4th of July weekend, Big Bear...

[NAILER341]

Originally posted by goodtimes
No offence taken (really). But I didn't lose count of how many times we hooked a strap to the S-10. Wanna know? 3. All on Dishpan Springs. She did need quite a bit more spotting than the rest of the group though.

Sorry if anyone was annoyed by being slowed down by the S-10 needing more help than the rest of us.

i wasnt there, so it did'nt bother me a bit
glad to finally see you over here goodtimes. i have been still fixing the damage from my last run. ready soon

[goodtimes]

Just heard about the site...now I know why JF has been kinda slow lately.

Saturday was a long hot one. Late start, too many bikes on the trail, Dishpan Springs gave a couple of us alot of trouble (I havent had that much trouble with it since I ran it the first time--and blew up the driveshaft in my S-10). I managed to push the back edge of my belly pan up about 3 inches, and bent the right rear LCA. I have a new arm, but I don't know what I am going to do about that belly pan yet. Something has to be done before the 17th.

[NAILER341]

just drop it and smash it out with a sledge.. takes about an hour or so.

[goodtimes]

That is an option, but why just bang the stock POS back into a shape that will just keep getting me hung up on rocks? I think I'll call Tri-county and see what they have....I don't think Kilby is done with his yet (well, he wasn't done last week when I stopped by to get the steering box skid).

But if worse comes to worse, the BFH will be introduced to the belly pan.

[Dukes69]

Originally posted by goodtimes
That is an option, but why just bang the stock POS back into a shape that will just keep getting me hung up on rocks? I think I'll call Tri-county and see what they have....I don't think Kilby is done with his yet (well, he wasn't done last week when I stopped by to get the steering box skid).

But if worse comes to worse, the BFH will be introduced to the belly pan.

Hmmmm

Belly up

[goodtimes]

Originally posted by Dukes69
Hmmmm

Belly up

Yea, I was thinking that....but I just got off the phone with Tri-County Gear...They want......(sit down)........$910 for their belly pan!

It looks like I'll be getting the hammer out.

[cbremer]

sounds like you guys had fun, albeit at a very slow pace

i got some more boxes emptied (the pile is getting smaller all the time!), got my new leafs installed, and my pass. side door is now quick-disconnectable

best part is the springs were buy one, get one free

oh yeah, also watched some fireworks and drank some beer

:hat:

[sarah]

one thing that i don't think has been said about this trip comes from rick, brian and myself -

we're really sorry we were so late. we were up working on rick's jeep (hahah, i say we like i was helping!) and were pretty slow in the morning.

[rick]

Yup, it was late....but - got the new ball joints on, and she goes down the road straight and steady now (they were pretty bad ). I only wish we had time to work out the winch mounting before we went up so i could test it out.

[carrizojim]

A little on bringing strangers on runs, I've learned to give them two bits of information, first one is a safty equiptment list and second is a simple trail difficulty list... the standard 1-10 difficulty list doesn't tell too much, so we use a color code of green-red-black as follows:

Green Run:
Suitable for stock vehicles and/or novice drivers. May have some challenges, most will have bypasses. Expericed people should be available to instruct and spot through rough areas. Safety equipment recommended, but only roll bar/hardtop, seat belts, first aid kit, parking brake, and jack/spare tire are required. Body damage unlikely, except that caused by driver error. Some trails may be overgrown, resulting in paint scratches.


Red Run:
Recommended for experienced drivers; at least one locking differential or good limited slip is highly recommended. Safety equpitment is a must. Rough areas may not have bypasses. Some runs may require additional equipment. Occasional body damage is quite likely, drivetrain breakage is also possible.


Double Red Run:
A few experienced hardcore off-roaders with highly modified vehicles desire runs that will push their vehicle and driving skills to the limit, and that is what these are. At least one locker is REQUIRED, (front & rear lockers, 33" tires and low gears strongly recommended).Mandatory safety and recovery equiptment Some body damage is almost guaranteed, and severe drivetrain failure (axles, driveshaft, etc.) is quite possible. Driver error on some obstacles may result in a rollover. Some runs may require additional equipment.


Black Run:
Those lunatics up in Victor Valley, the Victor Valley 4 Wheelers, have built some trails - Sledgehammer, Jackhammer, Outer Limits, etc. - that are in a class by themselves. Double Red only begins to describe them. Front and rear lockers, 33" or larger tires, and extremely low gearing (60:1 crawl or better) are REQUIRED. A CASUAL ATTITUDE regarding body damage and drivetrain breakage is also necessary.

[carrizojim]

this is the standard safety equiptment list adopted by Cal4Wheel from the SD4Wheelers:

Safety Requirements
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All vehicles must be street legal and maintained to conform to highway safety standards, as well as meet the minimum requirements listed below. Have the items ready to display at inspection.

Guests on Green runs must have all items marked with an *asterisk.
Guests on Red, Double Red, or Black runs must have all items.
Members are required to have all items.



* 1. Roll bar or full cage or factory hard top.


* 2. Functioning parking brake or Micro lock.


3. Tow strap or rope. No chains or straps with hooks. Recommend rated at 2 times vehicle weight.


* 4. First aid kit (what do you want when you are hurt?). It should be mounted/stored in an easily found and accessible location, so that someone not familiar with your vehicle could find it in a hurry.


* 5. Jack capable of lifting the vehicle and a tool capable of removing lug nuts (don't forget your wheel locks).


* 6. Spare tire equal to or within 3 inches (measured at the outside diameter) of existing tires on the vehicle; must be an appropriate off road type tread. No temporary spares.


7. Fire extinguisher with gauge indicating good, appropriately stored (not a missile hazard). Like the first aid kit, someone not familiar with your vehicle should be able to quickly find and access it.


* 8. Seat belts for driver and all passengers.


* 9. Antennas must not exceed 4'6" (54") in length except when longer antennas/whip are required by certain OHV areas.


* 10. Adequate attachment points front and rear, i.e., tow hooks, receiver, etc. Tow balls are generally rated for only 2,000 pounds, and that is when hooked to a trailer. They can come off with devastating results and are not recommended. Instead, for SUV's without a good tow hook attachment point, use the largest shackle or clevis (generally 1") which will fit in the tow ball hole on your stock bumper.


* 11. Battery hold downs; no bungee cords.


12. Functional 40 Channel CB radio. Handheld (walkie-talkie) types are acceptable but not recommended.


Note: Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the trail is illegal, dangerous, and strictly prohibited. Anyone violating this policy or any illegal activity will be barred from all club activities.

[carrizojim]

Sorry to get so wordy everyone! I'm sort of a safety fanatic....
It was great to meet Rick, Brian and Sarah! Looking forward to busting some trails with you guys!

[NAILER341]

i think that about summs it up nice list, and recommendations there, jim.
i think it should even be "stuck" at the top of the trail rides section....
MODERATOR?!

[carrizojim]

Feel free to permanently post it, it's not copyrighted or anything.....

[sarah]

awesome!
thanks alot jim - it's good to have a color code like that. we've never really run into this problem before, but now that we're posting open events everywhere, it's good to have it. you rock!
thanks erik, for "rockin'" that. :yay: