"
What did he buy?"
We wanted a 2nd rig that was easier to drive to the local runs with a longer wheel base versus the Blue Mule so I had my eyes out for a 4Runner or Mini truck. We found a 1985 X-Cab mini truck last weekend for a good price. It has a 22RE, 5 spd with Marlin Crawler dual T-Cases (2.28/4.71), 5.29's, longfield 30 spline axles & birfs, a Detroit Locker in the rear and an ARB in the front. I put 37's and beadlocks on it. It also has an All-Pro roll bar/tube bed in back and bumper/stinger in front with a Ramsey 9500 winch with synthetic line on it.
I rattle can painted it bright green on Saturday (it was multi-color) with orange beadlock rims. The wife chose the color and she wants to call it the "Gecko" (Thats OK, read-on and you'll understand why).
So, it looked good, had new rubber and ran great. Since the Mule is getting FJ60 axles we decided we would take it on a shake down cruise to OCG. Of course, all of my tools, on board air, straps, etc are still in the Mule but I figured "Hey, what can happen"
So the rig is doing really well all day. We did most of the harder lines without spinning a wheel. It's amazing (to me anyway) how much of a difference the longer wheelbase (117") makes climbing and such. Were puddling along and I go over a small rock when I hear a "clang". It sounded to me like we blew a tire and maybe the beadlock rim came off. I get out and look and there are 2 of the 3 leaves from the back half of the spring pack laying on the ground!
Nay gives a pretty good description of the recovery effort so I won't repeat all of that.
But, there I am standing by this severely broke vehicle with basically a 1/2" wrench in my left hand and my **** in my right and nothing else.:o I was as unprepared as you could possibly be. My apologies to everyone because I normally go much better prepared.
However, I don't think I could hold a candle to Josh. He opens the tool box on his truck and this seemingly endless supply of tools begins to appear: 24V wire feed welder, floor jack, hi-Lift jack, air compressor, hand tools, etc. It was amazing. Everyone else pitched in with tools, flashlights, lots of advice and a good attitude considering the circumstances.
We got it patched together and off of the hill by 9:30 about 7 hours later than we should have. At first I was really ticked off at the truck breaking, inconveniencing and delaying everyone, and it was quite cold and very dark. Then I realized that in spite of the uncomfortable conditions, I got to spend a lot of time getting to know a lot of super people that I otherwise would have said "Thanks & Bye" to at the end of the run. Many, many thanks to everyone for all they did, making sure everyone got off of the trail and for being great friends!
Nick, having the spare springs earns you a lot of brownie points but you are still on the **** list for losing my Mag-Lite
Last item: While Dee was watching Josh use his Reddi-Welder she asked me if we have one, which I said "No". She said "well go buy one so we have it next time when we need it". You gotta love the woman!
And for the record, since I knew he was chomping to post up the story of my bad luck: Scoutman lost his muffler AND he had to get a jump start later on the trail, so you ain't as pure as the driven snow either buddy!
OCG adventure
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