Builds Roma's 78 fj40 gets a refurb

[roma042987]

Now here is the point where the trip starts to get interesting. Up to this point the terrain has been rough gravel roads and I have passed many jeeps and other vehicles. I don't think 4wheel drive has really been necessary. I spoke to a Toyota Tacoma driver earlier asking if he knew the condition of the passes past the race track. He responded by saying he nearly drove a jeep cj5 off of the mountain back there years ago and has never been back since. I thought to myself how bad could it be? I had read of this trail in an Overland Journal magazine I had from 2007.

With a bit of an uneasy feeling in my stomach I proceeded ahead with the transfer case in low range. The sun was low on the western horizon at this point and knowing I was in the mountains I was sure darkness would come quick.

I came to a small switch back with a flat area that had sufficient room to set camp and was somewhat protected from the biting wind. I threw up the tent as the last rays of sunlight were coming over the inyo mountains.

 

[roma042987]

The night was bitterly cold with what sounded like rainfall but I reassured myself in my sleep that it was my imagination....here is what I awoke to. The night brought a snow storm that covered the mountains I prepared to cross on the allready treacherous trail.

I proceeded with caution off of the mountain and into the valley below. With the snow blanketed mountains awaiting my arrival. I came to this interesting intersection of Lippincott and saline valley rd.

The snow accumulation was very mild at lower elevation and gradually increased as I made my way up the mountain. My lone tracks in virgin snow was a grim sign but was also strikingly beautiful.

 

[broth9640]

 

[roma042987]

 

[roma042987]

I eventually found my way to highway 190 and said good bye to death valley with a smile in the rear view mirror.

 

[Chamba]

And that is why I moved home to the American west afterseven long years in Australia. What an amazing country we live in. In Australia that would all be private and the police would close the road due to the snow.

 

[roma042987]

I left death valley and set my bearings on Sequoia national park. Being winter time I couldn't take the passes across the Sierras like I had planned so I had to head south to go around. This detour took me through sequoia national forrest and the Kern river valley which is a sight to behold.

Upon leaving the Kern river valley I passed through orchard country. These were the freshest oranges and strawberries I have tasted in a very long time. They were being sold in front of the orchard.

 

[lcwizard]

looks a lot different with snow...did you get to the "racetrack"

 

[roma042987]

Entered sequoia national park at the southern entrance snow wasn't an issue here. We rented a cabin for the night for a much needed comfortable nights rest and shower. I was told tire chains were required to be carried but I didn't have any and couldn't swallow the outrageous rental fee.

 

[roma042987]

 

[roma042987]

 

[roma042987]

Visited general Sherman in sequoia and general Grant in kings canyon national park both parks are absolutely amazing. From there took off to Yosemite. Tent camped in Yosemite in the snow pretty sure had a black bear visit camp in the middle of the night. Finally decided the military surplus foam mats I have been sleeping on are not cutting it. Maybe I'm getting old. Bought two thermarests the next day also a thermarest pillow.

 

[roma042987]

Took off for the 101 freeway for a scenic drive along the coast headed for LA to visit my brother and father whom I haven't seen in years. Having read about surf and turf I decided to take another detour and play in the sand.

 

[roma042987]

Met a fellow diesel cruiser mud member at a gas station. Fey1

 

[Chamba]

You must be loving that galvanised frame with all the road salt and beach Cruising. Any plans for lockers in the future?

How is all of your handiwork holding up after your little test drive?

 

[roma042987]

Beach cruising yes, I haven't crossed any road salt yet. Only problem to report is the starter has clicked on three occasions. The starter was a new remanufactured unit I purchased from a mud member in May. After last years road trip it exhibited the clicking so while I had the truck apart I dug into the starter it had worn the contacts prematurely on one side. I replaced them before I left and didn't have an issue until friday. I'm suspecting they are worn again. I have called the reman company "Dixie electric" and they said that they wouldnt stand by their warranty since I was not the original purchaser. "Even though I received it new in box". Lockers are certainly on the list I plan on rebuilding both axles and installing the ubolt flip kits. I can't decide on a locker however, I would really like electric or cable opposed to the arb's. Roof top tent will be on the list as wellbefore the next road trip this summer. I am also going to round up another 30mm ammo can for the other wheel well and will also install my confer rear storage containers in the back.

 

[roma042987]

East bound and down loaded up and truckin

 

[Chamba]

I love my cable lockers but if I were to do it all over I'd go ARB. Cables and electric require a lot of ancillary bits such as long spline axle shafts. I love my 60 series axles, but ARB lockers would also mean on board air.

Bugger about the starter. Relay?

 

[roma042987]

No its not the relay its the plunger/contact assembly in the solenoid. I don't want to add air for arb's and don't like the fact they disengage or unlock if air is lost. As opposed to electric which remain in whichever state they were in if power is lost.

 

[roma042987]

Just made it home! That was a long test drive with a 12% odometer discrepancy for the 33" tires 6115 miles 11 days. That's 9841 kilometers