As I’m getting ready for the Appalachian Toyota Roundup, one of the things I go through are my trail spares I bring. Things can break when you least expect them to, and it’s a good idea to bring spares for your own vehicle, even if you don’t know how to replace them, there will always […]
Read more "Some thoughts on Trail Spares"One day in 2020 my phone rang. It’s Mark, from Metaltech. “Hey man, I’m taking the Atlas out of my Orange FJ. I’ll give you a good deal on it!” “Let me think on…. OK, sending funds now”.A week later, a pallet showed up with on it, a 4 Speed Atlas, 2 driveshafts and all […]
Read more "4 Speed Atlas install"“this axle is a beast! It’s a massive unit, giant differential housing, and monster DOM tubes. It took every bit of 2 people to lift it onto two wheeled dollies to move it underneath the truck”
Read more "Dana 60 installed!"Last April, my wife and daughter got me a InDeflate dual tire inflation/deflation tool. While not necessarily a new concept, it’s turning out to be a neat little gadget. The unit comes in a handy little pouch, with two hoses with locking fittings for valve stems. Also included is an adapter to go from an […]
Read more "Indeflate – a first look"Last November, I was up at Windrock Park, TN with a group of friends from Florida, for some trail time. We trailered EvilFJ up behind my friend Matt’s Tundra, as I knew I was probably going to push harder and run some gnarlier trails than normal. The “Remember, stupid, you have to drive this home” […]
Read more "Break all or nothing."Cue the panhard bar. A bar connected to the top left side of the axle to a mount on the frame on the right hand side.
Read more "The Panhard Problem"For a while I had been thinking about the future of EvilFJ. It’s been a great vehicle, and she’s been dead nuts reliable, and has taken me everywhere I’ve wanted her to take me, but I was starting to ask “What’s next?” Two options came to mind, either front Total Chaos long travel, or a […]
Read more "And then…Longtravel! (Part 1)"For those of you that run aftermarket control arms with Currie Johnny Joints or similar, some regular maintenance is required to keep things working 100%. But what is required? I know some that never check their joints, and others that rebuild them every 5k miles. Ultimately, it depends on many factors, but a big one […]
Read more "Check your nuts!"This year will be the second year I’m organizing a Toys for Tots run down in Southwest Florida. The turnout was good, and we collected a bunch of toys and had a great day. What: The event is a social meet and greet/potluck for Toys for tots. This is a family oriented events, bring your […]
Read more "SW FL Toyotas for Tots 2018"Once on a table inside, the disassembly began. Rear drive flange off, and remove the cover that hold the rear flange seal.
Read more "A nice add-on to the front locker…Twin Sticks!"