What do you want to see in Toyota Trails?

[JohnnyC]

i want to see toyota sewing machines

 

[Kaderabek]

And Toyota guitars.

TJK

 

[Rzeppa]

The poll is kind of interesting to me. With the exception of Trail Reports, what people want is directly inverse to what they submit.

Tech (like woody's hybrid axle article) 35 18.52%
Maintenance (like how to adjust your valves) 51 26.98%
Trail Reports (like Cruise Moab 05 for example) 50 26.46%
Adventure (like the Tuby Explorer Series) 28 14.81%

We get a lot of adventure and trail reports and next to nothing on maintenance or tech (clearly not factoring in what Mark submits). Just strikes me as odd.

TJK

Trail reports are "relatively" quick and easy. You're out there on the trail, OF COURSE you brought your camera! When you return home you're all excited about it, and the trip is fresh in your head.

Tech takes a lot more discipline: you have to kind of recognize when to shoot the photos (logical steps in the project), you have to compose them well, and when you do the write up it takes more thinking about how to compose it in such a way that's helpful to the reader. You have to (or at least I try to) think about making it interesting and helpful for a fairly broad range of reader's abilities. Too detailed and you'll lose the more experienced wrenches, too simple and it won't help the n00b. And it makes whatever the project is take more time than it would if you simply went about the task at hand.

It's been over 6 years since I submitted my "How to install a Lockright" article. I promise you an article on rust repairing the rockers on my 71. I just have to get around to DOING the project

But if it's more tech/maintenance readers want, I'll be happy to make more submissions. One that crossed my mind recently for my web site, but I could save for Trails if you'd like, is "What to look for in buying your first Land Cruiser". A fellow emailed me recently asking advice on this subject, and it occurs to me that this might be of interest to some segment of Trails readers. Maybe they already have a runner or mini; I've met quite a few new FJC owners who are considering getting an old school 40. Another one I've considered for my web site but would be happy to send your way if you'd like is "What is a basic tune-up?". What all does it entail, and how do you do it? Frankly none of the manuals are very concise about this.

Anyway, now that I've seen the poll, I'll be thinking more about pulling out my camera when doing what I consider routine maintenance like adjusting the valves or ignition timing or...

Happy cruisin'!

 

[Kaderabek]

Great ideas and feedback, Jeff. I'm ready when you are -- I have more tech lined up for next year and I'd be pleased to add you to the mix. I think a proper trail article can be equally difficult -- especially when it doesn't go as planned.

TJK

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I have been thinking of a tech article for you Todd, I'll PM you...