Rubithon 2014

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We made it to the Rubicon and started the trail ride on Wed morning. 30 min into the trail ride, the rear locker broke rendering us front wheel drive only. Some guys in our group were cool enough to weld it up and make it a Lincoln Locker. Unfortunately it didn't hold. Fortunately we weren't very far into the trail ride and had help getting pulled out.

We set up camp down from the trail head and I changed out the third member.

GEDC0132 bb.webp
 
Unfortunately an open rear isn't going to cut it on the Rubicon. After some calls found a locker only a two hour drive away. Never made it there. The power steering pump housing cracked. Terri was a good sport through all of this, but I think she would go into meltdown mode if we were to run the trail.
 
Changed directions and went to S Lake Tahoe. I figured we could at least make repairs and drive the trail from that end the short distance to make the event raffle and dinner. I didn't get too much cooperation from parts people or welding shops there. Was lucky enough to find a welding shop within walking distance of the hotel even if they could only do it on their schedule.

Even though we caught some bad breaks on break downs, I suppose it was lucky we never got stranded out in BFE on a stretch of some lonely highway. I was lucky enough to fix things in a parking lot or campground.
 
It was disappointing to getting to run the Rubicon:bang:, but we made it there. We are making it into a great vacation anyway. since leaving California , there have been no more vehicle problems. Seeing some cool places.

It was kind of brave to head back eastward on US50 through Nevada on the most desolate remote stretch of road after the bout of vehicle problems. We stopped for a night in Austin Nevada. With a population of less than 200, it's a living ghost town. Two run down motels, four bars and some buildings from the mid 1800's. Nearest grocery store and gas station was 95 miles away. This bar we were in was built in 1863. Hung out, drank good cheap drinks and made friends there.

GEDC0152 bb.webp
 
We camped out two nights in Bryce Canyon NP in Utah. That place was awesome.

Just made it to Grand Junction CO today. Hope to spend a few days in Colorado, see my sister & stop by and visit Bret. The Battle Wagon is going to hang out in Colorado for a while and Terri and I will fly home.

GEDC0196 bb.webp
 
Sounds like y'all turned the unknown (breakage) into a dinner time story telling event for years to come .

Enjoy Colorado .
 
That sucks not getting to run the 'Con. At least the truck is out there now so it's not as huge of a deal getting there again.

Can a small group go on the trail or is it reserved throughout the year for large organizations?
 
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Cruiser Matt it's only reserved once a year as far as I know for those heep guys I mean jeep guys. I've gone solo numerous times. Small group runs on the Con are the best.
 
yeah Bret, Would love to do a run up Blanca, but at this point it's probably out. But still plan on stopping by for a vehicle drop and a social visit.

This morning 15 min after leaving Grand junction Co we were cruising on Hwy50 when the engine began revving freely as if the truck wasn't in gear. Then BAM! The back of the truck hits the ground as we skid down the road to a stop. I watch the brand new MTR, axle still attached, fly by, cross the highway and disappear down a ravine. Luckily there wasn't any oncoming traffic at the time.


The axle bearing had disintegrated. There was chewed up metal on the axle and inside the axle housing and a 300 ft trail of gear oil down the highway.


It took a while of grinding, slide hammering and chiseling to get what was left of the bearing race out of the housing. Lucked out and damage was limited to the race and axle housing was OK. Not so sure yet about the new Strange alloy axle. Two and a half hours later, spare axle and new race installed, we were back on the road.


Only thing I can figure is the brand new 37 X 12.50 X 17” MTR is at least a full inch taller than the 37 X 12.50 X 15” other tires. The high side with the new tire must of ran dry. It was quite noticeable that the new tire was bigger than the others. A 37” tire should be 37”, right?? I guess not.


We drove over Monarch pass today and made it to Cotopaxi Co.


Anyone want to go on a road trip or go wheeling with Stevie ???

Ha, I crack myself up!

GEDC0312 bb.webp


GEDC0313 bb.webp


GEDC0315 bb.webp
 
Damn that sucks!!! Should we make up a bed just in case? :) maybe Mexican food tomorrow if your bored?

We're you able to get your tire back? Maybe we can do a recovery run later.
 
Mexican food for sure! We'll be by. No phone service where we are now. Sticking to original plan.

Tire was retrieved and all is well now.
 
Holy hell-what an adventure! And this ladies and gentlemen is where an 80 series full floater axle prevails. Go easy on your back, bro.
 
The fact that he's STILL on the road is a testament to Steve's stockpile of spare parts, thinking ahead, and abilities to fix things.

Kudos to you. I think *I* might have melted down if all that happened to me.
 
Sounds like it's time for an 80 rear swap
 
After this trip I don't think Terri will even take a 10 min ride to the beach in the Cruiser.
 
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