(2021-02-23, 11:24 AM)Candace66 Wrote: While I don't miss putting the Heep in the shop regularly, I do miss some of those Rubi capabilities.  But I knew going in that the SR5 4Runner was a step down. 

TBH I almost never actually used the lockers.  Though I did engage them occasionally just to make sure they were still functional.  But the front sway bar disconnect was great for keeping better wheel contact on eroded roads.  And the ultra low range was great too, I could just ease it down the steepest descents with no braking.

Maybe you can put some of the money you’ve saved by getting a 4Runner rather than paying for your Jeep’s time in the shop by modifying and upgrading your 4Runner so that it equals or surpasses the capabilities of your Jeep. I’ve found that the info on trail4r.com and some other websites and forums is a great place to start for learning about what some of the options are for getting some goodies for your 4Runner. I think you can probably add a lot of the items that were mentioned in regards to the Jeep to your 4Runner with aftermarket parts, e.g. Marlin Crawler transfer case for lower gears; though you may already know more about all this than I do, since you were modifying your Xterra and I’m just learning about these mods now  

(2021-02-23, 11:24 AM)Candace66 Wrote: Off-topic, I chuckled when you mentioned the V-notch at Swansea.  I was a bit underinformed about the road when I drove the loop in 2015, exiting via Swansea.  I was in the upgraded Xterra so I made it through unscathed, but it was...exciting.  According to my notes from that day, there's a bypass around that section, is that correct?

I drove past this sign facing the other direction shortly after that stretch.  They're not kidding!  

IMGP7151 by Candace66, on Flickr

(2021-02-15, 11:18 AM)bbbb Wrote: Being "stuck" in Butte Valley for two days sounds like a good problem to have. I've never been there but watching this thread as well for ideas. If you have a second to comment on road conditions when you get back, taco, would love to hear about it.

(2021-03-06, 12:40 PM)TacoLand Wrote: Not sure if I kicked up a rock, or it was just the culmination of seven days of off-roading, but by the time we got back out to pavement I noticed my rear-diff was seeping fluid.

(2021-03-06, 01:28 PM)TacoLand Wrote: My leak was the gasket between the differential and axle (apologies if I'm using wrong words, mechanics are not my forte). A few of the bolts had worked loose (direct impact or too much 50mph washboard) so that's where all the seepage was. Tightened everything down, cleaned the area, ran a heavy bead of silicone, and refilled the rear diff. 24 hours later and I don't see a leak anymore. I'd have it all torn out and put in an ARB e-locker if I wasn't hellbent on going back to a Tacoma.

(2021-02-23, 03:08 PM)Kauri Wrote: Maybe you can put some of the money you’ve saved by getting a 4Runner rather than paying for your Jeep’s time in the shop by modifying and upgrading your 4Runner so that it equals or surpasses the capabilities of your Jeep.