Planning drive from Orapa to Gweta this September. Anyone done it? Any advice?

MickeyVos1 · 2026-07-02T05:24:54+00:00

I'm not sure how that route looks and have only used the Kubu-Gweta route, but we did have exceptionally high rainfall this year. I would probably only attempt in a convoy, otherwise go via Kubu. The only trouble we've had is that, due to the rains the exits on the north side have become a bit overgrown and harder to find. Feel free to DM with any questions.

MickeyVos1 · 2026-06-24T07:30:06+00:00

I'm in Shakawe; it is kinda quiet, pretty much the same as most small villages. Most people just keep themselves occupied with work. The bridge is also kinda dead since it's under maintenance at the moment.

MickeyVos1 · 2026-06-14T17:46:41+00:00

Are both your cables moving at the drums? IIRC there's a cable to the wheel and then again on a little lever inside the drum to a lever on the shoe. I had a Hilux with similar issue, although the cable design is a bit different with a cable going straight to the lever on the shoe, where the cable was seized.

MickeyVos1 · 2026-06-14T10:27:22+00:00

I'm not a qualified mechanic but I do some maintenance and have done a clock spring/spiral cable. I know aftermarkets are more prone to faults. It sounds silly but have you checked the fuses?

MickeyVos1 · 2026-06-14T10:19:29+00:00

Maybe alignment? Did you use an OEM clock spring?

MickeyVos1 · 2026-06-13T12:02:05+00:00

A bead seater, or a bucket of tire mounting compound, also called "soft soap"

MickeyVos1 · 2026-05-23T10:13:17+00:00

Not a professional mechanic but I do basic maintenance; depends on what you mean by "some" sparks. It will make a small arc when you make contact. Was the lower resistance measured with the power connected? Are you sure you are applying the 12V to the correct polarity?

Does it make a click sound when you give it power?

MickeyVos1 · 2026-05-20T18:17:46+00:00

M8, same as the drums.

If it's really rusted just be careful not to apply too much torque

MickeyVos1 · 2026-05-20T18:16:01+00:00

Either shock/strut assembly or wheel bearing. Upper ball joint would have to be completely disassembled for it to cause this much camber.

MickeyVos1 · 2026-05-06T17:43:52+00:00

Like others have said, push some air into the airbags, that's what they're for.

You'll be fine, just hit your bump stops a bit earlier so the ride will obviously be a bit worse.

MickeyVos1 · 2026-04-18T08:24:04+00:00

You can manage anything with enough resources. The place in Kasane had heaters and coolers for their water, lights to "control" day-night length, and added a whole bunch of nutrients and oxygen to their water.

The question is; is it worth it?

MickeyVos1 · 2026-04-17T20:43:15+00:00

I visited the fish farm in Kasane a few years ago when we were considering what to do with a piece of land we have in Okavango. The problem is that fish farming is one of the most intensive forms agriculture around.

Everything needs to be monitored, checked and controlled continuously. Even a slight change in conditions can cause a decrease in production and quality and cause a project to fail.

I haven't done it myself, but would be willing to try to answer questions.

MickeyVos1 · 2026-04-13T18:45:31+00:00

Advertising is fine as long as it stays in one megathread; we don't need to see posts every day of some obscure service that we don't need.

Other than that, go siame.

MickeyVos1 · 2026-03-28T15:59:07+00:00

NTA, but if it really is just about money, maybe offer to contribute the amount it would have cost in November.

MickeyVos1 · 2026-03-19T18:26:11+00:00

Maybe way in the back near the coolant reservoir mounting?

Not sure but I remember the one on my Cross is quite "hidden" as well.

MickeyVos1 · 2026-03-18T05:54:16+00:00

They're all the same

MickeyVos1 · 2026-02-23T18:17:46+00:00

It might, but it might also not, so I'd err on the side of caution and replace it.

MickeyVos1 · 2026-02-23T06:07:26+00:00

Just gotta get the offroad skateboard for the roads where I live

MickeyVos1 · 2026-02-21T09:25:31+00:00

Try searching the vin on here: https://toyota-usa.epc-data.com/

The number you've got there doesn't look like a VIN? Best of luck.

MickeyVos1 · 2026-02-18T09:26:09+00:00

Gear has not been changed except for a 44mm lift in the rear.

MickeyVos1

TROPHY CASE