Builds My '78 FJ40 "44"

[Weber Sarge]

I guess that particular area has cost a few wayward adventurers their lives , and a heck of a lot of rigs over the years . When we were younger , riding on the local creeks after they froze up was a lot of fun - but on second thought , there are 20' deep holes now and then that move with the creek beds so falling through could really go bad . I envy those in the desert/mountain ranges - all we have around here are privately owned woods and an endless supply of corn/bean fields , and rust on everything .
Sarge

 

[78fj40mg]

Alamo Road, in the DNWR, has been closed at the dry lake for some time... Necessitating an 88 mile round trip, at about 15-25 mph.

I learned the other day that the refuge has cut a road around the dry lake, so you can now drive the entire 78 mile length of Alamo Road.

I'm not terribly fond of Alamo Road, it's nearly as pretty a drive as Mormon Well Road. But, I need to drive the entire length and really wanted to hike the 7k' mountains around Cabin Springs...

So, Chester and I planned a trip up Alamo Road, with a 4 day stay at Cabin Springs, an 18 mile round trip offshoot from Alamo Road.

But, a tropical depression off the Pacific side of Mexico has cropped up and we have 3-4 days of rain forecast over the period we planned for our trip... The last thing I want to do is be out 50+ miles offroad, in mountains that are subject to fairly massive flooding.

So, the trip is off... For now... But Gunner and Chester and I drove about 20 miles up Alamo Road today, just to get out of the house... I was right, Alamo Road is parched and, while there are flowers, it's much more bleak than Morman Well Road.

Anyway, here are a few pictures...

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Very nice pics Danny! Happy trails!

 

[Solace in Solitude]

I guess that particular area has cost a few wayward adventurers their lives , and a heck of a lot of rigs over the years . When we were younger , riding on the local creeks after they froze up was a lot of fun - but on second thought , there are 20' deep holes now and then that move with the creek beds so falling through could really go bad . I envy those in the desert/mountain ranges - all we have around here are privately owned woods and an endless supply of corn/bean fields , and rust on everything .
Sarge

These public lands belong to all of us... Unless we elect someone who is intent on giving it to the states... Then it would all be sold to the money people or raped by the big mines, oil, forestry and everyone else who has contacts.

I always look at the confusing way that concealed carry laws are mismanaged by the states... That completely screwed up approach would ruin our public lands.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

I worked on the inside of 44 today, making a few changes to make access to various storage areas a little easier.

I also did a bit of decorating... corny? perhaps... but, it's something I've wanted to do ever since I started taking 44 to remote locations.

 

[Weber Sarge]

This whole issue of leaving things up to the individual states is what causes all the problems and injects far too many politician/special interest into the mix . It's not about the Party , but who has the most leverage/money in lobbying . Sucks , period .
I agree about the Public Lands and wish gun laws were the same way - universal and federally set , no confusion .
Illinois is about the craziest of all with guns - FOID card required , concealed carry permit allowed but must have certification classes, ect...and transport laws are really a mix of gray areas .

I like how offroad clubs like Rising Sun have participated and worked along side of the DNR , it shows the Public how we can be not only responsible in usage of public lands , but also in management and helping protect ecosystems . Mark has done far more than his part as well in helping with the western desert areas - we need a lot more people like that .

Still waiting for a scale ticket on "44"....lol .

Sarge

 

[Solace in Solitude]

This whole issue of leaving things up to the individual states is what causes all the problems and injects far too many politician/special interest into the mix . It's not about the Party , but who has the most leverage/money in lobbying . Sucks , period .
I agree about the Public Lands and wish gun laws were the same way - universal and federally set , no confusion .
Illinois is about the craziest of all with guns - FOID card required , concealed carry permit allowed but must have certification classes, ect...and transport laws are really a mix of gray areas .

I like how offroad clubs like Rising Sun have participated and worked along side of the DNR , it shows the Public how we can be not only responsible in usage of public lands , but also in management and helping protect ecosystems . Mark has done far more than his part as well in helping with the western desert areas - we need a lot more people like that .

Still waiting for a scale ticket on "44"....lol .

Sarge

I haven't forgotten the scale, Sarge... just had to change plans and not take the long trip I had planned. The places I've found around here are way too busy with 18-wheelers.

 

[Weber Sarge]

It's not easy to get a weight in some areas - here , we just use a local grain company scale as they are as plentiful as the corn . Most operators don't mind and it's no charge if you ask nicely...
Sarge

 

[Solace in Solitude]

It's not easy to get a weight in some areas - here , we just use a local grain company scale as they are as plentiful as the corn . Most operators don't mind and it's no charge if you ask nicely...
Sarge

That's why I plan to use a rural quarry or scrapyard or something...

 

[65swb45]

Buddy of mine had one of his Samurais destroyed in AZ by flash floods - his kid had taken it into a deep dry wash and had a breakdown issue . After an hour trip to get parts/rescue party they came back to a flooded wash from storms 30 miles away in the mountains - and no sign of the truck . Four days later , another group found what was left of the rig - just a big white ball of metal . Engine/trans/tcase was all they could salvage and never did find one door , the hood , top and wheels/tires . There are boulders the size of cars that get rolled down through there , works like a hammer mill on anything in the way . $18k loss in total , lesson learned ...

Sarge

For years, there was a pic in the SOR catalogue of a flattened rig they pulled out of a canyon in Frazier Park. Me and Johnnie @fjl40 and Ken drove our 40s into find the one they didn't get out. I wanna say it was 1993. Marv's friend Bruno would know.

No evidence of frame or axles(buried underground) they had opened the hatch, but the water still blew the cap off the truck, the glass out of the instrument cluster, etc. there was debris in the trees 6 feet overhead.

Getting in was easy; getting out was an epic adventure, part of the Mark-gyver series. @fjl40 was there!

 

[65swb45]

It's not easy to get a weight in some areas - here , we just use a local grain company scale as they are as plentiful as the corn . Most operators don't mind and it's no charge if you ask nicely...
Sarge

Our local recycling center has scales at the entrance and exit for the transport trucks that clear the place out. Whenever I'm curious, I just accidentally drive my rig on THAT side of the entrance or exit. You're on and off the scales (which all have exterior digital displays) before anyone can come out of the office.

Like I said a couple of pages back, easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

Mark

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Our local recycling center has scales at the entrance and exit for the transport trucks that clear the place out. Whenever I'm curious, I just accidentally drive my rig on THAT side of the entrance or exit. You're on and off the scales (which all have exterior digital displays) before anyone can come out of the office.

Like I said a couple of pages back, easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

Mark

I may give this a shot. I'll have to see how it's accessed.

For years, there was a pic in the SOR of a flattened rig they pulled out of a canyon in Frazier Park. Me and Johnnie @fjl40 and Ken drove our 40s into find the one they didn't get out. I wanna say it was 1993. Marv's friend Bruno would know.

No evidence of frame or axles(buried underground) they had opened the hatch, but the water still blew the cap off the truck, the glass out of the instrument cluster, etc. there was debris in the trees 6 feet overhead.

Getting in was easy; getting out was an epic adventure, part of the Mark-gyver series.

It's amazing the power that water generates...

I try to only go into the Central Nevada mountains and deserts when there is no rain forecast... But, I've been caught a couple of times and sleeping in 44 makes it sound like an epic flood. I lay there and think how glad I am that I always park high and carry plenty of provisions.

Then I get up the next morning and it's already dry...

I don't ever want to be out there when a big storm hits anywhere up-drainage.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Well... The drawer I built for the back-tub irritated me... I decided I liked the shallow plastic totes better... But, I swapped the larger ones for the ones I carry in the Tundra.

This actually gives me more room and somehow holds the same spares, etc. as before...

Also, Chester says the cargo netting, in the back, droops too low... I took it down and cut a piece of plywood to fit inside the jumpseat roll bars and hung it with four U-bolts. Then I screwed the two cargo nets to the bottom of the plywood and pulled it up at the front and back... It hangs on eye-bolts at the front and hooks at the back... To keep everything on the shelf, on really rough trails. Here it is loaded...

Front

Back... Chester likes the way it doesn't sag like the cargo netting

I also hinged the front 1/3 of the sleep platform (under Chester's hind feet) so I can swing it up and put the passenger seat back back in.

Then, last, but not least, I made my bed... Chester/Gunner's bed will go in later.

It rained quite a bit in Vegas... And quite a bit more where I had planned to camp... It's a good thing we cancelled our trip!!

My 3rd epidural is Tuesday and Dr Appt Thursday... I won't be able make a trip next weekend, even if the rain is gone... But, maybe a week from Monday... We'll see...

daBoise are busy this afternoon...

 

[handcannon]

The well organized man/44. Everything within easy reach, especially the "safety" equipment.

Don

 

[Solace in Solitude]

The well organized man/44. Everything within easy reach, especially the "safety" equipment.

Don

I try, Don. With space at a premium, I have to be organized... But, I'm going to pair down the tools I carry... I think it's overkill.

 

[78fj40mg]

Very nice set up Danny! It looks real comfy and cozy, I guess you won't be needing the rear view mirror, is it for sale?

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Very nice set up Danny! It looks real comfy and cozy, I guess you won't be needing the rear view mirror, is it for sale?

Rick (@GA Architect) and I discussed the rear view mirror before... I explained, I like to 'check my look in the mirror'!!

 

[78fj40mg]

Another option is to get a backup camera that's running full time while driving. http://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PLCMDVR7...8&qid=1460307411&sr=8-16&keywords=back+up+cam

 

[DSB345]

You look well organized. Can't wait for the pics. Rear view mirrors are over rated. You only need them when you can't out run the car next to you. In my case, I rarely use it

 

[Solace in Solitude]

You look well organized. Can't wait for the pics. Rear view mirrors are over rated. You only need them when you can't out run the car next to you. In my case, I rarely use it

Thanks Dave!! I can't wait to go... But, I've got to...

I've been driving, using side mirrors for years... Started at age 11 or 12... Backing trailers with side mirrors, etc. the inside mirror is definitely overrated. I only use it (Tundra and 44) to keep an eye on daBoise and hang my sunglasses on.

If I look in the rear view mirror on the Tundra, I only see a travel trailer most of the time.

If I needed to see directly behind me, I'd stop and get out.

Today, I decided to repurpose a winch hitch receiver cradle... I permanently mounted the winch, so I don't need it for a winch any more.

Anyone see a glaring issue I'm missing... Besides strapping my 'fluids' tote down... And stinger pin?

 

[DSB345]

Make sure you take it off before you close the garage door