Builds The Oddball 80 - Middle East GX Renovation (2 Viewers)

[wngrog]

5 months with the OddBall80 of cussing and bleeding came to a fantastic end/new beginning this weekend with a 1000 mile trip to Mark Twain National Forest with my new friends from Missouri.

We took off early as a 3 ship out of Mississippi with @WharfRat in his HJ60 and @Dustin Messina in his FJ60.

7 hours later we met @REKCUT and hit the dirt for what ended up being about 200 miles of awesome off road fun

 

[wngrog]

The OddBall did very good on the road and in the Ozark roads. It corners great with the low springs and minimal weight and got about 15 mph on the highway sections.

On the trail it’s nimble and able. Very very impressing all around. This area went from super tight trails to large glades. Dust was minimal and traction was (mostly) great

I’ll type up a full trip report in my club forum but the Oddball did super good. The only issue I discovered was these Bilstien shocks are not up to this type of abuse. They were hot to the touch (hand burning) after an hour on the trail. They never fully faded out but I can do better. Jason (our guide) at Ozark Overland is going to set me up Monday with just the ticket this truck needs. Stay tuned.

Photo by @MoJ

Photo via @WharfRat

 

[wngrog]

I only tried out my fancy E Locker on this last series of climbs. Sadly no one was around on the lower section to see if my locker was working there but I did get stuck in a place I was not expecting to. The light was on but .....

This angle, right when I could possibly tell the camera goes away



I really don’t think it was on looking at this angle.

 

[Willie G]

"5 months with the OddBall80 of cussing and bleeding came to a fantastic end/new beginning this weekend...."

I just knew that you had sold for it $50k when I read that.

Glad I was wrong!

 

[MoJ]

I only tried out my fancy E Locker on this last series of climbs. Sadly no one was around on the lower section to see if my locker was working there but I did get stuck in a place I was not expecting to. The light was on but .....

This angle, right when I could possibly tell the camera goes away



I really don’t think it was on looking at this angle.

Either you hit the left pedal or the locker wasn’t engaged because the rpms are still there as the wheel stops and video pans away.

 

[Grandlooser]

Of course the locker doesn't work, and needs to be replaced - leading to a full rear axle build. How else will this thread progress properly?

 

[desmocruiser]

Looks like an awesome trip!

Glad to hear you enjoyed the 80, the fun was well deserved after an epic build!!

 

[wngrog]

All unpacked and ready for some round town driving .....

This is the love tap I have the back. Could have been worse.

 

[REKCUT]

That tree got everyone. Thought i made it by until i saw my rear ditch light was bent back into the rear hatch. Still a great hill to end the day on.

 

[wngrog]

That tree got everyone. Thought i made it by until i saw my rear ditch light was bent back into the rear hatch. Still a great hill to end the day on.

Too bad it did no knock that damn thing off....

 

[REKCUT]

Too bad it did no knock that damn thing off....

Haters gonna Hate. I still not positive that you didn't take a swing at it along with the tree

 

[wngrog]

Haters gonna Hate. I still not positive that you didn't take a swing at it along with the tree

It’s good to have an authentic Missouri spotter

 

[wngrog]

 

[bwell]

I have been following this build for some time now. Nice you were able to put some miles on it finally.
Having owned a few acres of land at one point right next to the Mark Twain National forest, we miss the area dearly. Lived there for four years, a lot of hard miles on my 100 series there. P.s. your spotter picture above is not too far off in parts.

 

[wngrog]

Thanks for following along. It’s been a wild ride. I’m really impressed with the 3FE/H150 combo. Very nimble. Great setup once it’s working properly

 

[Broski]

View attachment 2510333
All unpacked and ready for some round town driving .....
View attachment 2510332
This is the love tap I have the back. Could have been worse.
View attachment 2510335

Those dam hip's on the fat Ladies always getting in the way!!!

 

[Broski]

Nice thread, thanks for sharing. Sweet to see that you are enjoying the oddball 80 in it's natural environment and not in a Museum.

 

[onesix6]

Measure once, cut twice

Did you mean, "measure once, cut twice, and buy thrice?"

 

[wngrog]

I pulled the rear seats out today as the first step to chase the squeak that’s making me crazy. While they are out I plan to do the side panels in Noico.

Squeak still there.

I pulled the door in with a ratchet strap and sure enough, it’s the barn door.

I flipped this guy 180* and it took most of it out. A nice fat new weatherstrip would be nice too.

Beno says I need to adjust the hinges but to be honest I don’t want to break the paint on them.......

 

[Crush 4]

I pulled the rear seats out today as the first step to chase the squeak that’s making me crazy. While they are out I plan to do the side panels in Noico.

Squeak still there.

I pulled the door in with a ratchet strap and sure enough, it’s the barn door.
View attachment 2512785
I flipped this guy 180* and it took most of it out. A nice fat new weatherstrip would be nice too.

View attachment 2512786
Beno says I need to adjust the hinges but to be honest I don’t want to break the paint on them.......

I’m glad I’m not the only one ADD about chasing rattled and squeaks. Had my trooper of a wife sit in the back to help figure one out... whatever it takes!!