Not exactly a newbie

[SAR_Squid79]

Hey everybody - I'm Jamie (SAR_Squid79 on most Toyota boards). I'm a regular over on TTORA, and UltimateYota, and Pirate from time to time. I'm a TLCA member, and I come over here to Mud to look around every once in a while. I've wheeled with a bunch of guys from here, and I just realized that I've never posted. I've got a pretty heavily modified Tacoma that's my baby, and constantly a work in progress. I really hope to have a 40 or 80 series Cruiser in my future. But anyway...

My Rig:

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2000 Toyota Tacoma 4WD Converted PreRunner
+ 3.4L V-6, TRD,
+ TRD Rear E-Locker,
+ TRD Gen. I Supercharger,
+ URD Supercharger Fuel Upgrade Kit,
+ URD 2.2" Pulley,
+ Hayden 679 A/T Cooler,
+ IPT Valve Body Upgrade,
+ URD O2 Simulator,
+ Custom Magnaflow Exhaust System:
(2.5" Test Pipe w/ 4" x 18" Round Magnaflow Muffler, 5" x 8" x 24" Oval Magnaflow Muffler,
all 2.5" Stainless Mandrel Bent Piping w/ turndown after axle, no Cats),
+ 4" Deckplate Mod,
+ Airaid M.I.T. ,
+ True Flow Air Filter,
+ Inchworm "Lefty" Transfer Case (5.0:1 Low Range),
+ FROR Twin Sticks,
+ Donahoe Racing Extended Travel CoilOvers,
+ Camburg Uniball Upper Control Arms,
+ WabFab Off-Road Swaybar Quick-Disconnects,
+ Alcan Rear Add-A-Leaf,
+ Bilstein 5125 Rear Shocks,
+ Rear Diff Breather Extension Mod,
+ 15x8 American Racing Mojave Teflon Wheels,
+ 32 x 11.50 Cooper Discoverer STT's,
+ Cross Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors,
+ Carbon Kevlar Brake Pads,
+ Demello Off-Road HD Round Bolt-on Sliders,
+ Demello Off-Road Front Skid Plate,
+ 4xInnovations Front Winch Bumper,
+ BudBuilt Transfer Case Crossmember / Skid Plate,
+ Odyssey PC1200MJT Deep Cycle Battery,
+ 4xInnovations Custom Odyssey Battery Hold-Down,
+ Painless Wiring 12 Circuit Auxillary Fuse Block,
+ Uniden Pro520XL CB,
+ Firestik Firefly 4 Foot Antenna,
+ Innovate LC1+XD1 Standalone Wideband Kit,
+ LOTEK Boost Gauge,
+ Line-X Bed Liner,
+ Demello Off-Road Bed Bar (new style),
+ Delta Low-Profile crossover toolbox,
+ 4xInnovations Custom Swing-out Tailgate / Tire Carrier,
+ (2) ExpeditionWare Jerry Can Mounts,
+ Redline Tuning Hood QuickLift System,
+ AMSOIL Sythetics Bumper-to-Bumper,
+ Garmin 60CSx GPS Navigation,
+ SCION Radio Mod W/ Sirius Satellite Radio,

 

[Tatunka]

Well good first post! Hey I got a question, I used to hang out on ttora a lot until I started to rip apart my 40 and less attention to the taco, when I went back recently it seemed as though the board was imploding (with people moving, resentment toward mangement)? Whats up with TTORA? or am I just missing something? Seems like everybody who knows more than the average joe are over on pirate not TTORA now.

 

[SAR_Squid79]

From my point of view - TTORA is becoming overrun with kids, and people that really should not be there. People that don't really build up their rigs, and have no REAL interest in wheeling. People that are interested in which exhaust sounds the best, and which Cold-air intake will give them the most HP. Along with that, TTORA has sort of become divided. There are those in ABC area, that don't like some of the guys in XYZ area, and some of the people who just hate anybody new, and those that just want to stir up trouble. TTORA became a haven for internet tough-guys, and shameless flame-fest for a while.

While trying to combat the flame-fest, and turn TTORA around, some of the mods started to get WAYYYYYY out of hand and some of the more senior members - even some very knowlegeable CHARTER members - were getting banned over personal grudges, even if they were within the posted rules of the forum. There are also some unanswered questions and accusations about the legality and handling / mishandling of TTORA's finances.

...So anyway - there was a lot of hate and discontent going around for a while, and there is still some hanging over the board. For the most part - it's web wheelers that will NEVER show their faces (or their cold air intakes) out on the trail. I do agree with you - TTORA is not the same organization that I signed on with 4 years ago. The majority of the senior members who actually have built rigs, and wheel them - and the occasional decent new guys, are still good people who are trying to keep TTORA a good place. ...and yes, a lot of people who are in the know, have left/are leaving and hanging out on other boards.

 

[FJBEAR]

From my point of view - TTORA is becoming overrun with kids, and people that really should not be there. People that don't really build up their rigs, and have no REAL interest in wheeling. People that are interested in which exhaust sounds the best, and which Cold-air intake will give them the most HP. Along with that, TTORA has sort of become divided. There are those in ABC area, that don't like some of the guys in XYZ area, and some of the people who just hate anybody new, and those that just want to stir up trouble. TTORA became a haven for internet tough-guys, and shameless flame-fest for a while.

While trying to combat the flame-fest, and turn TTORA around, some of the mods started to get WAYYYYYY out of hand and some of the more senior members - even some very knowlegeable CHARTER members - were getting banned over personal grudges, even if they were within the posted rules of the forum. There are also some unanswered questions and accusations about the legality and handling / mishandling of TTORA's finances.

...So anyway - there was a lot of hate and discontent going around for a while, and there is still some hanging over the board. For the most part - it's web wheelers that will NEVER show their faces (or their cold air intakes) out on the trail. I do agree with you - TTORA is not the same organization that I signed on with 4 years ago. The majority of the senior members who actually have built rigs, and wheel them - and the occasional decent new guys, are still good people who are trying to keep TTORA a good place. ...and yes, a lot of people who are in the know, have left/are leaving and hanging out on other boards.

X2!!!!

Hey stranger! I haven't talked to you in a long while! Seems as though we are both expanding our knowledg base more and more!

But I think it is going to be a good long while before my post count here catches up to what it is over on the other board! But I couldn't agree with you more about your views, sad thing is I am an old timer, looking to move on! sad

 

[SAR_Squid79]

You should try to make it to Tall Corn this year, Bear.

It'll be about an 8 hour drive for you, but it's a 3-day event, and I've always had a great time. This will be my 3rd year in a row!

 

[FJBEAR]

I am wanting to go, but I need to redo my rear suspension on the taco, I am tired of it rubbing everything and tearing center pins out etc!

No way the FJ will even be moving by then. and money is always an issue.

I know I already said I wasn't going, but I should never say never until never happens!

I have the event main page book marked, I'll study it until I convince myself to go!

We will see! Besides I would hate for you to think that little trip to Arkansas was my truck's "best". It does way better than it did down there now!

 

[SAR_Squid79]

We will see! Besides I would hate for you to think that little trip to Arkansas was my truck's "best". It does way better than it did down there now!

LMAO!
...Yeah - same for my truck!​

Yeah - we definitely need to wheel together again! Maybe we should start thinking about a Badlands trip sometime after Tall Corn. My weekends are pretty much filled until then. Maybe sometime in October before it's freezing.​

 

[FJBEAR]

Well we are having a club run over at the badlands in September. Damn! I think it is the same weekend as Tall corn though. I don't think anything is official yet so I might be able to change the dates on that one though.

Even though I am over here now and on the new Toyota board...I am still the InTTORA president. So with that said, I can invite you over to our board anytime you feel like slumm'n.

I am always trying to keep our members active with runs and such!

But in regards to your truck, I definitely want to see it now that you converted to the "dark side" (4x)

EDIT: I just checked the dates of both the tall corn and the next Badlands run, and they do not conflict! and I am seriously thinking of going to tall corn all thanks to you!!!!!! BASTARD!

Are you busy this weekend? there is an XRRA rock race at the badlands I am taking my kids to.

 

[SAR_Squid79]

Are you busy this weekend? there is an XRRA rock race at the badlands I am taking my kids to.

Well . . . I got selected to play a soldier in the new Batman movie ("The Dark Knight" - the sequel to "Batman Begins") that's filming in Chicago right now. This weekend and next weekend I'll be busy with that.

 

[FJBEAR]

Oh man! can I have your autograph???????

actually that is pretty cool! I didn't even know they were film a sequal!

Well, it maybe safer to be on set rather than going to the "races" It went from me taking just my teenage son, to now taking him, my 8 year old daughter, and my sons friend. Guess I will be playing "mr. mom" this weekend!

Hey! enjoy this weekend though...filming a movie is very very interesting. could be a lot of standing around and waiting, but the behind the scenes stuff is pretty cool! Watching the grips and riggers can sometimes be amazing! I should know, I used to do it! The directors and producers don't care how things get done, as long as they get done. That means a lot of "creative" problem solving...it kind of reminds me of some of the trail fixes I have been involved in.

 

[FlatlandTRD]

Cool, nice to see that some of the seasoned (and mature) folks (who actually wheel) from ttora are on the boards here now. The decline over there has grown exponentially just in the past few months.

But enough negative, congrats on the soldier part, looking forward to the new movie!

Don't think I can make Tall Corn, too many events closer during that time. Kansas Krawl, Flat Nasty.... You guys should try to make Flat Nasty, in MO. Might be more of a drive than you want I guess, but keep it in mind.

Later

 

[LukeZero]

Easy on the Chat fellas... this is supposed to be tech.

If you want to, you are more than welcome to use the Hoosier Cruisers section here to make plans for a wheeling outing.

But, other than that, I would welcome all TTORA members that want to participate in 'mud.

 

[Happy Trails]

Great photos and rig! What kind of new rear suspension are you thinking
of going with? I'm also thinking about a new set of rear leafs, possibly Deavers. Were those photos taken in Utah?

 

[SAR_Squid79]

Great photos and rig! What kind of new rear suspension are you thinking
of going with? I'm also thinking about a new set of rear leafs, possibly Deavers. Were those photos taken in Utah?

Those pics are all from Moab, Utah - and actually all of those pics are on the trail "Moab Rim".

...I am going to have a set of custom Alcan 9-leafs made as soon as I can afford it. When I go wheeling, I tend to go heavy so I need a spring that flexes, but will also support the weight of all my gear. From my experiences with Deavers you either get one or the other - flex, or weight capacity. From what I hear Alcan does the best job at providing the best of both.

 

[Happy Trails]

I may look into a set of Alcans...our trucks are set up very similarly. I too
have Donahoes up front. I have an ARB bumper+M8000. I have a set of
Bilstein 5100 series in back and just an add-a leaf. The ride is terrible!
I bring a lot of gear with me when I wheel, plus I am in the market for
a duel sport dirt bike to take along. Where should I go to inquire about a custom set of Alcans? Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[SAR_Squid79]

To get a quote for Alcans, you have to contact them directly:
http://www.alcanspring.com/

You can call Charles, give him all the specs on your vehicle, and an estimate on how much weight you intend on hauling around, and the ride height that you're looking for and he'll do his thing, figure it all out, and give you an accurate quote.

Or you can buy the generic ones from Wheeler's:
http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/9504tacomaacleafsprings.htm

 

[Happy Trails]

Thank you!