Dream Hunting Rig

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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...
CJ.jpg

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.
CJ Loaded with 6x6 bull.jpg


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...
JK.jpg

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.
k5 camp.jpg

K5.jpg

And of course, if I can fit an elk in the jeep. It can also fit in the K5...
k5 laoded.jpg


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...

Willy.jpg


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 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.

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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.
 
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
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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.
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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
 
An Earth Roamer would be pretty cool if you had a million bucks burning a hole in your pocket.
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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
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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.
 
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.
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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🤣
 
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!:D



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

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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...
 
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...
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
Click to expand...
My JKU rubicon has 37" tires and 513 gears. It MIGHT see 14mpg on a good day
 
A street legal 2 seat Northstar has incredible turning radius, can fit an entire Elk whole, heat and ac, can cross mudflats and wetlands, travel legally on majority of asphalt roads adjacent to hunt areas, and is the most perfect hunting rig I have ever owned.
But, you have to tow it to your spot.
I carry mine in a 27’ Toyhauler and it works fantastic!
I have owned flat fender Willy, modern CJ-5’s, modern CJ-7’s, short bed Chevs, Nissan trucks, Pathfinder, and a few Tacomas.
Northstar beats them all, especially with a set of tracks.
 
Our 15 ruby 4 door w/ 3.5” lift on 35s has been great but at 45k I just replaced the front driveshaft and the dreaded cracked plastic oil cooler just struck…. I’m more than annoyed… but when it’s running well it’s hard to beat!
 
HiMtnHntr said:
Our 15 ruby 4 door w/ 3.5” lift on 35s has been great but at 45k I just replaced the front driveshaft and the dreaded cracked plastic oil cooler just struck…. I’m more than annoyed… but when it’s running well it’s hard to beat!
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I always wonder… I have been a jeep guy for ever. The things I do to my Jeep I would never do to another vehicle. Is it the vehicles fault or the fact that we use and abuse them?

Why did you replace the front driveshaft? Did you blow a ujoint and ruin it or did you snap and twist it?
 
elks96 said:
I always wonder… I have been a jeep guy for ever. The things I do to my Jeep I would never do to another vehicle. Is it the vehicles fault or the fact that we use and abuse them?

Why did you replace the front driveshaft? Did you blow a ujoint and ruin it or did you snap and twist it?
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These are both known weaknesses of the stock vehicle. The stock shafts use a cv joint instead ujoints. Not great to begin with, but when you add a lift and actually use them off road they generally fail. Need to do the rear one at some point. I put an Adams shaft in front. Seems pretty tough.
 
HiMtnHntr said:
These are both known weaknesses of the stock vehicle. The stock shafts use a cv joint instead ujoints. Not great to begin with, but when you add a lift and actually use them off road they generally fail. Need to do the rear one at some point. I put an Adams shaft in front. Seems pretty tough.
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My rubicon has Adams shafts front and rear as well as trussed and sleeved front axles housing with chromoly axle shafts front and rear. My issue is , all the damn sensors and bullshit these new vehicles have . Always sending codes and light on the dash.
I have also always had a jeep in our family since before I was born. Over 50 year of jeeping. In my opinion, when Chrysler took over jeep is when it went down hill. Never had any major issues with any of our jeep CJ's unless we were doing something stupid, in which case it was break , beef up and repeat.
 
HiMtnHntr said:
Our 15 ruby 4 door w/ 3.5” lift on 35s has been great but at 45k I just replaced the front driveshaft and the dreaded cracked plastic oil cooler just struck…. I’m more than annoyed… but when it’s running well it’s hard to beat!
Click to expand...
Yep. Just hit 40k miles and had to replace the oil filter/housing twice so far. Going to the aluminum one next time. Plastic was a bad design. Also did the oil pump on the bottom while I was at it
 
I Don't Know If you Can Get CRATE Engines For Toyota's But I Wouldn't Screw Around With JOE BLOW'S BACKYARD Rebuild Jobs!





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.

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I have a tundra. Toyotas are known for dependability and mine hasn’t disappointed. I also get 16 to 20 mpg. My tundra rides more like a car than truck. I have a shell in the back which has plenty of room to sleep, gear, and multiple elk and people for the ride home.

It will be interesting to see how some of the new hybrids perform. My dream hunting rig would get 40 mpg so I can afford all the scouting trips with many of the features of a Tundra.
 
For me the best hunting rig is one that gets me to camp and can haul a four wheeler trailer. If I’m not going in on foot then a ATV is mucho better than and expensive street legal vehicle tomget me to where I’m going in on foot. I got tired of being “Horse Poor” so I don’t have that option any more.
 
$1k + and addition $$2k in up grades and still a beast. Lots of toggle switches for heater, wipers, starter, 12 volt outlets auxiliary lights, yadda yadda yadda, and the ole push button starter. Dana front and rear, one click of the hand brake locks the rear end, can make a one man bed in the rear with a twin mattress, 26 gallon after market fuel tank, 150k miles on the 4.0L Renix motor, uses no oil, 5 speed manual. Hardly a beauty queen but she'll run 75 mph down the hwy and crawl through the the hills in 3rd gear low all day. Only needed pulled out once which is pictured.

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tailchasers said:
$1k + and addition $$2k in up grades and still a beast. Lots of toggle switches for heater, wipers, starter, 12 volt outlets auxiliary lights, yadda yadda yadda, and the ole push button starter. Dana front and rear, one click of the hand brake locks the rear end, can make a one man bed in the rear with a twin mattress, 26 gallon after market fuel tank, 150k miles on the 4.0L Renix motor, uses no oil, 5 speed manual. Hardly a beauty queen but she'll run 75 mph down the hwy and crawl through the the hills in 3rd gear low all day. Only needed pulled out once which is pictured.

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it's always when there is not a damn thing to winch to
 

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