The Possum Catcher

[DirtRoads]

So about the build:


What I really need is bump stops. I swear I'm 1/3 of the way through a set of Firestones just from fender rub.




The unfortunate reality is that there is one factor that takes bump stops out of the running as #1 priority:









You can't custom design the color scheme on a set of bump stops.




Punch me, I think I'm dreaming.

 

[gnarbicon]

I just came across this and had to create a login so I can ask the following question:

What is wrong with my driving style? Ha!

He broke a front lower link bracket off of his front axle later that day. Driving style was a factor.

 

[DirtRoads]

I just came across this and had to create a login so I can ask the following question:

What is wrong with my driving style? Ha!

 

[DirtRoads]

Don't run spacers, I know.

But I am and don't plan to quit .

Looking at these two options and need to order something in the next day or so. Does anyone have any input?

Trail gear: Rear Axle Wheel Stud
-I like it because it looks just like the stock ones so I know that it will fit properly. I don't like it because trail gear and it doesn't specifically say what they are made of. However, they are gold like the ARP options which leads me to believe that they are better than the silver Dormans off of Rockauto.

ARP: Possibly this one, have to measure the hub and make sure I get the right stuff. Kind of pricy but I 100% don't want my wheels coming off any more than necessary.
The Official ARP Web Site | Kits

 

[DirtRoads]

Tackett Creek. Started the trip with 8" of snow on the ground. Camped in 11 degree temps (I am a partially brown lifetime memphian so ouch). Carried our gear with us on the trail.

Am I an overlander?

The only thing that didn't freeze was the bourbon.

 

[DirtRoads]

(1) big 'ol JK
(1) go anywhere TJ
(1) possum catcher
(1) mild third gen 4runner that KICKS ASS. Drove from Savannah GA up to tackett, wheeled way out of it's weight class, and then drove home. Insane.

Frigid. Scenic. Great times all around with almost zero breakage.

We saw a cave, bear tracks in the snow, an outstanding overlook, a constant desolate winter landscape, and all of our buddies woke up in the morning in lieu of freezing to death.

We drank whiskey, ate elk chili, hit the rev limiter, talked shit, ran out of fuel, got lost, lit fireworks, cried from laughing, melted our boots while trying to dry them, and ate waffle house.

It can't get any better.

 

[DirtRoads]

The good:

-I threw some ruffstuff bumpstops on the rear of the rig and the improvement was outstanding. Two guys plus gear in a Samurai and she handled it great.
-The roof rack was a great expansion for hauling gear, but made it challenging to hold 50 while driving southbound on i75

The bad:

-I need to re gear. So bad.
-Each day of the trip, this thing would not start in the morning unless we pull started it. When cranking, it sounded super weak and shitty. When we pull started it, it would crank instantly. Annoying and not confidence inspiring. I have a new Denso starter to go on, we'll see what kind of difference that makes.
-Time to wire up the passenger seat heater. My codawg was cussing me all weekend for that one

 

[FleshEater]

That looked like an awesome time!

 

[rugburn]

Thanks for sharing

 

[DirtRoads]

That looked like an awesome time!

It sure was. We try to do a short UA style trip every year, we are two years in a row for it landing in January. It has snowed both times But it is always a blast.

Thanks for sharing

Just trying to keep the thread moving, if only for my own documentation. I don't work on it enough to post a lot of tech, so trip reports it is....for now

 

[FleshEater]

It sure was. We try to do a short UA style trip every year, we are two years in a row for it landing in January. It has snowed both times But it is always a blast.




Just trying to keep the thread moving, if only for my own documentation. I don't work on it enough to post a lot of tech, so trip reports it is....for now

Off road pics are good, too. I never seem to get any!