Alaska Cruiser Trek 2008

[Mark W]

Okay everyone,

I've got the information/application packet put together for the ACT2008. If you are interested in coming up next summer, send me an email, cruiser@mtaonline.net, or PM me here on Mud and I'll get it off to you.

Once you look it over, feel free to send and questions or comments.



If you have attended or thought seriously about attending any of the past ACTs you may note that the registration fees are a good bit higher this year. A good bit higher than any events you may have attended in the '48. The costs of making this event happen are a bit different than many. Pre-run scouting trips are a requirement (rivers change courses, landslides occur, trails become impassable and whatnot every year). Scouting overflights while not absolutely required come darn close and are considered a must do. At least one support truck to carry fuel and other gear for the group is a requirement as well. With the small number of participants, the cost per rig is kinda high. The last couple of years I have actually wound up with cash out of pocket when all was said and done, so we've had to raise the fees to enusure this doesn't happen this time around. :(


Anyway, if you want to see the packet, drop me a note.


Mark...

[cardinal33]

Mark I gotta make it this year. 2k7 was a stepped up year for me in event attendance and challenging trails. The ACT 2008 would be a crown jewel of accomplishment for me. I still have just enough room for a few Alaska stickers. Now if I can just sell my boss on the time and etc. But I have quit jobs over less adventures!

Mickey.

[DanKunz]

I will do this before I kick off this damn planet...just not 2008 since I am planning a lil something special for 2009. Doh! Have fun!

[semlin]

mark, pm sent. let us know when the packages go...

[Mark W]

I've been sitting on them for a couple of days waiting for some feedback from a couple of folks. So far they haven't gotten back to me. If I don't get anything from them by tomorrow I'll go with what I have and the packets will go out tomorrow evening via Email.


Mark...

[Darwood]

3-4 feet of water sounds awful deep. How should an 80 be setup to accomplish this kind of crossing?

[semlin]

Originally Posted by Darwood

3-4 feet of water sounds awful deep. How should an 80 be setup to accomplish this kind of crossing?

lots of duct tape

[desertdude]

Originally Posted by Darwood

3-4 feet of water sounds awful deep. How should an 80 be setup to accomplish this kind of crossing?

I made sure all the diff, tranfercase and transmission breathers were brought up to the inside engine compartmet firewall right at the top.

Front axle -Re greased birfs, with new seals gaskets

Rear axle - all new seals gaskets.

Water proof grease on all electrical connections

All exposed electrical connections shrink tube

All door seals up to snuff

Be sure and gently keep the gas pedal depressed while making a nice wake in front, keeping the wheels moving while looking ahead for calm deeper water currents to avoid. Steering slightly into the opposite direction of flow to reach the point of exit ( otherwise the current will push you down farther)

Don't stop in the middle of any river if you can help it...

And very important = Followed Marks FJ40 direction who usually went first


Never really had an issue

[pismojim]

Good times!

Scary, but good.

Another tip, engage all the lockers before you start across the deep ones. It helps when the rig starts floating and the tires only touch the bottom intermittently. At that point you may not be thinking clearly so switching them on up front is a good idea.

Oh yeah, if you remove your second row seats to make room for gear, be sure to replace the bolts in the holes. Otherwise you'll have little geysers inside the car. Don't ask how I know.

[pismojim]

Since we all like Alaskan water crossing pictures....

[Mark W]

No one on the trek should ever be in a position of going into a water crossing of any significance without watching myself and/or others cross first. You won't be picking your line on your own.


Mark...

[Mark W]

BTW...

Info/application packets have gone out.


Mark...

[concretejungle]

no way i would ride shotgun! that's part of the trip is to take the rig.

Plus, i imagine even though it's a long drive, it's a once in a lifetime type drive that i wouldn't miss. I'm looking into shipping the 80 to Portland. I imagine 3.5 to 4 weeks off work should be enough time to enjoy the trip.

[UltraFJ]

PM sent Mark.

Thanks in advance.



I have been contemplating a trip to either Alaska or Central America next summer. This might just do the trick.

[semlin]

great info package. the has green lighted it.

[ats4x4dotcom]

if this trip is ongoing yearly, I might have to ensure its on my list, when i get a truck over there, and spend some time touring around.

Can I get some details emailed to me please regarding this

darrenm@bigpond.net.au

[nat]

Yep awesome packet................The wife is super excited to go, now to decide if we can take all the time.

I guess from the SF Bay Area, you would need 5-7 days to get up there, if you were driving reasonable days and sightseeing along the way.

[Mark W]

Originally Posted by ats4x4dotcom

if this trip is ongoing yearly, I might have to ensure its on my list, when i get a truck over there, and spend some time touring around.

Can I get some details emailed to me please regarding this

darrenm@bigpond.net.au

It's on the way. It's kinda large. 9.6 megs, 12.something with all the email stuff. I had to strip the pictures out for a couple of guys whose mailboxes were not big enough. :(


Currently the Trek is on a biannual schedule. The next one will be in 2010.

My focus in 2009 will be pushing on beyond where we reached this summer in the Talkeetnas. Like this summer, that will be a very small, very intense, invitation only undertaking.


Mark...

[AKcruiserfreak]

Wow! This looks like some fun. I think I'll build the Fj-40 to specs. Hopefully I'll be able to do the trip in the near future. Since ColdTaco is my near-neighbor, I guess I'll get some tips from him on how to build the rig.
Can you send me a packet Mark?

Thanks
Travis

[Mark W]

What's your email addy?


Mark...

[wdFJ40]

Hate to sound like a broken record, but no way I could do it this time, but I'm definitely going to try next time. Would it be possible to get a copy of the package to see what to plan for? Is the cost of a rental in the package? agharmon@wildblue.net

[Grease Cruiser]

If anybody has a open seat, I am still looking for a ride. C'mon anybody?

I'll be up there anyways and I'll help pay for expenses.

If not, I may have to just modify the old 55 to do this trek.

[Mark W]

Originally Posted by wdFJ40

Hate to sound like a broken record, but no way I could do it this time, but I'm definitely going to try next time. Would it be possible to get a copy of the package to see what to plan for? Is the cost of a rental in the package? agharmon@wildblue.net

Packet on it's way.

We haven't put much more thought into the idea of providing a rental rig(s). There is no info at all on that in the packet.

The cost is something that need to be looked at carefully, which at this point has not happened.


Mark...

[AKcruiserfreak]

Sorry Mark,
My e-mail address is traviskoerner@hotmail.com
Thanks for your time.

TK

[medicbob]

Hey DesertDude.. I just sent in my packet to Mark. My rig is set up similar to yours.. just not as good hah! I have the 4" Slee and 4:88's. You were disappointed in your Mud Terrains if I recall. I'm driving from Phoenix. If you had to do over again what would you use.. Thanks

[desertdude]

Originally Posted by medicbob

Hey DesertDude.. I just sent in my packet to Mark. My rig is set up similar to yours.. just not as good hah! I have the 4" Slee and 4:88's. You were disappointed in your Mud Terrains if I recall. I'm driving from Phoenix. If you had to do over again what would you use.. Thanks

]

I would consider an AT for the pavement ride up and back - and see if I could secure a set of swampers in AK only for the trail run.

Other than that, follow Marks advice very closely and you'll be fine