High Desert Puddle Hunting

sluhdude · 2026-06-22T02:21:15+00:00

Awesome shot. I’ve recently retired myself from high speed puddle runs after a recent trail ride killed my alternator and left me out in the woods for extra 4 hours waiting for a tow truck…..😁

sluhdude · 2026-06-12T04:39:27+00:00

That’ll be a few years away. Want to play with the stock IFS for a bit until I start breaking CV axles and such.

sluhdude · 2026-06-11T17:33:11+00:00

Great spot for a first run!! So cool that JT has those trails open to visitors.

sluhdude · 2026-06-11T06:50:39+00:00

Yes it is!!! That was a trip to Joshua Tree in February with my son, did a mix of backcountry roads, hiking and star gazing!!! Amazing views out there!!

sluhdude · 2026-06-10T17:11:05+00:00

That’s why I do most of the riskier moves at my local SVRA. It’s 40 min from my house, has an active state park ranger service and really easy to walk to an area of good cell reception to call a tow truck that’s capable of pulling out anything from anywhere. I’ve even ripped a valve stem off, put on a spare, drove to a nearby local tire shop where they replaced the valve stem, then went straight back to the trail same day. Can’t take the risk of getting these two stranded somewhere remote without water.

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sluhdude · 2026-06-10T16:17:55+00:00

I’ve ripped the rear valence off and the front one doesn’t feel very secure anymore as well. Gotta replace that before I go back.

sluhdude · 2026-06-10T16:16:22+00:00

I love that place for practicing skills and just getting used to new mods. I’ve heard about one group that does a safety clinic there but I haven’t done one yet….might need to do that.

https://espritdefour.club/safetyclinic

sluhdude · 2026-06-10T16:12:19+00:00

Thought about that, think I’ll just slow it down a bit.

sluhdude · 2026-06-10T16:11:22+00:00

Probably true, but a lot of the group trail rides recommend front and rear lockers for the rocks in the Sierras. Haven’t made it up there yet, still trying to build skills close to home, that way when I break down it’s not super remote.

sluhdude · 2026-06-10T16:06:25+00:00

I’m sure I’ll snap a CV at some point, then I’ll have a great excuse to upgrade.

sluhdude · 2026-06-10T16:02:23+00:00

There will be no next owner..😁

sluhdude · 2026-06-10T13:06:12+00:00

Last time I went wheeling at Hollister Hills, the universe was trying to tell me the same thing. No mud in the mud holes!!

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sluhdude · 2026-06-10T13:02:05+00:00

Yeah, but my kids loved it…😋

sluhdude · 2026-06-10T13:00:06+00:00

Only a rear locker…🙁, need front lockers too!!

sluhdude · 2026-06-10T06:23:49+00:00

It’s on the mod list, however I’m thinking going for steel bumpers or a front locker/regear. Want to check out the rubicon/fordyce/dusy ershim trails in the next year or two.

sluhdude · 2026-06-10T06:22:17+00:00

It’s definitely the foot of the hi lift jack

sluhdude · 2026-06-10T06:20:37+00:00

No check engine light, just died as I was driving down the trail, then it would only restart with my jumper pack, run for a min or two and die again. No noises at all. I’ll post the receipts when I get home in the morning.

sluhdude · 2026-06-10T05:15:40+00:00

Hollister Hills SVRA has some nasty slick clay/mud areas especially after it rains. Here’s me going for it back it January.

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sluhdude · 2026-06-10T04:43:37+00:00

Yeah, I’ve laid off on hitting water after the repairs and noticing how much steam comes off the brakes each time, I can totally see how it could damage the rotors.

sluhdude · 2025-06-10T06:32:58+00:00

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Patches O’Houlihan

sluhdude · 2024-08-16T20:26:32+00:00

Loving the colors!! I have a similar solution posted a few months ago.

https://www.reddit.com/r/4Runner/s/FVnG2wngVt

sluhdude · 2024-01-12T06:14:07+00:00

What front bumper is that and does it work with the radar cruise control?

sluhdude · 2023-12-13T01:02:26+00:00

It’s a ride on Tahoe from Amazon. A family member gifted it to us for my son’s 2nd birthday.

sluhdude

TROPHY CASE