New people [Archive] - Expedition Portal Forum

MaddBaggins

10-08-2005, 04:51 AM

Hey Alvin-

Whats the CDL pin 7 mod you have in your sig?

Something unique to the 80 (as far as I know)then again I am not familiar with other brands like Rovers.
It is all time 4wd so the xfer case acts like an open diff. In stock form when you put it in low that "center diff" locks. The CDL (center diff lock) switch can be installed and when you push that you can lock the center in high. The pin 7 mod is something a Toyota parts master named Dan came up with. By removing one wire fron the tranny/xfer case control unit you disrupt a signal that tells the computer you went to low. Now, the only time the "center diff" will lock is when I push the button. Locking the center also disables the ABS system.

flyingwil

10-10-2005, 03:07 AM

Something unique to the 80 (as far as I know)then again I am not familiar with other brands like Rovers.
It is all time 4wd so the xfer case acts like an open diff. In stock form when you put it in low that "center diff" locks. The CDL (center diff lock) switch can be installed and when you push that you can lock the center in high. The pin 7 mod is something a Toyota parts master named Dan came up with. By removing one wire fron the tranny/xfer case control unit you disrupt a signal that tells the computer you went to low. Now, the only time the "center diff" will lock is when I push the button. Locking the center also disables the ABS system.

Cool mod! Thanks for filling me in. :victory:

Desertdude

10-16-2005, 02:46 PM

My plan for Expedition Portal's web domination is working - on to the next level :victory:

Glad you are here Alvin :D

It's Pasquales fault that I'm here. I clinked a link on his sig line on IH8MUD that said "don't go in here"
And look where I ended up ;)

pangaea

10-16-2005, 06:09 PM

I just started posting here in the past couple of weeks. Scott turned me on to this site back in July, I think, but I just started posting in the last few weeks....

For those that don't know me, I run Pangaea Expeditions, which is a company that specializes in outfitting vehicles for overland and expedition use. I've been doing that for about the past 3 years. I call it my mostly full time job, since it takes up a good part of the week. But I still occassionally to a bit of freelance work as a graphic designer, which is what my f/t job was before I went out onto my own.

I've been a huge overlanding enthusiast for years now, and I'm extremely happy to see that its finally starting to take off here in the US.

DesertRose

10-16-2005, 07:05 PM

Welcome, Nathan - I've been checking out your website for a while (since Scott told us about you this summer) - it's wonderful. It really inspired me as I created our websites for our conservation trips and publications site. I'm glad the business end of it is working out for you - we know it's a lot of hard work!

I've been posting a lot lately because I've been inspired to fix up my stock Tacoma (always aspiring to Jonathan's absolutely gorgeous FJ40) after our Tanzania safari in July, and also because it's a fun break in the tedium of working at home on a computer all day! [Both Jonathan and I play the "if you get 2 hours of solid writing done, then you can have 20 minutes on the forum" carrot-and-stick ploy.]

Roseann

offroad_nomad

10-16-2005, 10:03 PM

I've been in the shadows for a while lurcking and reading posts. Prior to registering, I felt I really didn't have much to contribute compared to other members here. I've spent a far amount of time on YotaTech (http://www.yotatech.com/) and more recently, Mud (http://www.ih8mud.com/) (I believe that's the short name for it).

I have yet to go on any "real expeditions" or the like. My offroad camping adventures, for the time being, consist of 1 - 3 night excursions to the national forests in Virginia, West Virginia and offroad "pay to play" sites with trails of various difficulty. Keep in mind this is the East Coast, your really not going to get lost or too far away from civilization like you do in the South West. Most offroad stuff is rather tame with some interesting spots.

As I have worked on my 4Runner, added mods, camped and gained experience, I felt I could contribute and finally registered.

This is the kind of site I've been seeking. I'm not a rock crawler and I'm not looking to trash my truck, it's my daily driver too. One of the main reasons why I bought the 4Runner and started to modify it was that I wanted to get out and explore, but do so in a vehicle that was capabale of doing this (also it had to fit in the garage, but that's a another story).

I look forward to making new friends here and hopefully join you on an excursion or two out west. If I could convince my wife to let me go for a couple of weeks, man I'd love to explore Baja.

expeditionswest

10-16-2005, 10:25 PM

Ian,

It is fantastic to have you here! Your 4Runner is a fantastic exploration platform, and does well doing double duty on the trail.

I often travel back east to work with the universities, and I try to work in some exploration. I found that Kentucky is a place you can get way off the beaten path, and into some beautiful country.

offroad_nomad

10-17-2005, 01:12 AM

Hey Scott,

I've bookmarked your Expeditions West (http://www.expeditionswest.com/) site, the BajaTaco (http://www.bajataco.com/) and Pangaea Expeditions (http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/) websites at home and work. When I'm not busy at work, they're all excellent resources to read.

I read your write up on the Daniel Boone NF in Kentucky. (http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2004/kentucky/DanielBooneFR212andFR2045/) It looks nice. I'm going to look into how far away it is. If it's doable, I'm going to see if the club wants to do a road trip down to KY.

DesertRose

10-17-2005, 02:53 AM

I have yet to go on any "real expeditions" or the like.

Welcome, Ian - an "expedition" is a state of mind, it's an attitude - it has no real definition. Anybody can throw a ton of cash at a big trip and call it an expedition. What matters is that you think beyond the ordinary, expand your boundaries, be true to the spirit of discovery - no matter if it's the backcountry of your national forest or back-of-beyond Africa.

Welcome and have fun with Expedition Portal. This is a really great group of people.

And very nice-looking truck you have there (I think the 4Runner is a much-under-appreciated exped vehicle; I've often thought of swapping my Tacoma for one, but right now we need a vehicle for hauling construction material while we --- slooowwwwly --- build a house out here in the boonies.

Cheers,

Roseann

offroad_nomad

10-17-2005, 03:10 AM

I can appreciate that. Thanks.

an "expedition" is a state of mind, it's an attitude - it has no real definition

expeditionswest

10-17-2005, 01:03 PM

Ian,

That Kentucky route was a beautiful trail. It did get more challenging as the road gained elevation, and I eventually had to turn the little rental around... I think it would be a great adventure.

If I lived out east, I would focus on doing the highpoints (http://americasroof.com/usa.shtml). The tallest point in each state. I have stood on at least a dozen of the tallest points east of the Mississippi and they all have a fun twist to them. Plus, you get to do a combination of hiking and 4wd, which is fun too...

offroad_nomad

10-17-2005, 02:05 PM

Scott,

That's an awesome suggestion and a worthwhile endevour to motivate me to get outdoors. Thanks again.

If I lived out east, I would focus on doing the highpoints (http://americasroof.com/usa.shtml). The tallest point in each state. I have stood on at least a dozen of the tallest points east of the Mississippi and they all have a fun twist to them. Plus, you get to do a combination of hiking and 4wd, which is fun too...

crawldit

10-26-2005, 02:40 AM

I figured that the new people thread would be as good a place as any to jump in and say hi. So HI! I've been wheeling the AZ backountry for about 6 years now and have done so in vehicles ranging from Nissan Harbody's to my current Rubicon. I've been a fan of the expeditions west web site for awhile now but never new that their was a forum as well. My last TJ was more of a rockcrawler with a 6" lift and 35's, but was very unreliable. The new Rubi is going to be built as more of an "expedition" vehicle so this sounds like a good place to hang out. Anyway, here's a current pic of my ride. I look forward to meeting some of you in the future
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/crawldit/000_0677.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/crawldit/000_0678.jpg

datrupr

10-26-2005, 04:27 AM

Welcome, and very nice Rubicon. This is the right place to come for some advice and helpful hints. Again, welcome.

expeditionswest

10-26-2005, 04:41 AM

Crawldit,

VERY nice Jeep! The rack was a wise addition. Any storage plans for the rear?

Glad to have you on the forum :)

BajaTaco

10-26-2005, 05:17 AM

Nice Rubicon! :ylsmoke:

Bluto

10-26-2005, 05:29 AM

Nice one.

What a coincidence. Ive been thinking about a Rubicon hardtop lately (looking at the Jeep website :D ). Looks good out of the box. Had a 93 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 before but never had an opportunity to offroad it. No room for the kids and their junk.

60seriesguy

10-26-2005, 12:03 PM

I spent a few years arguing with folks that expedition wheeling is where it's at, but most people tend to focus on short, very technical trips. I flirted with rock-crawling myself, but it's in my blood, I like to be "way out there", moving, under the open sky, good road, bad road or no road.

It's nice to be in a forum with like-minded folks! BTW, thanks DMC for the link, I don't have much time these days to surf the web so it would have taken me a long time to find the forum.

"A donde vas?"
"Voy lejos, hasta donde el viento se devuelve"

Old Venezuelan saying common with the expedition crowd down there. Loosely translated:

"Where are you headed?"
"I'm headed out far, towards where the wind turns around"

expeditionswest

10-26-2005, 02:46 PM

I spent a few years arguing with folks that expedition wheeling is where it's at, but most people tend to focus on short, very technical trips. I flirted with rock-crawling myself, but it's in my blood, I like to be "way out there", moving, under the open sky, good road, bad road or no road.

It's nice to be in a forum with like-minded folks! BTW, thanks DMC for the link, I don't have much time these days to surf the web so it would have taken me a long time to find the forum.

Henry,

We are very glad to have you hear. Your experience and great stories have been a joy to read!

I am already seeing a shift in trend towards "expedition" and general exploring again. Rock Crawling results in a vehicle with very limited scope, and that many times must be trailered. A well designed exploration vehicle will be safe on the highway, perform great on trails up to 3.5 and take us far, far away the few times a year we get the chance :)

crawldit

10-26-2005, 05:43 PM

Crawldit,

VERY nice Jeep! The rack was a wise addition. Any storage plans for the rear?

Glad to have you on the forum :)Thanks for the compliments from all! I am very glad that I found this forum. After owning two other TJ's it was a very simple choice to purchase the roof rack. With a wife and son the interior space was gone. I'm not sure about a rear rack at this point in time. I'm taking the family up to the Rim this weekend for an overnight campout so I'll know better on Monday whether or not I need more storage.

MaddBaggins

10-26-2005, 05:56 PM

Not sure why, but I don't see any of these pics by crawldit.
You guys are commenting on his stuff and I'm staring at just his posts.

expeditionswest

10-26-2005, 06:09 PM

Not sure why, but I don't see any of these pics by crawldit.
You guys are commenting on his stuff and I'm staring at just his posts.
They are on page #2

datrupr

10-26-2005, 06:12 PM

Yes indeed, I really like that rack. A rack is on the wish list for the Trooper as well, as having 3 children, interior space ais a bit limited.

kcowyo

10-26-2005, 06:44 PM

I am already seeing a shift in trend towards "expedition" and general exploring again. Rock Crawling results in a vehicle with very limited scope, and that many times must be trailered.

Old 'n Busted: Rockcrawling
New Hotness: Exploration travel :sport_box

It's ironic - I enjoy watching videos and looking at pics of tube buggies rockcrawling. They are amazing from an engineering standpoint. I like them so much that when I'm done looking, I'm certain it's something I wouldn't build nor do I desire to go rockcrawling myself.

I also really enjoy reading about and checking out expedition equipped rigs. But when I'm done reading and checking out pics of touring 110 Defenders, LandCrushers, Discos and Tacos, I'm certain that's the kind of outfit I want to build and the type of 4wd-travel that I want to do.

I'm reminded of a favorite quote some may have seen me use before -
As soon as you have an interest in something, that interest kind of gravitates towards you.

MaddBaggins

10-26-2005, 07:14 PM

They are on page #2

LOL, thats funny
No really, I have looked at every one of his post on the forum and I see no pics

flyingwil

10-26-2005, 07:21 PM

LOL, thats funny
No really, I have looked at every one of his post on the forum and I see no pics

You must be behind a firewall. I wasn't able to see them at work either. I normally use the quote button to see if there are pics blocked by the firewall... Just cut and past after the IMG tags. IF you see the pics, they should pop up in the forum, if you see no pics... well sorry man.

Nice looking Rubi BTW! and Welcom!

MaddBaggins

10-26-2005, 07:27 PM

You must be behind a firewall. I wasn't able to see them at work either. I normally use the quote button to see if there are pics blocked by the firewall... Just cut and past after the IMG tags. IF you see the pics, they should pop up in the forum, if you see no pics... well sorry man.

Nice looking Rubi BTW! and Welcom!

Uhh, who said I was at work? I don't surf at work! You don't know my boss do you? :D

I haven't had any trouble seeing pics or links to pics at work until crawldit's posts. Bummer, I'll have to check tonite at home.

MaddBaggins

10-27-2005, 01:59 AM

Ahhh, nice Rubicon crawldit!

flyingwil

10-27-2005, 02:14 AM

Uhh, who said I was at work? I don't surf at work! You don't know my boss do you? :D

I haven't had any trouble seeing pics or links to pics at work until crawldit's posts. Bummer, I'll have to check tonite at home.

Yeah at work I have issues seeing images from photobucket.com, dang WebSense! We all call it WebNanny at work as a play off of some stupid movie.