Sunday's run [Archive] - NAXJA Forums -::- North American XJ Association

ECKSJAY

November 25th, 2005, 10:14

It's snow, so bring your warm stuff and at least a change of clothes...including shoes/boots. Bring food, too. You never know how long you could be stuck up there. Good example was a couple of weeks ago when Matt and I were up at Evans. Nobody in our party broke, but we got blocked in from the front by broken/stuck Toys...and blocked from behind by a broken FJ. I, for one, will be bringing along TWO Coleman camp stoves and 5 gallons of water, so we'll have hot water and food heating. Bring a can of soup and a pot and I'll let ya use 'em. :) I'm thinking grilled cheese sandwiches, too.

Make sure to have appropriate recovery gear/attachment points, etc. Prefer spare parts in case of breakage and tools to replace these parts. I doubt there will be much in the way of carnage since it's just snow. Just be prepared, at any rate. :)

Bunch of us are bringing kids, so I imagine it goes without saying that the rest of us should set a good example. ;)

That said, I imagine there'll be two groups of us splitting off. One to take the kids up sledding, etc...and one group that wants to push on through the snow to see how high up they can get. I'll be taking my daughter up to sled and introduce her to the fine art of whitewashing. ;)

See you guys Sunday.

XJourney

November 25th, 2005, 16:57

How about a headcount? So when we leave the Dutch Cup we don't leave anyone behind.

I will be there.

ECKSJAY

November 25th, 2005, 17:53

How about a headcount?

As opposed to a body count? :D:D:D

2xtreme

November 25th, 2005, 20:56

Bunch of us are bringing kids, so I imagine it goes without saying that the rest of us should set a good example. ;)

I appreciate that comment!!

I will be there with 3 kids I believe. My brother will be there in his Jeep also.

Although I am bringing sleds and kids I am hoping to go as far as possible.

Michael

Sniggs

November 25th, 2005, 21:35

We're there - 2 sons 1 daughter!

XJCasper

November 25th, 2005, 22:50

Brian and I are still pending.

I might pick up my Jeep tomorrow, still up in the air.

If I drive? Me, Danielle, and two sons. Possibly Brian in a secons rig.

If I don't? Brian and myself

nwjeeper91

November 26th, 2005, 18:25

Unfortunately I will not be able to attend. I have been called into work. Hopefully there will be another one before Christmas. See everyone soon.

BILL

CoolCal

November 26th, 2005, 21:46

I discovered a broken motor mount this evening while greasing and checking fluids on the Jeep. Guess i shulda dun that yesterday. Oh well.
So, I know that this is an XJ association , but I will be driving my Chevy PU to meet you all in Sultan and at least say hi. Might tag along a little further. I like to keep the Chevy body intact, although it has seen Moab and i have taken it ice-fishing a couple miles out on Lake Superior. It isn't lifted and i have yet to bend the diamond plate steps. So , see you in the AM!!!

My girlfriend just asked me what whitewashing is, so maybe I will need to go up into the snow and show her. She is from Alabama.

XJCasper

November 26th, 2005, 21:58

This isn't a body munching trip.

This group has forgiven for not having a XJ in the past.

I will be there with wife and boys. Debated bringing our dog, but not enought seat room.

Brian will not make it.

See you in Sultan.

Sniggs

November 26th, 2005, 22:15

My friend Davis will be Joining us in his lifted Rubicon (He went with us to Evans).

I'm going to get some snooze... I've been gogogogogo since Tuesday night...

I have to leave my house early and run to Arlington to pick two up, then meet everyone at Dutch Cup. We should be okay (Timewise) but I will call if we're delayed. I'm topping off my tank right there in Sultan - EXPECT some traffic, too!

G'night!

Sniggs

November 26th, 2005, 22:22

2xtreme

November 26th, 2005, 22:25

Well, I guess I am empty except for my self and my brothers jeep. No kids with me (unless something happens last minute in the morning).

No problem bringing the chevy but how bad is the motor mount? Should not be too big of a problem if you are easy on it. Either way see you in the morning.

Michael

CoolCal

November 27th, 2005, 05:38

i think that if it was just me I would take the jeep and not worry about it, but i have company today and the engine is resting on the right side exhaust manifold which vibrates the whole vehicle a bit more than usual. The left side mount looks a ready to disenegrate also now that i am paying attention. We are out the door. See ya.

XJCasper

November 27th, 2005, 19:38

How did the second try go?

ECKSJAY

November 27th, 2005, 19:42

How did the second try go?

Betting they've got a bonfire going. :D

XJourney

November 27th, 2005, 20:38

Betting they've got a bonfire going. :D

No bonfire for us. :) We actually did VERY well in the afternoon. We went about a mile and a half beyond where Phil turned around. ;) We got close to the top before we had to turn back. And the snow got alot deeper.

Micheal takes his turn at leading. Just a little plowing going on.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/xjourney/Snowun11-27-05027.jpg

And when I say the snow was inseam deep, I am not exaggerating.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/xjourney/Snowun11-27-05032.jpg

Hans

GI-John

November 27th, 2005, 20:45

IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISH OULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVE GONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKN EWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOUL DHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGON E!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWI SHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHA VEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!I KNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHO ULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!IKNEWISHOULDHAVEG ONE!

More pics or else!

XJourney

November 27th, 2005, 20:52

How about this pic John. I know how much you love the scenery. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/xjourney/Snowun11-27-05022.jpg

PS we missed you John :kissyou:

2xtreme

November 27th, 2005, 21:27

WHAT A DAY!!!!

After a morning of Practice Recovery on just about everyone (some more than others). Marc, Hans and I had an incredible afternoon in some very deep fresh snow!! We made it as far as we have made it in past years and turned back to keep it on a good note before it started to get dark. Marc and I both took our turns creating a trail in the fresh snow and both jeeps did very well.

Hope everyone enjoyed themselves!!
Thanks again for everything!!

Michael

ECKSJAY

November 27th, 2005, 21:33

Wish I could have kept going, but the family was along for sledding and playing in the snow. :)

Nice pics up top there. I snapped a couple on the way down that turned out pretty well.

2xtreme

November 27th, 2005, 21:38

Wish I could have kept going, but the family was along for sledding and playing in the snow. :)

Nice pics up top there. I snapped a couple on the way down that turned out pretty well.

Understood! You have your priorities right. I would have done the same thing if my kids were with me. Mine were very disapointed that they didn't come after they hear all the kids that were there.

I will post my pic's tomorrow. Hope to see yours soon also!!

Michael

ECKSJAY

November 27th, 2005, 21:45

Understood! You have your priorities right. I would have done the same thing if my kids were with me. Mine were very disapointed that they didn't come after they hear all the kids that were there.

I will post my pic's tomorrow. Hope to see yours soon also!!

Michael

We were disappointed that more kids weren't there. ;)

My *real* idea was to just park at that staging area and keep the stoves going. Figured we were in for a real quick run up to some better stuff. Hell, my daughter could have dug tunnels through the stuff we were driving in.

Avanteone

November 27th, 2005, 22:03

Looks like you guys had fun. I really like that scenic shot.

John

2xtreme

November 27th, 2005, 22:58

More proof of deep white stuff.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d19/2xtremexj/DSCN8031.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d19/2xtremexj/DSCN8036.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d19/2xtremexj/DSCN8046.jpg
Han's. Chains are cheating :)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d19/2xtremexj/DSCN8041.jpg

What a great day!!
Michael

XJCasper

November 27th, 2005, 23:16

Why am I not getting my E-mail notifications?

After these pics, I am embarrased. How do I get further. Chains? Playing with tire pressure? Staying on the trail would help. Feels so good to be safe at home.

Hey John, you missed all of the entertainment.

I am just going to post a link to my pics:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?&collid=91393853807&page=1&sort_order=0&favorites=true

Nothing we snapped gives my situation justice. Waiting to see Mark's. Until then Hans has the Crown of King Avatar. :jester:

ECKSJAY

November 28th, 2005, 07:42

Why am I not getting my E-mail notifications?

Good, I'm not the only one. I thought it was my Thunderbird email settings.

After these pics, I am embarrased. How do I get further. Chains? Playing with tire pressure? Staying on the trail would help. Feels so good to be safe at home.

Don't be embarrassed. We've said it once...and we'll say it again: You need the driving experience without the distractions. Your equipment is fine, you just need to apply what we teach you. That can't be easily done with passengers. Bringing family is fine, but the fundamentals need to be mastered first. Until that's done you have to expect the hang-ups. Just realize that eventually people lose interest in taking along someone who is going to hinder them. Don't get me wrong, we're not to that point yet, and there's always patience for new drivers. It's just about walking before running. ;) We'll have to take you out to someplace like Tahuya so it's not so far fro you...and work with you on a few things. We can meet someplace like that at like 9am and have you home before noon even.

2xtreme

November 28th, 2005, 07:43

Jason,
Your link just takes me to the front page? Asking to sign in?

There are a couple of issues in the snow. 1st you need low tire pressure and flotation for the stuff that Marc, Hans and I did in the afternoon. Hans put chains on but I do not think they helped at all (in his stuck case they probably made it worse). My front bumper and skid plates help my front end float on top of the snow. My brothers narrower swampers and fully locked did well, but it did not float quite so well.

The problem we all had before lunch is that as soon as people start to spin tires the snow turns to ice VERY QUICKLY. And nothing does well on it but chains.

The other think we should all learn from this trip is how easy it is to get from stuck to REALLY STUCK. as soon as you come out of the ruts you need to stop and servey the situation. And make sure that what every you do is safe and effective. Lockers and low gears in the icy stuff just make it more difficult, but after some time Marc was able to do pretty well considering how poor of a set up he had for the icy stuff.

Michael

Avanteone

November 28th, 2005, 10:32

Biggest thing in soft snow like that is LOW tire pressure. Without beadlocks, you need to go down to around 10psi, I've run 8psi consistently when I had MT/R's and BFG's with no real problems loosing beads. This will most definitely be harder to do /w a 10" wheel and say a 12.50" wide tire. With beadlocks I ran at 6psi our last trip and went damn near everywhere..until the snow got up to my door handles.

John

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/Avanteone/8e8e494f.jpg

IXNAYXJ

November 28th, 2005, 10:51

trainwrexj

November 28th, 2005, 10:57

DAMN! I wish I could have been there! That being said, I'm glad I didn't try with my current three wheel drive set up....

Last snow run I went on (up through Greenwater to Naches) I broke an axle shaft, and had to limp out with three-tire-fire.... NOT FUN! And to those who said my bumper wasn't attached well, and that my welded-on tow hooks wouldn't hold...EAT ME! I winched myself a dozen times and had a kamakazee CJ and a Samurai (at the same time!) yakning with all their might on my tow hooks. So there.

Anyway, looks like a good time was had by all.

If we want to arrange a remedial wheeling 101 to Tahuya sometime, you can count me in. It's reletively close to me and a fun spot to go wheeling.

-----Matt-----

not to rain on your towhook parade, but it only takes one yank at the right angle - namely, aligned with the new grain structure of the metal thanks to the welding - to pop the towhook and send a strap or cable into someone's vehicle or FACE. i would say you're lucky at this point that something hasn't happened to them yet. i emphasize YET.

IXNAYXJ

November 28th, 2005, 10:59

Like I said, EAT ME tofurkey-boy! ;)

XJourney

November 28th, 2005, 12:17

Actually I don't like hooks any more thanks to Jason. I prefer Shackles/Clevis'. Almost lost Jason and his rig down a ravine because a recovery strap slipped off his front hook. So no hooks for me, they can't take a side load.

So Matt you coming to supper?

Hans

XJCasper

November 28th, 2005, 12:18

Phil,
After this run, Danielle might be a little less likely to go next time.

I will skim through and post pics later

CoolCal

November 28th, 2005, 14:31

Linda and I had a very good time despite my less-than-brilliant idea to try the p/u above the staging area. My Thanks to Michael for his help and expertise extracting me from that nasty old ditch and tree. Damage was light , bent mudflap, dented running board and a sliced tire.

After witnessing the extraction of jason i was motivated to order a winch bumper and beef up the rear tow points on my XJ. My new motor mounts are installed. That made a lot of mysterious vibrations disappear.

So, I am ready for the next run. I would also be interested in a "training" run (or 2, or 3, or 4) of short or long duration. So if anyone wants to put on a clinic for us greenie newbies, I would be willing to provide the grilled cheese sandwiches.

Again, it was really a great day and nice to meet you all.

Cal

PS i have a pic of michael greeting the "new guy", but I am not sure if it is appropiate for this thread.

2xtreme

November 28th, 2005, 18:03

I want to see this pic. When was it taken? What would not be appropriate about it?

No problem with the hand, all part of the fun.

I am begining to see a trend of Naxja events (Off Road 101, Winching 101, Recovery 101, Equipment 101, Tools 101, How to set up gears, How to ?, etc, etc).

Maybe I will sponser a How to bring your own air source :)

I want to see the rest of the pic's!!

Michael

Sniggs

November 28th, 2005, 20:24

Let me wet your whistles a little... I don't have time tonight to update my website but here's a few of my personal favorites....

Staging area... Let's all air down (BTW, Thanks Michael! Christmas is coming and my kids know what I'm getting. Andy is going to call Phil. Gosh...I wonder what I'm getting???)
http://tinypic.com/hx5cmx.jpg
I'm checking the margins... more in the next post...

Sniggs

November 28th, 2005, 21:03

good enough... Sorry, Dialup users!

Beginning of the run -
http://tinypic.com/hx5dh2.jpg

http://tinypic.com/hx5f9f.jpg

http://tinypic.com/hx5fsn.jpg

http://tinypic.com/hx5g6b.jpg

I love snow... (I really do! :D )
http://tinypic.com/hx5gcz.jpg

Um...oops! Jason gets a little off the beaten path... let the recovery begin.
http://tinypic.com/hx5grk.jpg

We'll get Marc up here (he's got lockers) and pull him back... Hmmm slippery, huh Marc?
http://tinypic.com/hx5ij9.jpg

Hans had to give Marc a yank back out of that hole
http://tinypic.com/hx5j69.jpg
http://tinypic.com/hx5jqf.jpg

Now back to the task...Hans crawls thru the snow and attaches a Come-along to this tree...
http://tinypic.com/hx64k5.jpg
Hook this up here and pull Jason sideways a bit then Mark can pull at a better angle.
http://tinypic.com/hx65cn.jpg
http://tinypic.com/hx661u.jpg
http://tinypic.com/hx67m9.jpg

Tires spun, and the strap came off the front hook.... :( He 's now sitting at 40 degrees or better...
http://tinypic.com/hx67vd.jpg
There's a tree trunk right next to the left rear corner and a gap between the next tree in the front...Just enough to shoot a jeep down a very steep hill...The next obstacle is about 15 feet down. It wouldn't make anyone happy to see him go through that gap... :| Jason's still in the Jeep feeling a bit helpless but willing to try a few more things out...Hans and I re-check on Jason to make sure he's good with all this - we're asking if he wants to get out at this point.

As long as the come-along and Marc's Jeep is attached, he's not going off the edge

Sniggs

November 28th, 2005, 21:55

Hang on buddy! The guys with winches finally got unstuck and are on the way!
http://tinypic.com/hx6bft.jpg
http://tinypic.com/hx6bmx.jpg
http://tinypic.com/hx6byc.jpg
http://tinypic.com/hx6c2b.jpg

Davis arrives with a winch we get his rig at a decent angle with the snatch block and start the pull - those of us with the straps are there to try to stop a flop.

http://tinypic.com/hx6f6o.jpg
http://tinypic.com/hx6fls.jpg
http://tinypic.com/hx6ofq.jpg

That does it!! :D Here's our hero! Thanks Davis!!
http://tinypic.com/hx6ool.jpg

One last laugh - Toyota 4x4. Is that a broken curb feeler?
http://tinypic.com/hx6p1s.jpg

XJourney

November 28th, 2005, 22:37

Nice pictures Mark. It is a shame that pictures don't do Jason's prediciment justice.

Thanks Davis

XJCasper

November 28th, 2005, 22:39

Tehuya would be a good place for some beginer runs. Got to get my Rock rails on first.

Cal - Which Winch did you get. I am debating an M8000 vs. biting the bulldt ang gn wid` snmeth`ng in the 9500 ranfe.
*
Mhchado - Why not a wrenching weekend for everyone to install air?

I was looking thxoufh th` pics I dovnlo oed. M`k has all nf t(m same angles as Danielle got.

http://www.geocities.com/jmotorspwt/jpnov55a.jpgz-imf]
zamg]http://www.geocitieã'com/jmotorsprt/jpnov05b.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/jmotorsprt/jpnov04d.jpd[/hmg][ilg]htwp:./wwv"geocities.com/jmotorsprt/jpnov05e.jpg

And I had to post this goofy grin:

http://www.geocities.com.jmo4krsprt/j|nov05f~bpg

Mark - What Hans said.

XJCasper

November 28th, 2005, 23:31

Differnces?

Hawse vs Roller?

ECKSJAY

November 29th, 2005, 00:19

Differnces?

Hawse vs Roller?

Wheel first. Tech later. :D

The answer you seek lies in the modified tech forum. :)

IXNAYXJ

November 29th, 2005, 11:22

1. Tehuya would be a good place for some beginer runs. Got to get my Rock rails on first.

2. Cal - Which Winch did you get. I am debating an M8000 vs. biting the bullet and go with something in the 9500 range.

3. Michael - Why not a wrenching weekend for everyone to install air?

1. Better yet, skip the rock rails.... There's not much I can remember at Tehuya that will tear up your rig too much. I still don't have rails, and I only have two baby dents on my rocker panels. Risk it!

2. Winches are cool, but if mine hadn't been free I wouldn't have one. The idea is not to get stuck in the first place.... Right Phil?

3. Again, OBA is SUPER COOL, but it seems like that may be putting the cart in front of the horse. I'm not saying your priorities are mixed up, but.... Seems like more of a luxury than necessity.

These are just a few thoughts from a fellow pseudo-newbie, so take them with a grain of salt, BUT I would focus on fundamental driving techniques before making a Grave Digger sized XJ. Again, just my opinion. Let's hit the trails!

-----Matt-----

Muddy_XJ

November 29th, 2005, 15:59

Damn guys looks like a load of fun. Hopefully I wont have to work next time.

swifty088

November 29th, 2005, 21:21

WoW looks like you guys had a lot fun up there, too bad the new rig still has a few flaws to fix looking forward to making the next on though.

ECKSJAY

November 29th, 2005, 22:05

WoW looks like you guys had a lot fun up there, too bad the new rig still has a few flaws to fix looking forward to making the next on though.

That is a nice rig, man. :)

XJCasper

November 30th, 2005, 00:34

3. Again, OBA is SUPER COOL, but it seems like that may be putting the cart in front of the horse. I'm not saying your priorities are mixed up, but.... Seems like more of a luxury than necessity.

-----Matt-----

A nice luxury to have.

My stuff was virtually free. Brother had some used equipment. Couldn't turn the deal down.

trainwrexj

November 30th, 2005, 08:17

Like I said, EAT ME tofurkey-boy! ;)

well, i'll still be able to chew that delicious soy after your teeth get knocked out by a rampant towhook and/or winch cable. you'll be on SOFT FOODS/LIQUIDS ONLY for months, my friend.

ECKSJAY

November 30th, 2005, 10:04

well, i'll still be able to chew that delicious soy after your teeth get knocked out by a rampant towhook and/or winch cable. you'll be on SOFT FOODS/LIQUIDS ONLY for months, my friend.

no worries, bro...we're going to get him taken care of. ;)

IXNAYXJ

November 30th, 2005, 14:53

well, i'll still be able to chew that delicious soy after your teeth get knocked out by a rampant towhook and/or winch cable. you'll be on SOFT FOODS/LIQUIDS ONLY for months, my friend.

If I had to eat tofu, I'd knock my OWN teeth out! Besides, I'm already on a all liquid diet...beer!

-----Matt-----

Sniggs

November 30th, 2005, 21:49

IKNEWISHOULDHAVEGONE!...

More pics or else!
Here John - just for you. I'm blowing out the margins so you can save the whole image if you want.
http://tinypic.com/i2o84o.jpg

http://tinypic.com/i2o9hx.jpg

ECKSJAY

November 30th, 2005, 22:34

Here's what I ended up with there, Mark.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c370/ecksjay/misc%20stuff/d3e08488.jpg

XJCasper

November 30th, 2005, 23:00

Oh, you guys did snap that shot. We did to.

SO...

WHERE NEXT? Where/When is our December run?

2xtreme

December 1st, 2005, 09:44

I vote for Stampeed Pass area. Just on the east side of Snoqualmie Pass off I-90 on the south side?

Probably in January though, I have too many things to do before the new year personally.

Michael

XJCasper

December 1st, 2005, 23:03

Wow, I had a blast on the way home. Speed limit 55, A little snow on the ground and everyone does 25.

Coming out of Roy wasted some time pulling an S10 Blazer out of the ditch. Came home and decided to go out and play in the snow. Ran to the store, did some donuts and blasted through a empty lot loaded with puddles and snow. I felt SO immature, it was a blast.

Jason