Rubicon Advice: Trail Run Experiences?

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Permalink Reply by FJ Scout on July 28, 2011 at 2:11pm

1)Bring a reliable and trained spotter to ride shotgun. You can often rely on people spoting along the trail during an event like this, but I prefer to know who spots me.
2) I suggest a minimum of 33 inch quality tires (and know how to air down), rock rails, after market belly skids, full size spare tire, hi lift, winch (preferable) Heavy duty tow strap, aftermarket bumper front and rear (preferable) or a minimum of the two factory recovery points on the front and rear factory or a hitch insert with D shackel.
3) Warm cloths for evening.
4) If your camping, then wagg bags to remove fecal matter.
5) Bring plenty of drinking water.
6) Sun screen lotion.
7) Bug repelant. I suggest a high level of Deet.
8) Bring oil absorbant and clean up cloths just in case the FJC leaks.
9) heavy duty trash bags to clean up.

Have fun and take it slow (slow as possible, fast as necessary).

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Permalink Reply by The Josh on July 28, 2011 at 2:53pm

Thanks for replying!

I'm actually referring to actually doing the trail, considering thar most members have nice rigs and prefer to keep em that way. It's hard to ask this question to marlin guys because most have old trucks and don't care about body damage but considering the fact that the 4runner and fj are the same platform that have the same advantages and disadvantages due to dimensions and wheelbase.

I've also done many expo trips so I do adhere to treading lightly

My truck currently has 35" MTs, 4.88's, front and rear ARBs, full bud skids and sliders
So I'm looking for some technical input


Thank you for the very good reminder!

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Permalink Reply by FJ Scout on July 28, 2011 at 11:06pm

Ahh, I see.

Your rig is well equipped and will be fine.

This is somtimes easier said than done, but Id try to limit bouncing of course and full wheele lock outs where you are turned all the way left or right as IFS is our week point. I would also try to pair with like capable vehicles (instead of following a trugie with 44s). I'm careful of off cambers and the tiping point as well. Watch for steep leans where boulders may lurk at the roof line out of your line of sight. Rear locker ON before you need it will save allot of backing and wheele spinning.
I'm careful to let the rear down nice and slow so as not scrape too much on the rocks.
I asume your running from Loon Lake, so watch for tree branches. The water crosings can hide logs and such, so slow is the way to go in my opinion.
A spare CV axel is a plus.

Other than that, two hands on the wheele and watch the thumbs ;).
Best of luck.

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