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| 4x4 Trip | 43.80 Miles |
5,789 AEG |
| | 4x4 Trip | 43.80 Miles | 5 Hrs 25 Mns | | 10.95 mph |
| 5,789 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | I planned on another extended 4x4 recon trip driving up and down every road/track/wash that appeared to be passable in search of new hiking destinations. Once I left AZ 79 heading for Cottonwood Canyon it started a light rain so I wasn't sure if I'd be forced to cut it short by running washes or not. It didn't appear too bad so I continued on, setting way points at every intersection with plans to mark them on the way out and explore one after another on the return so I'd be working closer to home later in the day progressed. Just as I was traversing a particularly rough section heading out toward the coke ovens I heard some noises from the front suspension that did not bode well. Although I had a good idea what it could be the ground was so uneven I didn't bother to stop until I came to some semblance of level ground where I could jack up the Samurai if needed. I crawled under to see what the problem was and found the bolt for the rear mount of the left front spring was about to fall out due to missing the nut. Time to get out the jack and tools and get to work.
Thankfully the rain had let up so that was one less worry. I jacked up the offending side with hopes to get the bolt back in place but between the elongated mount hole and the twist of the spring with only one side up I was unable to get the job done. I jacked it up from the center this time but still had to get well under the vehicle to be able to pry the spring far enough to reinsert the bolt. Eventually I got the bolt back in but now what could I secure it with for the long rough drive back? Thankfully I had a new roll of mechanics wire and used it to wrap a series of loops over the threads and twist them as tight as possible then wrap it around the mount. Then I wrapped a criss-cross of wire across the bolt head to use a backup measure. I finished putting the jack and tools away just in time... just as the rain came down in sheets. Time to turn around and head for home in earnest. Although I tried to make better time on the way home, the bare rock areas were now quite slick. But with a bit more care I had no particular issues and with a few stops to be sure the bolt was still in place I made it home safely.
Another trip where I dodged a bullet, being able to effect repairs with the tools and materials I had on hand. But I was able to mark more areas to check out later. I'll be out again in the next few days to follow up on them. Not many photos due to the rain but I'll post a few shortly. |
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