What an Anzac Day weekend...commemorating the diggers that fought for our freedom in true Aussie style with a few beers.  That left the weekend free (the last weekend before the NAVRUN).  It was going to take all that time and more to get the work completed. 

 

The transfer case had been removed the week prior for inspection from a transfer case specialist with the diagnosis that it could be internally adjusted to assist with it popping out of gear on decents or totally fixed by coughing up some serious cash for a 100% fix and with the diff all mashed up that was a simple decision, lets adjust and hope for the best.  After some seals and greasing the transfer was in and on to the next task.

 

The internals for the diff had arrived from Terrain Tamer (a company we have used for the first time - with success) and the new ARB airlocker with compressor (who need no introduction).  I had the apprentice task of cleaning out the mash from the diff and cleaning all of the seals while Rod (VRMM) took control of wiring up the air lines for the diff locker.  As you expect it was thirsty work.  We had another mechanic on board to assist with the diff however he was out on a mission to collect some essential parts for the diff.  On his return we were greeted with a slab and the diff cleaning and installation was on its way.

 

After an all dayer the weather closed in and the light dissappeared.  That left only the air lines and the compressor to be hooked up to the diff to see if it would work...success was had the next day.  Now the pressure was on to learn how to use a GPS within 5 days.  Start time is 9am at Mt Dissapointment, how many beers will it require after work this week to work out that damn GPS?

Finally, after years of talking about it over countless cans while sitting in my hay shed, we have finally registered for our first 4wd competition.  It is called a NAVRUN and is what I would class as entry level or a starter competition if it does not rain.  The beauty of this round of the competition is that it will be located in our back yard, Mt Dissapointment.  We have spent days touring the tracks of Mt Dissapointment wether it be in the dry or the wet.

 

Once the registration was lodged inspiration kicked in.  There is a track called the THREE SISTERS that last time we were there (with Project 80 part way to completion) we could not get over the third sister.  Well after bolting on the lastest edition to Project 80, 36 inch TSL Swampers with beadlocks it was decided that an early morning run up the mountain was called for to make 100% sure that we could clear the third sister without winching.  We felt this was a requirement to us completing the Navrun.

 

To keep it quick, we drove directly to Mt Dissapointment and straight to the three sisters, let the tyres down to 10psi for maximum traction and drove the third sister like it was nothing.  We had smiles from ear to ear, too easy was the call and we drove back home pumped and tried not to go on any other tracks while we were there.

 

A week later it was Easter and camping was the order of the day, it is a tradition.  The 4wds went to The Pines on Lake Eildon on the Mansfield side.  Nothing hard core was planned, as last time a mate nearl rolled his 4wd after rain set it on a tough track and made it go from medium to extreme.  Project 80 was kicking up dust on a soft track and then BOOM and GRIND, blown diff...could not believe it, 6 weeks out and that happens.  Only way to ease the pain was to sink some cans, we had no choice it was Rods (VRMM) birthday.

 

Back home and after pulling the diff out, its officially destroyed.  How much is a new Toyota diff, more than the baby bouns, so that's out of the question as a quick fix!  The theory is to fit an air locker in when the diff is replaced but that requires some coin...to date there is no result and the race is 3 weeks away.

What a month it was in March, the weather was hot and cold, we had the easter break and I was slightly sick as well.  What happened to Hattrick?

 

Essentially I had lost 3 out of 4 games and the only win was to a bot team (no manager).  I hadn't bought new players, I hadn't done any serious management of my team and I was languishing in 7th position.  I have turned it around with some considerable strategising over the last 4 days and hope that this attention will see my team perform better in the coming weeks.

 

It just goes to show that even 3 or 4 weeks of no changes to your team will result in mediocre performances.