SoobieDoo

We had our stepson come up for a visit this weekend, so thought it might be fun to do some spur of the moment wheelin. Pamela took the bronco for a recovery vehicle, and took all the pics. It was quite the challenge! The mud was permafrost, not allowing for much of a run at the pits. It was rough going...I imagine much like rock crawling. The pits were iced over about 2 inches, full of water, and prob some cold thickened mud at the bottom. Much different than the last time I was there with NWOG! I got stuck just once, but had to rock out of several other areas. Here's some of the better pics, with a slideshow of the rest: http://s387.photobucket.com/albums/oo319/ericget/Custer%20wheelin%20december%2027th%202009/?albumview=slideshow More good times!!!

Installing a winch will be more fun than cleaning up a mouse nest, though!!! Eagerly awaiting pics.

Right, and low cost is part of the reason I went subaru. Now right out of the showroom, my bronco could have handled some decent off-roading...even with the dinky, stock 235/75 R15's!!! Never wheeled it, though.

Welcome aboard! You gonna keep it stock, or lift it?

Still can't afford the parts, but at least I now know they're available. The owner wants $60 for the pump and lines alone, is that reasonable? I may just get them and run it full-duty for now, as the steering sensor prob won't work on my existing column, and I'd have to do some serious "landscaping" to even get to the rear quarter panel for the speed sensor. It didn't appear to be inside the trunk. On another note, would it be possible to use a switch with multiple settings and resistors, like the heater fan, to control the pump duty's? That would get annoying in traffic, but it could always just be left on one of the mid-settings. Thanks for all the help, 'specially Gary! P.S: This is a VERY complete XT6, and anyone needing parts can get them from me for just a little labor $. The owners prices are so-so, but just pm me and I'll get you a price. Patience required!!!

It takes a lot of work and mods to make a subaru capable off-road. Less so with the forester, but I'd say MOST stock 4x's are "better" just with ground clearance alone. Now the hummers are as heavy as a tank, and not nimble enough to go where we can, but at least they won't high-center in a pot hole. Don't get me wrong...my car is fun as heck off-road, (not so much on-road!) but it took a lot to get there. That said, and to get back on topic: How was the run? Pics didn't show much of any obstacles, really.

NO Damage!?! Glad you guys had a good time; can't wait to get back myself.

Funds won't allow this much fun yet...It'll be a while. I'll keep you all updated.

That's simply awesome, Scott!!! Have you sourced a disty yet, aren't they all overseas?

More detail on these areas in B'ham please? Custer: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=100889&highlight=custer

That looks right, but I mean to send a steering signal to the controller constantly, tricking it to thinking there is always steering input. I'm not sure yet what signal that is...prob just 12V power. Pics of what I need to pull would be helpful, but at least I have a general location to find the parts. Enough talk...we'll see if I git 'er done now.

Covers off for me, and it has been off-roaded like that. Also a DD that gets 50 miles/day.

Nice boot thread there, Bill! That said...I'm with GD. Redwings are prob the cheapest US-made boots available, and still soooooooo much better than any chinese one. I wear nothing else: Work, play, grocery shopping, whatever. Their website shows different ratings for the boots, like mine are excellent for standing on concrete continuously. I'm sure that the $3-400 boots are worth it, but I spent half that.

Walker Valley ORV park, near Mt. Vernon. Google it...it's a blast!

Thanks, Gary...I won't bother with the heater, then. Didn't make it to the yard today, due to snow. Another thought is that if I only used the signal controller, I could trick it into thinking there is a constant signal from the steering sensor. It would not give me all the modes, but should kick down some at highway speeds?

It would be nice if the steering sensor just bolted right up to my column, but I'll just have to try it and see. At least I'd get the quicker ratio from the XT's...I just don't care to spend extra bucks for that. I got some great info on this system on pages 4-5 here: http://www.endwrench.com/pdf/steering/FtSteeringSystemsSp99.pdf What I was calling the speed sensor, is the Signal Controller located in the left rear quarter panel somewhere. Wish those pics were a lot better! I'm hoping to use the existing speed sensor to feed it. I also have a ECU for a feedback carb that could possibly work? Another thing that wouldn't work if the pump was run at full duty is the heater. The sensor for that is apparently right above the pump, but it works in conjunction with the signal controller. It's cold here! I'll be headed to the yard today to pull parts...just not looking forward to doing it "blind".

I'm entertaining the idea of installing the electric PS pump into my '86 GL, but would like to do it right, with the XT sensors. It could simply be done by running the pump at full duty...but I'd rather not. It draws more amps than the stock alternator, and is not meant to be run at 100%. I'd like to use my existing rack and steering column, but implement the XT pump, special juice, steering, and speed sensors. Feasible? I know the approximate location of the needed sensors, but it would be good to have more info and possibly pics! Thanks in advance for any help.

I thought, "what only 2qts of oil!"...until I realized this was for a toyota. Nice pics...we should see more in this thread of boxes, racks, and other storage.

Out...still have stuff to button up from the last walker bash. Looks like many of us part-timers won't show this time! :-\

Custom only, as far as I know. I'd like to see your rig sometime, as I have family in zig zag.

Lookin good, Scott!

Nice place you found there! It's always nice to have some place to wheel close to home...for Jeff it's walker. Is that public or private? Too bad that diff stub limited your fun. Maybe a pipe ez-out would work, if we're lucky enough to find the right size?

Good show, man! Considering your limitations: bad carb, open diff...getting stuck just once is really good.

Welcome! I can't believe how many people have viewed your thread without at least saying hi. I'd love to see some pics of your rig...86's are the best.

You're welcome, and thanks for searching!