Builds Purist Step away. Mint 400 2023 FJ45 (15 Viewers)

[landcrusher909]

Got to put some carb work in lol and they made it home

 

[landcrusher909]

Mint 400 Recap - Mat tie wired up the slip yoke I put the 45 in 2WD and after hearing from Race Ops Mat checked the course and we drove towards a frontage rd we spoted and waited for Rescue 11 to escort us to a staging area. We could still see the trucks, buggies and bugs rolling along the course, It was overcast and cool perfect racing weather. We were both smiling " We did it buddy " Greatest 10 miles of my Life ! I set out with 3 major goals back in Sept. Drive in the parade, Pass Tech and See the Green flag drop. Rescue 11 showed up and guided us to the trailer staging area, The entire time we were laughing and already going over how to make the 45 better for next year. It was at least 2 1/2 mile drive then it started raining LOLOL This was Awesome. As we pulled up to park and wait for the Team with my truck and trailer the 45 front axle locked up. One of the guys walked up and said : I think something fell out of your truck " I walked back and there was the pinion seal and bearing on the ground. The Ol 45 waited until we got where we needed to be before the bearing fell out and the pinion fell into the 3rd WINNING ! I Love this truck. The rescue team offered us water, soda, beer. Mat tells the guy I Think Rob could use a beer LOL. We watched the trucks run up the wash bed, Mat grinning says " Not a bad place to watch the race " Bobby, Pools, Taylor, Rob, Scott, Josh, Andie and Wendy showed up with the trailer. We were all smiles. Bro that was so BADASS Hugs, Smiles and handshakes. The guys made quick work pulling the drive flanges off so we could get the 45 on the trailer. Driving back to Primm I felt great, Yes I wish we could have gone the distance Mat reminded me " Its racing buddy " There are no what if's, Could have or should have. We made it back to the hotel and everyone was asking what happened. I knew already. I didnt stake the pinion nut which allowed it to back out and the drive flange pulled out the driveshaft hit the ground and the force cracked the t case. As more Team members showed up Mat and I relived every moment sharing what it was like. Britt and Sarah soon arrived and more hugs and smiles. Georg, Justin, Kurt all looked at the 45 and knew what I had already determined. Justin shared with me " Bro during the build there was a phone call, text message or someone stopped by and chances are took my focus off what I was doing " He's right and I missed a step. Would I do it again. Yes in a Heartbeat. The rest of the day some of the Team were still out in the pits helping another team. We would have to wait until we could all get together when the pits closed. After I had changed and word was getting out about what happened I got a phone call from a Cruiser buddy and he said let me put this in perspective for you Rob. " When you took that green flag not one person watching on the start line or at home didnt wish they were you and Mat at that moment, you raced in the Mint 400 " Later that night the remaining Rusty Nail team showed up. We owned Buffalo Bills and as we all sat around sharing a beer and sharing stories there was never a feeling of disappointment it was all smiles and laughter. Tom, Christy, Peter, Henry, Justin, Bobby, Ron, JIm, Mat, Wendy, Josh, Andie, Scott, Georg, Dillon, Kurt and the Utah crew, Sarah, Britt, Dan ( sorry I missed seeing you ) all those for the calls, text, support and Love. Cameron the suit it perfect. So many others over the last 6 months our Toyota community. We are already looking forward to the Miint 400 2024 and maybe a few races in between. Thank you everyone

 

[redfj45can]

 

[landcrusher909]

I have spent the last week cleaning up and packing up all the spare parts until the next race. I am going to make an appointment at one of the So Cal Ultra 4 tech shops. Once we get the roll cage banded there should not be any issues with tech in the future. Until then I pulled out one of the T case cores andstarted breaking it down for a full rebuild using one of Valley Hybrids/Cruiser Brothers rebuild kits @orangefj45 . Remember I got a 8 inch slip yoke from Kurt @cruiseroutfit I saved the old factory slip yoke and new U joint from them. Thats going to come in handy to replace the front driveshaft we lost, I started looking into new rear springs. The ones we used just arn't heavy enough and are already starting to flatten out. Its going to be a Great summer build I'm done working in the rain LOL

 

[middlecalf]

You answered the most pressing question I have and that’s what are you going to do with this rig now. The most heartening thing with this whole event was the level of expectations set from the git go. A lot of people argue if the glass is half full or half empty, I like to argue that the glass is twice as big as it needs to be. Expectation setting is an art. Bravo!

 

[landcrusher909]

@middlecalf Thank you. I have already contacted and have an appointment with the folks at Dever Sprngs in Santa Ana Ca they will be designing a new set of rear springs so we won't have any issuse there I have also been in touch with Wayne at All Tech we will get the 45 over for a visit and do a pre KOH/Best in the Desert pre tech I will make whatever mods they require and then schedule to have the truck and cage banded so there will be no more issues getting through tech. So many people have become a part of this story and were going to take it as far as we can. I met my goal for the Mint and learned a lot. Now its time to take that to the next level and move forward. California 300, King of the Hammers and back to the Mint 400 2024, Unless @cruiseroutfit Kurt finds us a race somewhere in between in Utah

 

[landcrusher909]

Took a trip out to Santa Ana last week and visited Deaver Springs, Josh the head tech guy took one look at the 45 and said " We want to be apart of this " so they will be building a new set of rear springs for the 45. The Saturday before that we took the 45 down to Orange County for Yota Nights. What a Great turn out and it was fun letting everyone check out the truck. Passed out some TLCA swag and had some Great tacos. Over the weekend I spent 3 days visiting Valley Hybrids for their Tech day. It was awesome and @orangefj45 Georg held a build day for earlt 3 speed T case's. I ill those pics posted tommorow a great turn out, awesome food and we have a race ready new T case for the 45

 

[redfj45can]

Note :

 

[SHREG]

Was pretty cool seeing you at the gas station in Mason. .. Took my brain a good 45 seconds to actually comprehend who, what I was seeing... Congrats on a yet another great adventure. You have once again inspired.

 

[landcrusher909]

Was pretty cool seeing you at the gas station in Mason. .. Took my brain a good 45 seconds to actually comprehend who, what I was seeing... Congrats on a yet another great adventure. You have once again inspired.

The look on your face was priceless. Perfect timing LOL

 

[landcrusher909]

Time for some updates. I headed up to Srockton for the yearly Valley Hybrids swap meet with the 45 in tow. What a Great turn out and perfrct weather at Perry Farms where the swap meet was held. Its always Great to see our extended Cruiser Family. Everyone enjoyed seeing the 45 and we got a chance to promote our sponsors. While visiting @orangefj45 Georg made the comment " Your alreagy here Bro and we have a lift at the shop " So we spent 2 days rebuiding another T case and prepping a new 3rd member. With the help from the shop crew and Medium G ( Garrett ) we completed all the repairs to the drivetrain and the Mint 45 is ready for our next race. July 7th at Glen Helen raceway on the short course dirt track. I cant Thank Georg enough and his staff for all the help.

 

[dogfishlake]

Great fiends you have for sure! Says a little something about you Rob, but don't let it go to your head!

Keep it up Garret, way to keep the Cruiser fire burning!

 

[orangefj45]

That was a great week!!!!!

Starting with our swap meet & car show and then wrenching on the Mint 45 together ….. especially since Medium G was part of it.

That’s what it’s all about!!!!!!

Georg @ Valley Hybrids @ Cruiser Brothers

 

[landcrusher909]

Things are coming back together, Next week we hope to have the cage fully completed to pass tech for our next race July 7th. Home - M.O.R.E. Mojave Off-Road Racing Enthusiasts - https://www.moreracing.net/

 

[landcrusher909]

Finished up the new spring packs today. The Deaver springs won't be ready for another 5 weeks. Next week I need to get the door bar figured out and then a trip to Alltech Motorsports to get the cage banded .

 

[KT40]

Looking legit Rob! Also, Have a great Father’s Day Tomorrow!

 

[landcrusher909]

Treated myself to something to help keep the race program going.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Nice!

I rock a similar forky at my casa. They can go up curbs, in the dirt, etc.

 

[cruiserdan]

Slightly smaller version of ours.

 

[landcrusher909]

Nice!

I rock a similar forky at my casa. They can go up curbs, in the dirt, etc.

I was so stoked to find this ! Its a Game changer