Author Topic: BigMike's Big Journey: A 2016 Tacoma Build Thread  (Read 561571 times)

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BigMike

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To quickly comment on the boot issue, Rocky and Tim noticed how RCV ships the shafts with the boot quite stretched; They install the inner/smaller clamp of the boot quite far up the axle shaft. You'll notice in my above pictures that when I replaced both outer boots I have left the inner clamp off for testing. Currently the boot is scrunched together about 50% more than how RCV shipped it to me. So far so good, however I only have about a tank of fuel on them. I will scrunch them up as much as I can and add clamps before I leave for Texas next week.

While proof reading, I thought of another marketing slogan: "My tie rods have bigger nuts than yours" hahah :D
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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April 24, 2018: Got the truck Aligned: Drives PERFECT

I forgot to include this but beings it's MarRack related now would be the best time to post that I got the truck aligned last Tuesday and it drives 100% like normal. I can hit any bump in the road while driving with one knee and the truck continues straight ahead. Driving 70 MPH on the highway also with one knee, everything feels back to normal! Steering wheel center-to-lock is about 1.7 turns which is better for Rock Crawling than the factory's 1.5, and also helps reduce stress at the already stronger rack by, what, almost 15%? Ohh man how much more good news do we need for this! The steering resistance of the 40s has gone down for sure. It feels like they are 37s again while cornering. The alignment shop got everything set to factory spec and hot damn the front suspension and steering is 1,000% ready to drive to Texas in just 3 days from today!!
« Last Edit: Apr 28, 2018, 12:20:49 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

79coyotefrg

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March 1, 2018 (continued): Tire-to Body-Clearancing Day No.5




clutch master gone bad ??
« Last Edit: Apr 28, 2018, 06:55:23 PM by 79coyotefrg »
AR-TTORA founder 22R bored.060,LCE stage II race cam http://pure-gas.org/    32/36weber, :driving: Marlin 1200 NON ceramic clutch, L52SHD+dualcase #2919, cable-locker, Yukon 5.29 gears, 35's, Allpro ebrake, front springs, and high steer, F150rears    RIP Nitro 9-29-07 :(  I sure miss him :down: MarlinCrawlerInc IS NOT affiliated with TrailGear in any way

V-Man

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Looking great mike. Sorry but I still want a MarRack on my overland rig.  Also it's nice Nitro came thru and made some 5.29 for you. I just wish someone would make some 4.56 gears. I at this point don't care if I have to replace them every 80,000 miles, I just want the right gearing for my truck.  :tantrum: Only choice now is stay stock at 4.3 and lug the engine to death or go all the way to 35's and use 4.88.  :snare:

79coyotefrg

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April 24, 2018: Got the truck Aligned: Drives PERFECT

I forgot to include this but beings it's MarRack related now would be the best time to post that I got the truck aligned last Tuesday and it drives 100% like normal. I can hit any bump in the road while driving with one knee and the truck continues straight ahead. Driving 70 MPH on the highway also with one knee, everything feels back to normal! Steering wheel center-to-lock is about 1.7 turns which is better for Rock Crawling than the factory's 1.5, and also helps reduce stress at the already stronger rack by, what, almost 15%? Ohh man how much more good news do we need for this! The steering resistance of the 40s has gone down for sure. It feels like they are 37s again while cornering. The alignment shop got everything set to factory spec and hot damn the front suspension and steering is 1,000% ready to drive to Texas in just 3 days from today!!
:rivers:  Won't get there again this year :down:    but I am so close   https://ibb.co/k99J9H

« Last Edit: Apr 28, 2018, 04:23:46 PM by 79coyotefrg »
AR-TTORA founder 22R bored.060,LCE stage II race cam http://pure-gas.org/    32/36weber, :driving: Marlin 1200 NON ceramic clutch, L52SHD+dualcase #2919, cable-locker, Yukon 5.29 gears, 35's, Allpro ebrake, front springs, and high steer, F150rears    RIP Nitro 9-29-07 :(  I sure miss him :down: MarlinCrawlerInc IS NOT affiliated with TrailGear in any way

zippo

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Wonder how hard it would be for someone to have some new knuckles cast. Add some beef to em,fix the little issues.
If you see it, its for sale.

cbielat

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Would A much larger diameter boot work better in this case maybe?  Instead of the many small ribs it might be better to transition from the large end to the small end over the entire length of the boot with a couple of large rib.  I may be completely misunderstanding the issue and what I'm seeing but I marked up the picture for what I'm thinking.

After mine tore, I looked over my other side to notice some dry rot cracking. I thought it could have to do with the material used for these boots.

Bearded_Hombre

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Man I love this rig!  :clap:

BigMike [OP]

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clutch master gone bad ??
Good guess. We have a spray bottle of soapy water we use to keep parts cool while welding and somewhere during the process the bottle was laying sideways on my floor mat (outside the truck on the ground) and spilled water on it.

https://ibb.co/k99J9H
Woah!! Awesome man!! What are your plans with the new engine??

Man I love this rig!  :clap:
Thank you Bearded_Hombre!
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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and I'm jealous of your massive Toyota emblem

While working on the project I saw 300k's comment so I had to take some time to enjoy it lighted up at night :best:

Marlin bought the sign back in the 1990s from a TLCA Toys-4-Fun club member who got it from a Toyota dealership that moved and no longer needed it.

We've had it ever since!







Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

300k

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Mike, that is AWESOME!  :drool:

I thought it was just a sheet metal skin with red paint on it. I'd totally put one of those in my room as a night light. sleep? who needs it
:)bestgen4runner [12:45 PM]:   I am so stupid.

Truer words have never been spoken...

BigMike [OP]

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Guys, I'm running out of time and need to get updates posted so I hope you don't mind me breezing through some replies a bit. Feel free to ask any questions and please don't get too much drool on your keyboards! :love:

April 15-26, 2018: Finally made my Tacoma dreams come true

During much of the above I was simultaneously working on the two things I missed the most my entire time while wheel'n the Tacoma

Hmmmmmm......





This looks very good

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Hmmmmmm......







Oh yeah, this will do nicely, no problem

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..........



Whoops, was that not supposed to fall out?



Perfectly measured just before the body crossmember!





:beerchug:

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Just another day in the office, doing another World's First on a new Tacoma....



Yes, that is our famous MC08 Double-row Maximum Capacity Bearing Dual Case Unit!!



Which means! You guessed it! TRIPLES! I believe I'm the first 2005 and newer Tacoma to do this and all I can say to myself is "It's about BLOODY TIME MIKE!!"



The MC08 Unit: 2.28:1
The (existing) TacoBox unit: 4.70:1
The Transfer Case 2.57:1

I now have an 8-speed Transfer Case system comprising the following gear ratios:
1.00 (High Range - High Range - High Range)
2.28 (L - H - H)
4.70 (H - L - H)
2.57 (H - H - L)
5.86 (L - H - L)
10.72 (L - L - H)
12.08 (H - L - L)
27.54 (Low Range - Low Range - Low Range)

Yes. I now have a 28:1 transfer case. :shocking:
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Performing last remaining trimming work...







Look at that! Tis a thing of absolute beauty! Like it was meant to be there! Thank you Access Cab!



Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Ok, let's see here...







Hmmmmmmmm...... Ok if we remove this thingy.....



Eggcellent

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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* BigMike whistles while he works







Huh. That was easy.



Turning out SO much better than I originally planned!

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Whip up dual cable holders, sure no problem...







Looks good so far

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Cut'n hole for second Crawl Box



Pulled the Second Crawl Box and T/Case out to finish up underneath...



Hey look I'm out on my first test drive with Triple Cases AND the fully completed MarRack!

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Why was I out driving? Only for this:



MagnaFlow 12580, 2.25" ID dual inlet and 2.50" ID single outlet. Stock exhaust was 1.9" O.D. out of each cat (so what, maybe 1.7" ID, yes even the flattened cross-over pipe which is actually two pipes in one!), and a 2.4" OD single inlet / single outlet muffler (so what, maybe 2.2" ID). I had the muffler shop open up the cat outlets to 2.25". So it's from start-to-muffler better flowing than stock. I did not make any changes to the exhaust after the muffler because I've got a big project late next month after which I'll replace the rear section of exhaust.

My goal was to have a much more free flowing system yet one that is incredible quiet. I am SUPER HAPPY with this muffler. It has a slight rumble at an idle and above 3K, both slightly louder than stock. At cruising RPM it is either as quiet or better than stock. It met my full expectations.







Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Not the best photo, but I've added a second transfer case mount (oversized H.D. 1988-95 6-cyl type) for better support and to extend the life of my engine mounts beyond factory (such is the power of the Marlin Crawler Transfer Case system). This will only be temporary; I will be making a new Rock Crawling-specific Crossmember that I've not yet seen anyone make for the 2005+ Tacoma platform. This probably won't happen until next year which is why for now I've just added an extra mount.



I've got a lot going on over here you know :D Here is the crazy guy putting in the extra hours to make this year of wheeling a massive success for IFS Tacomas nation-wide!

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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* BigMike does more whistling...









Can someone tell me what that computer box with PC-style fan is? I don't have access to TIS at the moment...

Edit: I have been informed that it is the DC to AC convertor :thumbs:
« Last Edit: Apr 29, 2018, 10:05:16 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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New MC08 Crawl Box + TacoBox shifters whipped up and installed



I'll have an upholstery shop make new boots after I get back from Texas



Added some sound deadening because in my mind this is still a brand new truck and it has this device called a radio which I've greatly become accustomed to enjoying having in a vehicle



Overlay with black fabric



Finish-mount dual e-brake boots

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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And wal-la!! Computer box grounded and mounted under the passenger seat, pretty much done except for new boots. I even managed to restore my long lost cup holder!

Rocky dared me to have a Latte in the completed pic of Triples plus Dual e-brakes. Hell, I could have had dual Lattes!! haha

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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And the moment you've all been waiting for!!

I present to you the first footage ever of a Marlin Crawler Triple Ultimate TacoBox!


Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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The above image was taken outside a foothill gas station just two days ago on my way up to the first-ever MarRack & Triple Marlin Crawler Shake Down Run with my good friend "TURBO" Tim!!

Here we are meeting up in the morning



I was spotted again on Facebook!



Sorry I cannot post about the trip now, I've got to get to bed. But I definitely want to say that the truck did absolutely phenomenal!! Everything FAR exceeded my expectation!! FINALLY having that extra lever and being able to show off and truly demonstrate the raw power of the Marlin Crawler just, it was just such a welcoming thing to have for the first time since owning this truck. This truck is so well on it's way to replacing my Hilux... It has TRULY grown into a fine Rock Crawler!! There are still so many areas I have not addressed yet and still so many plans I have to fulfill before my vision can be complete.

Having Dual E-Brakes that are _finally_ cable powered faaaaaaar exceed the practicality of having dual electronic line locks (what I did to my 1981 Hilux since it only has a single e-brake cable). They both function about the same but now I don't have to constantly come to a complete stop to engage a brake. This is a big improvement to the Tacoma which is like a school bus on the trail. It now cuts corners so sharp that the front tires literally traverse laterally as they pull the dead weighted inner rear tire around a corner. I almost think it works better than my Hilux since it has a longer wheel base. I cannot WAIT to SERIOUSLY out-corner those typical trail rats, ummm, what are they called,  ....oh yeah those silly Jeep Rubicons. HA!
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Here come a few pics. These are from Friday. Triple Cases. MarRack. 40" tires. We're making some progress guys!!









I've got some fun and future-YouTube-format product demonstration videos I'll be sharing the next time I'm able to spend time to post :)

A few people who are helping me prototype certain other "unknown" Marlin Crawler Tacoma products sure got a blast out of them!



Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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    • Bone-Stock Plane-Jane 1981 Shortbed Pickup
I have to get to sleep, I am trying to get things updated. Still have a few more things to share that I've done to the truck during April. I might not be able to post updates again until late Tuesday night from a hotel room or worst case mid-May.

I'm leaving very soon for the Toyota Jamboree so if you're going to be there then please say Hi if you see me! Texas here I come!!

Last but not least, I cannot retire for the day without concluding with the best part of this Spring Push: Freshly installed last night!









Good night from the capital of Rock Crawling!

Regards,
BigMike
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

300k

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YEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHH!  :bowdown: :rockingout: :clap:

Are you gonna change your personal text to better represent the innovation to the 4x'ing industry? :greengrin:
:)bestgen4runner [12:45 PM]:   I am so stupid.

Truer words have never been spoken...

 
 
 
 
 

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