2008-08-21T00:33:15Z Michael Shimniok Copyright 2008, Michael Shimniok SPHPBLOG
Scott and I met Fred and his gang and headed up the trail, albeit a bit late. We'd heard from Colorado4x4.org that the trail had gotten harder and they weren't kidding.

The new BFG MT's did fine on the rocks. Obstacles got progressively harder throughout the first part of the trail. As we neared the turnout Randy's classic Bronco ran into fuel problems so we parked there to troubleshoot.

Finally on our way again, we tackled the last few tough spots before the major rock climb on the way to French Creek. Holy toledo. I was able to get up that last time with a little spotting. This time all of us had a really, really hard time getting up it.

Randy had to try several lines to get up but his wheelbase being shorter made it easier to maneuver. Fred had a bit more trouble and got hung up on his frame on one line.

Some stacked rocks made the difference and he was able to ascend. We had to strap up the Grand Cherokee (Tim, right?) that was having front locker problems. The TJ was able to get up without any problem (sorry I can't remember names)

Scott was up next and had to try a couple of lines. We ended up strapping him and just as we got close, he got hung up and then we started seeing steam coming out of the front of the truck and coolant dripping. Uh oh!



We had to back him down and drive him to a flat spot to deal with the radiator damage. I decided to forego the obstacle entirely. No sense in breaking my junk when we might need it to get home! We were able to pinch the radiator tubes that were affected and stop the leak, so Scott and I turned around and headed home a bit early. Fred and crew were able to make it up to (but not over) Cleveland Rock after we left.

We'd run into Ray earlier on the trail. Same thing had happened to him: damaged radiator. He also had a broke tcase. So Holy Cross claimed its victims, but it was still a heck of a fun trail and maybe next time we'll figure out how to get farther along.]]> http://tc.wagoneer.net/sblog/index.php?entry=entry080816-155615 2008-08-16T00:00:00Z 2008-08-16T00:00:00Z
Anyway, now that I've bailed on Moab, Ouray, and various other trips, you may be wondering if TC will ever see any dirt this year. Already way ahead of you. A couple weeks before Ouray, CFSJA did a shakedown run on Slaughterhouse Gulch. In attendance were Scott, Ray, myself and John (in the classic Ford pick-em-up truck).

We fit some geocaching in on this trip too, as well as running the trail, a loop through classic Colorado forest, that starts out easy and gets progressively harder by the end with lots of great rock obstacles. Last time I was on this trail I had a Toyota pickup roll backwards into me and crush my hood. TC seems not to have forgotten.

I started noticing some weird rattling from the left front about halfway through before we got to the really hard stuff. Pulled over and inspected to find the metal brake dust cover had finally broken loose from the caliper mount. We took a break and pulled the tire and managed to get the dust cover off. I've learned time and again that if you ignore noises it comes back to bite you.

This was all after lunch. We'd stopped in a nice area and had a relaxing meal amongst the trees. Anyway once on the trail again, TC performed well, although at one particularly hairy obstacle the truck wouldn't start again; no power at all. I thought it was a fusible link again but instead the Priority Start battery disconnect system failed. None too happy about that but at least it was an easy fix.



In all, we had a great time on one of the funnest trails in the state, and TC got dirty for the first time in 2008. And, barring unforseen circumstances, tomorrow I'll be heading out for a run on Holy Cross.]]> http://tc.wagoneer.net/sblog/index.php?entry=entry080801-150006 2008-08-01T00:00:00Z 2008-08-01T00:00:00Z
Now, as to TC ... You may recall I won a set set of tires -- and on Saturday, I finally selected a set of 33x12.50-15 BF Goodrich Mud Terrains! First impressions -- I can't believe how quiet they are. The MT/Rs started quiet -- for a mud tire. The BFGs are quiet. Period. Less sidewall give in turns so they seem to handle better, too. Very pleased thus far.

Thanks again CarDomain and Discount Tire Company!!

Meanwhile, I'm leaving for Ouray on Wednesday. The spring bushing was insanely hard to get installed but I finally got it and it made a big improvement in steering precision and ride quality, and no longer does the suspension make noises going over bumps or making turns. When I get back I am going to go ahead and order a complete set of bushings for the front. That should last me for the next 10 years.

TC is about 50% packed for Ouray. To make it easier to inventory spare parts and such, I put letters on the ammo boxes where I keep spare parts and now on my packing checklist I put what box the part/item is in, and then all I have to do is inventory which boxes are loaded. Just need to put in tools, fly rod & gear, and clothes -- the essentials.

I didn't quite get to everything on my to do list, but all the important stuff is taken care of except an oil change and topping off fluids.]]> http://tc.wagoneer.net/sblog/index.php?entry=entry080714-200002 2008-07-14T00:00:00Z 2008-07-14T00:00:00Z
Like a new stereo... :) Not to mention new amp for the sub.

And tires and spring bushings. You may recall that with the help of FSJers everywhere, I won a set of tires from CarDomain and Discount Tire -- thanks again!!! The time is right to claim the prize.

The front spring bushings are almost 10 years old and are a "little" worn (see pic)... eek!

Unfortunately, finding new ones is way more difficult than I expected. Fortunately, Scott came to the rescue and is loaning me spring bushings out of a set of lift springs he had on hand. So it is a matter of installing the bushings and putting TC back together so I can go get those tires today or Saturday.

Facing some busy days ahead: in addition to some final prep work on TC and packing, I've got the robot contest tomorrow, midterm due Tuesday, and lots of hours to get in at work.

No problem...

...?]]> http://tc.wagoneer.net/sblog/index.php?entry=entry080711-111941 2008-07-11T00:00:00Z 2008-07-11T00:00:00Z
Anyway, the fuel starvation problem resurfaced. I had added a second fuel filter last time. It's one of those clear ones and it clogged up really fast with crud so I yanked it before the wheeling trip on Sunday (more on that later). Problem solved.

But now I need to give serious thought to cleaning out my gas tank before the big Ouray trip coming up July 16. I'm afraid to see what kind of gunk is piling up in the newly replaced fuel pump.

Overall, though, I'm real thankful to (so far) not have any giant issues to resolve before the trip.]]> http://tc.wagoneer.net/sblog/index.php?entry=entry080630-163307 2008-06-30T00:00:00Z 2008-06-30T00:00:00Z http://tc.wagoneer.net/sblog/index.php?entry=entry080613-171921 2008-06-13T00:00:00Z 2008-06-13T00:00:00Z fuel starvation problem does appear to be fixed. Pulling the carter electric pump revealed, of all things ... sand caught in the mesh filter screen. The problem hasn't recurred since replacing the pump with a spare. An inline clear filter prior to the pump is on the to do list.

Before departing for Ouray on July 16, I'm once again partaking in the traditional todo scramble-fest. It's always easier to talk about stuff one wants to do to their rig than actually doing any of it.

Fortunately it looks like routine maintenance is all that's in the must do column (unless TC throws a fit and blows up something). Meanwhile, a brake upgrade and some interior comfort upgrades are in order for the want to do list. To wit: installing AC and window tinting, sound deadening, car alarm, and stereo. There's been enough perspiration inside this truck already.]]> http://tc.wagoneer.net/sblog/index.php?entry=entry080608-174821 2008-06-08T00:00:00Z 2008-06-08T00:00:00Z Way back in 1999 I discovered a jewel among the Rockies, a getaway offering some of the most beautiful alpine views in all of Colorado. My pal Clay over at 4x4 Offroad Adventures in Colorado knows exactly what I'm talking about!

The mountains are flecked with the history of adventurous miners. Old buildings in the towns of Ouray and Silverton silently stand watching the decades pass, sparking the imagination, painting a ghostly panorama of life around the turn of the last century. Out on the old trails, feelings of awe can be found around most every turn.

How do you explain to someone who voluntarily incarcerates themselves among streets and concrete what it is they're missing? Pictures are pretty but a 4 inch by 6 inch flat piece of paper doesn't convey the size and space standing among eons old mountains, or the brilliant splashes of color in crumbling rock and delicate flowers clinging to them.



I've been to the San Juan Mountains a half dozen times in ten years and the adventure never gets old. My wife and I have made plans to return in July -- we took our honeymoon there during winter 2003.

We'll travel the old trails with other Full Size Jeepers on the annual FSJ Invasion that we started way back when. So the Big Adventure for 2008 is set!

Ouray is three hundred miles away. Not a long jaunt, but for a 20 year old rig, one has to be prepared. The to do list is made up, so the next couple months will be spent prepping TC for the highway and trail!

Barring catastrophic failure or any other unseen adversity, we are not missing this.

Ouray or bust!]]> http://tc.wagoneer.net/sblog/index.php?entry=entry080519-173211 2008-05-19T00:00:00Z 2008-05-19T00:00:00Z