon.webp
 
More Pics:
1) New rock-skipping friends at Lago Arereko (think I spelled it right?), 2) Man on a bench in front of the Mission in Creel, 3) Girl with baby selling crafts at Divisadero
KidsAtArereko.webp
ManAtMission.webp
GirlAndBaby.webp
 
Last pic:
Two Tarahumara women taking a break from making baskets by looking out at the Canyons at Divisadero.

I know the pictures are a little small; I'll try to post some somewhere soon and put the link on this thread.
Thanks!
Matt
TarahumaraWomenCanyon.webp
 
Don't take this wrong as I know you love your Yota...
but purely from the standpoint of the organization and your core mission...

You might consider a completely different vehicle.

Now take 2 deep breathes...no really :)
Ok if you are still with me let me advise you as someone who recently had to switch rigs in order to meet the mission.

You say you need to "She'll need to be able to take 5 people, gear, and possibly a trailer with equipment into the mountains." and you have a long list of changes you need to make in order to have that happen.
So if your goal is medical missions and the transport of people & supplies then you need the best platform for that.

Could it be a crew cab truck with a shell?
Could it be a 4x4 ambulance with some refit?
Could it be a 4x4 brush truck used by a fire crew?
Could it be a 4x4 van?

This is where having an org & a mission makes you step away from want you "WANT" and look at what you 'NEED".
Especially before you invest a bunch of time & money into something that might still not meet your needs. Five people in a 60 series plus gear for hours....dude you are cruel :)

I would also say this again as I said earlier in this thread....with your geographic home base I would look for things you can do much closer to home in order to save on cost. Remember you have to justify to your donors, funders and yourself why you are adding 3 days each way to your trip in order to go to Mexico when there are rural underserved areas closer to home.

All that said I think you have the heart & ability to pull off anything you want to....just don't make life harder than it needs to be :)
Oh and if you ever need a ICU RN/ Wilderness EMT/big ol' 4x4 van to go with you then make sure Disabled Explorers gets to tag along!
 
:mad: Breathing into a paper bag :bang:

Kidding, Lance you may be right about the vehicular choice...but I gotta use what I got. And right now that's my DD FJ62. The list of extras at the bottom is a (very) long-term list of mods I'd like to do if things progress to the point that I can actually do a trip or two a year like this (international or domestic). And if I still have the old girl as a primary exped truck. Yes, she's a bit rugged on the ride, but maintenance is pretty easy and not needed as frequently as comfy trucks.
Five people and gear together for extended periods should be rare, but maybe necessary occasionally. This isn't stuff I'm justifying to donors, it's stuff I'd slowly pick away at. Very slowly! I enjoy working on the truck, so it's not a big deal. Besides, no donors yet on the horizon :meh:.
The distance from the Mexican border is an issue. Larry bought a Chevy Dually Diesel truck and trailer to haul his Jeep around; the plan may be to pull my truck to Texas when the time comes to save a little fuel and wear and tear on the Cruiser (and us!). I'd like to get into some trips beyond Mexico like perhaps Haiti(?). If so, I'd end up renting something like the crew cab you mentioned. But that's a long way off too...

Thanks again for the continued encouragement and the offer to tagalong! I will certainly take you up on it. And I won't tell the Yota all the bad things you said about her.
 
Creel Trip Photo Gallery

As promised earlier, here's a couple of links for those who want to see some pics of where we were and the SPOT Adventure page of the trip (which I hope to add a few more pictures to also):

MobileMe Gallery

EOE Trip to Creel, Chihuahua Mexico - Sightseeing - Spot

Feel free to shoot me an email with questions or comments about either... especially if you have problems with the links.

Enjoy,
Matt
matt@eoe4x4.org
 
x2 on think about a different platform. I admire what you guys are doing. In response to the recent land slides and floods here my 4x4 club was contacted by some of the local governors to help get med teams, meds, food and clothing to both mountainous and coastal areas where most of the bridges and roads have been washed out. I saw several different groups running several different types of rigs all with interesting results. By far, as usual, the the biggest surprise was were well maintained, very slightly lifted, Bluebird school buses. Each had been retrofitted on the inside to have configurations for passengers, work space and gear hauling both inside and on roof racks. they didn´t sweat moderate water crossings and as long as they didn´t stop cold never had drama in moderate mud.

The second vehicle were resurrected 70 series ambulances. Gobs of room to haul meds and decent ride for your passengers. I saw one guy who had his 4 door rig set up with all the creature comforts for the kids(tag alongs on the mission due to child care issues), including game consoles in the rear, and tons of room in the rear to haul meds, food and water.

I thought that I´d pass on these observations from my last trip. As you say you guys are just getting this thing rolling and so you have to "dance with the gal you brung to the party". The 62 will haul plenty. I would suggest that you maintain the engine tranny that you got until you can get your hands on a 1HZ/H55 setup. They ran the
at setup in Aus and Asia and you can still order it from the factory today on 70 series here in Central America. Current production engine and tranny with great maintenance histories and parts streams for decades to come.
When I move back to the states I´m definitely going to look you guys up!
Good luck and stay safe,
John
 
Volcano cruiser said:
By far, as usual, the the biggest surprise was were well maintained, very slightly lifted, Bluebird school buses.

The second vehicle were resurrected 70 series ambulances. Gobs of room to haul meds and decent ride for your passengers.

I would suggest that you maintain the engine tranny that you got until you can get your hands on a 1HZ/H55 setup.
John
Click to expand...

I don't disagree you John and Lance about other rigs possibly being a better fit for dedicated work hauling equipment and supplies. I've driven church vans in places that would cause Ford engineers to have a nervous breakdown. But for now and the foreseeable future, the beautiful two-tone gold 62 is all I have time, money, and space for. Right now the wife and I are in a one BR apt with two spots in a shared driveway (her Vdub and the 62). Luckily the landlord has been cool, and at times quite supportive, of my wrenching in the driveway. We're trying to buy a place, but if it goes thru it'll be a townhouse with no garage and, you guessed it, two parking spots. So until I become a millionaire or move out of MD (as much as I've thought about it, I don't see it happening anytime soon), the bus or 70-ambulance (I'd love to see what the MD motor vehicle admin have to say about that!) are out of bounds to me. The best-case scenario would be that I could scrape together a few bucks and buy a cheapo car to drive to work. But then I still need a place for the 62. So that subject is fraught with peril :)!
I'm not opposed to the 1HZ engine swap, but unless someone (hint, hint John) can bring one home in their suitcase it's out of budget for now. Of course, it's all out of budget now but the diesel swap is down the road anyway. The 4BT is a simple, reliable, torquey engine that is easy to get hands on here at reasonable prices. Plus, another 60-head in the Baltimore area is in the middle of the same swap. So I can see how that works out and have some local advice and tips.

John, definitely shoot me an email when you're back in the area! I'd love to hear more about the mudslide relief efforts. Thanks for continued feedback!
Matt
 
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