I just got back from a weekend trip up to the Silver Lake dunes in Northern Lower Michigan. I've been there a few times previously, but always on rental quads or as a passenger in someone else's ride. This wasn't just tooling around on the sand- this was running start, hit the dune at 40 mph and don't let up until you're over the crest, or burried to the frame. Since it was my first time out there driving the Runner, most of my attempts ended in the later.

I know that sand is like water- it gets everywhere and can be fairly destructive. Any preventative measures/maint I should do now that I'm home? I've heard taking apart the brakes is a good idea, but I've also heard that blasting them with my power washer will do the trick without the hassle of disassembling them.

I put the deckplate back in before I got there, and I've checked the airbox- all clean! Can't think of much else. All suggestions appreciated.

 

A power washer might work on the front, but it's not going to get any sand out of the drums. I would remove all 4 wheels, and the rear drums and give the brakes a good clean. Also an oil change might be a good idea, in case any really fine sand got through the air filter. Wouldn't hurt to give the drivesahfts a good shot of grease as well, there shouldn't be any sand in the u-joints but you never know.

 

Ah yes, good ol' Silver Lake Sand Dunes! I'll be there in a few weeks. I'm assuming you were there over the Labor day weekend? How packed was it?

 

Thanks mods!