Johnson Valley April 11-13.....update

[Goatman]

Well, we're less that two weeks away. I hope everyone is making good progress on all those last minute modifications, plus a few major rebuilds. Mil is going to cook Carne Asada on Sat night, and Andy (CRASH) is going to deep pit a pig on Fri night. We still need to get a decent head count on who will be there for dinner on Saturday night, so please respond and say how many will be with you. You might also mention if you plan to bring anything to add to the feast. I'll post directions for those who need them in another thread.

It looks like Sledgehammer will be the run on Friday, and we may do a short night run Friday night after dinner....we'll see who's up for it, any takers? :D Saturday I think we'll run one group on Clawhammer and one group on Wrecking Ball. The moderate run will be Claw, and the hard run Wrecking Ball. These two trails meet at the top, so it's possible to walk or drive down the other canyon when finished to observe or offer assistance if needed. Those who aren't equipped to run the trails can ride along with someone, or even drive to the top and walk down either trail to watch. It's a lot of fun to be on these trails, whether you're driving or observing.

Clawhammer is a challenging trail, but is one of the less difficult of the JV trails, and is a good run if you haven't run this type of trail before. Equipment requirements for Claw will be at least 32" tires and a rear locker. Any with a D35 (without a Super 35 kit) need to carry spare axles. Also, any with 260x front axle joints need to carry spare axles. This group will take it slow and easy, and you should be willing to take a strap if needed rather than pushing it and risking breakage, or stacking a lot of rocks. Please understand that breakage is not inevitable on this trail, just possible depending on luck and driving style with smaller axles. Wrecking Ball is a hard-core trail with good potential for body damage. Equipment requirements will be 33" tire minimum, dual lockers, low gears, and spare parts.

I'd like to get an idea of how many will want to run Clawhammer on Saturday. I also would like to find a couple of volunteers to be trail leader and tailgunner for this run. We can figure it out there, but it would be nice to have it arranged ahead of time. Saturday's runs will leave camp at 8:00 am sharp. We'll also run something on Sunday for those who want. So.......who thinks they'll run Claw?

[David Taylor]

Richard, I will be there Friday night after work but not in time for
dinner.I will call Mil and see what I can bring for Saturday
nights feast.If my Dad goes and brings his jeep he might what to
start out on Claw. If so then I would be glad to tailgun this run. I
haven't run it before so I don't want to lead, I don't even know
where it starts.Trying to get a few more modes finished before the
run. See you there Dave Taylor

[CRASH]

Loren and I will be ready for Carne Asada on Saturday, just tell me what to bring. (Cash for the booty is my favourite option!)

We're still deciding on the boar in the ground. Loren needs to get out next weekend and find a nice 20 - 40 pound suckling to kill, otherwise, it will be carnitas and tortillas on Friday (still yum-rific).

CRASH

[CRASH]

Richard, do you have a map or GPS coordinates of the trails down there? I can find my way to Sledge and Jack, and maybe Outer Limits, but I'll get lost trying to find everything else.

Plus, I have a pretty poor sense of direction anyway. :anon:

CRASH

[FarmerMatt]

I'm still up in the air. It depends on how the wife is feeling towards the end of next week. The rig is ready & able. If I get to play I will get there friday night after dinner.

Matt

[Ed A. Stevens]

I'll run Claw, or whatever, if there is enough to make a team. I have never run Claw before.

[Goatman]

Originally posted by CRASH
Richard, do you have a map or GPS coordinates of the trails down there? I can find my way to Sledge and Jack, and maybe Outer Limits, but I'll get lost trying to find everything else.

Plus, I have a pretty poor sense of direction anyway. :anon:

CRASH

I don't have either a map or GPS coordinates, but I know someone does. Paul?

Mil will be there on Friday, and he know's where the trails are. Saturday we'll all be there.

[Paul S]

Sledge - 34*24'52.6"N, 116*28'28.3"W
Jack - Starts at Sledge
Wrecking Ball - 34*25'19.0"N, 116*28'28.26"W
Claw - 34*26'20.8"N, 116*28'40.6"W
Outer Limits - 34*27'16.6"N, 116*27'6.3"W
Sunbonnet Pass - 34*24'11.4"N, 116*26'3.1"W
Aftershock - 34*25'16.5"N, 116*26'6.0"W

I've never used these, but I assume they are correct.
Paul


Originally posted by CRASH
Richard, do you have a map or GPS coordinates of the trails down there? I can find my way to Sledge and Jack, and maybe Outer Limits, but I'll get lost trying to find everything else.

Plus, I have a pretty poor sense of direction anyway. :anon:

CRASH

[mil thornton (GRNT)]

Lookin forward to seeing everyone.
I'll probably do Claw on Saturday so that I know that I will hve time to get back and set up for the dinner.
I havn't done claw but I'm pretty sure I know where the start is. I know where it ends up on the hill just below Wrecking ball.
It looks like we will have quiet a few for dinner now so I'll plan like I did last time. I planned for 25 last time and I had some left over which is fine with me.
I'll have the carne asada, tortillas, refried beans, cheese, cilantro and onions.
We'll need chips, salsa, and what ever else you can think of that you may want to share.
A few deserts might be good to have.
Ok, I'll be there work shop and all. I plan on leaving Thursday nite if everything goes the way I plan.
Mil

[Goatman]

Mil, if you're willing to lead Clawhammer that would be great. I know Mike said he wants to run it, and probably Ed, so there are people who could make sure everyone can get off the trail if it gets late and you need to head back to camp and start cooking. Also, the lead group coming off Wrecking Ball can help any that are still coming up Claw if it gets late in the day. This plan should work out very well. More than likely, unless there are a couple of breakdowns, the Clawhammer group should be able to go to the top of Wrecking Ball and watch the other group finish the trail.

A couple of good trails, good company, and two evenings of good food..........this is going to be a very nice weekend. :) :)

[ROCKWGN]

Hey Richard,
How can I refuse to go, I can see the trails and taste the food already. I will be showing up at about 7:00 AM Friday, as I did last time. Let me know what I can bring for dinner sides...
Sean M.
ROCKWGN

QUOTE]Originally posted by Goatman
Mil, if you're willing to lead Clawhammer that would be great. I know Mike said he wants to run it, and probably Ed, so there are people who could make sure everyone can get off the trail if it gets late and you need to head back to camp and start cooking. Also, the lead group coming off Wrecking Ball can help any that are still coming up Claw if it gets late in the day. This plan should work out very well. More than likely, unless there are a couple of breakdowns, the Clawhammer group should be able to go to the top of Wrecking Ball and watch the other group finish the trail.

A couple of good trails, good company, and two evenings of good food..........this is going to be a very nice weekend. :) :) [/QUOTE] :D

[Jes]

Mil, I'll be bringing the chips and salsa. Hopefully I'll be able to make it, it really depends on my Monday jury duty. Hopefully they'll dismiss me because I won't be compensated money wise for missing work.

Jes

[Goatman]

Originally posted by Jes
Mil, I'll be bringing the chips and salsa. Hopefully I'll be able to make it, it really depends on my Monday jury duty. Hopefully they'll dismiss me because I won't be compensated money wise for missing work.

Jes

Tell them if the cops think he's guilty, that's good enough for you. ;)

Here in Kern Co, they only make you go one day unless you get onto a panel, and then they only make you sit on one panel. Odds are you you'll be fine.......see you in JV. :)

[Jes]

Just checked the weather and we all better dress warm! Highs in the lower 60s lows in the upper 30s. :shiver:
Chance of thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday.
Hmmm, last year at this time is was in the 100s down there.
Who's bringing firewood?

Jes

[CRASH]

I'll throw a bunch in. Damn, I'm gonna have to bring a tent and tarp now.....I was hoping to sleep under the stars!

Nothing like the extra challenge of a flash flood while negotiating Sledge at night!

Any news on jury duty?

I didn't get anything done on the rig, other than screwed in a new pressure switch. No gas tank skid, it wouldn't fit very easily so I said screw it......I guess I'll have to watch my tail! The frame patches make it difficult to get it on there. No rock lights either :( . The million dollar bathroom re-model is killing me!

CRASH

[Paul S]

Originally posted by Jes
Just checked the weather and we all better dress warm! Highs in the lower 60s lows in the upper 30s. :shiver:
Chance of thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday.
Hmmm, last year at this time is was in the 100s down there.
Who's bringing firewood?

Jes
Well this sucks... after reading your post I called my soft top guy to get it done this week, turns out he's fully booked. Oh well.
I'll bring some wood.
Paul

[CRASH]

Spineless and topless. Nice.

CRASH

[CRASH]

Oh, BTW, I have created an Arc-View map with all the trailheads on it. If anybody wants it, let me know, and I'll e-mail it over.

Thanks for the coordinates, Paul.

CRASH

[ROCKWGN]

Hey CRASH,
I'll take the Arc-View map. Appreciate it...
smcgoey@adnc.com
Sean M.

[Goatman]

When we where there a month ago we got rained on at night, had to sit inside the motorhome rather than around the campfire. The weather was perfect during the day, though. That was the only time that I've been rained on in JV. I will also bring some firewood.

Looks like I'm going to be towing this trip. I suspect that I have a T-case output shaft bearing making noise. I don't have time to tear it down, and I don't want to chance driving over and back without knowing exactly what's going on. :confused:

[CRASH]

What are you gonna tow with, a company truck?

Isn't that whole rear bearing/shaft setup less than a year old? Mine was having issues as well, vibing a whole bunch, etc. turned out the yoke nut had backed off a whole turn, and the yoke was flopping like a wet noodle.

Tightened her up, and no more vibes.....

I'm sure the wet rocks are going to do wonders for tire life out there....... :eek: :eek: :eek:

SeanM, the file size is too big to e-mail, apparently, let me try to lean it down and re-send it, or bring it to you on a ZIP disk.

CRASH

[Jes]

Gotta call about jury duty tonight. I'll probably have to go in tomorrow. Still recovering from this weekend's food poisoning incident so I continued my healing process by working on this today...
http://home.earthlink.net/~jdrios/testfit.jpg
...I just got tired of looking at the dents from last time. :D


Jes

[CRASH]

How'd you poison yourself?

Who bent it up for you?

CRASH

[CRASH]

Here's a bitmap. It's freakin' huge, sorry dial-uppers.

http://home.off-road.com/~xjs/temp/jv%20bitmap.bmp

CRASH

[Jes]

I think it was a bad McDonalds hamburger. I've never, ever, been so sick in my life!
I actually found a place to get steel and another place to get it bent right here in S.F. if you can believe it. I figure it's going to cost about $80 for the materials when all done but I have enough steel to do a couple more doors. I got pieces bent for the fenders and behind the doors as well but I'll put those on at a later date when I have time.

Jes

[CRASH]

Thanks for thinking of me, biatch!

CRASH

[Jes]

You got a four door, I don't. Give me some measurements and I'll get some done for your new rig if you want.
My doors are almost four feet long BTW. :eek:

Jes

[CRASH]

Are you saying my current panels are not worth protecting?

http://home.off-road.com/~xjs/temp/Andy's%20junk.jpg

CRASH

P.S. That JV pic is gonna have to be downsized, it's gonna crash a dial up........

[Ed A. Stevens]

Will there be others running Clawhammer, so I won't feel so alone with my (winchless) lowrider XJ?

Will cookies be a good desert additon for Saturday trails and after dinner treat? Any favorites?

[Goatman]

Ed, there will be others running Clawhammer, but I don't know how many yet. We'll figure it out when we get there, but we will have a group running that trail.

Cookies always work...... :D

[Goatman]

Originally posted by CRASH
What are you gonna tow with, a company truck?

Isn't that whole rear bearing/shaft setup less than a year old? Mine was having issues as well, vibing a whole bunch, etc. turned out the yoke nut had backed off a whole turn, and the yoke was flopping like a wet noodle.

Tightened her up, and no more vibes.....

CRASH

I'm borrowing a truck from a friend. I haven't had time to work on the Jeep, other than get it up in the air and isolate a noise coming from the t-case. I also found that I have what seems like decent rear driveline vibes over 60 mph, but it only was noticeable when the tires were off the ground. I didn't think to check the nut on the outbut shaft yoke, so I'll do that tomorrow. My concern is that I've had a driveline vibration for awhile that is barely noticeable with tire noise and other things, and it has taken out the rear output shaft bearing. And, yes, the AA main shaft and tailshaft housing (SYE) is just over a year old. The noise isn't bad, but it's there, so I feel better trailering it for this trip.

[Jes]

Speaking of driveshaft vibes I can't drive on the freeway with how my front is vibing right now. I thought it was the loose yoke nut on the front of the Atlas but it's worse now with the 1/2" of lift I added. It stops when the suspension compresses and gets worse when it unloads on the freeway. There's no noticeable play in the CV but it's definately coming from that area. Looks like I'll be doing the tedious pull and reinstall routine now. I wonder if a u-joint is going out? It only has about 10-15,000 miles on it though.
I wish I had locking hubs.

Jes

[CRASH]

Sean R, the guy I was building the rear 44 for, has horrendous front vibes at his lift height (about 4.5"?) and he just had his front shaft rebuilt and balanced, to little effect. I think you both might have to point your pinion up a little bit.

When I had the 30, I was sure glad it was a disconnect model, it never spun the driveshaft on the freeway. I did break a lot of the shift fork mechanisms, though.

I see a Warn 5 on 5.5" kit in your future.....

CRASH

[Goatman]

Jes, I had that problem for awhile. It was just the pinion angle, and the fix is to move the pinion up a little, which will also decrease the castor angle. I disconnected the front driveline for awhile on the street, by unbolting the pinion u-joint and tying the driveline up to the UCA mount. Only disconnecting the front of the shaft is MUCH easier than removing the entire shaft. I used a piece of plumbers tape (metal strap full of holes) and a bolt and wing nut to tie up the shaft.

[CRASH]

I used a piece of plumbers tape (metal strap full of holes) and a bolt and wing nut to tie up the shaft.

Now THAT is a high tech solution to a vexing problem. :rolleyes:

CRASH

[Paradiddle]

Just a couple things. I was at JV last weekend for the On The Rocks rookie run - I went with Blaine. Sledge was super tough at the bottom - the rain has really moved things around. Be prepared for some body damage.

Crash - I had a local shop to me (in Walnut) bend up bottom door protectors like Jes's - for a 4 door. Mine wrap under the door also. He also bent me some rear quarter panel guards. Shoot me an email - jeffcassens@yahoo.com and let me know if you are interested. It was 11 guage.

Have fun this weekend.

Jeff

[Jes]

Hey Jeff, ya made it over here.
Welcome!

Richard, I have no way to move the pinnion up as my LCAs are fixed and I'm running(if you can believe it) stock uppers.
I'll try your high-tech way of secureing the front shaft to the UCA. I was just under the thing trying to figure out how I could tie it up and couldn't come up with ahything.

Jes

[Paul S]

Originally posted by Jes
Hey Jeff, ya made it over here.
Welcome!

Richard, I have no way to move the pinnion up as my LCAs are fixed and I'm running(if you can believe it) stock uppers.
I'll try your high-tech way of secureing the front shaft to the UCA. I was just under the thing trying to figure out how I could tie it up and couldn't come up with ahything.

Jes
Jes, you could drill the lower control arm frame mount hole back 3/16" or so to correct your pinion angle. You'll have to take an equal amount off the stock caster adjustment thingy also.

Jeff, come on out to the hammers with us. I promise we can get you through without damage:)

Paul

[Jes]

YES!!! Dismissed from jury duty today!
Ready to get it! :D

Jes

[CRASH]

Guilty. That's all you ever need to say.

CRASH

[Ed A. Stevens]

So does anyone have a trail-spare drivers side D30 axle assembly they would be willing to sell at JV?

I looked at my junkyard 260X spare and the u-joint yokes are buggered up (not to be trusted). My week looks too booked to find another.

[Goatman]

Originally posted by Jes

Richard, I have no way to move the pinnion up as my LCAs are fixed and I'm running(if you can believe it) stock uppers.
I'll try your high-tech way of secureing the front shaft to the UCA. I was just under the thing trying to figure out how I could tie it up and couldn't come up with ahything.

Jes

I was in the same situation at that time, with Tomken upper and lower control arms, or was it RE LCA and stock UCA, I don't remember (I've had about six variations of control arms). I did what you need to do and sprung for some adjustable upper control arms to solve that problem. I didn't go around the control arm with the driveline hanger, but around the mount.....don't remember exactly how since that was a long time ago. I used mechanics wire before I made the little strap setup. Be sure to wrap some tape around the u-joint caps, and DON'T put it into 4wd. :nono: :eek: :D

Ed, I have a set of 297x spares and can bring the drivers side, just in case. I can't use them on my D44, but I just bought a Comanche so now I may end up with a use for them.

[Jason Jones]

I know I've got an outter, and I belive an Inner (260x) drivers side in the garage... Is that what you are looking for? Its still got the hub attached to the outter, but I belive they are both in great condition... I dont have the 36mm socket to get the spindle nut off :(

I'll bring them out with me as well, just in case...

Goatman, you dont want those measly 297x shafts, you want to donate them to the greater good of my jeep... you are getting sleepy, when you wake up, you will feel good about donating jeep parts... >snap<


If the above sentance didnt make you want to give me those shafts, then my "How to hypnotize people for Dummys" book wasnt worth the read.. Damn... :)


Jason

[Paradiddle]

Originally posted by Paul S

Jeff, come on out to the hammers with us. I promise we can get you through without damage:)

Paul

Paul - I'd love to come but I've got a family camping trip this weekend.

Body damage doesn't bother me as much after the trashing it got a month ago. Not that I want it, but my undies won't get in a wad over it anymore.

I'm jealous - you guys have fun.

Jeff

[MJR]

Originally posted by Paul S
Jeff, come on out to the hammers with us. I promise we can get you through without damage:)

Paul

Yah I think he got more damage in one trip there than you have all combined.:rolleyes:

[Paradiddle]

Originally posted by MJR
Yah I think he got more damage in one trip there than you have all combined.:rolleyes:

One thing about those trails - there are good days and there are not so good days!

Jeff

[Jes]

Originally posted by Goatman
Be sure to wrap some tape around the u-joint caps, and DON'T put it into 4wd. :nono: :eek: :D


Like, duh! :rolleyes: :D
This is so ghetto, and I'm embarrased I have to do it but do you think this should work?
http://home.earthlink.net/~jdrios/ghetto.jpg

Jes

[Ed A. Stevens]

Jason, the stub axle and u-joint (with or without hub) and drivers side axle shaft are what I am looking for as a spare (and 260X's are fine for spares).

My 88 knuckles use the early offest hubs, but I can change the hub bearing if needed (I have 36MM sockets from my old VW days).

Does anyone need later knuckles or hubs (I need to get them out of the garage, and can haul them to JV)?

[CRASH]

It's like a low tech locking hub conversion........good lookin'.

What you have created there, sir, is a Front Driveshaft Eliminator. When it will be available to the JU crowd? Cost? Will group buys be available? Are there different colors available?


CRASH

[Goatman]

Jes, that picture looks very familiar........ :) I think you have it.

Now, while you're driving down the freeway don't think about that driveshaft coming undone and hitting the highway, possibly breaking the t-case and flipping your rig.................................just kidding! ;) :D

[Jes]

Actually I did think of that but the shaft is so short it won't hit the ground if it came loose. :)

Andy, what I got there is a "4WD Eliminator" kit. There will be group buys available and my first run colors will consist of hot pink, tangerine, and rainbow. :D
My "Driveshaft Eliminator" kit will consist of a cheap Taiwan 8mm wrench. ;)

Jes

[KINGSIZE]

Ill take a hot PINK strap!!! Hahahahahahah

See you all their!!!!

KINGSIZE
aka the fat tattooed guy
:anon:

[MJR]

Originally posted by Paradiddle
One thing about those trails - there are good days and there are not so good days!

Jeff

So far the only bad trip for XJ's I have seen there in all my trips was a day on Clawhammer not too long ago. That can be said of any trail though.

[Paradiddle]

Mike - are you driving your Jeep at JV this weekend?

How are you - haven't seen you around lately.

Jeff

[MJR]

Originally posted by Paradiddle
Mike - are you driving your Jeep at JV this weekend?

How are you - haven't seen you around lately.

Jeff

I think I might just be able to pay for the gas. Alas though Mikie didn't get me the front locker I needed so I will be either on the moderate runs or riding along as usual.

Good just poor. Got the onboard air compressor on but need to do some other stuff.

How about you ?.

[Paradiddle]

Originally posted by MJR

How about you ?.

Good - also poor right now. Looks like I'll be keeping the XJ for a while - not in a position to make the move I wanted. Gotta get over to Blaine's and get the WJ conversion done once he's done with the TJ he's building.

Get that front locker!!!

Glad you got your compressor in - Blaine showed me that bracket and it looked pretty cool.

Jeff

[MJR]

Originally posted by Paradiddle
Gotta get over to Blaine's and get the WJ conversion done once he's done with the TJ he's building.

Jeff

Yah how is that thing going ?.

[Paradiddle]

Originally posted by MJR
Yah how is that thing going ?.

Let me just say I wish that TJ was going to be mine - it is really turning out cool. Very cool front suspension and steering setup and the rear Antirock is bitchen.

That thing should work great when it's done.