OffroadTwin
New member
Went to the 4wheelparts show in Denver today. 80% of the show was geared towards a 4 door wrangler! But it was a fun time
Light traffic and cruise control! I did notice that 70 mph is the magic number. In my rig above 70 with cruise on I'm averaging ~19 mpg, below 70 I'm averaging ~22. That picture was about 80 miles after stopping for gas the last time.
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Today was epic. I took the often talked about, seldom run, trail from Big Pine to Coyote Flat. There's a lot of aura surrounding this thing. Buddies have said, "Don't even try" "It's only doable on Rhinos" "It used to connect but not anymore" and my favorite "Just call me when you get stuck"
I started at about 1:00PM on the 15 mile drive to Big Pine. Filled up and got out the High Sierra SUV Trails The East Side by Roger Mitchell. He has some directions to a place he calls Glacier View. It's pretty much the Warren Bench Trail. He stops his journeys at a lookout 10.2 miles in.
That first 10 miles is all low range steep loose and rocky. Class II my ass. When I arrived at his "Glacier View" it was indeed a great view of the Palisades. I could see Sugarloaf not more than 2 miles in the distance. That was where I could pick up Coyote Flat.
Right past his turn around I saw a sign that I have never seen in the Sierra before. It said "Most Difficult. Modified 4x4 and experienced drivers only" Perfect. Past the sign was some serious terrain. Tight turns, very small clearances between obstacles and big, big. rocks. I was solo and did something I never do. I walked the first 200 yards of the trail.
It was bad. Not bad enough to stop me from committing but bad enough that I knew there could be no room for error. Luckily it was downhill and I knew gravity would be an asset here. I spotted my line and committed it to memory. All rocks on the passengers side would be blind so I would use rocks on the drivers side to keep me lined up, hopefully.
I started up the rig and dropped in. It was white knuckle time. Sliders took some hits. Tires tried to grab anything to help me. Blood pressure went up and then it was done. Or so I thought.
After a nice little 300 yards or so of not stressing I see the final obstacle. I know it's the final one because right after it there is a perfectly flat meadow. I stop and walk it. It's not long but man it's gnarly. One minute later my rigs in that meadow. On all 4 tires even.
From there it was 1.6 miles to pick up the Coyote Flat trail and home to Bishop. The loop is 30 miles of dirt from Big Pine to Bishop for those interested in doing it. As usual I forgot to take photo's of all but a few spots. If anyone wants to run this thing let me know. I'd really like some company next time. lol
Got my ScanGauge II in the mail yesterday. Along with the new stereo.....but not sure where to mount the Gauge....
I thought this bugger read Trans temps......boo
that fd is timeless![]()
Parked her inside a garage for the first time in the 7 years I've owned her...
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Very cool! This is an elusive trail to get any info on. Was hoping to run up this trail next weekend...curious if you think a Land Cruiser and/or K5 Blazer would make it over that last stretch where things got rough?? Would these rigs to be too wide to squeeze through? Thank man! Also, do you have a gpx track for this trail?
Another RX-7 owner! Good deal!
Sorry man no GPX data. It's pretty straight forward though. Follow the Warren Bench Trail to the end. You'll see the sign and be able to walk the first section.
I'm pretty sure you would be OK with both the Cruiser and K5. That's assuming at least 33" tires. Bigger would be better for this section. With a spotter you'll be fine. I like to think I picked a great line through but in reality I couldn't see much and was committed to just pushing forward.
There's one other spot about 2 miles from the end where there's a largish rock step in really loose sand. You'll want to scope that before committing as well. It's not bad but can easily throw you far enough off camber to cause an oh shit moment.
Once your through to Coyote it's clear sailing. Let me know if you do it and what you thought of it.
I did the rack guides, with the updated version.
I think its helped, but it was bought as a remanufactured rack 4 years ago (when I did the build). alas the non oem inner rods offered less flex and combined with the lift I think tis been under more strain than normal. I fitted OEM inners a bit back and that's is sorted, but noticed some oil residue. Hopefully if it is moving less the seals are ok, the new guide will help, and the entire rack isn't fubar, now I've spent for new inner rods, guide, boots, etc.
I still have clunks, which is frustrating as EVERYTHING is new.. but the recent ones are coming from the recently re added rear ARB, I used front drop links on the back and they seem to knock. Grrrr.