Dream Hunting Rig

DeerAddiction4 · Monday at 2:33 PM

What’s your dream hunting rig? Pics and Stories are welcome!

elkassassin · Monday at 7:14 PM

DeerAddiction4 · Monday at 7:30 PM

I was thinking vehicles or something of that manner but I guess that works. lol

elkassassin · Monday at 8:06 PM

Sorry!

DeerAddiction4 said:
I was thinking vehicles or something of that manner but I guess that works. lol

elkassassin · Monday at 8:12 PM

I Was telling My Son A week Ago I Needed A Rig Kinda Like This One Here To See Into The THICK NASTY SSHITT We Were Hunting!

grizzly · Monday at 8:21 PM

A Ford Ranger Tremor with a 6' bed, a 2.7L Ecoboost, and a shell so I have somewhere dry to sleep.

They don't make that variation though, but that's what I want.

JPickett · Monday at 8:43 PM

Here’s mine

elkassassin · Tuesday at 4:46 AM

You Can't Have That One JP!

JPickett said:
View attachment 162787

Here’s mine

elks96 · Tuesday at 9:05 AM

Well I have my dream vehicles. Sometimes the dream is just having them all in good shape and ready. But each one is awesome... I could not chose so I have to include all 3...

So this is my CJ I bought as a Junoir in High School. Been all over the place hunting. I can honestly say that over the years I have turned every bolt on this jeep. It is nothing fancy but straight, and goes where ever I point it...

You can fit an elk and 2 guys and gear pretty well. 2 elk requires some creativity. 4 hunters and a couple mule deer also gets interesting... But it is fun, reliable and erally easy to dig out if needed.

Our newest addition this past year. We will be building a better rear bumper/tire carrier system, a roof top rack for gear and a roof top tent... The first jeep my wife has owned and she loves it. We put on a ton of miles this fall in the JKU. It is like an atv with room. It will also be getting new gears front and rear and larger tires this next year...

My other beast is a 72 K5. This one is a beast. Horse power, lockers, swampers, room, upgraded everything, it is a great ride as well. It is a ton of fun to drive etc.

And of course, if I can fit an elk in the jeep. It can also fit in the K5...

Lastly my son has bought his vehicle. We are getting ready to build. It is a 67 Wagon on a k5 frame. We are going to Lift it. The engine in the Blazer is going to his wagon, then we are putting a new engine I built into the blazer. Either way in about 2 years this wagon will absolutely be a prime hunting/off road rig...

So my dream hunting rigs are all here, but they are all never ending work. I have considered several times selling them and buying one ultimate rig. But I am not sure what that one ultimate rig would be... So I keep building and modifying each one a little at a time. It is also really nice going into the fall and winter with several rigs, that way when one breaks, I swap it out and still hunt.

Wyo_Roadhunter · Tuesday at 9:49 AM

This ones mine. It's a love hate relationship. I'm really tempted to get a diesel gladiator or wrangler for the solid axles but then I get nervous of the stupid Def. But I'm also sick of dumping money and working on this thing all the time.

elks96 · Tuesday at 9:56 AM

Wyo_Roadhunter said:
This ones mine. It's a love hate relationship. I'm really tempted to get a diesel gladiator or wrangler for the solid axles but then I get nervous of the stupid Def. But I'm also sick of dumping money and working on this thing all the time.

View attachment 162871

That's a great rig but unfortunately it has some weaknesses(like you mentions the IFS/Axles etc.). If I could have found the right Diesel Gladiator then I would have done that instead of the JKU. But the JKU was way cheaper and a lot more options for purchase. You could always save up the $$$ and do a solid front axle swap on that rig. There are some really good shops around that specialize in such builds.

nfh · Tuesday at 10:03 AM

Wish I had my mule still. He was a packin machine. He packed out all 4 elk quarters and a head and then some more at once. I would rather have this mule then some pricey vechicle .

Meet Fred. Bears didnt bother him one bit. But the smell of blood was his weakness. Had a few blow outs in the day. Usaully just stuffed some blood in his nose and let him have a small rodeo and all was good

Wyo_Roadhunter · Tuesday at 10:04 AM

elks96 said:
That's a great rig but unfortunately it has some weaknesses(like you mentions the IFS/Axles etc.). If I could have found the right Diesel Gladiator then I would have done that instead of the JKU. But the JKU was way cheaper and a lot more options for purchase. You could always save up the $$$ and do a solid front axle swap on that rig. There are some really good shops around that specialize in such builds.

I've thought about doing that but I figured as soon as I dump 5 or 6k into that then I'd probably lose the tranny or motor again haha. How's the MPG with the big tires on your JKU? That's really the only reason I'd go diesel and deal with the Def is for the 35" tires.

I'd choose that 72 over anything haha

wetmule · Tuesday at 10:39 AM

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elks96 · Tuesday at 10:39 AM

Wyo_Roadhunter said:
I've thought about doing that but I figured as soon as I dump 5 or 6k into that then I'd probably lose the tranny or motor again haha. How's the MPG with the big tires on your JKU? That's really the only reason I'd go diesel and deal with the Def is for the 35" tires.

I'd choose that 72 over anything haha

Right now I am getting right at 16 mpg out of the JKU but I really need to re-gear the diffs. My buddy has the same set up and running 37s with lower gears he gets 18mpg. Not awesome but we also did not buy it to run the highway. Yes the 72 K5 is awesome but it is going under a massive redo here soon...

I know some guys with the gladiators that have deleted the def and ran a tune. They are getting close to 30mpg.

hossblur · Tuesday at 11:01 AM

elks96 said:
Right now I am getting right at 16 mpg out of the JKU but I really need to re-gear the diffs. My buddy has the same set up and running 37s with lower gears he gets 18mpg. Not awesome but we also did not buy it to run the highway. Yes the 72 K5 is awesome but it is going under a massive redo here soon...

I know some guys with the gladiators that have deleted the def and ran a tune. They are getting close to 30mpg.

I liked the idea of the gladiators.

But when we were looking, they are soooooo damn long. Felt like driving a teeter totter.

We went Tacoma(to match my moustache and IPA

)

I still wanted a bed, or so I thought.

I really wish I'd done a 4 runner.

Generally at least 3 of us. So I ended up with a tonneau so we had room for gear, so the bed obviously wasn't necessary.

I've had 2 Willy's, but at 6'5 that's a no Had 2 Nissan exterras and they are pretty tough, but aftermarkets are few and far between. Jeeps are jeeps, they are for part time mechanics.

I love the 80's broncos, Jimmy's, blazers, but, 2 doors, so someone is climbing seats.

I'm scheming a way to get a 4 runner while a few decent ones are still around, prior to the 25' which I'm sure will take years to get bugs out.

Ultimately though, my spots are not on Wasatch front, so true off-road hunting rigs, don't work, unless I want to trailer one, so I'm where a lot are, half assed rigs

DeerAddiction4 · Tuesday at 1:26 PM

I’m working on International Harvester Scout II (Diesel) hopefully can get it up and running by this Winter

elkassassin · Tuesday at 2:00 PM

You Know Hossy?

At 6' 13" There Ain't A TOYOTA Anywhere That'll Fit You!

When A PISSCUTTER Crosses In Front Of You,How Long Does It Take You To Get Out Of The TOYOTA While Road Hunting?

I'll Bet Your Sons Are Hearing Some New Language!

hossblur said:
I liked the idea of the gladiators.

But when we were looking, they are soooooo damn long. Felt like driving a teeter totter.

We went Tacoma(to match my moustache and IPA )

I still wanted a bed, or so I thought.

I really wish I'd done a 4 runner.

Generally at least 3 of us. So I ended up with a tonneau so we had room for gear, so the bed obviously wasn't necessary.

I've had 2 Willy's, but at 6'5 that's a no Had 2 Nissan exterras and they are pretty tough, but aftermarkets are few and far between. Jeeps are jeeps, they are for part time mechanics.

I love the 80's broncos, Jimmy's, blazers, but, 2 doors, so someone is climbing seats.

I'm scheming a way to get a 4 runner while a few decent ones are still around, prior to the 25' which I'm sure will take years to get bugs out.

Ultimately though, my spots are not on Wasatch front, so true off-road hunting rigs, don't work, unless I want to trailer one, so I'm where a lot are, half assed rigs

JPickett · Tuesday at 2:05 PM

hossblur said:
I liked the idea of the gladiators.

But when we were looking, they are soooooo damn long. Felt like driving a teeter totter.

We went Tacoma(to match my moustache and IPA )

I still wanted a bed, or so I thought.

I really wish I'd done a 4 runner.

Generally at least 3 of us. So I ended up with a tonneau so we had room for gear, so the bed obviously wasn't necessary.

I've had 2 Willy's, but at 6'5 that's a no Had 2 Nissan exterras and they are pretty tough, but aftermarkets are few and far between. Jeeps are jeeps, they are for part time mechanics.

I love the 80's broncos, Jimmy's, blazers, but, 2 doors, so someone is climbing seats.

I'm scheming a way to get a 4 runner while a few decent ones are still around, prior to the 25' which I'm sure will take years to get bugs out.

Ultimately though, my spots are not on Wasatch front, so true off-road hunting rigs, don't work, unless I want to trailer one, so I'm where a lot are, half assed rigs

I’m 6’5” myself. Bought a 4 seat razor 1000. Have zero regrets. Should have done it a long time ago

woodruffhunter · 2024-11-06T09:53:47-0700

hossblur said:
I liked the idea of the gladiators.

But when we were looking, they are soooooo damn long. Felt like driving a teeter totter.

We went Tacoma(to match my moustache and IPA )

I still wanted a bed, or so I thought.

I really wish I'd done a 4 runner.

Generally at least 3 of us. So I ended up with a tonneau so we had room for gear, so the bed obviously wasn't necessary.

I've had 2 Willy's, but at 6'5 that's a no Had 2 Nissan exterras and they are pretty tough, but aftermarkets are few and far between. Jeeps are jeeps, they are for part time mechanics.

I love the 80's broncos, Jimmy's, blazers, but, 2 doors, so someone is climbing seats.

I'm scheming a way to get a 4 runner while a few decent ones are still around, prior to the 25' which I'm sure will take years to get bugs out.

Ultimately though, my spots are not on Wasatch front, so true off-road hunting rigs, don't work, unless I want to trailer one, so I'm where a lot are, half assed rigs

I have a Tacoma and my wife has a 4-runner. I really like both of them but it’s hard to beat the Tacoma in my opinion.
I have a side by side as well. Anytime I can leave it at home, I’m glad to do it. I prefer the Tacoma.
The only thing I do not like about the Tacoma is that I cannot flat tow it. Looks like I’m selling it and buying a GMC Canyon. Not sure that’s my dream vehicle….

heartshot · 2024-11-06T13:59:52-0700

I’m 6’6” and when I tried a gladiator my head hit the ceiling. I tried the lean the seat back trick to gain more room, but then my head hit the roll bar.

Plenty of headroom in my new Land Cruiser (no sunroof)

elkassassin · 2024-11-06T19:08:17-0700

That Don't Even Have Any Pinstripes On It Yet,WTH?

heartshot said:
I’m 6’6” and when I tried a gladiator my head hit the ceiling. I tried the lean the seat back trick to gain more room, but then my head hit the roll bar.

Plenty of headroom in my new Land Cruiser (no sunroof)View attachment 163008

heartshot · 2024-11-06T21:15:10-0700

I definitely pinstriped it on that hunt. Those plants by St. George are stiff, thorny, and unforgiving.

Wyo_Roadhunter · 2024-11-07T05:14:12-0700

Update on my tacoma. After having the engine re built twice the place still can't get it right. Coolant in cylinder 5. We'll see if snake oil in a can will get it by and I'll start looking for a newer tacoma that has lockers.

smokepolejohnson · 2024-11-07T08:19:06-0700

At 5’2” and a very flat brimmed hat there’s plenty of room in the cyber beast. She’s ain’t just a mall crawler. Can’t go wrong with Colorado z R2 or a taco TRD OR.

elks96 · 2024-11-07T09:16:31-0700

Wyo_Roadhunter said:
Update on my tacoma. After having the engine re built twice the place still can't get it right. Coolant in cylinder 5. We'll see if snake oil in a can will get it by and I'll start looking for a newer tacoma that has lockers.

View attachment 163059

Hymm... I am not one to bash any shop, but rebuilt twice? What was wrong on the first rebuild? Did they deck the heads and check them for square? Do you know if the second rebuild they used new head gaskets? When you drive it does it always smoke white or is it only at start up? I would think that would be a head gasket and head gaskets and number 5 are not unheard of... I would see if they had the head decked and check it for flat, then double check the blocks decking. Then replace the head gasket with a new good set. Sucks but many those yote engines are pretty darn good. I would suspect workmanship more than I would mechanical failure...

Wyo_Roadhunter · 2024-11-07T09:54:15-0700

elks96 said:
Hymm... I am not one to bash any shop, but rebuilt twice? What was wrong on the first rebuild? Did they deck the heads and check them for square? Do you know if the second rebuild they used new head gaskets? When you drive it does it always smoke white or is it only at start up? I would think that would be a head gasket and head gaskets and number 5 are not unheard of... I would see if they had the head decked and check it for flat, then double check the blocks decking. Then replace the head gasket with a new good set. Sucks but many those yote engines are pretty darn good. I would suspect workmanship more than I would mechanical failure...

I'm 100% sure it was a bad job on the rebuild. Before I sent it in we had did compression tests and I had 2 cylinders that was way low and the other 4 were low but not horrible. Anyways sent it off and supposedly they went through everything, including the heads. Got it back put it back in and had the same issues starting it. Did a compression test and every cylinder the compression was exactly what it was before sending it in. I was pretty hot at that point and called the place for him to tell me that toyotas specs are wrong and the however many hours of videos I watched on toyota motors must've been made up because those compression numbers ( 180 psi) wasn't possible. I came unglued at that point and he basically hung up. Anyways I called again and he said oh our paper work shows we hit those numbers I guess. I basically said so your full of #### cause you just told me it wasn't possible.

Anyways took the motor out again sent it off had it done again supposedly and it seemed better on cold starts but was having it stumble starting if it was just above the cold line on the temp gauge. Chased all sorts of sensors, injectors, etc kind of having it in my mind in was head related but didn't want to believe it. Finally broke down and looked and yep cylinder has coolant in it. I'll probably just park this truck for a while and get a toyota with a locker then when i get bored and more money I'll swap the heads on this one.

oldmossback · 2024-11-07T10:10:43-0700

elks96 said:
Right now I am getting right at 16 mpg out of the JKU but I really need to re-gear the diffs. My buddy has the same set up and running 37s with lower gears he gets 18mpg. Not awesome but we also did not buy it to run the highway. Yes the 72 K5 is awesome but it is going under a massive redo here soon...

I know some guys with the gladiators that have deleted the def and ran a tune. They are getting close to 30mpg.

My JKU rubicon has 37" tires and 513 gears. It MIGHT see 14mpg on a good day

oldmossback · 2024-11-07T10:14:19-0700

Here is mine. I love it when it is running right! 40K miles and you will be lucky to not have a CEL on any given trip.
Next one will be a toyota for sure.