2026 40s Only Run

[90WT]

Trail runs with 40s are a magical experience. Not like a Grateful Dead show. More like a tractor exhibit at the State Fair.
I can't tell you how awesome they are. You just have to come along and see for yourself.

Getting a group of 40s together is challenge. There's carbs to clean, shackles to grease, and wives to ask for permission. So this is still a work in progress. Chime in with times and trails that work for you and we'll go from there. In the past we've had as few as 3 rigs, and as many as 9. Let's see if we can break the record with 10 or more.

When: August 29

Where: TBD We have some options.
1. Birch Creek / Pear Lake: West of Dillon. Forest Service Rd 98. Birch Creek / Pear Lake Trail description
2. Independence / Blue Lake. Sounds like we can get around the washed out bridges. Blue Lake Trail run 2023
3. Rock Creek / Leadville. This was our 2024 40s Only route. Excellent trail with great views. Rock Creek Trail (Leadville)

Meetup Spot: TBD

Stuff you need:
-A 40/43/45 or a pig ('cause pigs are cool).
-A good sense of humor.
-Patience.
-Vise grips and tape. We don't need no stinkin' 10 mm.
-A Radio. We use GMRS/FRS radios for communication. Channel 15. If you don't have a radio, let me know and we'll bring extras. We're also on the Ham radio at 146.460. Not required to have Ham, but it can be useful.
-Standard trail equipment is expected. Fire extinguisher, working e-brake (if you're lucky), radio, spare, etc. Read this as a disclaimer to bring a rig that is trail ready. But also realize there will be air compressors and other misc gear abound, so if you don't have everything OK4WD has in their catalog, don't sweat it.

Kid friendly, dog friendly. We're all friendly!

If you're coming, let us know and post up so we can expect you (and wait for you). 40's Only Run is about hangin' out together, no man left behind. If you have troubles, no worries, you're among friends. And if there's more rust than paint on your rig, no worries.

Going to have fun:
@90WT
@pigmony
@1jzhilux
@elkun1
@bagochips76
@ttFJC

Going to try for some fun:
@rkymtnflyfisher
@Paul
@wileycoyote

Going to need more parts before fun:
@cuwallace2

Tag your friends: @REZARF @3_puppies @BigSky406 @Cruisers and Co @wizmariefa @Tinkthink @brew8 @timmbuck2 @thecruiserhunter

 

[cuwallace2]

I'm definitely in the "Going to need more parts before fun" group. I haven't done anything to the 40 since we looked at it. I somehow managed to delete the my notes on what I need to do to get it going. Mainly rebuild the carb and new gas lines. Can't remember beyond that though.

 

[3_puppies]

any day in July is out for me.
a few pics from last year

a trail where I can get home before midnight?

 

[pigmony]

I'm likely out this year. We're in the middle of a leadership change at 911 in addition to all my summer tower site work. I just don't know if I'm going to get my engine torn apart and back together any time soon. I'm going to have to schedule some time off just to have time to work on it.

 

[ttFJC]

id love to play paparazi i promise yall wont even see my 80. if it works out with the schdeule




and on blue lake when i was up there the bridges were fine, we turned around and didn't make it up because there was a washed out corner. The creek had done alot of damage and it was narrow narrow on a steep hill with no room for failure but im also very wide and big so maybe the smaller 40s wouldnt be so bad. this was also 2 years ago but i duoubt its gotten better. just a thought.

 

[elkun1]

Pear lake is a sleeper, that is a nice trail with excellent campsites at the lake. that is a good one, nothing like last years trip for challenges
blue lake is blue lake, doesn't get much better besides the traffic unless the mosquitos are out, they can be memorable
leadville was a scenic trail, don't really remember much about it besides that stretch of the ho chi minh trail that we took, my back still hasn't recovered from that stretch of highway lol.

all a good choice, i like pear due to the remoteness and really cool waterfalls along the trail plus there is one short stretch where you wonder where in the heck the trail is lol, you'll understand once you've done it but any would be good

 

[90WT]

@elkun1 Pear Lake sounded fun since there is a CCC camp and Farlin ghost town to explore. Have you taken the side route off FS 98 that goes to Deerhead Lake? I hear it is more challenging.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

I'm 50/50


Pear lake is my vote though.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Don't forget spare fuses.


And vise grips for battery terminals.

 

[offoradjunkie]

Now I need a 40

 

[1jzhilux]

If I still have mine by then, I am absolutely in!

 

[elkun1]

@elkun1 Pear Lake sounded fun since there is a CCC camp and Farlin ghost town to explore. Have you taken the side route off FS 98 that goes to Deerhead Lake? I hear it is more challenging.

we didn't, that was the last night of our trip and got in late. next morning we were all ready to head home

 

[REZARF]

I’ve taken two days off this week to work on the 40. I’m hoping to finish with a full harness rebuild this weekend. Ran into a snag with my new taillights having a newer plug than my OEM rear connectors. Should see them any day.

I don’t need tail lights to make this thing run though! Haha

 

[offoradjunkie]

I’ve taken two days off this week to work on the 40. I’m hoping to finish with a full harness rebuild this weekend. Ran into a snag with my new taillights having a newer plug than my OEM rear connectors. Should see them any day.

I don’t need tail lights to make this thing run though! Haha

If you want an extra hand let me know

 

[wileycoyote]

I’m 50/50 this year. Sold the troopy and down to a bj42 that needs love. If I get it done I will come if I don’t I won’t. Moved up to Georgetown lake after selling my house but will be in ky during July. I will try to make whatever.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Sold the troopy

 

[Paul]

I’m 50/50. Heading to the Rubithon this week. Hopefully my 40 will remain in one piece. I will check back soon after this trip. But I’m interested!
Thanks

 

[ttFJC]

I’m 50/50. Heading to the Rubithon this week. Hopefully my 40 will remain in one piece. I will check back soon after this trip. But I’m interested!
Thanks

thats on my bucket list. Ive done it twice in my LX with AC and cargo space of an 80 but doing the rubicon in a 40 is another level of badass

 

[Paul]

thats on my bucket list. Ive done it twice in my LX with AC and cargo space of an 80 but doing the rubicon in a 40 is another level of badass

Go next year!! Moab next May as well!!

 

[Paul]