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Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on November 25, 2017, 06:53 PM:
...is a shit heap.
My coyote huntin' rig I been trying to keep running.
(edit...I know theres a hunting rig forum down below, but oh well)
Mark
[IMG] 
002 by Lonehowl, on Flickr[/IMG]
[ November 25, 2017, 06:55 PM: Message edited by: Lone Howl ]
Posted by Paul Melching (Member # 885) on November 26, 2017, 05:21 AM:
That is one nice looking coyote wagon !
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on November 26, 2017, 06:23 AM:
I'm a sucker for shit heaps ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
.
Know what you mean about the trying to keep running part though. Mine is at "that age" and level of cumulative abuse.
- DAA
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on November 26, 2017, 09:57 AM:
I just sold my Dodge Power Wagon. Over 500,000 miles on it, had a lift kit and it has always gone through U joints like crazy because of the angles. The drum brakes require a lot of attention and they don't stop as well as we might like, but it's a '74.
However, in all those years, nothing was spared that might improve it as a hunting rig. Yes, you bet, selling it was almost an emotional experience. We both labored to get it loaded on the trailer, but I'm told it's running now.
A lot of coyotes died from that rig. Very high number, in fact. Yeah, I miss it but the maintenance became more than I wanted to deal with, so it's gone, permanently stationed in Elko, so you might just run into it once in a while, Dave. Always gets looked at, always has. Ive been told there is a photo on the bulletin board at Sells PD. Been photographed by California Fish and Game, too. And the Federal Rangers around Death Valley and East Mojave.
And, Mexicans loved that truck! I think they could see the possibilities.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by earthwalker (Member # 4177) on November 27, 2017, 05:28 AM:
Nice looking. But it isn't old at all.
I've got a cj2a to fix and get running one of these days. It's a 1947.
[ November 27, 2017, 05:29 AM: Message edited by: earthwalker ]
Posted by Wiley E (Member # 108) on November 27, 2017, 09:20 AM:
Leonard: "And, Mexicans loved that truck! I think they could see the possibilities."
Haha! Too funny!
"Ok, come out with your hands up ... that means you....and you....and you....and you....and you....and you....."
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on November 27, 2017, 09:34 AM:
If you saw "No Country For Old Men" it's those type of trucks they like. "RETRO"
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by Dave Allen (Member # 3102) on November 29, 2017, 08:50 AM:
Nice looking Jeep, Mark. I have one same body style XJ, I think their called ?
I got mine about 10 years ago with a 100k on it, it's about 200k now. Runs strong & all that, however the last 4-5 years tons of electrical problems.
These are great on two tracks 'n such, easy to spin around. Great traction mine will climb about anything. I don't trust it much anymore, planning on taking it to Central Oregon soon. I'm starting to wonder if it's time to sell & get something else ?
I don't know ? something about these damn Jeeps. Kinda hard to let go ?
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on November 29, 2017, 11:10 AM:
Me, on the other hand, I always felt that Jeeps were much overrated. In the Army, I was the driver for the Platoon Leader Lt. Peterson, who was the only buddy I kept in tough with for more than 50 years until he died about 4-5 years ago. But I attended his funeral in Omaha, he was a good man.
Where was I? Oh yeah, we traveled many miles in that 1/4 ton. It was the most uncomfortable vehicle I've ever experienced, mainly due to the short wheelbase. We would scout routes for the construction crews to install their communication cables. Also, the friggin' jeep was the easiest vehicle to get stuck of any in the Army. The best, go anywhere vehicle was the deuce-n-a-half. Next was the 3/4 ton weapons carrier, a pick up style. But the damned quarter ton was always getting stuck and I had to be very creative to keep out of trouble. Also, FYI, German trees, even of you wind the cable around three close together, they will pull up by the roots and will not get you unstuck if it is even a little uphill. Them fucking Krauts made a fortune charging us for field damage and uprooting trees!
Good hunting. El Bee
PS then, they would follow behind us and cut the hocks for the brass salvage, rendering a quarter mile of spiral 4 cable worthless. Assholes! They lost, motherfuckers! Deal with it!
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on November 29, 2017, 11:39 AM:
Yep...XJ. Mine is an 89. Which is much different engine wise than say, a 91 and up. They can be little bastards. 140,000 on it. Yes, you have to keep an eye on electrical shit for sure, especially like 96 and up I hear. You also have to pay very close attention to the cooling system on these, XJ's will overheat in a second, if you aint paying attention. The way the motor is packed in these things with no way for the heat to get out is crazy. I have some hood louvers Im going to put on before summer, and rip off the hood insulation while Im at it among other things. Lots-o-projects. Mine has lockers front and rear, comes in handy. Also, some black D window steelies and different tires are in order, someday. Im running 35's off of a JK right now, with 4.56 gears. Also looking for a roof rack, but dont want to spend an arm and a leg.
Im a Chevy and Toyota guy at heart, never really messed with Jeeps much, but this one fell into my lap a long while back...free basically..so i have embraced it and all its problems. I ran an old Toyota for years for all my calling adventures, 2 of them actually, then one bit the dust and somehow, I let my wife talk me into selling them! Never again! I need shit heaps in my life, to keep me happy.
Mark
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on November 29, 2017, 12:52 PM:
I do too. Need shit heaps in my life.
Bought my Son a '95 ZJ, here about eight years ago. It's been pretty low maintenance, really. I mean, it's needed the usual stuff, exhaust manifold, steering refresh to cure DW, CPS, water pump. But nothing dramatic.
I've had my LJ a dozen years now. A dozen rough years. I've used it HARD. And it's starting to show. So, I've got a shit heap in my life .
Been daily driving a 100 series Landcrusier for many years now. An '02. It's been pretty bullet proof. But, when it does need attention, it's ALWAYS $$$$$. If I have to pick a wrench in anger on that Cruiser, it's gonna cost. Every time.
Ditto Tacomas. I think they are the best calling rig going, bar none. My partner Tim drives one, his Wife does too. So does my buddy Pete. A lot of the guys I wheel with roll Tacomas. They are very capable and very reliable. But because so many people I know wheel them, I have actually spent more time wrenching on Tacomas over the past few years than Jeeps, of which I own two. And, like my Cruiser, when they do need anything done, get out your wallet! They are easy to work on at least. Like Jeeps.
Big downside to them, is IFS. It has it's limitations, if you have any kind of budget restraints anyway. For most guys and most uses, it's really not a big deal. But, if you wanted to build a Tacoma or 100 Series to where it could follow my LJ if I was trying to lose you, it would cost a shit ton of money. A shit ton!
Very few guys have any need to build a Tacoma to that level though. The ones that do, are mostly smart enough to start with something besides a Tacoma, LOL!
- DAA
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on November 29, 2017, 01:01 PM:
BTW... Just yapping here, but...
I have thought the Tacoma is the best off the lot calling rig a guy could buy for a long time.
But! The new Colorado, with small diesel and lockers. It has no track record yet, so I'm still saying Tacoma. But, if the Colorado lives up to expectations, a couple years from now, I'll be saying it's the best off the lot calling rig a guy could buy.
On paper, it kills the Tacoma. Early reviews are all super good too. Time will tell. But it looks like the Tacoma might finally have some really serious competition. More than just competition.
- DAA
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on November 29, 2017, 01:06 PM:
'Had' a Jeep CJ-7 Laredo.
Bought it new.
Biggest piece of shit I've ever owned. In the shop as much as in my driveway.
Sold it with 13,000 miles on it & good riddance.
Bought a Toyota p/u & drove the wheels off of it.
Best per dollar investment I've ever made.
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on November 29, 2017, 01:29 PM:
I actually had a 4x4 Taco long ago, loved it and not sure why I really got rid of it, but I did bust a wheel off one time in the desert...IFS front. What a nightmare.I was looking for a second gen 4runner all last year, and couldnt find one that suited me. If I did, the owner wanted a shit ton of money for it. Toyotas and Jeeps seem to hold their value thats for sure.
I like simple stuff. I have to say, if you dont mind wrenching a bit, an old Jeep is ok with me. Parts are available, pretty cheap, and not super hard to put on. Im not super mechanical, I can do basic stuff, so the simpler the better.
The only thing that burns my ass is California smog. Geezus...what a joke. Getting something old up to smog spec here can be a pricey endeavor.
Mark
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on November 29, 2017, 01:44 PM:
I've helped in getting several Taco's with busted off wheels back on their feet again .
I really like how those ball joints bolt on when I'm working on them. Lot easier to deal with than the press fits on a Dana. But it's a weak point, for sure.
- DAA
Posted by Az-Hunter (Member # 17) on November 29, 2017, 02:49 PM:
Got an 01 Tacoma, literally the best truck Ive ever had. Not as roomy as my old Chevy 4X4s, but sure can leave them behind when it comes to "getting out there".
Getting a lot of miles on it now, 246,000, and I absolutely hate wrenching, get my brother to do most of what it has needed, but he says it's going to need more than what he wants to piss with in the future.
Sure wish I could turn back the clock on it, for I sure as hell can't afford a new one.
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on November 30, 2017, 11:13 AM:
Speaking of Jeeps again...
Jeep unveiled the all new Wrangler yesterday. Looks like they did pretty good. Some decent improvements and didn't mess up too much of the old good stuff.
Still solid axle, body on frame, thank gawd. Bigger wheel well openings and a highline fender option that should fit 35's with no lift - that's bad ass. Diesel option. Eight speed autos, which is great, especially since they are giving them nice 4.7:1 first, that along with a slushy converter will make for some great crawl control. I love the eight speed in my Ram.
I'm more excited about the new six speed manual though, 5.7:1 low! The six speed in my LJ has like 4.24:1, and I've liked that pretty well - 2nd gear starts on flat ground running 35's. But mine isn't real beefy and is starting to show some wear. Need rebuilt or replaced eventually and I'm liking the prospects for just replacing it with this new six speed.
They beefed up the axle tubes, inner C's and knuckles on the front too. Which was badly needed. Ring gear is smaller though? Not a lot smaller, but still... Sure hope the ring gear isn't welded to the carrier like newer Ram's, that would suck. Makes changing R&P gears a major problem. And nobody leaves the stock gearing alone once they start messing with the rest of it, gears are the best bang for the buck there is to get some oomph back on big tires. Running 4.88's in my LJ only because of the six speed, if it was an auto I'd have put 5.37's in it.
- DAA
[ November 30, 2017, 11:15 AM: Message edited by: DAA ]
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on November 30, 2017, 11:17 AM:
Oh, and doors still removable and windshield still folds down only they made it a lot easier to do. Those were two things I figured they'd probably leave behind. Glad they didn't! Jeep wouldn't be a Jeep if you couldn't take the doors off.
- DAA
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on November 30, 2017, 12:54 PM:
Sounds awsome, and pricey!
Mark
[ November 30, 2017, 12:55 PM: Message edited by: Lone Howl ]
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on November 30, 2017, 01:10 PM:
I might be in the market for one. In about ten years .
- DAA
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on November 30, 2017, 01:11 PM:
And by that I mean, waiting to buy a ten year old one, not waiting ten years to get a new one!
- DAA
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on November 30, 2017, 04:15 PM:
20 for me lol
Posted by Paul Melching (Member # 885) on December 01, 2017, 04:51 AM:
My dad used to take me hunting in his WW II willys
I took my boys in a CJ 5 with a V-8 High rise manifold and a Holley double pumper, pass anything but a gas station. these days I'm in love with my little FJ cruiser . resale 90% of retail.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on December 01, 2017, 08:32 AM:
I've had my eye on those things, Paul. Although, institutionally, I have a huge block when it comes to Toyota, but that one is growing on me. If I could get it it one of the rare colors, like dark green or maroon, maybe black. I forget, but anything but ugly blue. And, they do seem pricy. Tom Moore has one, all decked out with lights everywhere, big fucking tires and roof rack for Baja.
Good hunting
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on December 02, 2017, 08:55 AM:
I looked on line a bit. Yes, pricy. I'm not real keen on V6 aluminum engines. But they do have a certain Commando Cachet.
Posted by MI VHNTR (Member # 3370) on December 02, 2017, 06:04 PM:
It looks like Fiat has copied Ford's lead with their new aluminum body Jeep Wrangler.
"With its traditional look, some might be surprised at the materials used to build the new Jeep. The doors, hinges, hood, fenders and windshield frame are made from high-strength aluminum, while the rear swing gate is made from magnesium (as predicted by some Allpar sources)"
https://www.allpar.com/SUVs/jeep/wrangler/2017.html
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on December 09, 2017, 07:09 PM:
Worked on the heap today. Put on a new harmonic balancer. Old one was coming apart, worked it way backwards and was scraping the timing cover. Good times!
Mark
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on December 10, 2017, 05:31 AM:
Noticed one of the bolts holding the transfer case skid to the frame had gone missing and another was on it's way yesterday. Fixed that. Really hoping nothing really needs serious attention until warmer weather. Hate working on stuff in the cold. Hate the cold. Period.
But motor mounts, come spring. Pretty sure they'll hang together until then.
- DAA
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on December 10, 2017, 07:27 AM:
Working a wrench in cold weather?
I remember a time with two other guys I'd never hunted with before. We were south of Rock Springs, Wyoming and the transmission on this Jeep Wagoneer type vehicle wouldn't move. It was amazing that we got a tow truck in a short time.
He left us in the middle of the cold night right in front of the Jeep dealer and we sat there. Then one of my buddies saw the exact same vehicle within feet of us and we almost had to tie him up with his harebrained idea to switch out transmissions with that poor innocent vehicle parked nearby.
Imagine, no jack below freezing temperatures and stealing a transmission? Include me out! After placating him for a while, the owner of our vehicle tried to get it going and what a miracle,
it started and engaged and we never had another problem with it all the way home.
But that man needs to be locked up for his own good! I've had enough, working on trucks in freezing weather over in Germany, no thank you! You know how you don't want to do something and eventually you get sucked into helping someone more eager than you? I just knew we would be frozen stiff by the time the sheriff showed up, better to wait for reasonable people to open for business in the morning.
Good hunting. El Bee
edit: don't try this at home:
http://www.coolestone.com/media/18228/Pistol-Packin-Paula---She%27s-Just-A-Girl!/
[ December 10, 2017, 07:38 AM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by Paul Melching (Member # 885) on December 10, 2017, 11:33 AM:
Pretty sure I am in love with Paula!!
Posted by Paul Melching (Member # 885) on December 10, 2017, 11:41 AM:
Back when I was young I think that was the Jurassic period I changed out a tranny in my forty nine ford f-1 In the Hughes market parking lot on the corner of Van Nuys Blvd. and Burbank Blvd. in the dark of night freezing my ass of record time about forty minutes. great truck flathead eight always reliable up to that particular Evening . ..
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on December 10, 2017, 02:39 PM:
Paul, when you were young weren't Van Nuys & Burbank dirt roads ???????
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on December 10, 2017, 04:35 PM:
Yeah, and they weren't named, like on the Papago. If you don't know where you're going on that res, you won't get there.
Good hunting. El Bee
edit: which is why I had all my Geological Survey maps laminated! Do you know where Squaw tit Peak is? I do.
[ December 10, 2017, 04:36 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by 243aaron (Member # 4786) on December 11, 2017, 05:56 AM:
Awesome looking jeep! I had a 99 cherokee, that picture makes me miss it. Got it with 122k miles and beat the hell out of it until it had probably 215k ish. Had a fair amount of little things go wrong on it but overall it was a solid rig.
Posted by DanS (Member # 316) on December 18, 2017, 05:36 PM:
A couple of months ago I came very close to buying an '08 extended cab Taco with about 67000 miles. I rode and looked great. But damn with taxes and plates, etc we were over 18000 plus I would have had to put a camper top on it, another grand. I decided to keep using the Tahoe. Maybe in a couple years I'll get a 2014 or so Taco.
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on December 18, 2017, 07:01 PM:
Geezus.....my 23 year old son just pulled up in a 2018 4 door Wrangler, lifted with 33" Pro Comp tire/rims, all kinda shit. Traded his car in for it...said he feels more man-ly now.
Jeep shit. I swear.
Mark
Posted by Aaron Rhoades (Member # 4234) on December 18, 2017, 07:42 PM:
Pics??
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on December 19, 2017, 08:33 AM:
Never understood Jeep shit, myself? I drove a 1/4 ton all over Europe and that bitch had a ride that would put your back in traction, plus, it got stuck every time I got off pavement....or at least it seemed that way? There's a reason why the military puts a winch on the front. But, any who.
Oh yeah, there was that Jeep product I rented in Arizona a few years ago. I don't know, a station wagon looking thing, maybe a grand cherokee or something? I swear, south of Phoenix, pretty flat farm country, I pulled over a plowed berm on the left side and got high centered and stuck in soft dirt. And, I had nothing but a meat clever to dig myself out, (don't ask).
That was an unreasonable situation, in my book. In any truck I've ever had, I would have drove over that berm without a problem, not even thinking about it.
That's like why I'll never buy a Ford. I bought a '64 Fairlane 500 in 1966 and got a very good deal. Never been hard on gear but I put two more transmissions in that car before I got rid of it. I admit to rebuilding my Dodge's 727 trans, (which is bulletproof) because the torque converter blew up but that Ford, there was no excuse. I'm not a Ford man, what can I say?
end of rant
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on December 19, 2017, 09:06 AM:
Ill slap a few pics on this evening when I get home.
My parents were Ford people all the way. My dad grew up racing Fords on the street and SoCal tracks. now though, in his late years, he seems to be a Dodge pickup guy?
I on the other hand...cannot stand Fords of any kind. I loved my dads 1971 Ford 4x4 pickup, grew up doing a lot of stuff in that thing, but every Ford they had after that I hated. I like the looks of the pickups but just couldnt make myself get one.
Mark
[ December 19, 2017, 09:08 AM: Message edited by: Lone Howl ]
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on December 19, 2017, 09:27 AM:
Damn... How did he score so fast?!
I know three guys that ordered them the second dealers were able to and they don't expect to see theirs until next month at the earliest.
First JL delivery I've even heard about.
Congrats to him! And pics man, pics!
My 22 yo is still driving his '95 ZJ and says he'll keep it as long as he can.
- DAA
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on December 19, 2017, 09:35 AM:
Yeah, mines probly in over his head with this thing...but hey...he's manly now! Its a base package model, but still dang nice, from what I saw.
I have not even seen it in the daytime, just laid eyes on it the other night so when he swings by Im gonna take a test drive : )
[ December 19, 2017, 09:36 AM: Message edited by: Lone Howl ]
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on December 19, 2017, 11:24 AM:
Jeeps, eh? I don't get it but hey, whatever blows your skirt up! ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
I'm mainly with this man's Dad, it just killed me to sell my '74 Power wagon, but the member who bought it has big plans, and it already looks like he will surpass my body count before the wheels fall off. He sent me a photo and although I didn't count them, looked like 40/50 laying there, in the round.
But, ol' Dave, the one time I went with him, he got his Dodge 3/4 ton stuck pretty good, a worse predicament I've not seen in a while. We got caught in a melting seep, but I was surprised. I won't even get into what it took to get us out of there.
Anyway, I've been driving this 2004 Titan since they first came out and generally, it's been a good truck. The two previous Datsun/Nissan's I've owned, I sure drove them bastards 'til they gave up. It's like the Ford/Chevy argument, You are either a Toyota man or a Nissan man, and never any back and forth.
If I get another truck, it will be a Nissan or a Dodge. Fords and Toyotas are not under consideration, although I'm sure they make great vehicles, they just aren't for me. In a weak moment, I might buy a Chevy, probably?
The only Toyota that has caught my interest lately is Paul's and Tom Moore's FJ cruisers. I really pay attention when I see one on the street. There is a dark green and a sort of Maroon color that seems acceptable, also a dark blue that I wasn't even aware of, I thought they only had that garish Royal blue. But that mustard color sucks, don't like white either. The green gets my vote but my titan's still running, more than 13 years now, could use a little paint, that AZ pin striping is getting out of hand. Not so good on gas, I admit.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on December 19, 2017, 11:43 AM:
It's a Jeep thing Leonard. If it has to be explained, then you wouldn't understand anyway.
Though, honestly, I try and avoid all brand loyalty. Could give a crap about truck brand, for instance. Whatever looks to work best, don't care who makes it. Cars? I have no preference.
But the Jeep Wrangler, yeah, it's a thing. Removable top and doors. Big part of the secret sauce. Jeep was very wise to keep that in the newest. Not an easy or cheap thing to do with crash safety standards to consider.
I wasn't surprised we got stuck there. Was scared to death to drive in there, by the time we tried to leave, that was pretty much what I thought was going to happen...
I owned two of those 3/4 ton diesels. Worst off road rigs ever invented...
- DAA
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on December 19, 2017, 12:48 PM:
If I know I am about to get in trouble, like that seep that Dave got stuck in, I would put the pedal to the metal and blast through. But, I didn't understand the danger like he did. We might still be there, without help? You know when you have sticky mud and you need to bang the shovel on a rock to get the mud to release? Makes for really difficult digging.
Another one is really fine mud silt, usually when a flash flood crosses your escape.
I have had to dig down to the roadbed before with wind blown fine sand. Dug down to the door handles, in fact, scooping sand with my hands under the truck as it sank, and the powder was full of those little white scorpions, and I'm lying in it.... and it was starting to rain! Had to dig a path in front, on the road and angle to the side to get the hell out of there. I wasn't driving, but my stupid cousin STOPPED, to downshift! Next stop was straight down to the axles! I could have choked him! Four hours later, we were out of trouble....until he got the ignition wet! My blood pressure's up just thinking about that one!
OK Dave, I accept "a Jeep thing". Like these guys that shoot an Encore or an AR, I don't understand it but I accept it. The world would be very dull if we all agreed. But, I will tell you one thing. Jeep people sometimes lose sight of the objective, more concerned with the challenge of the terrain, rather than the hunt.
I never lose track of how far I have to walk OUT of trouble. When I engage 4 wheel drive, I ponder the situation and look for a better way. If I need to leave it in 4 wheel, due to general deteriorated conditions, I take no more risk and when doubtful, it's full speed ahead. By now, I'm a pretty good driver in bad shit; meaning I do not often get stuck. But, some people, like my kid, he thinks he's driving a friggin' tank that will go anywhere! But, I've seen that, and that's why the Army has such things that are called "TANK RETRIEVERS". Caution is the key word. And, recognize what will be a problem before getting into it! edit: even if you have to get out and walk up to problems before driving into it.
End of sermon.
Good hunting. El Bee
[ December 19, 2017, 12:56 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on December 19, 2017, 07:29 PM:
Well, this is a late 2017, NOT a 2018, I mispoke. but, pretty nice regardless. Flikr is not wanting to upload pics tonight apparently so this is all I got.
Mark
[IMG] 
002 by Lonehowl, on Flickr[/IMG]
003 by Lonehowl, on Flickr
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on January 03, 2018, 07:48 PM:
Nother Jeep shot...just cause.
Mark
[IMG] 
001 by Lonehowl, on Flickr[/IMG]
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