Axle Alley, AZ

Elvota · 01-12-2008, 08:43 PM

Good run today.

Had a lot of pics, so I'll break up this post a bit.

Axle Alley is a tough trail even if it is very short. There are two good sized waterfall obstacles in the middle, with a few more thrown in here and there for good measure. Westy, Schaefer, Kent and I all headed out to see what we could get away with.

Can you see the trail smiling... waiting to give us all a hard time:

Schaefer already being effected by the propane fumes:

The buggy then went on to get wedged pretty good in some brutal boulder field. Westy was undeterred, and decided to give it a shot with a slightly different line.

The approach (big rocks):

Wow... right up and on line

:

Now a little turn to the passenger side... little more.... little more...

Uhmmmm, to much!!

My girlfriend's face has the reaction we all had

:

"Hey guys... does my wheel look like it's off the ground? Sure feels off the ground....?":

Amazingly, it didn't go over and he drove through clean. Very nice.

Random shot of me on a random rock:

On to the waterfalls....

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Elvota · 01-12-2008, 08:49 PM

So, now we are at the beginning of the first waterfall section. I walked up ahead and kinda thought it didn't look that bad... until I saw the next one around the corner!!

The buggy heads in... no problem:

Westy rolls through and out... this is going to be so simple:

Elvota steps up, and has plenty of room:

Well, I might have needed a little help

:

Kent went through so fast I didn't even get a pic.

But now it was time for the main attraction....

Bighead · 01-12-2008, 08:55 PM

Nice pics...

Elvota · 01-12-2008, 09:02 PM

I think we all were a bit intimidated by this obstacle... so we sent the buggy up first. Good thing Schaefer is a certified stunt pilot.

That's more like a wall than a trail... don't ya think?

Once the winch cleared, it was straight up:

Very straight up...:

All smiles:

Cresting the top:

After grinding a bit here and there and searching for traction, the magnificent BBQ cleared it proper... no assist.

That was good for us, cause now we had a winch point.

Westy was next:

A bit of effort to clear the winch as well:

So close now....

Even closer....

But after a good deal of rubber wear and some metal scrapes... Westy was denied. Cable pulled, and he zipped right up. Only fatality was one LED tail light.

Now the Mighty Tacoma was up to bat (that's me in the background wondering what the heck am I doing here

):

Kent just went right up:

Almost like it was nothing:

Front axle over... and then...

DENIED!! So very, very close. The line was pulled, and winch number two got a workout.

Now "little" Elvota had to make it.

Elvota · 01-12-2008, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bighead

Nice pics...

Wait... there's more!! (Probably to many

)

Elvota · 01-12-2008, 09:19 PM

I don't usually feel small being 6'4" with a SAS 4Runner on 35's... but this was an exception. Seeing all three bigger rigs in front of me struggle and drag and bump up this obstacle, I guessed myself to be surely doomed.

But, what the heck... didn't have much else to do today.

Out of the first waterfall. Much easier than expected:

Setting up:

Schaefer says, "Hey man... don't look at me. I drive a dang BBQ!!"

Now tell me that doesn't look steep...

Of course... I was happy to use the winch at this point

:

Over and out:

Now that the "hard part" was over, it was just a matter of lunch and an easy drive home.

Elvota · 01-12-2008, 09:29 PM

First "easy part" after the waterfalls:

"Buns of Steel" Schaefer pulls me through... even with my brakes on!!

:

Finally, after a few more technical sections we had a steep climb out to the ridge line and then back down to the start.

Follow the leader:

As flat as the Tilt-O-Meter got all day:

Scenic view:

Doesn't my GF just glow?

Then Schaefer decided we might as well throw in a little Lower Woodpecker... since we were in the area and all. He was leading, so no pics for him. I had the camera, so no pics for me.

But, Westy gave it a valiant try:

And then another:

Then it was time for the Tacoma to lay down the law.

:

That thing seems monsterous sometimes....

And that was that. 2WD dirt back out to the air up spot.

All in all a great day on a hard trail. I got a little scuff on the front bumper, we lost a tail light and Schaefer made it home before dark.

Thanks for the good run guys. Until next time.

dirtyXplorer · 01-12-2008, 09:40 PM

That last picture is awesome! I grew up in AZ and have never been to Axle ally...

sdstud212001 · 01-12-2008, 09:47 PM

Very nice pictures, I wish my 4runner could handle all that fun.

SOAZtim · 01-12-2008, 10:01 PM

Damn nice pictures and trip report. Danica and I felt like we just did that trail reading along. Woohoo! NO body damage either! We rock!

111db · 01-12-2008, 10:36 PM

Great pics! I guess I wasn't paying attention... I wanted to ride along for this one but didn't realize it was today. Maybe next time.

CC_yota · 01-13-2008, 01:54 AM

I need to get out to AZ if not to hit up a few trails but just to see the scenery!!!

Great pics!!

wormhole · 01-13-2008, 06:26 AM

Nice wrtie up Steve. Those are some nice photo's. That second waterfall looked a little crazy.

I need to get myself over there and ride along with you guys for one of those trails.

nick_8787 · 01-14-2008, 02:08 AM

Those last few Tacoma pictures definitely seem calendar quality.

i_love_tacos · 01-15-2008, 08:46 AM

hey i didnt know Kent drove a taco. what happend to the 4runner? did i miss something??? very nice lookin taco though. and the pics are great. wish i was there.

Elvota · 01-15-2008, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_love_tacos

hey i didnt know Kent drove a taco. what happend to the 4runner? did i miss something??? very nice lookin taco though. and the pics are great. wish i was there.

You missed a few things.

1. The 4Runner got sold to some guy in Texas.
2. The Tacoma is his main trail rig now.
3. The Tacoma does very, very well.

Check out the upcoming runs listed here:
http://www.yotatech.com/f66/spring-2...hedule-134303/

Plus AZRocks:
http://www.yotatech.com/f66/azrocks-...l-runs-134883/

Hopefully you can make it down for some of those.

i_love_tacos · 01-15-2008, 09:25 AM

ohhhhhh ok. geez. did he buy that taco like that from someone or did he start from scratch? it looks very familiar.

Elvota · 01-15-2008, 09:30 AM

Kent might chime in here... but I believe he bought it built from someone in Vegas.

However, Schaefer really went through it and refined the suspension as well as various gussets. It's a sweet ride now. Even has a factory installed supercharger on the 4CYL.

i_love_tacos · 01-15-2008, 09:43 AM

nice. im in the works of finlly geting mine fixed up too. was thinkin bout going with coilovers instead of leaf springs. the next run says its a hard one. im going to try and head out there for it and probabaly jump with one you guys. hopefully Kent. haha.

kent · 01-15-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_love_tacos

ohhhhhh ok. geez. did he buy that taco like that from someone or did he start from scratch? it looks very familiar.

Swapped... yes. Built....no. A lot of time and money was put into it to get right.

kent · 01-15-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_love_tacos

nice. im in the works of finlly geting mine fixed up too. was thinkin bout going with coilovers instead of leaf springs. the next run says its a hard one. im going to try and head out there for it and probabaly jump with one you guys. hopefully Kent. haha.

Any time Bryan.

Vermejo · 01-16-2008, 08:08 PM

Great shots. I just don't understand why I didn't see an IFS in any of the pictures?

BLKNBLU · 01-16-2008, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vermejo

Great shots. I just don't understand why I didn't see an IFS in any of the pictures?

I had to work last weekend

j/k

Hayes · 01-16-2008, 08:43 PM

That last picture looks gnarly...

Looks like a tough trail.

Elvota · 01-16-2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vermejo

Great shots. I just don't understand why I didn't see an IFS in any of the pictures?

Just happened to have no IFS guys with us that run. I think they would have done all right, but smaller tire size might have been an issue. Me on 35's was the smallest but made it through. Most of the run was about clearance, not so much about articulation... but every bit helps.

Maybe next time.

01-12-2008, 08:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
Elvota Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,436	So, now we are at the beginning of the first waterfall section. I walked up ahead and kinda thought it didn't look that bad... until I saw the next one around the corner!! The buggy heads in... no problem: Westy rolls through and out... this is going to be so simple: Elvota steps up, and has plenty of room: Well, I might have needed a little help : Kent went through so fast I didn't even get a pic. But now it was time for the main attraction.... __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY visit the sticki chronicles

01-12-2008, 08:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bighead Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,340	Nice pics... __________________ Lance 2001 4Runner Limited 4X4 -- 315/75R16 MT/Rs \| MT Classic IIs \| Dual ARBs/4.88s \| (F) 5125/Tundra Coils (R) 5125/LC Coils \| 4Crawler 1.5" BL \| Aisin Manual Hubs \| Slee Sliders \| Sonoran Steel Rear Bumper \| TJM T-15 w/ Warn M8000 2004 Land Cruiser -- OME Medium Lift \| Nitto Terra Grapplers

01-12-2008, 09:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
Elvota Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,436	I think we all were a bit intimidated by this obstacle... so we sent the buggy up first. Good thing Schaefer is a certified stunt pilot. That's more like a wall than a trail... don't ya think? Once the winch cleared, it was straight up: Very straight up...: All smiles: Cresting the top: After grinding a bit here and there and searching for traction, the magnificent BBQ cleared it proper... no assist. That was good for us, cause now we had a winch point. Westy was next: A bit of effort to clear the winch as well: So close now.... Even closer.... But after a good deal of rubber wear and some metal scrapes... Westy was denied. Cable pulled, and he zipped right up. Only fatality was one LED tail light. Now the Mighty Tacoma was up to bat (that's me in the background wondering what the heck am I doing here ): Kent just went right up: Almost like it was nothing: Front axle over... and then... DENIED!! So very, very close. The line was pulled, and winch number two got a workout. Now "little" Elvota had to make it. __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY visit the sticki chronicles

01-12-2008, 09:19 PM	#6 (permalink)
Elvota Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,436	I don't usually feel small being 6'4" with a SAS 4Runner on 35's... but this was an exception. Seeing all three bigger rigs in front of me struggle and drag and bump up this obstacle, I guessed myself to be surely doomed. But, what the heck... didn't have much else to do today. Out of the first waterfall. Much easier than expected: Setting up: Schaefer says, "Hey man... don't look at me. I drive a dang BBQ!!" Now tell me that doesn't look steep... Of course... I was happy to use the winch at this point : Over and out: Now that the "hard part" was over, it was just a matter of lunch and an easy drive home. __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY visit the sticki chronicles

01-12-2008, 09:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
Elvota Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,436	First "easy part" after the waterfalls: "Buns of Steel" Schaefer pulls me through... even with my brakes on!! : Finally, after a few more technical sections we had a steep climb out to the ridge line and then back down to the start. Follow the leader: As flat as the Tilt-O-Meter got all day: Scenic view: Doesn't my GF just glow? Then Schaefer decided we might as well throw in a little Lower Woodpecker... since we were in the area and all. He was leading, so no pics for him. I had the camera, so no pics for me. But, Westy gave it a valiant try: And then another: Then it was time for the Tacoma to lay down the law. : That thing seems monsterous sometimes.... And that was that. 2WD dirt back out to the air up spot. All in all a great day on a hard trail. I got a little scuff on the front bumper, we lost a tail light and Schaefer made it home before dark. Thanks for the good run guys. Until next time. __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY visit the sticki chronicles

01-12-2008, 09:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
dirtyXplorer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Mile High Posts: 247	That last picture is awesome! I grew up in AZ and have never been to Axle ally... __________________ 93 4runner

01-12-2008, 09:47 PM	#9 (permalink)
sdstud212001 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Split time between Flagstaff & Kingman AZ Posts: 1,617	Very nice pictures, I wish my 4runner could handle all that fun. __________________ 1987 DLX 4X4 5 Speed: Electric Flex-a-Lite,SR5 guages,Yokohama Geolander A/T+ II,Pro Comp AAL, KC Slimlites, Bull Bar, Aux fuse box, Limo Tint, Marlin Crawler Bumper, painted shell, Sirius Wish List: Safari Rack,Bigger tires, SDORI BJ Spacers, 2001 Limited 4X4 Auto:Tundra 231mm brake upgrade, Brembo Rotors, Akebono Pads, 17" 2007 4Runner wheels, Yokohama Geolander AT-S,Sirius & Limo tint Wish List: TJM Front Bumper, KC Hilites, Safari Roof Rack, Thule Cargo Box, Rock sliders, Limo Tint

01-12-2008, 10:01 PM	#10 (permalink)
SOAZtim Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Snobsdale, SOuthern AriZona. Posts: 807	Damn nice pictures and trip report. Danica and I felt like we just did that trail reading along. Woohoo! NO body damage either! We rock! __________________ 2001 4runner. 255/85/16 BFG KM, A-trac/VSC disable switch. DR coilovers. OME rear springs with bilsteins, 4.88 gears with ARB lockers. Waeco CF-50 fridge. Home made sleeping platform with drawers. Home made rear bumper. Home made sliders. Blue sea fuse box. ICV8000 Icom 2meter. Uniden CB in ashtray. Donaldson Top Spin pre-filter with home made snorkel. TJM front bumper with m8000 and syn line. Baja Rack Mega Mule roof rack. Lowrance. 7" hid's. Lots of scratches. www.soaztim.com

01-12-2008, 10:36 PM	#11 (permalink)
111db Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 1,215	Great pics! I guess I wasn't paying attention... I wanted to ride along for this one but didn't realize it was today. Maybe next time. __________________ Jon *97 4Runner 3.4 4.88's * ARB Lockers F/R * ARB compressor * Sonoran Steel numba 1 * 285 BFG AT/KO * TJM 17 * BudBuilt Skids * Stubbs Sliders & BBQ sauce * Irbis out back * Various Electronic Gadgets**

01-13-2008, 01:54 AM	#12 (permalink)
CC_yota Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: ATX/ Waco Posts: 378	I need to get out to AZ if not to hit up a few trails but just to see the scenery!!! Great pics!! __________________ 95 4Runner- 3vze- A/T- 4.88's Currently LC Coils BJ Spacers SAW T-Bars 32x11.50 BFG A/T's 15x8 black Rockcrawlers Marlin Crawler rear bumper

01-13-2008, 06:26 AM	#13 (permalink)
wormhole Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bountiful, Utah Posts: 1,526	Nice wrtie up Steve. Those are some nice photo's. That second waterfall looked a little crazy. I need to get myself over there and ride along with you guys for one of those trails. __________________ 2000 Toyota 4runner auto, 4x4, elocker, budbuilt skid, Sonoran Steel 7.2, 265/75/16 Yokohoma Geolanders AT-S Just call me "T"

01-14-2008, 02:08 AM	#14 (permalink)
nick_8787 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: WA. The Blue Mountains are my playground. Posts: 234	Those last few Tacoma pictures definitely seem calendar quality. __________________ 95 Limited 4runner, OME springs and shocks, SDORI Ball Joint Spacers, 33"x10.5" Bfg Mud Terrains, Sony Xplod deck, 2 12" Premier Pioneer Subs powered by Power Acoustik's Plasma Sphere 1440W amp.

01-15-2008, 08:46 AM	#15 (permalink)
i_love_tacos Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Tuba City, AZ Posts: 322	hey i didnt know Kent drove a taco. what happend to the 4runner? did i miss something??? very nice lookin taco though. and the pics are great. wish i was there. __________________ 98 V6 toyota taco. Tundra coils. 1 inch daystar spacer. rancho shocks front. daystar shackles. 2.5 inch downey rear leafs. bilstien 5125 shocks rear. K&N FIPK 2. jardine cat back exhaust. stubbs sliders. TJM front bumper. 33" bfg all terrains

01-15-2008, 09:25 AM	#17 (permalink)
i_love_tacos Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Tuba City, AZ Posts: 322	ohhhhhh ok. geez. did he buy that taco like that from someone or did he start from scratch? it looks very familiar. __________________ 98 V6 toyota taco. Tundra coils. 1 inch daystar spacer. rancho shocks front. daystar shackles. 2.5 inch downey rear leafs. bilstien 5125 shocks rear. K&N FIPK 2. jardine cat back exhaust. stubbs sliders. TJM front bumper. 33" bfg all terrains

01-15-2008, 09:30 AM	#18 (permalink)
Elvota Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,436	Kent might chime in here... but I believe he bought it built from someone in Vegas. However, Schaefer really went through it and refined the suspension as well as various gussets. It's a sweet ride now. Even has a factory installed supercharger on the 4CYL. __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY visit the sticki chronicles

01-15-2008, 09:43 AM	#19 (permalink)
i_love_tacos Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Tuba City, AZ Posts: 322	nice. im in the works of finlly geting mine fixed up too. was thinkin bout going with coilovers instead of leaf springs. the next run says its a hard one. im going to try and head out there for it and probabaly jump with one you guys. hopefully Kent. haha. __________________ 98 V6 toyota taco. Tundra coils. 1 inch daystar spacer. rancho shocks front. daystar shackles. 2.5 inch downey rear leafs. bilstien 5125 shocks rear. K&N FIPK 2. jardine cat back exhaust. stubbs sliders. TJM front bumper. 33" bfg all terrains

01-16-2008, 08:08 PM	#22 (permalink)
Vermejo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 440	Great shots. I just don't understand why I didn't see an IFS in any of the pictures? __________________ 1998 LTD\|DoubleLocked\|Yukon 4:88's\|BFG KM2 315\|SMP Bumpers & Armor\|Sonoran Steel Lift & Links\|BudBuilt Skids\|WARN Recovery & Hubs New Mexico Backroads \| Images and Exploration \| Blog SmugMug Gallery

01-16-2008, 08:43 PM	#24 (permalink)
Hayes Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,884	That last picture looks gnarly... Looks like a tough trail. __________________ Obama is an acronym. OBAMA = One Big Ass Mistake, America

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