Perfect weather this year for the Dayton Ohio Toyota Off-Road Enthusiast’s annual Fall ride. I barely made it in time but I did make it. Was lucky enough to be in an excellent group of Tacomas, FJ’s, Landcruisers and 4Runners. Toward the middle of the ride, after lunch, we broke into two groups. One group doing Light/Medium route and the other group that I chose to go with doing Old Fincastle.
Fincastle is a rough road with many large, loose rocks and a couple VERY large buried rocks that must be navigated. My truck did okay. Had some issues that I wasn’t sure why were happening. Engine stalling, locker wouldn’t engage. Turns out, I destroyed my driver-side CV axle and had no idea. Drove all the way home doing 90 and drove all week with no clue that differential fluid was pouring from my front differential. Strong smell and white smoke when the fluid made contact with my exhaust were my only clues. The thing drove fine with no vibration and no noise. Truck’s currently in the shop having extensive surgery and I anxiously await its return.
All in all, well worth the pain and headache but wish it could have been avoided. Considering I’ve been wheeling that truck since it had temporary tags on it, this isn’t too bad as it is my first “real” repair. Don’t know if I’ll go out riding for “fun” anymore but I will definitely still take the truck places others wouldn’t because trout love remote, beautiful places and so do I.
I even won one of the raffles this year. I never win anything and this was a huge shock for me. The prizes were incredible and included several pieces of gear that I’ve been wanting to pick up. Forever grateful to DOTORE and its leadership. Their rides are incredible and everyone I’ve met is a humble, knowledgeable person that loves to help.