I went wheeling [Archive] - Jeepin.com Forums

MBood82

06-27-2018, 10:11 AM

i really want to get out there and play, every time you guys post CO pics it looks great

I was actually just thinking the other day about how, now that I live halfway across the country already, it wouldn't be that bad a drive to go out to Colorado and do some of the mountain trails with my truck. Not necessarily the more extreme rides that the guys with the buggies do but maybe get to meet up with them. Probably a few years before I'll have the vacation time to do it, already have a few trips scheduled next year (Jamaica!) but should get it on the bucket list...

nblehm

06-27-2018, 11:15 AM

I took the Cherokee up the line the Toyota went up on whale rock :roflmao:

Cherokee had a rough day.

Hoofmann

06-27-2018, 12:43 PM

I took the Cherokee up the line the Toyota went up on whale rock :roflmao:

Cherokee had a rough day.

I think you should start turning that Cherokee into a crawler. Get some tons and start fabbing stuff. :)

My friend Paul’s Taco is a very capable crawler. It has a trail gear front housing and a 4 cylinder so it’s super light and usually shows up the higher dollar rigs and makes me wish I would have started with a pickup of some sort. :lol:

Dof and Boob, any time! Let’s go wheelin! :chug:

nblehm

06-27-2018, 01:32 PM

I think you should start turning that Cherokee into a crawler. Get some tons and start fabbing stuff. :)

:yuk:

freerider15

06-27-2018, 02:00 PM

Looks like fun!

I'll get my schit back together and we can go hit some stuff a little more challenging (but not too too crazy for ya :D).

... and makes me wish I would have started with a pickup of some sort. :lol:

Dof and Boob, any time! Let’s go wheelin! :chug:

Until you get tired of high centering on everything, bob the bed, and wish you had started out with something shorter :lol:

Hoofmann

06-27-2018, 02:19 PM

Funny story from this weekend, I brought the girl wheeling and we were going up the trail and I asked her if she was scared yet. She told me she wasn’t and I told her that I have now had this Jeep on much tougher trails.

Just as I said,“this thing won’t break today” the steering wheel lost feeling and I could no longer steer. It ended up being the factory steering shaft coupling came off the shaft because it just wasn’t tight. I busted out the tools and had it fixed back up in 20 minutes but it was hilarious how I had to put my foot in my mouth. :lol:

freerider15

06-27-2018, 05:22 PM

...i brought the girl wheeling...

...

...

...

...

Hoofmann

06-27-2018, 05:46 PM

:cotter:

Cobound

06-28-2018, 09:16 AM

The only girl I saw was in the driver's seat :p

Nice, I did that trail back in '00 w/ my XJ, with the guys from Tomken, haven't been back there since, only driven through.

Good to see you out with it pretty regularly now, wish I could do the same. I did drive the JK to work today, so I'll count that as use :lol:

Hoofmann

06-28-2018, 09:43 AM

6DoF

06-28-2018, 12:15 PM

this is why the TJ ... road trip out there, wheel some ****, and road trip home. would be a great vacation

freerider15

06-28-2018, 01:38 PM

I know, I’m still a little apprehensive on the trail because of wanting to get home. It’s built pretty stout now so I can afford to hammer down, I just don’t have the confidence in it yet. I’ll get there.

Let's plan on an Indy trip in couple-a-few months. Should have the buggy up by then. We could make it an all day ordeal and camp overnight as well if desired.

Hoofmann

06-28-2018, 03:50 PM

Let's plan on an Indy trip in couple-a-few months. Should have the buggy up by then. We could make it an all day ordeal and camp overnight as well if desired.

The trail makes me fukkin nervous. That said, let’s do it!

freerider15

06-28-2018, 06:21 PM

The trail makes me fukkin nervous. That said, let’s do it!

I can understand that feeling, but it's going to be one of the harder trails to shake down on, that if something happens its short, camp/parking/tow rigs are just a short walk, etc.

I'd like to do it forwards, backwards, and everything in between :lol:

nblehm

06-28-2018, 11:52 PM

Evan indy will be no problem for your jeep.

Hoofmann

06-29-2018, 10:28 AM

Nate, what’s up? You going to build another crawler or what?

nblehm

06-29-2018, 01:22 PM

Nate, what’s up? You going to build another crawler or what?

Short answer yes. When I dont know. May just try and unload the Camaro and buy something. My motivation for car projects is starting to lack. I have a whole rig built in my head. Just if I want to do the work :lol:

Hoofmann

07-10-2018, 11:29 PM

I’m headed to spring creek on Saturday morning. I’ll be running it with a guy I know but haven’t been wheeling with yet. He has a YJ and it’s more built than mine; trailer queen.

I’d like to extend the invite, I have an open seat. It’d be trailhead at 9:00am so we’d leave Denver a little after 8:00.

nblehm

07-11-2018, 12:28 AM

Hoofmann

07-11-2018, 05:01 PM

That’s cool but I’m going wheeling on Saturday! :D

Cobound

07-11-2018, 05:36 PM

:f2:

6DoF

07-12-2018, 07:41 AM

haha :lol:

i'm actually going out this weekend too, trying out a new place in WV. cross your fingers the ol' girl holds together for me!

Hoofmann

07-16-2018, 10:34 AM

Saturday was a good day. Beautiful weather and not too hot once we got on the trail, since spring creek provides some shade. My buddy Greg and Travis were there and we were joined by two other rigs, people Greg knew, both stock wheelbase wranglers on 37s, one YJ and one TJ. I didn’t get any pics of them.

Beautiful drive up:
https://i.imgur.com/cczfoeY.jpg

Greg has a tricked out YJ. It features a 6.0l drivetrain, dana 60s, and shocks that have been fully tuned for some go-fast action on the trail. We traded rigs for a short time and I got bit. I want an LS drivetrain in mine. :lol:
https://i.imgur.com/3DlmvLK.jpg

My buddy Travis in his 22re powered 4Runner. This rig just flat works!
https://i.imgur.com/ohwMqph.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DB6wODy.jpg

Also, unfortunately, I put a hole in the sidewall of my tire. I was at 15 psi and clipped a rock just right and put a hole in it. Swapped the spare on and I was back in business but it’s disappointing.

https://i.imgur.com/bY6VxxQ.jpg

Cobound

07-17-2018, 02:07 PM

:thumbsup:

xj_man_646

07-17-2018, 05:09 PM

I want to go wheeling so bad. I miss it.

JEEPJERK

07-17-2018, 07:10 PM

I ripped an old MTR sidewall. Stuck 17 plugs in it and drove it for another year. Lol

Hoofmann

07-31-2018, 12:24 PM

Bill Moore Lake this weekend. I snapped one pic at the top.

https://i.imgur.com/91DQYey.jpg

Hoofmann

08-02-2018, 10:47 AM

I am making plans to hit up the Independence trail system in Penrose this Sunday. This is one of the harder trails in CO, rated a 10.

Not sure on extra seat yet, it may be taken. I’m going to take lots of pics because the last time I ran this trail, I destroyed my Dana 30 and didn’t make it to the exit to even give it a shot.

nblehm

08-02-2018, 11:00 AM

I am getting driveshafts made hopefully this week. Then I need to wheel.

freerider15

08-02-2018, 05:26 PM

Hoofmann

08-02-2018, 09:45 PM

freerider15

08-03-2018, 05:04 PM

Some of my friends and I are planning another trip out to Moab over Labor Day. I recommend anyone meet us out there for some shenanigans. I am going to be tearing down my steering after this weekend to add hydro assist before then. :D

Hmmmm...a month from today.

Crap, not likely to happen since I'm taking the 28th through the 1st off to go to Seattle. Not sure turning around and leaving again would go so well with work.

Started stripping the D60 last night. :cool:

Hoofmann

08-06-2018, 09:15 AM

Yesterday was an epic day of wheeling. Me and two of my buddies with 4Runners On 40” tires ran the trail with no real breakage to speak of. This trail kicked my ass, I was drug thru many of the sections of this trail. We got on the trail at 10:30 and made it off around 4:30. There was literally nobody else but us on the trail, so that was nice.

Every section of this trail is an obstacle, ready to swallow up tires and hang you up. I came here when I was on my d30/8.8 axles and broke three axle shafts and a ball joint in the front end. I had to rebuild the front axle on the trail and drive it off. This time, I drove it home without issue! :rock:

Dropping in: Bunker hill
https://i.imgur.com/D4wNYx6.jpg
Me, stuck; high centered under both diffs.
https://i.imgur.com/yqVd2x6.jpg
Stopping for lunch
https://i.imgur.com/kpIM8Mx.jpg
Poser shot
https://i.imgur.com/YPxoFz6.jpg
Travis coming out of a-hole. This is how I came out too, except with a strap. :lol:
https://i.imgur.com/oe5ghdo.jpg
Ryan in the a-hole
https://i.imgur.com/hLSUhgz.jpg
Painted rock
https://i.imgur.com/hPUspVD.jpg
A little worse for wear
https://i.imgur.com/BiJ1CqL.jpg
More character
https://i.imgur.com/H2AmFbd.jpg
Rained right as we got to the exit. Nobody made it without the winch.
https://i.imgur.com/ua3gA9j.jpg
Ryan winching Travis
https://i.imgur.com/ohux62G.jpg
What you see coming up to the exit.
https://i.imgur.com/vqWs7aX.jpg

Cobound

08-06-2018, 03:27 PM

Nice!

Dude, you're unstoppable now, you're like an every weekend wheeler now :p

Hoofmann

08-06-2018, 03:44 PM

I’m so happy to have my Jeep back operational again. Not only that, but it’s built the way I have always wanted it (okay, it’s not done yet) so that I can do trails like this, beat on it, and drive home.

Cobound

08-06-2018, 03:47 PM

:thumbsup:

Sir Sam

08-06-2018, 11:23 PM

Nice pants.

nblehm

08-07-2018, 11:24 AM

When I grow up, i want to be Evan. Just wheelin none stop. :rock:

Hoofmann

08-07-2018, 12:40 PM

Nate, I can’t wait for you to get that truck back up. Let’s get out ASAP.

Hoofmann

08-27-2018, 11:55 AM

I haven’t posted here in a few weeks. I was about to take my Jeep out on my birthday, two weeks ago, until I discovered some carnage. I got it all fixed up now and I’m geared up for Labor Day weekend in Moab! :rock: Planning on having the Jeep all packed up on Wednesday night, drive it to work on Thursday and leave for Moab right after work. It’s gonna be a good weekend. :D

Cobound

08-27-2018, 12:33 PM

You're unstoppable :p

Hoofmann

08-30-2018, 11:53 AM

Moab today! :rock:

Cobound

08-30-2018, 04:39 PM

:mad: :(

Hoofmann

08-31-2018, 06:56 AM

The forecast calls for rain in the mountains on Monday when I’m trying to return to Denver. I opted for the most complete top I have. It’s not watertight by any means but I’m interested in how dry i can stay. My luck? It won’t rain at all on the way home. :lol:

I had to take the pry bar to the tub rails to get Cobound’s old tonneau cover on. Thanks again, Cobound! :thumbsup:

https://i.imgur.com/jowWM5y.jpg

Cobound

08-31-2018, 09:32 AM

:lol:

:thumbsup:

Hoofmann

09-04-2018, 06:49 PM

It was a blast this weekend. Had some freak accidents but no trail carnage. My buddy Steve finished a one ton swap in his 5.3L powered 4Runner and the front 60 he bought already set up with gears. He was driving down the road in Sand Flats at about 30 mph when his front tires violently locked up and brought the rig to a screeching halt. After taking it apart on the trailer and discovering the pinion gear was totally seized, he took it to a shop for them to spend the day on it while he went and relaxed and rode along on Poison Spider. When we got off the trail, I went back to Dixie with him and they informed us that everything was still salvageable but whoever installed the gears didn’t put a crush sleeve or spacers in, resulting in the bearing chewing itself up. Paul had a front caliper egress his SAS’d tacoma. No idea how that happened. No breakage here; I’m starting to get real comfortable with driving my TJ on the highway in the mountains and of course it did not rain at all when I had my top on. :rolleyes:

I didn’t actually take many pictures but we had a lot of people riding along taking pictures so I will post them as they come in.

https://i.imgur.com/U1ZPAda.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/dqH9eTM.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5gvZF25.jpg

Cobound

09-05-2018, 12:05 PM

:rock:

freerider15

09-05-2018, 01:52 PM

Awesome!

After EJS and especially Suicide Hill, I could tell Steve was rethinking those Yota axles :lol:

Hoofmann

09-05-2018, 02:10 PM

Yeah he was a huge fan of Toyota axles and I kept hounding him (and the rest of my Toyota friends) about the fact that half tons have no business under a rig with 37”+ tires. I have talked a couple of them out of their mini truck axles (including Ryan, with the periwinkle 4Runner pictured above) but Steve was the first to get it done and he did the swap in an impressive 3 weeks. It’s a sick rig now!

Hell’s revenge at sunset:

https://i.imgur.com/GgnOjav.jpg

Cobound

09-05-2018, 04:57 PM

Fuk I wish I lived closer :banghead:

nblehm

09-05-2018, 10:55 PM

If/when I build the rig I have planned it will technically have a 1/2 ton front axle :dunno:

Hoofmann

09-06-2018, 09:02 AM

Don’t do it! :lol:

Hoofmann

03-14-2019, 05:46 PM

The last trip out last year was in October. The rear driveshaft was making all sorts of noise on the way home. I pulled it out and sure enough - there is a grease zerk in the CV that I have neglected for 15 years and of course, the CV is shot. I had a few plans over the winter for this thing. I have not touched it and I will probably press my luck this season with all that needs to be done and just get a new drive shaft in and run it.

Moab in 4 weeks, and yes, I am driving it there. :lol:

freerider15

03-14-2019, 08:36 PM

freerider15

03-14-2019, 08:38 PM

Current status:

http://i64.tinypic.com/wmm3qr.jpg

http://i66.tinypic.com/wlam4n.jpg

Burning the midnight oil...

Cobound

03-15-2019, 12:18 PM

:eek:

freerider15

03-15-2019, 01:23 PM

Burning the midnight oil ran a few hours short...shortly after I ran out of .035" wire. :mad:

Ran out this morning and got some more. Welding to the housing suuuuucks.

Pre-heat with oxy-propane setup (10ish minutes), burn it in (1 minute), use oxy-propane setup to make sure both materials cool at equal rates (20-30 minutes). I usually try to keep all areas within 20°F of each other (laser thermometer).

Only two more welds and it should be all I have to do thankfully.

Hoofmann

03-15-2019, 04:15 PM

What all else ya need to do other than the shaft?

The clutch, as far as I know, is original at 150,000 miles and on top of that, the transmission is fawked and will barely stay in first gear.

The rear t-case output leaks like crazy, especially when going up hills. The case shifter linkage won’t stay in place and I have to crawl under it to get it out of 4wd after every trail.

Still haven’t gotten around to getting hydro assist in, despite really only needing to drill and tap my steering box for it and some fab to get the cylinder in.

Still no cage/harnesses/spare carrier

Still rocking the super limited rear suspension setup but will address this when the cage goes in.

General ****box 4wd cleanup items for wiring, etc.

Still no windshield washer fluid bottle.

Sounds like I just need a driveshaft and I’ll be ready for wheelin season. :D

freerider15

03-15-2019, 05:43 PM

The clutch, as far as I know, is original at 150,000 miles and on top of that, the transmission is fawked and will barely stay in first gear.

The rear t-case output leaks like crazy, especially when going up hills. The case shifter linkage won’t stay in place and I have to crawl under it to get it out of 4wd after every trail.

Still haven’t gotten around to getting hydro assist in, despite really only needing to drill and tap my steering box for it and some fab to get the cylinder in.

Still no cage/harnesses/spare carrier

Still rocking the super limited rear suspension setup but will address this when the cage goes in.

General ****box 4wd cleanup items for wiring, etc.

Still no windshield washer fluid bottle.

Sounds like I just need a driveshaft and I’ll be ready for wheelin season. :D

:lol:

If I didn't have the buggy to scream along to try and make it, I'd tell you to drive your arse up here. We could swap in the AW4, get your shifter linkage fixed(buy a boostwerks linkage kit, he's in FoCo), and rear t-case output done in a long day.

We could have a cage day/weekend this summer and get you knocked out in a weekend...I've got a bender, plasma, etc.!

:chug:

Hoofmann

03-15-2019, 08:22 PM

May need to plan a trip up there. Or two. :D

freerider15

03-15-2019, 08:40 PM

May need to plan a trip up there. Or two. :D

I lose my truck to the body shop May 13th, so that might be a good time for a weekend wrench fest :lol:

nblehm

03-16-2019, 08:58 PM

Sounds like I just need a driveshaft and I’ll be ready for wheelin season. :D

That's the spirit! :rock:

Hoofmann

03-30-2019, 06:55 PM

Driveshaft is in, she runs like a top. Did highways speeds with her for the first time in 6 months last night. That counts as wheeling, right? :D

Cobound

03-31-2019, 01:01 AM

EJS in a few weeks :dunno:

Hoofmann

05-06-2019, 02:56 PM

I spent the last weekend of EJS in Moab with the Jeep. Drove it there and back, of course. During my wheeling adventures, I decided it’s time for a new transmission. First gear will randomly and sometimes violently come out of gear and it got very frustrating in Moab. It’s to the point that it won’t stay in gear unless I hold it.

This weekend, I picked up an AW4 from Nefarious, then I headed to the junkyard for the TCM from a ‘98 XJ. I’m trying to get this swap done before the end of May.

Cobound

05-06-2019, 05:13 PM

Woot! Work away, wheel away!

xj_man_646

10-14-2019, 03:22 PM

Shoulda just started your own thread :lol:

Looks like fun though! We need to get together again one of these days...if nothing else, so I can pick up my coozies!

Cobound

10-14-2019, 03:38 PM

Shoulda just started your own thread :lol:

Looks like fun though! We need to get together again one of these days...if nothing else, so I can pick up my coozies!

:dunno:

:lol: :f2:

Hoofmann

04-09-2020, 03:49 PM

I'm bringing this thread back from the dead. I have finished the AW4 swap but not completely. I have since lost my garage and haven't made any progress on the Jeep since November or December, when I was able to drive it again.

The AW4 swap, while the trans itsself is largely bolt-in, necessitated a bunch of other changes, as a result of the trans being 1-3/8" longer than an AX-15, and some other crap that was my fault.

I still need to modify the skid plate, weld in the bump stops, fab some strap tabs, install my limit straps, clean up all of the wiring for the AW4, and install the center console again. It doesn't sound like much, but it is a fair amount of work. Without a garage, I'm relying on the kindness of my friends to facilitate my needs. My living situation is too good right now, however, the Jeep sits street side in down town Denver for now. :D Kind of sucks watching it rust away on the side of the street, but it motivates me to kick the tires and drive it more often.

Cobound

04-12-2020, 02:47 PM

I did some pavement pounding the past couple weekends...did a Jeep parade last Sunday, passed my brother inlaws place where my nephew was turning 9..so we gathered over 250 Jeeps to pass his place, and a couple hospitals, around a couple lakes in the cities (MN is the land of 10k lakes)...was a beautiful day, we had a great time and kept our distances.

Birthday boy's parade (https://youtu.be/vd7rvnCVd5Y)

https://scontent.ffcm1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/92547423_10100165855083740_4864557054112563200_n.j pg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=C2AcNuZLS0gAX8dyQLS&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-1.fna&oh=127e68c3430af667febcc6f25002b8b0&oe=5EBA414F

https://scontent.ffcm1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/92434388_10100165855168570_7512924014419902464_n.j pg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=Ex8uC1fToGYAX8t5Ga4&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-2.fna&oh=8843aea7789d8c3558789815eab7b4e1&oe=5EB8DEB0

This kid put a vid together of the parade, he's pretty excited...my Jeep is leading the pack when he shoots us under the overpass he's on :D

https://youtu.be/8Y0ur3xee30

Yesterday we did a JEEP gathering in the Canterbury Park horse racing lot...with permission, police escort to another parade (I did not parade, just did the Jeep portion).

https://scontent.ffcm1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/92777142_10100167649338040_904195915521196032_n.jp g?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=53TusW0cXVwAX90ln-u&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-1.fna&oh=cad8ff3c2cc9672fea1dd52573fde9c1&oe=5EB83D80

Jeep Drone footage - Canterbury Park, MN (https://vod-progressive.akamaized.net/exp=1586729383~acl=%2A%2F1742018873.mp4%2A~hmac=a2 b4215382b15ca5887463372d35e349c2b00766b657961c46fc 4e2b9b2eb765/vimeo-prod-skyfire-std-us/01/1332/16/406664578/1742018873.mp4)

Glad we did it last week and yesterday, there's a few inches of snow out there rolling through the state today!

Well, when you can't go wheeling :dunno:

freerider15

04-16-2020, 11:00 AM

I really need to get out and wheel.

Repaired the two sidewall holes on my MTR, now to get it mounted and make sure it holds air.

Other than that, I'm pretty well ready (though likely forgetting a couple nice to haves).

Need to get my trailer fenders knocked out, ramp storage repaired, and get a WD hitch setup going.

Would like to pull the headliner in the truck and get a couple things done (fix leak), and get my gauges that I've had for years installed.

Think a weekend Indy and/or BV trip needs to happen. Asap.

nblehm

04-16-2020, 11:40 AM

Hoofmann

04-16-2020, 06:18 PM

what all did you have to change because the trans was longer? was the tcase hitting the link crossmember?

Yeah, that was the biggest issue overall, the link crossmember being in the way of the driveline.

I ended up ditching the lower link crossmember and gluing the lower links to the bottom of the frame, like I should have done originally. Then I decided if I was going that far with the rear suspension mods, I'd just go full dumbarse and add 3" to the wheelbase, too, which then necessitated custom lower shock tabs.

Also, the transmission mount had to be changed significantly to make everything work. I had to also change the exhaust.

Cobound

04-17-2020, 12:07 AM

I’m going on a mini overland trip this week...have a week of furlough, 3 of the next 9 weeks I’m off, so I’m headed to the boonies.

Between a buddy that owns 180 acres, cousin owns like 50 and my mom has around 30... I’m going to trek out and stay a couple days at each spot, have a fire, roll around in the Jeep where I can, and hike. Probably sit and catch up on some magazines I’ve not read in a while, drink some, etc... can’t wait! :rock:

In don’t have the mountains, so this is where I’ll be till then. Hoping to get out west early May yet, but that will have to be monitored.

Cobound

04-30-2020, 04:52 PM

Well, went and came back...was a solid run! I had 6 days of no worries, self contained, saw a few people via social distancing. Most of all, self contained and out in the middle of the woods w/ nothing but my Jeep, food, fire, whiskey and some mags to read.

Love this tent, excited to hit the road again soon to really get out there, and LOST!

Got lost out this way...

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p960x960/93819010_10100170482245870_4984888431290089472_o.j pg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=dd7718&_nc_ohc=4_5cXJirjpIAX9rFH0K&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_tp=6&oh=368eef00e1973665591a05d364494773&oe=5ED0CCF4

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/94266434_10100170693402710_6803755867956051968_n.j pg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=1480c5&_nc_ohc=IrYe2Ar5LOAAX-nytVS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=39e810bb749812b1f0d8ddd4e3badaee&oe=5ECF985E

This table is the bomb, too...have had it in 3 different Jeeps now, it's a keeper, use it all the time.

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p960x960/94615931_10100173113542730_1086597142153265152_o.j pg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=CyqB6w5AR0oAX-4TdEd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_tp=6&oh=91ebc867413a9ecd47d492183489ad57&oe=5ED0BC28

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p960x960/94426543_10100173113602610_278346767345385472_o.jp g?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=MhGFXis4VIAAX-nXImM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_tp=6&oh=6cdc5724fab65fe7247ababb5faadfac&oe=5ED28971

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/93651191_10100171076410160_7977624374742089728_o.j pg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=jINJKRL5Qa0AX92Cfts&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=88d0f0353bf208211e909783208c8d53&oe=5ED1CFB0

Dennis

04-30-2020, 07:37 PM

Wish I could get away. Going to take three weeks in the islands when this all passes over. how long is the drive to Key West from here? :D Lots of wheeling on the way.

freerider15

04-30-2020, 09:51 PM

Looks like I'll be heading to Montrose Memorial Day weekend :cool:

Got some stuff to get done on the truck and trailer, but drove the buggy around the block last weekend and all seemed good as it was.

Cobound

05-01-2020, 12:43 AM

Islands :rock:

Montrose...I'd like to swing in around there!

I may be around Moab and into CO sometime between May 10-14 :dunno:

nblehm

05-01-2020, 12:38 PM

My buddy got a new 4 runner (to him) and wanted to try and go four wheeling for the first time. We went to a trail called Rainbow falls on Sunday. Place was an absolute circus, worse than trail riding in moab back when EJS was busy.

Cobound

05-01-2020, 02:24 PM

That is the sad deal about things right now...people just keep piling in rather than turning around and finding something else or somewhere else to go.

I hope to see NOBODY out there when I hit the road in a week :cotter:

nblehm

05-02-2020, 12:46 AM

The crazy part was all the big groups camping.

I didn't expect it to be that busy but not that surprising. Tr mountain towns and counties dont want anybody visiting. Plus all the high country trails are still closed with snow. The other major area for side by sides and dort bikes is closed for mud season. So trail choice is lowish, plus everybody getting cabin fever

Hoofmann

05-05-2020, 11:27 AM

I am finally getting around to finishing all the crap I listed. I've spent the last two Saturdays at my friend's garage, fabricating and wrenching. I hope to have this thing ready for more 4x4ing soon.

My tires are getting pretty bald. I would love to step up to some 40s, but there are some other upgrades I would like to do before then. Mainly, I'm still running a spool in the rear. I street the Jeep all too much for a spool or even an automatic locker. I think the next chunk of change will be spent on an ARB for the rear in order to save tires some.

Cobound

05-07-2020, 11:43 PM

Stimulate the economy with your stimulus check already!

Hoofmann

05-08-2020, 12:29 PM

freerider15

05-08-2020, 12:38 PM

Man, it was really hard not to pull the trigger on an ARB/compressor when it came through. I'm saving it, though, because I would like to wait until they do one of those deals where they'll throw in the free compressor.

I'm ready for an ARB and I'm curious to see what my gears look like, as I have nearly 10k miles on them now and they were set up by me. :cotter:

Well if they haven't gone boom yet, you're pretty safe I'd say :lol:

Even if they didn't look perfect, can't change them now anyhow.

Yeah, I'd wait until the free compressor deal as well.

Hoofmann

05-15-2020, 06:42 PM

Well thanks to Justin, who alerted me on the moving sale at East Coast Gear Supply, I just dropped the money on an ARB and all of the accessories for my 14 bolt, including an ARB air compressor and tank.

Giggidy.

6DoF

05-18-2020, 06:23 AM

hell yeah!!

i'm super excited to try the ARB on the trail, i've never run selectable before.

Cobound

05-18-2020, 06:42 PM

Yeah, ARB are the shiz, have had them in a couple vehicles now.

I have the twin compressor in my JK, but I use CO2 to run the locker...the twin compressor and the Monster Valves are a pretty fast filler for my 40s.

You'll be tickled w/ them..nothing like flipping the switch and locked, out of the mess and another flip and you're steering freely!!

Enjoy!

Hoofmann

05-18-2020, 10:49 PM

Now that I have one, I’m curious how much I’ll actually use it. One, because I have a Detroit in the front and I bet most of the time I won’t even need to lock the rear. Also, do people just turn them on once they get to the trailhead or is it a constant on/off ordeal based on how tough the section is that you’re about to attempt? I guess I’m wondering if it’s at all hard on the locking mechanism to be locked/unlocked regularly. This is all about to be new to me. I can’t wait to get it in and try everything out.

nblehm

05-18-2020, 11:09 PM

When I had arbs front and rear back in the day. I would lock the rear when I started wheeling. Would lock the front when I needed it.

I have an Eaton e locker in the front now and just lock it when I needed it. After having both I really like the e locker.

6DoF

05-19-2020, 08:13 AM

my plan is to leave them open until i get to a worthy obstacle, lock both in, then unlock as needed to maneuver/dig. but we'll see if that plan changes as i learn this new config.

currently running a DeWALT 60V compressor ratchet strapped in the back :lol:

Hoofmann

05-19-2020, 02:21 PM

currently running a DeWALT 60V compressor ratchet strapped in the back :lol:
This makes me laugh. It’s only stupid if it doesn’t work.

Cobound

05-19-2020, 08:55 PM

Depends on terrain...Moab, open until I get to an obstacle that requires them. It’s so sticky out there that 2wd or basic 4wd are usually enough. But both help when needed, or when you simply want NO struggle!

CO, it gets slick n wet, use them when I need them, which is more regularly than in Moab.

Bottom line, I flip them on and off all the time, because turning is so much easier with them off... just so damn handy.

6DoF

05-20-2020, 06:35 AM

Sir Sam

05-20-2020, 11:06 AM

Hoofmann

05-20-2020, 11:17 AM

Not available for a 14 bolt.

Sir Sam

05-20-2020, 12:00 PM

Not available for a 14 bolt.

As in ECG didn't have it in stock, or that your particular flavor of 14bolt doesn't have one available?

I do know there are eaton Elockers for some 14bolts, but with enough variations........

Blue XJ

05-20-2020, 12:08 PM

I used to lock the rear most of the time and leave the front open. Then when it looked like I would need it, or when I did need it, I would lock in the front. I rebuilt the front one a few times, they are pretty basic inside, I wouldn't worry about their robustness in terms of repeated lock/unlock.

Hoofmann

05-20-2020, 12:23 PM

As in ECG didn't have it in stock, or that your particular flavor of 14bolt doesn't have one available?

I do know there are eaton Elockers for some 14bolts, but with enough variations........

It’s only offered for the 9.5” semi float axles. The only selectable locker for a 10.5” full float 14 bolt is the ARB at this time.

Sir Sam

05-20-2020, 01:23 PM

It’s only offered for the 9.5” semi float axles. The only selectable locker for a 10.5” full float 14 bolt is the ARB at this time.

Gotcha.

Cobound

05-20-2020, 07:41 PM

to be fair ... you also wheel a school bus :roflmao:

:squint:

My TJ had ARB lockers, too :f2:

freerider15

05-21-2020, 03:10 PM

Why not an Eaton Elocker?

Also because they suck.

I'd rather have an electric locker than air for ease, but unless an Eaton came my way ridiculously cheap...nope.

nblehm

05-21-2020, 05:07 PM

Also because they suck.

I'd rather have an electric locker than air for ease, but unless an Eaton came my way ridiculously cheap...nope.

I have really liked mine so far :dunno: (about 2 years)

freerider15

05-21-2020, 05:21 PM

I have really liked mine so far :dunno: (about 2 years)

After hearing enough people with problems with them, they're lack of serviceability and customer service, and machining tolerances (thanks to Chris Vetteboy)...I'll pass on them...especially in a 1 ton application.

If I were to go to a selectable in the buggy, it would also be competition style (e.g. always locked unless unlocked, instead of the opposite).

xj_man_646

05-22-2020, 02:30 PM

If I were to go to a selectable in the buggy, it would also be competition style (e.g. always locked unless unlocked, instead of the opposite).

Ditto. Whenever I get around to wheeling again. Lol

6DoF

05-22-2020, 03:32 PM

Ditto. Whenever I get around to wheeling again. Lol

i thought that was a good idea too, but they are a lot more $$. between the Yukon ZIP and ARB, standard vs comp, and the 9"/d60 combo ... the pair of standard ZIPs was enough cheaper i didn't even second guess it.

freerider15

05-23-2020, 11:10 AM

i thought that was a good idea too, but they are a lot more $$. between the Yukon ZIP and ARB, standard vs comp, and the 9"/d60 combo ... the pair of standard ZIPs was enough cheaper i didn't even second guess it.

Yeah more expensive, but on some of the trails we run...well worth it. Not having am axle locked could cause far more damage in the long run.

freerider15

05-23-2020, 11:12 AM

Well...I didn't go wheeling...I'm out in Montrose doing it now :f2:

Ran Capamity and Die Trying yesterday, I'd imagine Death Row and Cactus 1 or 2 today.

Doubt well do Boulder Canyon...but maybe hit up 21 Road on the way home :cool:

nblehm

05-23-2020, 03:24 PM

Hoofmann

05-27-2020, 10:34 AM

This happened last weekend. :lol:
https://i.imgur.com/K1mVUE0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jTjxXSh.jpg

6DoF

05-27-2020, 12:36 PM

NICE!!!!

:rock:

Cobound

05-28-2020, 06:57 PM

:rock: :lol:

freerider15

05-29-2020, 12:45 AM

Spent Friday through Monday in Montrose this last weekend....had a blast wheeling.

We did Calamity (like half a dozen times, different routes, dropping in different ways), Die Trying twice (made the exit the second time), and Cactus 1 out Cactus 2. Our group ran Death Row, but my buddy Matt and I were the last two in the group, the trail had a lot of rigs on it (one other group we all know and everyone wheels together), so we turned around as by 3pm, three of 10 rigs had gotten through the first obstacle...with three more or so and an exit to go.

Need to get back out there and do Death Row, then step it up and do Boulder Canyon...but that's a "don't plan anything else the entire day" trail.

Total carnage:
1.) A sidewall puncture - rallying to catch up to the group on Death Row, and didn't need to. Threw plugs in it and it was good to go the rest of the trip
2.) My winch - power studs are contacting the case, so just need to go in and get some isolation made up out of nylon washers/nuts
3.) My steering wheel and disconnect. Must have left it on the cowl of the buggy when I left. $170 mistake right there :banghead:

Some pictures and video...mostly on Calamity dicking around. Some links to video on FB (not sure if they'll work).

https://www.facebook.com/mike.lopez.54584/videos/4419766548048813/

https://www.facebook.com/mike.lopez.54584/videos/4422656934426441/

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49947736762_ab4ac1773b_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49947736797_93b197a344_c.jpg

Exit of Die Trying:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49947448971_d9c659c8fd_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49946948258_2efcf5f689_c.jpg

nblehm

05-29-2020, 09:00 AM

:rock: not sure why I never wheeled montrose back in the day. Looks like a lot of fun.

freerider15

05-29-2020, 03:08 PM

:rock: not sure why I never wheeled montrose back in the day. Looks like a lot of fun.

It was a hell of a blast.

Death row is no joke...looking forward to running through it (hopefully before Boulder).

Did my first night wheeling the last night there (pretty much everyone went out the two night before until 2-4am playing around, but I was just too beat). Gotta do more of that, especially having all the lighting for it now.

Helps that a close friend of mine (one of my groomsmen) now lives there. He brought out an RV he just bought (older one he picked up for $2k) for me to crash in :rock:

Cobound

05-29-2020, 07:06 PM

HELL YEAH, DUDE :rock:

nblehm

05-30-2020, 02:48 AM

How close are those trails to the city of montrose?

freerider15

05-30-2020, 09:07 PM

How close are those trails to the city of montrose?

From like dead middle of town...25-30ish minutes?

It took me about 25 minutes in the truck to get from camp to the Ace Hardware in town.

Or, at least to the area we stayed at, right near Calamity.

Death Row, Die Trying, Topless, Cactus, etc. we're about a 10-15 minute "drive" down Rim Road in the rigs.

Boulder is a little way away, same-ish distance from town but on another stretch of road...haven't been there yet.

Cobound

06-02-2020, 11:55 AM

Man, I'll be out there late July, early August, but not likely even close to being able to see those trails, even from the trailhead :lol:

Ouray, Telluride and Durango this go...I need to look at some real estate while I'm there :cotter:

6DoF

06-23-2020, 07:27 AM

got out to AOAA Saturday for a shakedown run, and things went pretty good. nothing contacted that wasn't supposed to, nothing broke. only real issue is woefully under-powered steering, but i knew that was probable. time for a ram when i find the time/money.

https://i.imgur.com/qIJI2hN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/XNLGLjh.jpg

Cobound

06-25-2020, 11:15 AM

Cool. How long has it been since you had that thing on a trail :dunno:

I got out last weekend as well...holy mud town...so pissed, it took me forever to clean this, AGAIN. I HATE MUD :mad:

I had JUST cleaned it after my May trek, and this time it got much, much worse!

But, it was fun...didn't get may pix, was raining so much, and of course never get any of my own :lol:

The stuff was sand, clay, black dirt, mixed w/ small rock like mad...Apple Valley Farms. So, yeah, a mix of everything :banghead:

https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/105413454_10100189878191240_8951857610896628067_o. jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=vYx_fnnt_B8AX-eOKaD&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=8e612fca34c0c1cc8411f5b4f96b9e20&oe=5F1BAF16

https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/104690968_10100189878216190_4196258650115427748_o. jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=eOncyuj-bScAX-v5quS&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=072d8b00dded8c8e7c1b4f0ff61f815f&oe=5F1A3B14

I was buried up over my 40's a couple times, so it got into every crevice possible. Tossed another ABS sensor...after JUST replacing one the week prior :james:

https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/104837334_10100189878241140_8484018474006846055_o. jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=pR2oOMiJssUAX80C2Ea&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=a377eec807b59303151b53ac9a73ec47&oe=5F18C4EF

There is only ONE actual rock pile, and it's super small...like, in a 1,000 sqft spot :lol:

https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/105333840_10220660944987083_4167797947435994408_n. jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=NLHJMeEX3_AAX_wkw0w&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=a41e5a308c4bf66eefee1fcee461c195&oe=5F1B969B

Trying to decide if we take the wife's JK Sahara to Ouray this July, or the Gladiator. I just rolled 17k on it. Not that miles bother me, just sayin.

If we take her JK it's small, rather comfy, but can't take the Roofnest for any overnights (we're staying the trip in a VRBO but the nest would be cool to stay in on the way out and back). Ouray, Telluride, Durango...nothing either one of them isn't capable of doing just the same, so...

6DoF

06-26-2020, 07:27 AM

nblehm

06-27-2020, 11:06 AM

oh no, not MUD, don't get that pretty-pretty-princess jeep all dirty!!!

.

Im with Brian, mud is terrible

freerider15

06-29-2020, 01:10 AM

Don't have much in the way of pictures (yet), but ran Carnage Canyon in Buena Vista this weekend.

Ran it up, turned around and dropped back down in and did it backwards.

Got to tow a completely dead TJ buggy about 2/3rds the way back down...and it went surprisingly well...only took about an hour.

Then once we got done, went and did a run through Chinamans.

Finished off the day with some beer and grub at Eddyline.

Was a good run (for me at least), cleaned everything and did a "newer" line on the waterfall.

Some of our group:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50057030571_08b433335f_c.jpg

6DoF

06-29-2020, 07:21 AM

the narrowed XJ Mafia

Cobound

06-30-2020, 01:18 PM

oh no, not MUD, don't get that pretty-pretty-princess jeep all dirty!!!

i'm trying to remember the last time i got out ... i think i tried once last year and the truck quit on me, and maybe only once the spring before that even. WAY too long.

:lol: :squint:

Look, I beat this thing, I don't mind getting it dirty...hell, it's full of pinstripes, dust, and even moderate mud, definitely cow shyt...but full on mud, caked like a damn adobe structure :mad:

Rocks like popcorn balls...no, just flat out no. This isn't a princess Jeep, dude. I digress...

Im with Brian, mud is terrible

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

the narrowed XJ Mafia

LOL, right!! Sweet rides, holy hell sweet rides!! Especially Justin's :rock:

Cobound

10-19-2020, 05:32 PM

Bump!!

Got out this weekend, MN northwoods...hit up the trail w/ the Max-Bilt guys again, they do this annually.

Good fires, snow, wheelin...camped out in 19* weather :p

https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/122037686_10100218324813980_8851674266427674763_o. jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=v3MYf3jsfr4AX_xyS_j&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=86ab5da0e207bdab5ef341652c7d5481&oe=5FB492F4

Not much for wheeling pix, since I can't take pix of myself, haaa....but we got out there :rock:

https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/122023380_10100218264040770_5154045257954851603_o. jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=MFQl5avxyJoAX90kD27&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=d0181c70161dbcb9596efab1cbe1ed72&oe=5FB3BDC5

Fresh pow...wish someone had gotten us going through this, was a cool rock bed, we called it the Ankle Breaker, cuz walking it sucked :lol:

https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/122007324_10100218264025800_8859969034327556347_o. jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=8vF5UXoxkUAAX-M2U8s&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=f5b43ae078dca18a8024a733cc332410&oe=5FB279D7

https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/122018037_10100218264050750_7483930054021884716_o. jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=TnU5650j8ukAX_a26_I&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=1ed8e66a39f6985a5edd0aeba5e18379&oe=5FB1C24A

https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/122041264_10100218264045760_8407155593514374429_o. jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=fC_M8UB9woYAX93acjk&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=d1dd7ddcaa70406e5b19d85d9b2b287f&oe=5FB35C91

Built a small fire...drank some beers...

https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/121816036_10100218264055740_8314626216075924332_o. jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=qKfQnsMm_gIAX-wXAOC&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=ecf00fd5069ba4fff7d4850503f7607b&oe=5FB324E0

https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/122001244_10100218264035780_2748582231944481828_o. jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=VduThzxFN_YAX83Lo6X&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=c68aad738163e602cfe5804a69635c48&oe=5FB42D9F

Yes, lots of mud, cleaned it right after I got home!

https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/122074182_10100218358361750_1121726573448422687_o. jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=Ip0jcHN9BzkAX_thh9Q&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=92f18c55a972be8d72ec3b9c16a43a5a&oe=5FB4B0C5

https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/122042426_10100218360282900_7124931094124864165_o. jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=7qTf14iqnjQAX-Ds2IZ&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=b19a83a6b5b9332e6ca1398d8d8f4551&oe=5FB34D86

Cruised home, grilled some wings and watched some mediocre football games.

6DoF

10-20-2020, 07:34 AM

B! No!!1! it's all dirty again!!

i love winter camping, used to go all the time in the scouts. been a while, and been a while since i've been somewhere with real snow too. wheeling in the snow thought!?!? i think you are nutz. if snow is the obstacle is one thing, good times, but obstacles covered in snow is another. i can just hear the broken parts, and am frustrated already about being stuck in an icy pothole. :lol:

Cobound

10-20-2020, 12:29 PM

Yep, super mud ridden, again. Can't avoid it up here, but it's NOWHERE near what it was in June...F that biz again!!!!

It's F'n freezing here now...but I washed it up in a heated bay and got all I could off of it, interior will have to wait. I'm storing it in my FIL's garage this year since he's snowbirding in AZ, it's about a 45 minute drive, I'll maybe swing over there and clean it, or work on it if I feel the need. It's a super small 3 car, but it's heated and the only other vehicle in there is his Vette.

I'm actually looking forward to some more winter camping this year...might take long weekend or two to do some, we'll see who wants to go with :lol:

Hoofmann

10-20-2020, 12:50 PM

I’ve had a pretty mild summer. I got out a couple of times to shake down the new auto. With my 37” Nittos getting pretty bald, I am seeking some 40s to replace them. I decided I wasn’t stepping up to new tires until I got rid of the spool in the rear. I just couldn’t bear to witness my new tires getting worn down so fast with all the street time mine sees. I think I have 15k miles on the current 37s and I just got the ARB installed last week and I’m currently shopping for new 40s. :)

Also, recently, my 4.0L has been running funny after I installed a new intake and had to move some wiring around. It keeps throwing check engine lights for injector circuits on 4 of the cylinders and another code for O2 sensors. I haven't looked into it yet but I will soon. I also need to plumb and wire my ARB before wheeling again.

Pics:

https://i.imgur.com/SKZiXh5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DrdQKyU.jpg

Cobound

10-20-2020, 02:59 PM

nblehm

10-20-2020, 10:47 PM

I dont think 15k is to terrible for a set of big mud tires :dunno: no idea how many miles I have on my trail grapplers but its about time for new tires for me as well.

xj_man_646

10-21-2020, 08:07 AM

SWEET!!

Yeah, good call...too expensive to be running a spool and wearing them down.

I was bald last year going through that same mess, even locked...this year I didn't have my lockers (ran out of C02) but had new tires...wow, still crawled it all!!

Your lockers are driven off a CO2 tank? How long can you typically use the lockers before needing to refill?

6DoF

10-21-2020, 09:09 AM

I dont think 15k is to terrible for a set of big mud tires :dunno: no idea how many miles I have on my trail grapplers but its about time for new tires for me as well.

37 Nitto's on my TJ have maybe 20k and are 50% or better yet ...

Hoofmann

10-21-2020, 10:23 AM

Yep and mine with the spool and lots of street time are bald!

Edit: Past the wear bars bald in the rear. Also my spare has a nice hole in the sidewall so I am buying 5.:rolleyes:

nblehm

10-21-2020, 02:20 PM

Your lockers are driven off a CO2 tank? How long can you typically use the lockers before needing to refill?

Shouldnt take much air to operate. Not like it is continuously using air to keep them locked.

Hoofmann

10-21-2020, 02:40 PM

One of my friends runs an ARB with just the HO compressor. No tank. I was under the impression that you needed a tank for the whole system so I bought a 1 gallon tank that I’ll mount behind the front seats.

Cobound

10-21-2020, 02:41 PM

I got about 25k on my 40" Nittos...probably more if I wouldn't have had issues w/ my front end. Still using one as a spare, just gave the others away to get them out of my garage.

BFG, they don't last for shyt...muds need rotation at 2-3k miles, I'll never own another set.

C02 lasts quite a while, no idea how long really...but I've got two small tanks and they've lasted me as long as I've had the Jeep, a few years...I thought I had a spare, but apparently run that one down and I think I likely left the line open the last time I used it and may have just drained...whatever. I'm going to make a small connection for the next time that happens so I have a direct line to my ARB compressor. Didn't happen this trip.

Hoofmann

10-21-2020, 06:01 PM

BFG, they don't last for shyt...muds need rotation at 2-3k miles, I'll never own another set.

That’s funny you say that.

Right now, I’m split between the 40” Nitto Trail Grappler MT and the 39” BFG KM3 MT.

I had the old school BFG MTs when this Jeep was on 32s and I liked them. Granted, the tread pattern is drastically different now (they looked closer to the current Nitto MT), but I really like the look of them and most people would agree that BFG is top notch.

Cons: according to the 4WP website, they measure 38.5 inches and they’re ~$25 more per tire compared to Nittos

The Nittos, which I’ve been running for 3 years now have been great. They lasted longer than I expected with a spool (I had low expectations) and they seemed to hook up pretty good on the rocks, despite not having beadlocks on my Jeep.

Cons: They’re not BFGs. I tore a hole in one of my sidewalls.

I’ll probably end up with Nittos.

nblehm

10-22-2020, 07:50 AM

I have also really liked my trail grapplers. Worn well, hook up pretty well. I was wheeling a few weeks ago with a dude that just got the km3, they seemed pretty soft. Looked like they hooked up well. I have been eye balling the maxxis razr for my next tire.

dan2869

10-22-2020, 07:58 AM

What happened to off topic. I haven't been on here forever. Was always entertaining back in the day

Blue XJ

10-22-2020, 09:57 AM

BFG, they don't last for shyt...muds need rotation at 2-3k miles, I'll never own another set.

BFG Mud KM2's or whatever the newer (came out 5-7 years ago, first ones to look like their Crawler) ones are, by far the worst tire I have ever ran offroad. ABSOLUTELY sucked in the snow, was getting pulled out every few minutes it seemed. They did ok in the dirt, and were good in mud (obviously) but their overall performance will make me never buy them again.

TruXus MT's so far have really impressed me, never really got stuck with them, and they were beasts in the snow, hard pack or 2 foot deep, plowed right through.

CO2 lasts a good while, my 20lb tank would do my set of 35's about 5 or 6 times going from 8 - 35psi.

Powertank has a chart on their site that shows capacity...

https://powertank.com/pages/tire-air-up-chart

Edit: Can add 20psi to a 40" 22 times on 1 20lb tank.

Cobound

10-22-2020, 01:53 PM

6DoF

10-23-2020, 09:22 AM

Cobound

10-23-2020, 12:13 PM

i really liked how the Nitto's worked in the rocks, i'll be buying them again next time.

i have a DeWALT 60v pancake compressor to run my lockers :lol: works for now, eventually i'd like to mount my CO2 tank.

:roflmao:

Yeah, I've liked my Nittos, actually a pretty quiet riding tire as well, surprisingly.

Pancake compressor :lol:

nblehm

10-24-2020, 08:33 AM

I almost snagged the Maxxis Razr for my last purchase, heard awesome stuff about them, they came highly recommended by Bob at TNT, but I just coulnd't pull the trigger on 4 when all I really needed were 3 Nittos.

Oh yeah I am way to cheap to buy 4 if I already have 1 new good tire. Dont blame you there.

6DoF

10-26-2020, 08:02 AM

another day at RC ... another day limping back to the trailer with a break caused by years of abuse. and again, another free fix, so that aint bad! happend early afternoon, so still got in a good day of wheelin. i'm loving this new setup!

https://i.imgur.com/3izjtro.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/G8MDjRx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Q1eJ6Xp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/GG7PvtL.jpg

Cobound

10-26-2020, 04:27 PM

That's a lotta rawk.

6DoF

10-27-2020, 08:36 AM

That's a lotta rawk.

Rock Creek baby! the one and only!

Dennis

10-27-2020, 09:58 AM

https://i.imgur.com/TSgCf9U.mp4
Mom?

6DoF

10-27-2020, 02:37 PM

:lol:

nblehm

11-08-2020, 05:27 PM

https://scontent.fapa1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/124507748_10164274106040632_1752926890110943991_n. jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=2&_nc_sid=110474&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=h0s83OHkfkAAX-rIyIz&_nc_ht=scontent.fapa1-2.fna&tp=14&oh=2a12dfea9fa2717660402f6e79da4cc6&oe=5FCC7537

Hit 2 new to me trail yesterday. Finally getting this thing pretty dialed. Nice not having to work on it before or after the last few trips.

Hoofmann

11-09-2020, 11:30 AM

I love that truck and I still think you should build it for crawling.

6DoF

11-09-2020, 12:46 PM

I love that truck and I still think you should build it for crawling.

i mean, he kinda was right :thumbsup:

Hoofmann

11-09-2020, 01:18 PM

Build it, beat on it, cut it up, repeat. Until soon you’ll be ready to ditch the whole truck and build a svelte buggy with the drivetrain parts. :brows:

JK, I don’t support beating a classic truck in the rocks.

nblehm

11-09-2020, 01:38 PM

Its fun for what it is and will work for now, but I am going to build another crawler (still streetish legal). The truck will be a great camping rig and dd after that. I dont want to smash the body up too much more than I already have.

I am going to build sliders for the rockers though, that will makr me feel way better about getting after it a little more.

Cobound

11-09-2020, 02:53 PM

Nate :rock:

What trails?

nblehm

11-09-2020, 03:32 PM

Eagle rock and saran wrap. Outside of colorado springs area.

Cobound

11-09-2020, 04:42 PM

Nice, something the Gladiator could do w/o damage, or more for the JK?

nblehm

11-09-2020, 08:46 PM

Nice, something the Gladiator could do w/o damage, or more for the JK?

You would be fine with the truck most everything had a bypass. I saw 2 gladiators on 35-37s up there. No damage to my truck and i have no skid plates or sliders :lol:

Cobound

11-10-2020, 12:49 PM

:thumbsup:

Hoofmann

11-11-2020, 05:58 PM

New treads. :D

https://i.imgur.com/6vh1rB4.jpg

nblehm

11-13-2020, 08:02 AM

Sweet!

I need to get new tires for mine. Think i will wait til winter os over and get a fresh set for summer wheelin.

xj_man_646

11-13-2020, 09:06 AM

Posted this in the COVID thread too, but I forgot that I can contribute to this one for the first time in awhile :lol:

I lost my wedding ring in the woods over Halloween weekend while out wheeling with some friends in the UP. Re-visiting a spot the following week, after the snow melted, and my friend found it! My guess was that it fell off my hand while washing my hands with snow after dicking around with a winch cable. Took him about 2 minutes to find it...luck was finally on my side for once!

Somewhere around this spot
https://i.imgur.com/S1FPrKX.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PLCfHPY.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/IuhdpUT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xl5uR81.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2B4CLLp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Sh1u2i8.jpg

This ring was my paternal grandfather's, who I had never met. If anyone knows me, you know I am not a small person. His wedding ring was a full size larger than my ring finger....I guess he was about 6'6". Also not a small dude...who happened to drive tanks in WWII :us:.

Could not believe my buddy found it. After looking at the pictures, I do not think I would have found it had I been in his shoes. I generally suck at looking for / finding things I'm actively trying to look for / find...so I don't think it would have gone well :lol:. Sure am glad its found though...I usually take it off for wheeling. Forgot this time.

Short winch video too.
https://imgur.com/PSSduco

Cobound

11-13-2020, 10:32 AM

Nice shoes, dude...bet that feels real good!!! Just something about that first run you make w/ them that flat out kills.

Dayum, that is an awesome story, James!!!! Your buddy has some eagle eyes :eek:

Glad to hear you not only got out wheeling again, but that they made you work for it :lol:

And you found your lost ring!!

Hoofmann

11-13-2020, 11:05 AM

I’m working out some loose ends tonight and I will be heading down to Penrose, CO with some friends this weekend. Going to test out them new meats! :D

Hoofmann

11-16-2020, 11:52 AM

A friend of mine and I made a big push (okay not so big) to get my new ARB wired up and plumbed, and then I bolted up my new modded skid and sent it on Saturday. Freerider was planning on going, so we joined him.

Pics:

At the trail head, aired down to ~10 psi.
https://i.imgur.com/m2gjTP9.jpg"]https://i.imgur.com/m2gjTP9.jpg

Steve coming down bunker hill:
https://i.imgur.com/4AOq300.jpg

Same bunker hill, just a little farther down. This is a screenshot from a video, so the quality isn’t as good.
https://i.imgur.com/NAuxCmu.jpg

The crew
https://i.imgur.com/Rd9NIKT.jpg

Same spot, just me and Freerider
https://i.imgur.com/AhtyVXD.jpg

As always, I didn’t take enough pics. I drove the whole trail without being towed and I even drove the exit! :D Getting back to the trailhead, I was the only one jumping back in their rig and driving home.

Having an auto made a huge difference in maneuverability, along with an ARB. Also, 39s FTW! :rock: :cheers:

nblehm

11-17-2020, 08:57 AM

Hell yeah man :rock: points added for driving it to and from the trails. Was that your first go at indy?

Hoofmann

11-17-2020, 10:27 AM

That was the third time I’ve been there. The last time I went is on page 2 of this thread.

The first time I had D30/8.8 and 36” TSLs. That trip was a disaster.
Edit: first time was in 2009.

Cobound

11-17-2020, 05:31 PM

Saweeeeet :rock:

Yes, super bad ass you drove there, hit it and drove it home :rock:

Blue XJ

11-18-2020, 08:24 AM

Anyone can build a offroad crawler, but to get one that can go 70mph down the highway to and from the trail brings it to a whole new level.

Cobound

11-18-2020, 11:56 AM

Anyone can build a offroad crawler, but to get one that can go 70mph down the highway to and from the trail brings it to a whole new level.

Ffff'n right!!!

I actually enjoy that part of my recent move...drive from MN to CO or UT and wheel, drive home. I didn't run what they did, but have put it through some pretty stout runs, and made it home over 3k miles round trip.

Gives you a bit of a different perspective when you see what is in front of you and how you're going to tackle it, knowing full well you need to get home in it, too :lol:

nblehm

11-18-2020, 02:22 PM

Anyone can build a offroad crawler, but to get one that can go 70mph down the highway to and from the trail brings it to a whole new level.

Penrose is about 2 or 2.5 hrs from denver too. Not like its a 30 min drive.

Hoofmann

11-18-2020, 03:50 PM

One of the reasons I built this rig on tons is so that I could follow my friends around. I don’t take the same lines as my friends who have trailered their junk to the trail, but it’s definitely a good feeling to finish a trail, unlock the hubs, throw it in 2 wheel drive, and drive home. Especially a trail like Independence. :)

As happy as I am with my rig now, there’s still a lot of mods I want to do. Cage, fuel cell, beadlocks, and hydro steering are at the top of that list. I’ll never be done modifying my Jeep cause then you know I’ll want a V8. :lol:

Cobound

11-18-2020, 04:49 PM

Good to know your limits...and let's be honest, the bypasses on that trail aren't exactly cakewalk :lol:

freerider15

11-18-2020, 05:03 PM

Cobound

11-18-2020, 10:29 PM

Oh, that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy my tow rig setup...I just don’t have the space or use for it at this juncture...do what ya gotta do!

6DoF

11-19-2020, 01:40 PM

maybe this vid link will work?

https://www.facebook.com/6603667/videos/10101506108109137/

Cobound

11-19-2020, 01:52 PM

Mmmmm I'll take my comfy tow rig thank you very much :f2:

Michael, one of the guys with us who I did Indy with a little over a month ago has a little video. Not much of the rest of the group, but you can watch me drop in and run Indy backwards (and the empty talent tank of mine apparently) :lol:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qLb1CE8Yi8&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1ykEGIeakSHvGnK72z3bfz9exvr7Xq2j5byzQpo KRfxKHwwJZa01zzgR4

Any video that starts w/ a CLUTCH tune is already solid :rock:

maybe this vid link will work?

https://www.facebook.com/6603667/videos/10101506108109137/

Low res, fo sho...but nice crawl!

Hoofmann

11-25-2020, 12:42 PM

Well, my plans for a golf trip to Phoenix with my brother and several other dudes is off. My brother has a baby arriving in 6 weeks so he canceled which got everyone else thinking.

I made the golf plans and then found out from Lubes that there were a bunch of CO people heading out to Moab this week. It sounds like a lot of people canceled that, too, so I’m not going to Moab for the weekend.

That said, I’m going wheeling this weekend. Penrose again on Saturday. All are welcome to join, if you’re in the area.

Hoofmann

12-03-2020, 10:41 AM

I have been making it a point, without having my own garage right now, to visit my friends garages and get little things done here and there. Just because I don’t have a garage, doesn’t mean I’m going to let this Jeep collect dust. I built a steering box skid because it was time, finally. This whole front end situation isn’t ideal and I want to change it completely, but I’m working with what I have, for now.

Steering box, many years of being mashed against rocks. Poor little fella.
https://i.imgur.com/IPsg4fa.jpg

Progress:
https://i.imgur.com/XjnZ11o.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9dQdf3q.jpg

Saturday we ran independence again. One of the hardest trails in CO has become my main testing ground. Being two hours away, it’s not too far either. Definitely worth the day trip.
https://i.imgur.com/ZGMkv9a.jpg

New skid got her first kisses, too. :)
https://i.imgur.com/cw1TMWi.jpg

Overall a good day. The exit got harder and I had to take a winch to get out. I brought my gf, who had the idea of stopping in Penrose for a soak in a hot spring after. It was a great idea. :D

Cobound

12-03-2020, 11:16 AM

Dayum, son, you getting out and ABOUT!!!! :rock:

This is the shyt that makes me wish I was in CO...dammit, there's just nothing here but to dream.

Lubes

12-11-2020, 04:02 AM

Independence ... One of the hardest trails in CO
I mean, not really any more...

This is the shyt that makes me wish I was in CO...dammit, there's just nothing here but to dream.
Ugh, this place is so friggin blue, I'm ready to friggin leave! Might as well move to California...

Cobound

12-11-2020, 12:32 PM

Ugh, this place is so friggin blue, I'm ready to friggin leave! Might as well move to California...

:roflmao:

Hoofmann

12-11-2020, 08:50 PM

Yeah, I can drive that trail now. Not hard or technical at all. And I suck at driving! :lol:

Hoofmann

01-26-2021, 10:24 AM

I haven’t been wheeling in a while but I do drive this thing almost every day.

At work, standard Jeep guy stuff:
https://i.imgur.com/d0rY1kC.jpg

6DoF

01-26-2021, 10:45 AM

:rock:

Hoofmann

04-06-2021, 01:48 PM

Well, I didn't have a warm fuzzy about driving my Jeep to Moab and back last weekend. I haven't had a garage in over a year and I've been pretty rough on the ol' gurl. Lots of unfinished projects and generally rode hard and put away wet. Well, the concerns were warranted. This was the roughest trip I have had yet.

I left late; on Friday morning instead of Thursday, as I was trying to cobble together something that would carry a spare tire. I didn't finish it and decided to leave anyway. The drive out was relatively painless. Great weather and zero traffic late in the morning on Friday. The Jeep quit on me one time outside of Grand Junction. I rolled it to the side of the road and turned the key to try and start it. It started and I continued on my way and made it to Moab.

Saturday sucked. After getting on Pritchett Canyon and getting about 20 minutes in, I shut my Jeep down to have a little chat. When I went to start it back up, it would crank but not start. The fuel pump wasn't firing and when I finally could get it running, the relay would fire on and off, making the engine sputter and die. I hot wired the relay for the pump and got it off the trail and back to camp, all the while, it was underpowered and wouldn't shift gears in the newly installed (last year) AW4.

On Sunday, I put the relay back in and it ran fine all day. I didn't do any wheeling because I had no confidence in it. Instead, we went to the watering hole near Potato Salad Hill. I drove up the hill on the way out, for fun.

I drove home yesterday and it was running fine until about halfway home and the trans stopped shifting again.

Overall, I had fun. I wish I had spent the week there, as I had originally planned. A long weekend just isn't enough. I need to get serious about trying to get that Jeep back to running correctly again. I haven't really looked into it yet, but it seems like two, or more different issues are at play here.

Cobound

04-06-2021, 03:28 PM

Nice "seeing" you on Saturday :lol:

At least you made it there and home...and, no, a weekend is NOT long enough, no matter how close you live from there!

cruiser

04-06-2021, 06:06 PM

damn that suck, bad enough when that happens around home, but on a long weekend outa town on a wheelin trip is the worst

Lubes

04-09-2021, 06:04 AM

Glad ya made it back, new Mop!

And fukk, a week isn't enough out there... :(

nblehm

04-09-2021, 09:22 AM

Ive had those trips to Moab, sucks. At least it made it back under its own power.

Hoofmann

06-15-2021, 04:09 PM

Alright, I haven

Hoofmann

06-15-2021, 04:10 PM

Alright, I haven’t been driving my TJ at all because it broke down on me hard. I was driving it down the highway about a month ago and it kept quitting on me like I described in my Moab trip. This time, I couldn’t get it started. When I turned the key to run, the fuel pump relay wouldn’t fire. Cranked but no start. Kept trying to get it started again and then the cranking stopped too, after about 30 min of fricking with it.

The battery is strong, I know that’s not the issue. When i turn the key to run, I get all the lights, radio, etc but no fuel pump. Then, when I turn the key to start, I get nothing. A couple of relays click under the dash but that’s it. Additionally, after a few seconds (15 or so) the odometer will read “no bus”. The check engine light isn’t even on anymore. I bet it’s burned out. :lol:

I haven’t really worked on it much, aside from reading a wiring diagram and taking a multimeter to it to find where I’m getting juice. I haven’t traced all the wires yet.

So to summarize, no fuel pump, no crank, just a couple of relays behind the dash click when I try to start it. I’m at a loss for what to do next. I might make a separate thread to garner more attention on this and try to get an answer.

Some things I think are going on are:
1. Crank Position Sensor - only because I touched it when I swapped transmissions.

2. Bad ground - just based on the intermittent and unpredictable nature.

3. Bad starter (unrelated to the way it runs, however) - I’ve been having issues with it lately but it hadn’t quit on me totally. Maybe it’s finally given up.

4. Funked wiring - I suck at wiring.

freerider15

06-15-2021, 04:52 PM

If you could get it up to FoCo, I'm sure you, Sam and I could get it figured out over beers :chug:

Cobound

06-16-2021, 10:51 AM

Ugh, feel your pain...I recently got rid of an XJ cuz I had so many intermittent problems....as you mentioned, CPS, and I fixed a few wires that were cracked and grounding...a TPS, tested some other sensors and found them to be good...just wore out on it - sold it.

Thing that sucks is that I feel the PO dumped it on me knowing all of this...I was just "lucky" enough to test drive it when it was running well - it started acting up as soon as I got it home, nickel and dimed me all winter - sold it in the spring. I was UP FRONT and CLEAR w/ the buyer - he was all over it cuz of the condition anyway, says he'll just fix it - he keeps texting me like I have the answers :james: No, Bozo, you got a deal on it cuz I was tired of it :squint:

Probably a damn wire somewhere, dude...good luck, I don't envy you!! Take Justin up on his beer offer - he and Sam are the XJ Whisperers :lol: ;)

Hoofmann

06-16-2021, 11:26 AM

I’ll get it up there. . .

. . . As soon as I can get it running. :lol:

nblehm

06-16-2021, 12:24 PM

Hit me up we will get it fixed ;) you still in Denver?

Hoofmann

06-16-2021, 01:44 PM

I am still in Denver! The Jeep is parked up at my buddy’s place in Indian Hills.

freerider15

06-16-2021, 06:32 PM

[QUOTE=Hoofmann;66844]I am still in Denver! The Jeep is parked up at my buddy

Sir Sam

06-20-2021, 09:39 PM

Well you can bypass the fuel pump relay and power the pump directly with a jumper wire.

"no bus" can mean that the gauge cluster isn't making good contact with the dash connector, a pretty common issue that requires reseating the gauge cluster, or tweaking the pins in the connector so it make a better connection.

Or a bad crank position sensor can also cause a "no bus" to show on the cluster.

Or a bad cluster microprocessor would give no bus.

Or a bad ECU.

Or a failure on the CCD bus, the CCD bus runs between the ECU, Cluster, Airbag computer, and SKIM(if equipped). A fault on any of the wiring to and fro could cause it, or an issue in one of those modules.

There is a junction block under the dash that all the CCD bus wires come to, it makes a convenient place to do continuity checks on the CCD wires.

Sir Sam

06-20-2021, 09:40 PM

Hmm Indian hills? Might as well just tow it up to fairplay!

Hoofmann

07-17-2021, 06:49 PM

Well I’m up here again working on it. Showed up today and the fuel pump fires, automatic shut down relay fires, and the starter relay does not. It’s all over the place.

Hoofmann

08-27-2021, 05:33 PM

I figured this out last night. It was a loose connector in the engine bay.

I got under the hood and jostled some wires around and then decided to try and turn the key to start it. It started up. I had to jump it, but it started. I was genuinely perplexed, again.

With the engine running, I got under the hood and jostled the same wires around and when I touched the big connector attached at the top of the cowl, the engine died. Bingo.

On one hand, I feel dumb because it took me so long to figure it out and on the other hand, I’m just glad it’s back!

LET’S GO WHEELIN!!! :banana:

jeepkid05

08-28-2021, 07:33 AM

It’s nice when it’s something that easy like a bad ground etc. glad you got it sorted

freerider15

08-31-2021, 12:16 PM

Niceeee.

Did Holy Cross weekend before last. I've got basically one month until I'm nixed from wheeling. Was thinking maybe a Carnage/Indy weekend, if I don't hit up something like 10 Falls instead.

Hoofmann

09-21-2021, 11:02 AM

My days of garage hobo are almost over. I bought a house last month and I’m two weeks out from moving in. Yes, it has a garage, which was a prerequisite. When I started my search, my real estate agent tried to tell me an HOA would be fine. My response was, “as soon as I move in, I’m taking a torch to my Jeep and cutting it in half in the garage.” He understood, then, why I didn’t want an HOA. :lol:

My new place is in Westminster, which is about a 20 minute drive out of Denver, between Denver and Boulder. Living down town hasn’t been my jam and I can’t wait to get out of the cesspool that Denver has become. I have big plans this winter for the TJ. Being it’s not a trailer queen, I think I want to stretch it to LJ dimensions for added cargo room. That’s long term, however, cause there is a lot to do to get it squared away and to restore my confidence in taking it on longer trips.

In that same timeframe, I’ve found another job. More money and remote work. The office is down town, which cuts the commute in half for me, for when I will actually have to commute. It sounds ideal and I’m pumped for the new chapter in my life! :)

Cobound

09-21-2021, 02:55 PM

Dude, on all fronts :rock:

Congrats, best of luck on all your future ventures!

One more place for me to crash when I'm in the mountains :roflmao:

6DoF

09-22-2021, 12:23 PM

WOOT! i'm a YouPron star!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hgyIeRDgzo

Hoofmann

09-22-2021, 01:00 PM

Yours looks even better in action!

What are you running for exhaust?

Hoofmann

09-22-2021, 01:01 PM

Dude, on all fronts :rock:

Congrats, best of luck on all your future ventures!

One more place for me to crash when I'm in the mountains :roflmao:

I’m definitely not in the mountains but you’re welcome anytime. :)

6DoF

09-22-2021, 01:09 PM

Yours looks even better in action!

What are you running for exhaust?

4.6L stroker, 62mm throttle body, and a COMP cam changed it a lot from a stock 4.0 ... but a stainless 6-2-1 tube header like the banks but off-brand. then 2.5" out the back with a generic turbo muffler.

Hoofmann

09-22-2021, 01:52 PM

It sounds awesome, like a little tractor, and not too loud.

Mine is just a stock 4.0 with the factory cat and a kink-bent 2.5” straight pipe exhaust and I need a muffler cause it’s loud af. :lol:

6DoF

09-22-2021, 02:03 PM

Lubes

09-23-2021, 06:36 AM

Woot woot! :chug:
I have an LJ Teraflex long arm suspension and belly up skid for sale...wanted a grand for it. :brows:

Hoofmann

05-13-2022, 12:38 PM

Yo! It’s been a while since I’ve posted in here. I went to Moab for EJS ‘22. Again, I drove my hunk of sh!t out there after working on getting a cage in it just weeks before.

Pics:

Driving out on 39s was only sketchy in the highest elevations of the mountains. Smooth sailing after Vail Pass.
Coming down the west side of Eisenhower Tunnel:
https://i.imgur.com/i3Xolav.jpg"]https://i.imgur.com/i3Xolav.jpg

Met up with B a bunch during this trip. Once the first day I got into town on Steel bender then later in the week a few more times for Kane Creek and Hells Revenge. Sorry we didn’t party more, B, and thanks again for the curds!
http://i.imgur.com/KT9CjKG.jpg"]https://i.imgur.com/KT9CjKG.jpg

Stayed with Lubes and some others at this place:
https://i.imgur.com/iLBPFR6.jpg

This was bullish!t:
https://i.imgur.com/dPsuNIb.jpg

But still went and ran most of Kane Creek w/ B, despite the snow. Didn’t end up making it to the end this day as there was a serious traffic jam at the exit. This was my favorite day, in hindsight. Good dudes, sick rigs (check out those FSJs!) but chilly and windy. Glad I had my top and a heater for refuge.
https://i.imgur.com/p4aaowj.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cgRVanv.jpg

Hells revenge. One of the couples in our group had a fully decked out Bronco 4 door. I did mickeys hot tub and I have a pic of it but I can’t find it.
https://i.imgur.com/4TBCImh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZWnHgdy.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/j61E37G.jpg

Mashed Potatoes:
https://i.imgur.com/Ft8pYQE.jpg

This was part of the Trifecta. I’m not real familiar with those trails so this was fun. We ended up on a new trail called Where Eagles Dare.
https://i.imgur.com/mysPnNL.jpg

One of the last drops coming out of Poison spider, I went to bring my front tires over a rock ledge when my brake pedal went straight to the floor. Luckily, I was in 4low and riding the rest of the ledge out was no big deal. Also lucky for me, it was an easy fix and Napa had a new brake line the next day.
https://i.imgur.com/opDkrcI.jpg

I had my new brake line by 10am and had it swapped quickly, so we ran Kane Creek the last day we were there. This time we made it all the way to the end, which was my favorite part.

Good times this year. And it’s always nice to be able to drive
My junk home after abusing it all week. :)

Here’s the link to my Imgur post. There’s a couple vids in there.
https://imgur.com/gallery/CeWpeYN

6DoF

05-13-2022, 02:55 PM

:rock:

Kurt

05-13-2022, 08:01 PM

Awesome. Trifecta is a fun all day trip. We did Where Eagles Dare back in September, and it was a short, but awesome side journey, great trail!

Kane Creek is always a fun one, sucks that you weren't able to finish it as that's the funnest part!

Hoofmann

05-14-2022, 04:45 PM

Cobound

05-16-2022, 05:54 PM

Yeah, bozos that get hung up on Hamburger Hill ruin it every time...you really need to hit it when there is no crowd, IIRC we got behind a Red Rock group :james:

Great hooking up w/ you again, man...always a good time!!

Some more for you to peek at from your run w/ us on Kane - and Hell's Gate...I have vid of you poppin a wheelie on the way down, too...good save ;)

https://scontent.ffcm1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/279574685_1177277743073154_8135364605263176250_n.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-6&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=FlTXtnES6uIAX9XLiwM&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-2.fna&oh=03_AVKSjZx7qFKeIGrxMbWEOgZgwkZwPCjGNB1bxvk2WZYT gw&oe=62A7B71A

https://scontent.ffcm1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/279665993_893967355332842_7492076577286619660_n.jp g?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-6&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=h9t76Hlrp3cAX8ai95i&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-1.fna&oh=03_AVIIx09jQLoFd_iy5XRFoz4tNoPkRyCaAAtk8SlDvj1m Ag&oe=62A8111C

https://scontent.ffcm1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/279358024_712464406618579_6200407007100679750_n.jp g?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-6&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=Tm3th2JHuS4AX-zOHWc&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-2.fna&oh=03_AVIcYlpZCtS4Z1x5hSXww0mVsRJKcBjntp-KtenioaSjhg&oe=62A896D5

https://scontent.ffcm1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/280559826_5345953552117273_61476902238375311_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-6&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=QwPd4gtuYRMAX85CWcI&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-2.fna&oh=03_AVLLPO0R5ulcklbW6exVq3LvDPFoGttLLbTgRUM2qHHG Vw&oe=62A7CB0E

https://scontent.ffcm1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/279776965_547078903601005_5546423452145563438_n.jp g?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-6&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=DnE2BtV4C24AX-a46Yk&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-1.fna&oh=03_AVLTxkHK_hskRdJ-sz_mJQtQ9XXAPIkoCA3rmEVe3UlQew&oe=62A7740E

Hoofmann

05-19-2022, 10:51 AM

I’m behind on posts but about 2.5 weeks ago I went down to Buena Vista and ran Carnage for the first time. Trails like this will always expose vulnerabilities in your junk and mine was no exception. Carnage took a fair amount of winching to get me and my other buddy in the white YJ through. Crew included Greg, who comes here from time to time and three of my friends that I’ve known forever.
https://i.imgur.com/fIYDpss.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OSvtvr4.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KD2oDfl.jpg

My junk made it through, thankfully. On the way out, however, I clipped a giant rock coming down Chinaman’s. :james:

The impact broke the sector shaft in my steering box. I had to leave it overnight and get a new box and swap it in the next day. I’m a lucky guy and my friend drove back down there with me (2hour drive, each way) and helped me swap it.
https://i.imgur.com/GkAwqf3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EQpv49G.jpg

The steering box swap took less than an hour and I was back on the road home. However, the impact knocked my steering so far out of alignment, the tires were barking anytime my wheels weren’t straight. Highway speeds were very sketchy as it had way too much toe out, so it would dart all over the lane with any slight adjustment. Not a great feeling driving twisty mountain roads. I ended up stopping in Fairplay and adjusting the tie rod to a more acceptable alignment.

I hate to do it, but I’m parking this thing for a few weeks. I’m going to finally drill and tap my steering box and install a hydro assist ram.

Cobound

05-19-2022, 02:13 PM

:rock:

I hate to do it, but I’m parking this thing for a few weeks. I’m going to finally drill and tap my steering box and install a hydro assist ram.

Dude, good call...you'll love the assist. I miss it, there isn't a decent solution for the diesel JT yet, but I'll be all over it once it's ready.

nblehm

05-22-2022, 08:35 PM

Nice man! Steering box is a tough break

freerider15

05-23-2022, 01:15 PM

Glad to see all went well and ya got back!

Hit BV as I mentioned the weekend after you.

Four of us started the trail around 1:30, got off around 5:30 with a bit of just screwing around...lazy day wheeling :cool:

One in a full bodied Yota broke something in the squeeze, so he turned around and headed down.

The left line on the exit has gotten way more dug out. Actually had to work at it some instead of the couple minute up and out.

Headed to SoDak next weekend for the first time :cool:

We're hitting a few areas, last being Captain Crunch. Just crossing my fingers I make it through unbroken, since that trail put most of CO's to shame...up and including to some extent Boulder Canyon apparently. :eek:

Cobound

05-23-2022, 04:41 PM

SoDak...awesome...makes me wish I had a buggy...if I could only justify :p

Take lots o pix!

Enjoy - safe travels!

Kurt

05-25-2022, 08:48 PM

Im 1.5 weeks away from leaving to hit the Rubicon again. Missed it last year because of the fires, so we decided to do it in June instead of late September. Looks like its going to be chilly there, so I swapped on the full doors and hard top, and added an awning. Full overland mode engaged....

Also got my portable blackstone seasoned and ready for the trip.

https://www.kdfabworks.com/assets/images/photos/JKU/IMG_9838.jpg

https://www.kdfabworks.com/assets/images/photos/JKU/IMG_9835.jpg

Cobound

05-26-2022, 03:07 PM

Awesome, I'm jealous....wanted to hit the Rubi so bad last year and it got thwarted...dammit!!

I'm thinking my JT can do it, damn the potential damage :lol:

Nice table, does that top roll up and the legs all fold up and go inside of it? Looks super sturdy! I love the Blackstone, just not sure how I like the bulk of hauling it...haven't snagged one yet, but it has been on my list.

What awning is that, looks super thin - must be a roll out, like an ARB?

Anyway, headed out this weekend for a bit of RZR action myself, but my JT is starting to come together...got my cap back on, tossed on the Rhino Rack Batwing awning...not sure I'll do the Roofnest or not, my Gazelle is quite comfy and quick to set up just the same...and less top weight to carry around.

Grabbed some molle panels for the bed, hard pill to swallow, but I love them now that they are in there and my gear is secure.

Not sure how I like this small (compact) awning tho, put it on there cuz I had it and replaced the one on the Escapade w/ a larger Overland Vehicles Systems 270...may sell it and get the larger/longer OVS 270 for this one, too :dunno:

https://scontent.ffcm1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/283267177_574719814175737_5529734849187776291_n.jp g?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=Jwh_sjvf8w8AX93z1zM&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-1.fna&oh=03_AVLJf2IDLzef6_fn3ycoofzIyBVYgvDMpJl1Px8NNsEB ZA&oe=62B74BBE

https://scontent.ffcm1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/282463909_410876880879689_8168067135364219843_n.jp g?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=jLRSxQJ0CQ0AX_e7S5P&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-1.fna&oh=03_AVK2HDEPHIO09CROwua3aZmr5f0ur0bm1h3xje7HQSqY pw&oe=62B3BA11

Is nice that it's not super long...

https://scontent.ffcm1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/281129089_691284538839224_4975176115084570481_n.jp g?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=pjwqf1WuKPkAX_Uj4-q&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-2.fna&oh=03_AVKu6CKad5K7ITo3ACFXh8W_5XaRCk3MhGKNhDGTXhVN IQ&oe=62B41470

Have fun, safe travels...and take lots of pix for us to live vicariously through :p

Kurt

05-26-2022, 07:18 PM

The awning is from Rhino Rack...its their Sun Setter. Its not huge, but it'll work for what I need it for. Shade or protection from a passing shower.

The table is awesome, its super light weight and folds up pretty good. The center slats roll up, and the table legs fold in and collapses together. Has a bag to put it all in. Its very sturdy and great for cooking. Last time on the Rubicon I took my portable Traeger, worked great for that. The Blackstone is lighter and packs a lot better than the Traeger.

I got the table on Amazon, and its unavailable. This may be an updated version though, same brand: Camping Table (https://www.amazon.com/KingCamp-Lightweight-Aluminum-Portable-Barbecue/dp/B088QYTPGK/ref=sr_1_17?crid=2XZF9A54X8U66&keywords=KingCamp%2BSteel%2BFrame%2BFold%2BCamp%2B Table%2BHeavy%2BDuty%2BXL&qid=1653607043&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=kingcamp%2Bsteel%2Bframe%2Bfold%2Bcamp%2Bt able%2Bheavy%2Bduty%2Bxl%2Csporting%2C127&sr=1-17&th=1)

I'll take plenty of pics. I'm reading that the trail is a bit chewed up after having so much snowfall. Normally we go in the Fall, and it ends up being after Jeep Jamboree goes through and makes a ton of repairs for their event, so the trail is usually pretty well maintained then. This time around could be interesting.

Cobound

05-27-2022, 12:44 PM

:thumbsup:

I'll have to look into that Blackstone and table some more...thanks for the info.

Headed to the Shakk shortly - I'll tell Wrekker you all said hi ;)

Safe travels out there, gents!

Hoofmann

03-28-2023, 03:25 PM

Hello gents! I’m back and I’ve been knocking some projects out on my sh!t box. It feels good to have a place to work again. My garage is still a mess from moving in a little over a year ago, but Jeep projects are always the priority.

I got my hydro ram installed. That was an adventure. I ended up drilling the steering box without taking it apart. That was a mistake, as I accidentally drilled into the steering valve and fvcked it all up. I slapped it all together and the steering worked great going left but i had no power steering at all in the other direction. Feeling stupid, i took everything apart, and took a hard look at the steering box, as i figured it had to be that. Figured out my folly and now I need to finish welding it all up and paint it before it’s all said and done.

Right now I’m working on relocating the fuel tank. When I stretched the wheelbase in 2006, ratchet strapped the stock tank to the tub where the seats used to go. Of course, temporary fixes end up being permanent and I’m sticking it back behind the rear axle again with my spare laid over top at some angle. I will post pics after some more progress.

I’m skipping EJS this year because a friend of mine is having a 40th bday in Moab a few weeks after EJS. I have ~3 weeks or so to finish the projects on my list before I head out to Moab to kick off wheeling season 2023.

nblehm

03-28-2023, 05:14 PM

:rock:

Cobound

03-28-2023, 05:16 PM

Got heat in my garage this year and I can't stay out of it. Hung a 55" TV, have tunes, beers n tools at the ready.

Putzing on the finishing touches on getting my trailer ready to sleep in, haul the RZR, and loading up the back of the JT.

Be in Moab on Saturday :rock:

Have fun, see you next run!

Hoofmann

03-29-2023, 02:22 PM

I decided to upload my progress, where I am now.

I taco’d the rear crossmember last trip out, so started cutting.
https://i.imgur.com/aAnCtJy.jpeg

And fabbing
https://i.imgur.com/iTAkgLl.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/ZKJyO48.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/4ZJKiRC.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/D91gBHP.jpeg

And mocking up
https://i.imgur.com/Yzfw7fd.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/9aWNwZA.jpeg

So the plan is more tubing surrounding the top of the tank. Sheet metal all over to conceal the tank and 1/4” skid on the bottom. It currently hangs ~8” off the back, past the rear tires. I’m going to suck the tubing and the tank in another 3”.

The spare is sitting on the lower tubing, in the picture, but I’m going to fab a little tire rack made of bent tubing that will lift it 5-7” and possibly lay a little flatter. We will see. I’ve probably spent two full days standing around with a tape measure and coming up with ideas.

nblehm

03-30-2023, 12:01 AM

Interesting. Haven’t seen that layout before.

6DoF

03-30-2023, 07:50 AM

i mean, makes sense really. factory location, just back for axle clearance and up for rock clearance. the tank doesn't really need to sit flat though, could you rotate the backup a little? the rear top of the tank looks sloped, shouldn't loose floor but might gain departure.

Hoofmann

03-30-2023, 11:27 AM

It does need to be flat, though. There’s a little dent in the bottom of the tank to make a little sump for the fuel pump. I get the feeling that if I rotate the tank a little, it’ll be near empty with no fuel getting to the pump!

6DoF

03-30-2023, 02:17 PM

It does need to be flat, though. Theres a little dent in the bottom of the tank to make a little sump for the fuel pump. I get the feeling that if I rotate the tank a little, itll be near empty with no fuel getting to the pump!

how is that any different than driving up a rock face with the entire jeep about ready to flip over backwards? yes, the sump will work better if the tank is flat ... but when is the jeep flat?

edit: i had to delete 2 ' from your quote before it would post ... why does it freak out with a ' in a quote!?!?

Hoofmann

03-30-2023, 05:26 PM

I’ve been watching too much Morgan Clarke Design on YouTube. MCD1 builds trophy trucks and it’s pretty common to have a fuel tank/spare stack on the ass end of a trophy truck. It balances the weight with the front and makes it ride nicer at speed.

Hoofmann

03-30-2023, 09:10 PM

Also, to answer your question, it gets a lot of road miles and at 9mpg on relatively flat stuff, I need every drop of fuel I can get! :lol:

6DoF

03-31-2023, 07:44 AM

[QUOTE=Hoofmann;84251]I

edit: stop using ' it makes it hard to quote! :lol:

6DoF

03-31-2023, 07:45 AM

Ive been watching too much Morgan Clarke Design on YouTube. MCD1 builds trophy trucks and its pretty common to have a fuel tank/spare stack on the ass end of a trophy truck. It balances the weight with the front and makes it ride nicer at speed.

100% to this. i specifically had to add the 37" spare tire to my TJ for street manners. getting that weight back is all good for high speed, but will hurt the weight on the front tires a touch for crawl/climbing. wonder how 10gal of water in each front tire would run down the highway :lol: