I got laid-off out here in WA and am moving to SD. I've been getting the old truck ready this week. She's running better than she has in probably 25 years. I've got my motorcycle in the back and I've got a cheap foldup trailer that I'm pulling. I pulled out the front passenger seat and put a couch cushion on the floor for the 95 lb mutt. Not sure where the cat's riding yet. I wish I'd put a hotter cam in her last fall but oh well there's no hurry. This will probably be the oldest toyota in SD. They rusted pretty bad out there. Should be an adventure.

Nickle Eye

 

Sounds good. Good luck with the trip!

 

 

Im from SD and i bought my 80 from there and she is in great shape. Where abouts are you moving to.

 

77 is a good year. I had a deluxe long bed.

 

Road trip with the dog and cat...good times. have a safe drive

 

Well I'll try to get some picts when she's loaded and some along the way. I'm heading too a small town in eastern SD called Fedora. It's right in the middle of some of the best pheasant hunting in the world.
I've gotten rid of all smog crap and put an electric fan from a suburu on her yesterday. The stock fan had a wobble. I got all new tires, new brakes, rotor and cap, new hoses, and packed the front bearings. She's got a little bit of a rough idle but smooths out at rpms. I think the idle could be from when I milled .02 off of the head.
I built a small crate for the cat. If he rides alright I'll let him out in the cab. The dog travels well he's made this journey a couple of times. I bought AAA RV plus insurance too. Just in case.

Nickle Eye

 

This seems like it will be a nice break from reality for you.
I've always wanted to be able to pack up and drive for a while,
but I haven't had the time or funds to be able to.

Any reason for picking SD other than the pheasant hunting you mentioned?
How long do you plan on staying?

 

Hate to hear the reason your having to go, but I always enjoyed crosscountry trips.

Left Fayetteville, NC to Pheonix, Az in an old CJ-7 and a Husky. Advance 11yrs Charlotte, NC to Tacoma, Wa with my 4rnr and no dog just me. Dogs are good people and company.

Have a safe trip, Don't push it to hard, Enjoy.

 

I heading there because it's where I'm originally from. I've been in WA for seven years and I'm am going to miss these mountains alot. My old man is retired now so I figured I head back and help him restore a 69 datsun fairlady roadster that I gave him a few years ago. I bought it from some kid who didn't know what he had. He sold it to me for $100.00. It was from southern cali and only has 40,000 original miles. Should be a fun project. Everythings complete on it!

Nickle Eye

 

Left Leavenworth this morning a 11:00 and got to Cour'dalane Idaho at 4:30. Front seal is leaking from crank but haven't had to add oil yet. One front bearing is getting warm so I pulled over for the night and will pack it in the morning. She's definately weighed down but cruises nice at 60. She slowed to 40 coming out of the Columbia gorge but took it in 4th so I not to nervous about the passes up ahead except for the continental divide.

Dog's been great but the cat disappeared last night and could not find him this morning. I think coyotes got him last night because he never stays out all night. I'm going to miss that damn tomcat but a few of my friends are going to stop by the old place and take him in if he's there.

Nickle Eye

 

Sorry to hear about the cat. Bummer. My cats and dog all made it on the move from New York a few years ago. It was a fun road trip with them.

Sounds like you are prepared better than most. Hope the wheel bearing repair goes good. It is gonna be warm the next few days...

 

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First pic's leaving WA
Second pic's in Idaho

 

That is a big dog for a small cab! I hope the rest of the trip goes well... I am sorry about your cat. I hope your friends can locate him.

 

looking good man, good luck with your trip.

 

I've made it to Butte ! Got over the passes in Idaho. At lookout pass I had to shift down to 3rd and slowed to 37 mph. I'm going to hit the continental divide in the morning. After the next 100 miles it'll flatten out. Going to try for the Black Hills tomorrow. I've got a good friend there so I think I'll crash at his place for a few days and unload the bike and go for a ride in the hills before the bike rally.
I packed the bearings this morning and they seem to be fine now. The oil hasn't come off the full mark yet even though the crank seal is leaking a little.

Nickle Eye

 

sorry about that cat i how it is to lose a pet.

i hope the rest of the trip goes good, that is definitely a big dog in a small cab lol.

 

Sounds like a blast. Sorry about getting laid-off and losing your cat. I love my two cats.

That dog is AWESOME!

Have a safe and fun trip, keep us posted!

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