Like everyone else, we'll head up Cadillac on Sunday morning, so you should be back in Tahoe by early afternoon. Then 45 minutes later you can be on 80 headed east.
Here is a link to the thread the Mark Hawley is using to help all of the FJC guys coming this year. Hope it helps and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in June.
I don't feel I can help you a lot here. I have no experience with the 80's. I'd PM Cruiserdrew (Andy Pollock) and get advise from him. He leads the wagon run in and is a great resource for you.
If your wife is going to be pissed about some dents, you should definitely leave it at home. There aren't any wagons that regularly run the Rubicon that are dent-free.
I have "heard" it's possible but not likely. I have't been either so i can't say from experience, but heck this is what we tinker with these trucks to do, go wheeling.
I'm excited. I have my registration filled out now i need to send it in with a check.
If you're careful, it shouldn't be too bad. Don't take the hero lines and go slowly and deliberately and you'll minimize the damage. Still it's best to look at it like Jim Brantley teaches: each time trough the Rubicon, you get a dent. Normal.
Sliders and bumpers will minimize your body damage.
The most expensive damage I've seen to 80s is bashing in the bottom of the gas tank. I've seen several people do that.
Just keep your focus all day, and you'll be OK. One second of inattention, though, and all bets are off.
I like to relive my glory days, so I'll share my Rubithon 2011 trip (first time as well) with my 80. Somewhat similar build, 2"ish lift with 35's, sliders, rear bumper, lockers, and crappy aluminum front bumper since replaced.
Some AWESOME pictures from Joel Moranton (Toyota 4WD Owners mag photographer I believe) can be found at:
The one word of advice I did not heed was "remove your flares". The Rubicon removed most of them for me. I prefer the flareless look now anyways.
The dents I did get where from the flares getting tweaked/ripped/destroyed, and from one moment of not paying attention while backing into a rock on a wall.
There were a couple 80's in our group that from what I recall had no damage.
Awesome trip. Met some great people and we had an incredible time. I was really looking forward to going again this year but sadly will not be able to attend. So go for it, you will not regret it.
On that note... if you plan on taking them off, at least have them with you for when you leave. Some of the FS LEO's are pretty unforgiving on that type of thing. Don't give them a reason to give you a ticket!