Tin Benders Jamboree 2005

                      Johnson Valley, CA.

  The day before the official trail run, I wanted to show my friend, Hootman, the Sledgehammer trail.

  We ran across this 4-runner being pulled out of the trail after breaking his second transfer case.

     Right behind them, this guy said it was his first time on the trail.

      The Hammers is one tough place to cut your wheelin' teeth.

Once they cleared us, we continued on.

I didn't get far before...if you look real close...

Notice the driveshaft.

I think I should be able to fix it.

Plenty of room to work.

Piece of cake. Unbolt it from the front flange, slip it back together, and bolt it back up.

Back in business.

A couple of Jeeps pulled up during the repair and wanted to go by, we were in no hurry, so I pulled over.

When I pulled over, I took a line that was hungry for a Birfield repair.

After repairing the stock axle assembly, we headed back to base camp.

The next morning we lined up for our respective trail runs and headed out.

 This is just one line of rigs. We are ready for Outer Limits.

Hootman was lined up for the SUV run.

There's the little gray truck.

Quite a gathering. If you look close, it looks like someone stole part of Calmini Troy's  bed, and his roof.

This Toyota was raffled off! Wow!

It was built by all the vendors and sponsors at the event prior to this one, Tierra del Sol. Some lucky stiff walked a wicked trail with it, then took it home.

Rob of NoWhite Fenders fame, ready to lead 'em out.

Bobbed 4-Runner with a custom link rear suspension. Rigged by Locktup.

I don't know what it is, but I want one!

One of many well known buggies out there. re:Todd?

I thought it was a Toyota Jamboree. Then again, Where does a 300 lb. Gorilla sleep?

Front Range Offroad's Rig.

Nice buggy.

He matches his buggy. Hey kid, nice toy .

Clean Exo-cage!

Another nice Exo!

  Is that Sting?

Is there any wonder they call 'em moon buggies?

Another fine example by Locktup. I believe this is Chance's flatbed.

A couple of clean Runners.

There were some nice rigs out on the trails.

Marlin ' the man hisself ' Czajkowski of Marlin Crawler. He designed and developed low transfer-case gears and dual case adapters, making it possible for Toyota's to crawl.

Out on the Outer Limits trail.

This guy was having more fun than anyone. He got high centered, rolled it, and I think he broke a Birfield too!

Dave, our trail leader, stacking rocks while Chuck looks on. Chuck has been a part of the off-road community for a long time and had a hand in building many trails.

These guys are keeping it from falling off the Hi -lift. Finally got him free and,

.

After getting unstuck, he went turtle.

We'll just roll him back over.

Heave-Ho.

Onto the rock he just rolled off of. We hold him there as he backs down.

Eric of Yota Masters ready to lead us on.

Playing around while everybody catches up.

Right at the top of this one...the driveshaft pulls out again.

At the last obstacle, when it bends, it's time for a square drive-shaft.

A sweet Corvette powered buggy.

rock lights

It gets cold at night in the high desert.

A long day on the trails is over, but the party is just starting.

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