Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

It is that time of year again where the K10 gets a major look over and lots of maintenance performed in preparation for our annual 7-10 day off-road adventure trip to the Southwestern Desert someplace. This year the trip will happen a few months earlier (Leaving in late March) instead of the usual July (we have a baby girl on the way that is due in July :ben:) and we are going a bit further on this trip than the usual Utah and Arizona trips we’ve done over the past few years. This year we are going to check out the Mojave Rd that run from just South of Laughlin, NV to Zzyzx, CA (pronounced "Zye - Zex"). The Mojave Rd is an old Indian trading route of about 130 miles of nothing but wide open desert and beautiful scenery with lot of old rustic ruins to check out. Really neat place rich in Southwestern history. Check it out! After that we are headed up to Death Valley for another 3 or 4 days of trail riding, camping, photography and what not. The entire trip should come in somewhere around 2,500 to 3,000 miles depending what all side trips we follow along the way.

As you can imagine this truck goes through tires about every 2 years and this time around I wanted a bit heavier load range of tire but there isn’t much on the market in the way of 315/75R16’s Load Range E’s so I settled upon a set of Fierce Attitudes Load Range E by Dunlop mounted on Desert Rat Rattler Moab STR aluminum wheels. The bad news is the new tires and wheels are a bit wide and badly interfere with the front fender flares under moderate articulation so that is something I need to work out yet. Might even order a set of Xenon flares and move these WARN’s to the Suburban. These WARN flares hang down pretty low and have often gotten in the way of the tires anyway. Also had to go through the NP205 transfercase last weekend to address some old noise issues I’ve been dealing with for the last few years. I wouldn’t mind upgrading the alternator to around a 150 to 200 AMP unit before we leave as well.

Last year’s trip was only 1,555 miles where the big beast delivered 11.72 MPH for the entire trip. Not too bad for a big block powered, 8,000 lb. rig with the aerodynamics of a drive in movie theater screen.

Because I am a picture wh0re, here are a few shots of the winter tires, old desert trip tires and the new Fierce Attitudes. I love the new tires and wheels!

Old All-Terrain tires on cheap black steel wheels used for long distance desert adventures. These now live on the Suburban
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Winter tires used for CO mountain trips. Still have these for local trips.
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New Fierce Attitude tires on Rattler Moab STR wheels. You can see Pikes Peak right under the transfercase. These pictures were taken in the open space next to my house this afternoon.
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Another with Pikes Peak under the truck
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You can rest assure I will have plenty of Mojave Rd and Death Valley trips when we get back in April! :lol:

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Love your truck. I'll be living this trip vicariously, glad you're a pic whore.;)

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

I have enjoyed your pics from prior trips. I would love to go on a trip like this!
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Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

I'm jelly. Can't wait for the pics!

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I have followed your truck for a while now. Very impressive truck. My favorite part is the NV4500 swap. New wheels look good.

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Love the truck. I also really like the new wheels! What are you using in the way of lug nuts? I have some cheap aftermarket ones on my truck, and I'm sick of them rusting out. Looking for something stainless.

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

great pics and looking forward to more....:metal:

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Don't know how I missed this truck before but it's awesome!! Very nice job on the truck and thanks for the great photos.
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Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Thanks all!

They are just regular ole aftermarket deep 9/16 conical seat chrome lug nuts that I’ve had in it for the past 17 years. Actually, I use the same lug nuts on all of the different wheels it wears. These would probably rust too but we don’t use raw roadsalt here. The DOT only uses 6% salt in the sand mixture. Not really enough salt concentration to cause a rust issue.

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

The Mojave Road is right in my backyard. You'll love it.

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

x2

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Love the new shoes! Good choice on the wheel/tire combo. I got to stop by and check it out in person.

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Yeah, come by dude. You know I am always in the shop all weekend.

Closer look at those Fierce Attitudes... They are like a mix between a mild mud tire or aggressive all-terrain
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8...00e8bc88_c.jpg

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Love the tires.
Can't wait to see some pics from your trip.

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Cool tires and wheels. Love your truck. Can you tell me about your rig? Especially interested in that camper. Not familier with ever seeing one like that. Again, love your rig.

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Thanks! The camper is a 2011 Phoenix Pulse built in Denver. I am going into my 3rd season with it. All Phoenix Campers are custom built to order so no two are exactly alike. If you notice I had mine built to fit inside the bed so the tailgate would shut and the camper is narrow where camper mirrors are not needed. It is built of aluminum frame work with composite siding. The father of the owners of Phoenix campers is actually the founder of the more well-known Four Wheel Camper. It is a great camper with a robust build. It has been shaken, bounced, twisted and baked in the desert sun with no issues although they are not cheap. A camper like this costs more than twice as the truck cost new in 1978.

The refrigerator is not the typical 3-way RV fridge. It is a full 12 volt South African refrigerator manufactured by National Luna used in world traveling Overlanding rigs and marine applications. The amp draw is so low it can run for days without even charging the battery. The fridge is flat out awesome. Nothing like drinking an ice cold beer or eating ice cream in 115 degree day in the desert. :lol:
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The top bunk can be slid back to create a queen size bed. Here it is in single mode.
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Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Looks good dude!

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wow! that is a top line price for a pop-up.what do those weigh approx.?

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Those look awesome! How much lift do you have on the truck to make them fit?

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Yep, a lesser camper like a Palamino Bronco can be had brand new for half the price but the wood frame construction and aluminum siding make them extremely heavy and fragile. A few seasons running a Palamino off-road would turn into pile of match sticks. :lol:

This particular Phoenix weighted 820 lbs dry when I took delivery. It is all the crap I put in it that makes it so dern heavy. Both of the fender wells between the camper and bed sides are stuff full of recovery gear, tools and spare parts. All that stuff gets heavy fast even before loading the fridge, clothes, beer, beer and more beer. Sometimes whiskey too. :lol:

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

they sure do! plate on my camper lists weight at 1600lbs, by the time we're done it's around 2500

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The truck has somewhere around a 6” to 7” lift. Kinda lost track of the lift gains with all the different stuff that has been bolted under it over past 17 years.

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Probably my favorite truck on the board! Enjoy the trip, looking forward to the pictures.

Congrats on the upcoming new addition too!

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Larry , everytime I see your truck , I get new inspiration to get back working on my 77 shortbed .. lol .. it's only been 5 years .

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Thanks Jeff! We're really looking forward to the baby. Nothing like waiting until the last minute to start a family, I am 41 and the wife is 39 and we have been together for 20 years. This will be our first baby :lol:

Thanks! Better get on it, we're not getting any younger

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Better late than never, kids are truly a blast!
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Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Thanks for info on your camper. I love the style of your truck and have always leaned more towards the expedition look myself. To me it's function over flash. Is there a previouse thread or a possible future one that is a walkthrough of your rig? I've searched and found aspects here and there about it but i would guess alot of us would love to see the whole thing inside and out with some commentary. I am looking forward to your updates on this trip as well but your truck is really cool. I hope my truck is as cool one day.

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Thanks! I don’t have “build thread” per se’ as this truck has been my project long before build threads or even this website existed. Going on 17 years with this truck :lol:

Here is one thread specific to the camper

There are a few project threads though:

NV4500 Swap

56” Rear Spring swap

Converted the 8.1L from a RamJet/Marine MEFI4 ECM to a P59 automotive type ECM

Dana 60 swap



And a few trip threads:

Desert Trip I


Desert Trip II


Desert Trip III


Desert Trip IV


Overland Expo & Desert Trip V


I’ll definitely have a thread on the Death Valley trip once we get back. Going for a quick jaunt to the mountains this weekend for a shakedown run before we leave for CA. Figured I’d better run it around in 4wd a bit since the front axle is new and the tcase has just been gone through.

I received a new set of Xenon fender flares today so I’ll be getting those installed shortly as well. The tires rub the current WARN flares badly!

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Hmm. I think I know where you didn't get those new shoes! :smoke:

We'll still fix them for free if possible though! :lol:

Wish I were going with you guys. Sounds like a fun trip.

Next year, Dad.

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Hehe…..yeah, that is true. Had a hard time finding 315/75R16’s in load range E. These Sam’s Club specials were the best bang for the buck in load range E. Too bad you can’t make this trip, maybe next time! At least you will be home in case we have a breakdown near your town!

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

We did our little shakedown run this morning to foothills up the road from home. Everything is good to go outside of still needing to install the new Xenon flares, but I sure miss the Detroit TruTrac that was in the old front D44. The D60 was a big upgrade in brute strength but a major downgrade in the traction department. Need to do something about that someday.

It was a beautiful day in the foothills outside of Canon City today

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Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

That's a neat area back there. Looks like there was less snow than when we were up there on new years day. It might get a bunch tomorrow. I might be turning a golf cart into a snow plow with a couple of shovels and some duct tape for our soccer tournament. We might have to clear the lines on the fields. It's looking ugly for a forecast.

So outside of less traction on the front end, all the noises quiet now? Good shakedown?

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Larry as always I love the truck and can't wait for this years adventure.

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Yeah, pretty cool test track/trail for only being 45 minutes from home. We hit up the shooting range with Bill’s new 308 while we were up there. My ears are still ringing...huh? Actually, Bill said there was a bit more snow than when you all went on New Year’s Day. The little hairy spot on the northern side had some pretty decent snow on it. That is where the missing front TruTrac really became noticeable. No more front major pulling, all rear Detroit Locker doglegging push action. I hear that is the spot Tracy had problems with her Rubicon on New Year’s.

Have fun at the soccer deal. You might want to consider becoming a coffee drinker!

Oh, some slight changes to our Death Valley trip. Neighbor Pete is now going with us and bringing his camper with him but his Silverado is staying home….we’re going to put Pete’s camper on Bill’s Dodge and Pete is riding shotgun with Bill. Got a lot of crap to do in 3 weeks to make that happen!

Regarding the 205 noise. NOPE! The highway speed/downhill coast noise is still there! :cuss: I guesss that noise is just going to have to become a “normal characteristic” of the machine. :lol:

We stopped to eat lunch at the same spot you all did on New Year’s. Bill said this little dusting of snow wasn’t here on New Year’s Day.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8...e2215268_c.jpg


Thanks Jon! We’ll have pics and stories from Death Valley!

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

dont ya just love the 205 whine. if you come across any manual super duty's at the wrecking yard, they have a nice thick form fitting foam gasket that goes from the shifter down over the floor hole. i sandwiched one between 2 boots on my t-case. you could also throw some sound deadner or M.L.V. or something on the hump & floor pan

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

The thing of it is it is not even a whine. The noise is only there at highway speeds as you coast down a steep hill. Not a full coast, but a coast with a little bit of throttle tip in. There is a slight vibration at that time and the noise almost sounds like a bearing howling. Almost sounds like the noise you hear when a release bearing is howling. The transmission is new (NOS, not reman) and every bearing in the tcase is new. I remember my old ’72 K5 with a 205 made a similar noise and vibration but none of the other 205’s I’ve had made this noise. At least I know there isn’t something inside that is about to give up the ghost. My buddy and I have been through this 205 3 times! It is probably just a gear mesh issue on a high mileage 40 year old 205. This particular 205 is out of a ’72.

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

That foam idea that dieseldawg mention above sounds interesting, as every 205 I've been around always had linkage rattle! Course that doesn't apply to your twin stick now.

Hey, remind Bill that he needs to build me a rear bumper for the K5 and drop it off on your trip...

:smoke:


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Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

If Bill said it was the spot Tracy had an issue on, that was pretty hairy on new years. I had to give some throttle through that section and pretty much walked through it. So if you had some bit of a challenge there had to be more snow.

Too bad on the noise in the 205 though. You know I don't hear any in mine, but then again there is too much other stuff making noise in mine I'd never know!!

Pete on the desert trip? Oh BOY! He's going to be a riot on the ride. Better ration out his beers. He's too big for you to carry him around if he can't walk! Pete's camper in the Dodge is a great idea. Camp setup/breakdown is going to be a snap on this one.

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

Well, we are 1 week away from departing for Death Valley and I have been real busy doing maintenance and getting things dialed in. One thing I recently had to change were the fender flares as the new tires and wheels are just wide enough wreak havoc on the old front WARN flares when turning and hitting a bump so I upgraded to Xenon flares. I originally wanted Xenon flares 10 years ago when I installed the WARN’s but the Xenon’s were on intergalactic back order at that time.

I love these Xenon flares but they are extremely finicky to install as they must be installed on a nice sunny day to allow some latent heat absorbed into the flares and fenders. On the other hand, you don’t want them to soak up too much sun or they are like trying to mount a wet noodle. It took 3 tries to get the right front flare mounted and twice for the right rear. I even called and spoke with a really helpful guy at Xenon to seek advice. At the end of the day, I ended up buying a fresh roll of ½ 3M double sided tape from the local auto body supply store which between the fresh tape and a warm sunny day to install rubbery flares cured the install issues. All hassles aside, the Xenon’s are worth it. The part number for the flares is (73-80 C/K) 8390 and cost $361 through 4WP. The old rear WARN flares are going on the Suburban and I’ll have to order a set of new front ’81-91 flares to match.

Think they look pretty cool. I really like the port hole for the side marker light. Notice how the Xenon flares do not have a splash guard, of sorts, that sticks down past the rocker panel like the WARN’s did in the pictures above.
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I ran by the scale today as well. It came in right at 7,800 lbs with two full tanks of fuel. By the time the gear and supplies are loaded we’ll be pushing well over 8,000 lbs again this year. So much for trying to shave weight off this thing…..
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With the truck now ready for the road it is time to start loading up the camper. In order to open the top in the garage the truck has to be parked in the middle to striatal the lights.
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You can’t even slide a piece of paper between the ceiling and roof rack :lol:
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I can’t wait until next Saturday to get hell out of town! :burnout:

Re: Preparation for Desert Trip VI
 

I'm jealous of these desert trips you guys take. :waah: Looks like a blast! :metal:

I was just watching something on tv last night about these women who were sight seeing and their GPS led them to one of the most remote areas of Death Valley where they ran out of gas and had to be rescued.

Got any more pictures of your rear bumper? I'm wanting to build something similar to that for mine.
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