Roger The Raptor

[desert_steve]

...now i need to copy you with the fire can.... looks awesome.

For what, warmth in the garage?

 

[WW_RANGER_X]

talked myself into just painting the lids instead of LineX. I have a slight feeling this setup isn’t going to be strong enough to hold up to offroad abuse. May have to revise this later on. We’ll see.



Still plugging away at my rear shock rebuild. Throwing in a base tune that I’m sure I’ll be happy with after picking Kevin from dialed’s brain.

Last night I ordered some Foutz Motorsports shock skids and new shock boots. The last important thing on the list is a new radiator. I’m thinking of going with Cold Case. Gotta get a few more shock jobs to afford one though lol.

 

[WW_RANGER_X]

Finally got parts in that I’d been waiting for. Welded on some much shorter rear bump stop striker pads on axle tube, rebuilt/revalved rear bypasses, got them on the truck late Friday night and got the itch to go test everything out over the weekend. Took a different route than normal but end goal was turtle hill in Cal City for 1 night with Wes and my dog Gunner. Put about 60 dirt miles down (400 miles total). Started on a trail north of Edwards across the 58. Ran into a bunch of private property and almost got my self lost/stuck lol. I knew the general area but couldn’t seem to find a way out without backtracking a ton of miles. OnX came through and finally found some familiar territory. Not a single issue over all. The rear feels so much better on and off road. Decided to set up a ground tent for the night once we got to our destination, bad idea lol. 30-40mph winds were not fun with a 7 year old and a dog. We transferred to the cab of the truck and we all actually slept much better. Now prepping for Dezertfest in 2 weeks.

 

[WW_RANGER_X]

 

[WW_RANGER_X]

more small stuff. Replaced passenger side front axle seal again. New one is holding up after a couple hundred miles so I assume it was just a bad seal.



The rear fender flares were always super loose. The shitty plastic Christmas tree style clips were just flopping around so I ordered a bunch of body fasteners from A&A Manufacturing. So much better, and cleaner.





Putting the steps back on. After the last trip I noticed it peppered the rocker panels pretty good, even with the rock guards. I painted the brackets and took the boards to get a fresh spray of LineX. We might see some rocks on our next trip so I’d rather bash these than my rockers.





Bought a way over priced go fast cup holder insert from SVC. Freakin love this thing so DGAF lol. Can’t got wrong with their T.I.T.S design. Look it up Hahaa.



Finally found a cover for my Kamp-Rite tent cot during transport. It looks like shit in the pic for some reason but it fits nice and snug. Thanks Amazon.



Lastly, I’m buying a roof top tent and rack off of @gascapkevin on here. So stoked. Everyone thinks I’m going overland but in all reality I’m still that flat bill wearing guy from Riverside who drinks way too much beer lol. Prelander, bitches lol. This will allow me to clock even more dirt miles with my family, without lugging a trailer along. Planning on picking it up in Havasu next month.

 

[WW_RANGER_X]

These steps just fit these trucks so well. Glad to have them back on.

 

[cbrewer22]

Nice: I might be going to havasu in the next couple weeks to visit my parents. Or they might come down before that if you want me to grab it for you.

 

[WW_RANGER_X]

Nice: I might be going to havasu in the next couple weeks to visit my parents. Or they might come down before that if you want me to grab it for you.

So if you want to go ahead and pick up the rack and the tent that would be a huge help but man thats a lot to do for someone lol, but i would take you up on that if it worked out. My plan was to buy camper shell style clamps to hold it down to gedt it home. Id like to take some time to mount it right at home. We have gone back and forth with measurements, still not 100% the stand up spare tire will clear, but ill make it work no doubt.

 

[WW_RANGER_X]

Drove to Havasu to pick up the rack and tent. Fit like a glove transfering it from truck to truck. @gascapkevin is one hell of a guy. Great to meet you. Also met up with some other friends there who lived in Visalia years ago. Havasu is nuts on a holiday weekend! We’d never been and we chose a great weekend to go lol. Had to cover Wes’ eyes a few times lol. We got a room at the Hampton Inn. Has a great view of the river and a boat ramp. We sat on the balcony for hours watching the shit show unfold lol. Aside from fuel consumption, Roger is the best travel truck. Cold ac, tons of cab space, just very comfortable and enjoyable to drive for a 800 mile road trip.

 

[84Prerunner]

Havasu is a cool experience but after 2 years of going with my own boat it got old. So crowded and a shit show. Glad I sold the boat

 

[the bodj]

That tent is a beast! Did you notice any mpg difference with it poking above the cab a little?

 

[gascapkevin]

It was great to finally meet a forum friend in person! Glad the tent went to a good family, and I'm looking forward to seeing the places you take it.

 

[desert_steve]

Congrats on the RTT!

Now onto the real question... Did you happen to grab any pics of the RTT with 1 or more hot ass Havasu slooters in the shot/frame? The RTT doesnt even need to be in the pic really, just the chick(s) making questionable life choices...

 

[WW_RANGER_X]

That tent is a beast! Did you notice any mpg difference with it poking above the cab a little?

On our way there (with the wind) we averaged 13.1 MPG. On our way home (against the wind, and it was strong) we averaged 12.6 MPG. So i'd consider that a win. Body roll is more noticeable but overall truck still drives close to the same.

 

[WW_RANGER_X]

Congrats on the RTT!

Now onto the real question... Did you happen to grab any pics of the RTT with 1 or more hot ass Havasu slooters in the shot/frame? The RTT doesnt even need to be in the pic really, just the chick(s) making questionable life choices...

Hahahaha unfortunetly, no luck. Annie told me "if you know what's good for you you'll keep your sun glasses on" lol!

 

[the bodj]

On our way there (with the wind) we averaged 13.1 MPG. On our way home (against the wind, and it was strong) we averaged 12.6 MPG. So i'd consider that a win. Body roll is more noticeable but overall truck still drives close to the same.

Awesome! The leaf springs will probably appreciate the extra weight, as well.

 

[WW_RANGER_X]

Awesome! The leaf springs will probably appreciate the extra weight, as well.

When i bought the Icon leafs they came with their "HD" over load leaf that i never installed. It may be something ill add soon, since i pull the trravel trailer so often. next trip is in a few weeks so i need to figure it out.