We got back up on the trail on Friday about noon with a brand new axle, and had the broken down Jeep repaired by about 2:30 and got restarted. Finished the approximately 17 mile trek today at about 1:30. What a ride...! It definitely lives up to it's name. I'll post some more pics once I downsize a few.
Marc L said:
I'd love to do that, but no way I can do that with a stock Xterra, I'd need a bit more armor, a lift and 33s. Currently stock with 32s, but not enough armour to attempt those obstacles. Sliders for starters, thicker skids, and a steel front bumper. I already have a locker in the rear, so I think I'd be good that way.
Mark, we did it with two TJ's. His has a 3" lift, and mine a 4". All the axles are stock D-35's and no lockers. Mine even has AT tires on it. We did have some body armor thankfully...needed it, and I used my winch once to help him up over a ledge in a tight spot.
Jim Logan said:
Were did you park the MH's our club had Rubicon skedaddled for Sept. but cancelled it because of road work on Icehouse Rd. Then most of our buggy's aren't street leagel.
Jim, Ice House Road was completely open and actually in very nice condition all the way to Loon Lake. There were road crews in two areas where they had lane control just over two small bridges where they were placing some gravel, but we didn't even have to wait. Because we live in Roseville, we didn't take the mh, just the Jeeps this time. We are going to plan another trip and do the smaller section between Wentworth Springs and Loon Lake. When we do that, we'll take the wives and probably be looking at parking the mh in either Ice House, Union Valley Reservoir, or Loon Lake (don't know what Loon's camping sites are like at this point). You might consider doing it the other direction and starting on the west shore of Tahoe. There is a trailhead and staging area at that end (Tahoma, CA) where you can park trailers etc., but there is also plenty of parking room on the Loon Lake end.
Betty Brewer said:
Great pics Dennis. Sorry 'bout the breakdown. Your photos have me really wanting to get back out on some trails.
Betty
Betty, actually the breakdown couldn't have happened at a better place. The giant slab of granite the Jeep was parked on was like working on it in the driveway. And the fact that it happened only about 45 minutes into the trail and not 5 hours into the trail was a real blessing. The total hours actually spent driving the trail excluding breakdowns, sleeping and eating was right at 10 hours. The rest of the trip was just the normal rock rash on the wheels and sliders.
John Canfield said:
Nice pictures Dennis! Too bad about a broken axle
- at least he still had front wheel drive. I have a rebuilt front axle spare in a coach compartment but not a spare rear. Maybe this winter I'll install some Ten Factory chrome moly rears and carry a spare rear.
I really want to do the Jeep Jamboree Rubicon event, but our idea of camping is in the Horizon - we don't do tents and sleeping bags.
Unfortunately, although he still had front wheel drive, the rear axles he has are the type with the "C" Clips in the dif housing to hold them in, so once broke, they just slide out....I think what we need to do is spring for some Dana 44's.