Jon Bruce replies:
Well said. If you're happy with it and it gets you where you want to go
then why change it? For 90% of the trails I've run in the Fraser Valley a
slightly modified truck (aggressive tires, sway bar disconnects, rocker
protection, rear traction device, winch, etc) can handle pretty much
everything you throw at it. For the other 10% of the trails and the small
sampling of Vancouver Island trails I've run, some more serious
modifications are highly recommended (lockers, lift, lower gears) but as
mildly modified Jeep CJs like Jo-Jo's or Jeremy's have proven, not necessary.
I drive a highly modified Jeep. Most of the upgrades were done to fix stuff
that broke and some have been done so I stand a better chance of completing
trails like the Doomicon or the harder US trails like Rubicon, Moab,
Tellico, the Hammers, etc. The work wasn't done for bragging rights or
for ramp queen points but I'll take them if I get them. <g> When I go on a
trail run I'd gladly do whatever trail the group feels comfortable doing. I
will be one of the last people to say you can't run a trail with me because
your vehicle doesn't have X. The most you'll get from me is a warning saying
you might break something and an offer of a tug if it looks like you're
going to take more than three or four tries to make it over that rock.
If I'm running a "modified trucks only - 1 locker required" type trail, I
view that as a guideline. If you've got a bone stock vehicle and you want
to come along, I say go ahead but be prepared to take damage, be willing to
take a tug when needed, and use the spotters provided. If you're holding up
the group on a regular basis then park it and catch a ride with someone else.
That said - Here's a quick rant for stock vehicles or inexperienced drivers
(no it's not directed at anyone in particular):
If you reach an obstacle and you try it a few times but don't make it,
take the tug or winch. Do not destroy the trail by cutting a tree down,
digging/filling in holes, stacking rocks (and not removing them), etc.
Take the tug or come back another day. Do not ruin a trail because you
lack the vehicle modifications or driving skills to make it through an
obstacle.
Tread Lightly!
I put ARBs in my Jeep so I could run most trails open diff'd. A flexible
lift and 33" Swampers make my life much easier but the open diffs still make
me pick my lines. I've run most of Blue Mtn open diff'd (how many people can
say that?). When I fail at an obstacle a few times, I'll lock it up and
crawl up 'n' over.
The trails you've listed don't need much in the way of vehicle mods - just
careful driving like you mentioned. Have you run Blue Mtn? Have you tried
the IRC trails? These trails may make you change your mind (worked for me
<g>). Again, 90% of the stuff in lower BC doesn't require big tires but the
stuff that does is a LOT of fun.
How many of you heavily modified rig owners now find most trails too easy?
Generally speaking - I don't. Old, yes (need to try some new ones). Easy -
No. If I'm not feeling challenged, I run open diffs and/or I pick hard
lines. I can make an easy trail pretty difficult <g>. For me, part of the
fun is watching the stock trucks and inexperienced drivers learn. One of my
favorite trips involved taking a guy who had never driven offroad before up
Blue Mtn - at night. We did the power line trail with the head lights
pointed up into the sky or down into a hole for most of the trip. He had a
death grip on the "Oh $%it" bar and the biggest grin on his face. He had
some sort of mantra like "we're not really going up/down this are we?" and
"You're crazy" going pretty much all the time. Great fun.
I remember various members talking about elliptical type suspensions and
buggy types as well. Ever notice that the machines that don't have these
suspension systems still go where they want. Change for changes sake?
Nope never noticed that <g>. Some trails are made do-able by these mods.
Running the 5+ rated trails I enjoy almost make mods like this necessary. A
flexy leaf spring setup works really well but the extra travel from custom
suspension setups result in a more stable vehicle and less chance of a roll
over.
I'm putting 1/4 elliptical springs in my Jeep. Mostly because I can and
because it looks cool but I'm OK with that <g>. I also know it will end any
chance Larry, Chris, Jonathan, Ed, Jo-Jo, Greg W. and others who have
taunted me <g> have of getting a better score in a ramp contest. OK I'm
joking - really I am <g>. I'm doing it because it will result in a better
ride, eliminate axle wrap, add stability to my Jeep, and allow me to pick
even crazier lines. More fun for me! The other stuff never entered my mind
<g>.
So what do you guys think? I am off base and should be making changes to
my truck? Or should I just get out and have fun?
Don't let us influence what you do to your truck. If it goes where you want
it too and it's reliable why change it? I made some changes to my Jeep
because I broke stuff and I wanted to tackle 5+ trails - not because it
couldn't get to my favorite hiking and climbing spots.
Jon
'82 CJ7 - some stock parts left
