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!"After some wheeling and dealing, I acquired an ARB Front air locker. Score. Always wanted one, and the price was right. I knew a front locker is frowned upon by some as it seems to be hard on the CV’s but I figured I’ll try for myself and see. As long as I use my […]
Read more "Lock it up… with an ARB front Air Locker!"