Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
So it begins. I dropped the Taco off at Heffener Toyota for the recall frame swap.
It was tough seeing my rig in a deconstructed state. That being said I know its for the better. Heffener said the swap will take a week to complete. I’ll get her back standing at stock height.
heres a few pics
“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. As per usual, I’m not meant to have fun, or so it seems. It doesn’t look like I’m going to Ardbeg. First off, I’ve been dealing with a nasty case of a 7mm kidney stone that hit me half way through my Grand Bend vacation… yippie! Its been dragging on now for 3+ weeks, with no end in sight. The last place I want to be in pain is, in the middle of the bush away from any hospital. If I start having a fever, I need to be in emergency ASAP or I’m in serious trouble.
Second, my scheduled vacation for Ardbeg has been denied, due to lack of man-power… Awesome!
Third, the 4Runner is nowhere close to being ready for trail travel.
Fourth, Im scheduled to work the Saturday, again a lack of man-power.
Kidney stone trumps work, work trumps fun. I have my head down, walking head first in a gale force wind. Maybe next time ?!?!?
Steve, Heff is doing my frame replacement. I wanted Cambridge Toyota to do the work but their allotment of how many trucks they can do frame swaps was capped for the 95.5-04. I had no idea dealerships were capped on how many trucks they were allowed to swap frames on.
Front springs? my first choice is Trail Gear 4″ springs from they’re SAS swap kit. Second choice would be Ranch 44044 springs, although they would give me more lift than I would like. Third choice is stock Wagoneer springs. Fourth choice would be Toyota rear springs up front.
I replaced the e-locker actuator with a cable actuator 3 years ago. Works great, way better, I’d do it again in a heart beat.
I found a complete Waggy Dana 44 about 8 years ago for $250 at a wrecker. I’ve considered selling the d44 and opting for a Toyota based axle housing like Trail Gear offers, but there is nothing wrong with the waggy axle and its relatively easy and slightly cheaper to build. The carrier will be a PITA to install, I need to find a housing spreader to fit the carrier shims. If I can’t do the install at work I’ll probably have a shop do the install.
Passed safety today, yippee!
Anyway, I was running out of time. My work schedule really cuts into getting anything done. One day off a week makes it hard to accomplish anything, let alone spend time with the family.
I was able to pick away at the little things for the safety. I had the front brakes done and the rocker body work done by OK Tire, Sarah gets a discount there.
Now the truck is legal eagle, I’ll continue to pick away at getting it up to par. Fluid changes are next.
I have a bunch of pics, too many to post.
Its a long road. A good detailed map, a GPS and a full tank of gas are recommended. Its a remote road.
There are a few vehicles traveling the opposite direction, so take care. Watch your speed, watch for critters and hope there are no hillbillies drinking and driving.
Its a good trip thats easy on the vehicle gives you that Overlanding experience.
We’ve debated in the past tho drive the Old Nipising Road on the way up to Ardbeg. IMO that would be a long fun trip!
This was the start of the Old Nipissing Road for fjttse (Kevin and his FJC) and myself. Id have to look at the maps from that trip to answer questions on where we started. the road runs like this for quite a while.
Cemeteries and old stone foundations can be seen on this road dating back to the 1800’s. There is a strong history on this path.
Schmeler Hotel in Downtown Magnetawan.
We took a Side tour to Midlothian Castle near Burks Falls. The “Screaming Faces” sculptures and castle home of Peter Camani…. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Camani.
Pretty interesting place, theres a bucket (?) in the driveway entrance, for tips. The property is free to check out, but leave a tip, this guy is unique.
Our day ended at a campsite at a Conservation Area, sorta- kinda of off our route. The name of the camp ground escapes my memory. I have to look that up as well.
Back on the Old Nip.
Eventually the road becomes more interesting…
Turns out the original road turns into a sled head trail. Apparently they forgot to make a bigger bridge for Toyota Trucks.
We ended up turning around and found a bypass down some less traveled roads, to again hook up to The Old Nipissing.
In the middle of nowhere there was an oblivious horse in the middle of the road, totally ignored us.
It was a weird sight. I think there was a small farm near by, not sure. The road again gets interesting. Eventually you hit gravel again which leads to the old Commanda General store (now a museum) it was closed when we got there but made for a good pic.
The Old Nipissing Road continues past this store and hi way. Because the trip was planned as a “Muskoka Loop”. We traveled north, up the old Nip. East towards Algonquin park buy hi way, then travel south down the park fire routes. Then on to Dorset for a logging road adventure. Finally we travel home.
The next pic is from the “Fire Route” along Algonquin.
Ill keep this post about the Old Nipissing Road. Its trip in itself.
Yup, Kevin and I ran Old Nipissing rd. I think I still have the history book I bought in Magnetawan.
There is no camping spots along the road, private property. There is a Conservation area with camping along the way, not on the road but its about 15 minutes out of the way. Its a nice road to travel.
I also did the Old Hastings colonization road as well.
I’ll see if I can dig up the documentation I put together a few years ago. There was a big thread on Sontt that has been lost to the forums demise. I have lots of pics as well.
One thing to note: its impossible to follow the original Old Nipissing road. The southern “start” is now swamp and lost to time. There is also a detour to the east you have to take as well.
Well worth the drive. Its not “wheeling” more gravel travel overloading Sunday drive. Its in the middle of nowhere and feels like it. Id do it again.
