So I took the Runner on her first TRUE offroading trip today. Went up through a local creek bed which has various conditions, mud, sand, water, rocks, hills, you know all that good stuff. I left the tires inflated and everything (mind you its all stock) just so I could see the TRUE capabilities of the Runner.

Well I must say I am pleased, but somewhat disappointed.

Started out good, then one water crossing was up to the top of the front bumper, got almost all the way across and she wouldn't move, so I backed up and went again, stopped again, 3rd time I made it thru.

Go a little ways farther she climbed a hill pretty good (in 4LO) and then ran into a problem going up a little 1 foot ledge, (sandy one) it just wouldn't do it.
So I backed up and got some speed and that got her over it.

Then on the way back home I got on one off camber part and the back end was trying its hardest to swing out from me and it was quite difficult to keep it in line.

Well actually I guess I am pretty pleased since it is completly STOCK and I didn't even air down. I know most of the problems will be fixed with better traction.

Just wanted to share, flame, comment or say whatever

Oh BTW, Im probly going back out tomorrow so I will take my digi cam with me and snap some shots.

 

Good ta hear you're enjoying your rig!

 

pics?

 

Im probly going back out tomorrow morning so I will take my camera with me this time

 

cool.

 

Have you extended those breathers yet?

 

definately a must if you are going through mud/sand/ and water all the time. And easy to boot (at least on the back, i heard the front was a little tougher and i havent gotten around to doing it yet) Otherwise, glad you had fun!

 

Glad your stock runner did well, be careful with high water though, don't want water in your intake or your diffs. What kind and size tires are you running?

 

I think you're losing sight of the important part here
Be glad it went where you wanted it to, you won't always get it on the first try, but perserverance pays off.

They aren't miracle machines, sometimes the elements will beat you. Sand and water are tricky obstacles, let's see your car do that

Glad to hear you had fun mate, that's what it's all about.

 

No not yet, Im gonna pull the plug and make sure I don't have any water in there. I gotta do that sometime.

 

Ive just got some Bridgestone Dueler A/T's shoot I can't remember the size right now I just threw a blank, its a street size that is smaller than 31's. It really bites having small tires, going 60MPH on the freeway my speedo says 72 and 3350RPM but the cop sign on the side of the road says 60, and it feels sixty. Ive almost got enough money to get a set of good 31's though.



Well it turns out like Im not going again today, but I will get pictures within a week, I will go back down there for sure this week. Was a lot of fun.