Driving the last waterfall on Upper Helldorado without a winch...

Go Greg!

http://offroadmarketing.com/website/moab4-3/uh1.jpg

http://offroadmarketing.com/website/moab4-3/uh2.jpg

http://offroadmarketing.com/website/moab4-3/uh3.jpg

Sethm,

That is a feast, however, there is nothing ROVER about that truck other than the owner, the V8 (I think), the hood, and the firewall...am I wrong?...hell...even the cooler was ditched in the last two photos!

:flipoff2:

Its still got most of the 90 dash, frame, floorboard, windshield, etc.....

What difference does it make? Jeep guys put a grille on a buggy and call it a jeep!

Seth (took the cooler off, cuz that waterfall is so steep it was dumping!)

Hmm, Hmm. Was that before or after he slid way over to the left. Looks like before. Gregs a pussy, that must have been Brandie driving:flipoff2: Yea, yea, Greg made it up with little help, man that sucks. If only i had the Mog, I could have spanked his ass.:D :D

Nice drivin by the way Greg. Gettin it as always!!

Hey Doug, have you run UH yet in the new config. I woudl only assume you made it up with little help as well. If not, you have a challange.

It's not a Rover. Period!

It's no more a Rover, than my truck a Mustang GT with my Mustang alternator and all!!:flipoff2:

Boy, you Rover guys sure are touchy about that!:flipoff2:

your rover is just a canvas for the imagination . . . keep it up larry and you won't have a rover anymore than they do ;)

yeah - i imagine that line can get pretty fuzzy at times..

hell, it still has most of the d-90 dash? amazing! close enuff!

and that probably is greg at da wheel - i think brandi could have made it without spilling the cooler!
:flipoff2: :flipoff2:

IT ISN'T A ROVER :mad:

The only real Rovers are those cruising the mall...get it right! :flipoff2:




Nice rig and nice wheeling!

You wouldn't believe the abuse the Gwagen people have given me. I think it's because secretly they all wish they had a ton of power and cheap avalible parts! :flipoff2:

That's why I still hang out here years after I sold my D-90. You guys are at least open to the idea that sometimes change can be good! Most of the USA Gwagen owners just aren't ready for major mods, but it wasn't that long ago (7 years?) that heavily modified D-90's were really rare and 35's were just plain 'wacky'!

I test fitted some 37's this week. Oh yeah, I'm getting some!

http://www.clubgwagen.com/extreme/pics/37/37_1.jpg

if it looks like a rover, then its a rover! :D

Well, let's see. My Rover has a Buick engine, a BMW (ZF)tranny, an Italian Alternator, GM door latches and Idle Air Control Valve, a Bosch alternator, and John Deere front wheel bearings.

Just what is a Rover anyway, eh?

Peace,
Paul

Originally posted by GollyGwagen
You wouldn't believe the abuse the Gwagen people have given me. I think it's because secretly they all wish they had a ton of power and cheap avalible parts! :flipoff2:


I think you should have tried something less traditional. I think all you've accomplished is to make a jeep out of something that was extremely capable from the factory.

But hey, it's your truck.:flipoff2:

Originally posted by 64rovr
if it looks like a rover, then its a rover! :D

And that is all there is to it.

Sam (whos rig looks like a series 2a)

Originally posted by Puffdragon
Hey Doug, have you run UH yet in the new config. I woudl only assume you made it up with little help as well. If not, yo have a challange.

No...Unfortunately I missed the run...I'm still trying to get over it too. :(

Regardless of wb, making that last one is a crap-shoot. Serious commitment and b-a-l-l-s is the ticket.

And when btw, did this board become filled with Rover purest crap? Is my D111 still a Rover? Is Bill's more Rover because he's running stock housings? Is Way's more Rover than mine? Hmmmmmm....Lemmie think....Hmmmmm....O'yea! I really don't give a rat! If your on this board and start pulling the 'tude' regarding rover "purity" then be prepared for a good ol’flamming! :flipoff2:

--D

Originally posted by RockRover
If your on this board and start pulling the 'tude' regarding rover "purity" then be prepared for a good ol’flamming! :flipoff2:

--D

Amen! Although I think the 'purity' crack was pretty tongue-in-cheek.

:)

Missed you in Moab man. I'll be in Santa Fe in July, we should get together. I wanna see that bad ass ROVER of yours! :flipoff2:

Originally posted by GreenPig


I think you should have tried something less traditional. I think all you've accomplished is to make a jeep out of something that was extremely capable from the factory.

I take it back, maybe you do know the kinda of crap people give me!

I guess you could say the same thing amount many of the D-90's on this list. Just because something is good, doesn't mean it can't be better. While 70hp might seem adaquate to many, doing 30mph in a 75 get's old. I was breaking the drivetrain with that tiny engine too!

But of course, you know a Jeep when you see it. HD Ford 9"/Dana 44, 350 HP LT1, Atlas 2... yeah... that describes about every factory Jeep I've ever seen.

Originally posted by GollyGwagen

But of course, you know a Jeep when you see it. HD Ford 9"/Dana 44, 350 HP LT1, Atlas 2... yeah... that describes about every factory Jeep I've ever seen.

Sorry, when I say jeep, I mean probably half of the wheelers out there who own jeeps. Dana this, 9" that. The atlas was pretty much designed for the YJ/TJ.

You own an exotic rig, personally I just would have liked to seen a less tradtional approach. Something definately more Mercedes...

That said, I am a purist (as if you couldn't tell.) My truck's got a 350, but someday I hope to remedy that with a 4bd-t. So I am hypocritical, I just hate to see the same ol' shit every day.

Originally posted by GreenPig
I just hate to see the same ol' shit every day.

I know what you mean, but there is a definitive reason why you see the 'same old'" every day. That is because it is proven, accessable, and 'reasonably' affordable.

I've alway's said that if the junk you brung keeps letting you down then it's time to: a) Sell your rig (or keep it) in order to keep it intact, or b) start the looooong modification process to continuously improve on a sturdy platform.

For me it's about taking something as far as you can take it. If you don't get there then you try something else...And that may mean defaulting to the "same ol' same ol'.

--D

That's really the whole point of going to so much trouble too. Like with Doug's buggy, it allows me to wheel hard withouthaving to be constantly worried about breaking and costs. You ever priced a spare set of Gwagen fron half shafts. Eyie!! The new stuff is a lot more durrable and I can pick it up at Napa. I thought about trying to stuff a Merceds V8 and Unimog axles in it. But then I have a MUCH more expensive engine/tranny/tcase to install and rebuild (that isn't near as strong) and a set of axles that can't reach highway speeds.

There are actually as many G's in the USA as D-90's, so they aren't all that rare and a whole lot cheaper. And like the D-90 there are boatloads of them overseas. It really is much like building a D-90, just a little less common and the layout it a little more 'family friendly'. Really fit the bill for me wanting to build and wheel something a little different I could put the hole family in. I put the best stuff I could afford into it, and yes that meant staying in the mainstream. Kinda hard to do better than an Atlas II and built domestic axles. Guess that's why you see it so much. I've got all the unique I can handle for now, even if a built Mercedes on 37's is the same old shit.

Sorry, didn't mean to hi-jack the LR content. Didn't think I would have to defend building unique, capable vehicles here!!

Originally posted by GollyGwagen
Didn't think I would have to defend building unique, capable vehicles here!!

Don't worry Q man! You won't have too!

--D

Originally posted by GollyGwagen
There are actually as many G's in the USA as D-90's, so they aren't all that rare and a whole lot cheaper. And like the D-90 there are boatloads of them overseas. It really is much like building a D-90, just a little less common and the layout it a little more 'family friendly'. Really fit the bill for me wanting to build and wheel something a little different I could put the hole family in. I put the best stuff I could afford into it, and yes that meant staying in the mainstream. Kinda hard to do better than an Atlas II and built domestic axles. Guess that's why you see it so much. I've got all the unique I can handle for now, even if a built Mercedes on 37's is the same old shit.

Sorry, didn't mean to hi-jack the LR content. Didn't think I would have to defend building unique, capable vehicles here!!

In the end, it does boil down to what you want to build for what purpose. I'm going to take a step back and just admit it's how YOU want to build YOUR truck. I may not agree with it, but whatever. Your Gwagon is definately one-of-a-kind in one sense, and the same ol' thing in another reguarding (I want to say typical) american 4x4s. Gwagon owners may look in horror about what you've built, and jeepers might look at it and say "what a waste" There's also a flip side to that as well, with coveting GW owners and drooling jeepers.

Personally I've always been a sucker for reliability. I have a 350, but the truck's on a second engine due to the first one throwing a rod (should have rebuilt the tired factory six.) I went with different axles because I hate danas (the only thing spicer on my truck is the PTO shaft joints.) The rest of the truck fits the bill for the type of overland expedition I do and want to do. Dana, nor chevy TO ME fits that bill.

I didn't mean to make this a slam on your truck or your decisions, I just would have done it different. (even if that's how I came across in the first place)

Man! This has turned into a very D-Webish thread.:rolleyes:

It's all good. One man's way is not another. I spot for UROC and RCAA events and used the information I had gathered there to build my rig. Defintely not 'expedition' style. I had already broke the t-case and front axle CV's on mine (with 33's!) so I knew change was in the future, and it wasn't going to be waiting for $3000 worth of half-shafts from Germany so I could carry spares!

Don't worry about pissing me off, I'm getting used to it. I've gotten a lot of horrified replies in the past, but it doesn't stop them from asking me how it works. ;)

Now, back to your regularily scheduled LR talk.

Originally posted by GreenPig


In the end, it does boil down to what you want to build for what purpose. I'm going to take a step back and just admit it's how YOU want to build YOUR truck.

Gwagon owners may look in horror about what you've built, and jeepers might look at it and say "what a waste" There's also a flip side to that as well, with coveting GW owners and drooling jeepers.



To me the second paragraph in your post personifies this seemingly endless debate. That is, some of us tend to let others define what is right and wrong in regards to the platform a owner uses to build his dream vehicle.

In my case I got a tone of grief from very *visible* characters in the Rover community (all behind my back btw). Why? I don't really care.

Granted, I *may* have gone over the top a little with my build, but it sure scratched my itch! Could I have used a less costly platform? Sure! Did I have the time to build a bottom's up buggy? No way! Heck, it would have taken me two months to figure out (and execute) what break system to use, not to mention everything else. Do I love my Rover? You betcha! At that point I had to choose between living with the itch, or dousing it with a gallon of hydrocortisone!

In the end (near the end) I am tickled to no end about how my rig came out. I've also been feeling a calling to show up at the Solihul's Nat. Rally just to see the looks on the purists faces...

But that would be wrong...;)

--D

I guess you are my closest comparison, nice to hear I'm not alone in the 'itch scratching' department. I had 6.17 gears ready to install in my G which is how all other owners deal with wanting to run 35" tires and thought... uh, no. I wanted more, and like Doug I'm thrilled with what I got. An ass kicking 4x4 from hell that will take me on any trail I care to run and allow me to load up the familly and kick through the mountains at any speed I want. Sure it's not how others would do it, but isn't that what's great about building YOUR rig?

Hey Doug, I'm planning to show up at the first 4x4 Event for the Mercedes-Benz Club of America in October. Oh I can't wait to hear what they have to say. :rolleyes: :D

Originally posted by RockRover

In my case I got a tone of grief from very *visible* characters in the Rover community (all behind my back btw). Why? I don't really care.

I've also been feeling a calling to show up at the Solihul's Nat. Rally just to see the looks on the purists faces...

But that would be wrong...;)

--D

hehe, I love this man!

Who was giving you shiat?!?!!! I want names! I'm gonna go kick some butts man! :D

Faaak, what dorks.

Also, AFA the Ntl. Rally is concerned, you might be surprized. When I showed up with the Serious One last year I got a LOT of approving nods and such. I'd love to see you there with your MONSTER.

I'm planning a trip to Canada during Sept., but if it doesn't pan out I'm taking my fam. to the Ntl. Rally and we'll be towing the S1 behind the CC (it's quite a sight rolling down the hwy., or so I'm told).

So...in short...FAWK 'em all who don't approve of what you've done. You did it, you pleased yourself, and if you pissed off a few along the way, well, consider it 'collateral damage'.

Now I can appreciate a museum piece as much as a purest, but what is the point on running stock equipment on the trail if it isn’t up to the task? I see the logic in most of the upgrades talked about here (Q, Bill, Doug, et al) Where I would benefit is from the perspective of having run you trucks a bit, what still needs to be addressed, and what would you do differently if you were to do it over again. Things like ‘Is the LS1 more trouble than its worth compared to a TPI or carbed 350?’ & ‘Is a 44 front worth the upgrade or should you just jump to a 60?’ Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to criticize any ones decisions or out build a ‘hypothetical truck’, but just trying to tap into the pros as well as the cons.

-Jeff

No worries Mikie. No names will be mentioned (though tempting!) There is a reason people like to belittle others behind thier backs...But that should be left to the psychology forum. :) Belittle all you want to my face...If you dare! ;)

Q, keep the faith my brotha! Once you light up all four *by accident* pulling out of the staging area...Well...Nuf said.

BTW, you interested in doing Die Trying in a couple of weeks? Anyone else with non-stock drive train interested? Hee hee...

--D

Man, building your rig can be such a personal choice thing. In the axle department there are more options than ever for rigs. All sorts of hybrid axles are now popping up that are super cool. Unimog axles, axles using Hummer outters, Ford 9" centers with Dana 60 knuckles... it boggles the mind. A lot depends on your budget and needs. I was out of money and at this point don't intend to run anything bigger than 37's. While the Dana 44 is a little light for that duty, with Warn HD shafts and a pair of some of the new HD u-joints you can build them pretty darn tough. Doug went 60 because he's running HUGE tires and wanted something bullet proof. Hard to argue with that! If I replace the front it would probably be a 9"/60 hybrid. It's lighter and has better clearance but offers the stregth of a 60. I love the portals, but very few of them offer any chance at sustained highway speeds.

In the engine area, I think I've learned a lot about what NOT to do. If you decide to go this route get an engine that is in great shape (out of a wreck) that you can hear run. I bought a high milage junkyard bit and had to rebuild it. Since I'm there, might as well change the cam, oh and the intake, man those heads need work... how about a welder?

You get the picture. Now I'm STILL working out bugs with an engine I have done so much with that it's almost impossible to know what's causing the current problem. Pull it running, leave it as complete as possible (emissions, engine upgrades, computer) and I think you will have very little problem if you buy a good harness from a reputable company. If only I had known that up front...

As far as engine choices, there are lots of great engines. The Northstar is super cool and light, and if you aren't running a ton of weight the Vortech 4.3 is very popular for it's torque and low weight. It's a engine swapping paradise out there, just choose what tickles your fancy.

I would love to run Die Trying, but even if my rig is running right in a couple weeks, that's probably not the best place for the maiden voyage! :eek:

Originally posted by JSBriggs
Now I can appreciate a museum piece as much as a purest, but what is the point on running stock equipment on the trail if it isn’t up to the task? I see the logic in most of the upgrades talked about here (Q, Bill, Doug, et al) Where I would benefit is from the perspective of having run you trucks a bit, what still needs to be addressed, and what would you do differently if you were to do it over again.

I agree with Q on this one..It's a personal/very subjective choice on what would work best for you...Hard core rock junky? Expedition Raider? Family outing specialist?

For me (Rock Crawling hound/Wanna' carry more than 2 people kinda' guy) the set-up I have now is hard for me to self criticize. What would I do different? Hmmmmm. Portals probably, but that's a non-starter in that to pull it off takes a lot more than just understanding what they are.

Honestly, if I knew now what I knew then, I *might* have started with a complete chassis and worked up from there...Again that's a BIG might! Really all depends if I want to seriously get into the comp. scene. If that happens then well....Right now though, for a all around trail rig, she's hard to beat as-is.

How's that for a non-answer!

all that matters to me is if i like my rig or not. i could give a crap who else likes it... so long as i like it im happy. i wont try to tell someone else that the way i built my rig is the best- because it may not be the best for anyone else. but it IS the best FOR ME. thats what counts... i am building it how i want it to be, not how everyone else wants it to be.