Wait second, I DID pack kleenex, what are you talking about!?!?! :bleh:
My driving display was ultra shameful, but that is the duty of being a newb, a responsibility I take seriously... just kidding. Thank you for the kind words. Yes, I continue to build and grow my trail kit and I agree, it just takes time behind the wheel and underneath the rig to gain experience.
You know everyone, I must share about how organized Eddie was. While he was conducting trail repairs to Jesse's Jeep, I was able to see his tools in action. WOW. Eddie had everything in cloth or suede bags organized in such a way that would give him exactly the tools he needs depending on which job was at hand. I had never seen that before and was super impressed.
There is no shame in being new as long as you're willing to learn, accept criticism, understand you are going to make mistakes, and trust your spotter. I have a lot to learn myself but with a group like this it is easy and fun to do. I too learned just how convenient it is to have your tools at the ready and even better if they are organized. I made sure to repack before we headed out so if I needed them they were ready. It would have taken me longer to just get them out than it did to complete the entire repair. I had all the tools needed to complete the repair except the sockets for the pinion and t-case nut, oh and a new drive shaft or replacement yokes...haha (they will be included for next time), though I did have a new 1310 u-joint. However my spill kit was handy when needed (Thanks to Overlander for sending me to O'reily's to get one). Once I get my old one rebuilt I'll have a good trail spare along with two rear axles. While I'm replacing the one with the bent flange I'm going to do the other as well. The whole experience was awesome and I did not want it to end. Thanks again to everyone!
You guys both bring up good views. I still consider myself a novice and I'm two years in with my lift. I had never done any wheeling as the jeep is my first offroad vehicle.
Most folks can learn a lot from guys like Eddie and Tony on this trip. While I don't have much experience wrenching, I have a complete set of tools and have educated myself enough to at least carry the bare minimum and to have everything organized.
Well, except for the damn yolk bolts for my spare driveshaft and yolks. Never dawned on me I'd be replacing for a full swap on someone else's rig. Next trip I'm adding those. [emoji106]
Every trip out I try my best to observe and learn. Whether that be how to maneuver an obstacle or to watch a trail repair. Like Jesse said, nobody is going fault you for learning. Be "willing to learn, accept criticism, understand you are going to make mistakes, and trust your spotter."
I know I can't offer much to the wheeling expertise, but a positive attitude and willingness to help goes a long way on the trail. What I can't do there I try make up for it by introducing new cocktails. Lol.
This year it was a tasty pinajito.
Everyone can contribute and that is what wayalife is about. All being there to help on the trail. However one can. [emoji106]
