SAS Solid Axle Summit 2018

[The Jade Bean]

I’m looking forward to this! I’m hoping all goes well and The Jag doesn’t have a break down, I better get in the maintenance!!

 

[POTATO LAUNCHER]

I’m looking forward to this! I’m hoping all goes well and The Jag doesn’t have a break down, I better get in the maintenance!!

You drove your Troopy all the way back from Hunduras Daniel. I have faith in you and I guarantee you will be with a group of confident Cruiser mechanics that can solve nearly anything you might need.

 

[The Jade Bean]

You drove your Troopy all the way back from Hunduras Daniel. I have faith in you and I guarantee you will be with a group of confident Cruiser mechanics that can solve nearly anything you might need.

I keep telling myself that. Lol

 

[4Cruisers]

Since I have been struggling to keep the briefcase from the cross-country expedition moving I wanted to put in a plug here for a possible handoff to anyone interested in helping move this baby forward. If I can hand-off before this I plan to do so (if anyone is wishing 6-8hr of 4 corners area and wants to meet up), but I'd love to see it at least moving again (west ideally since it started out east)! Please send me a DM if you'd be interested in taking it either at the summit or beforehand!

@CheyenneTrucker is coming, he lives in Dolores, Colorado. Last year at SAS #1 a group of us met him on the trail above Animas Forks on an Engineer Pass run led by @POTATO LAUNCHER. That would possibly open up a hand-off that will get the briefcase into Utah. Other FJ40 owners will be there from Colorado, there's a list in Post #2.

 

[The Jade Bean]

Question.... Should I go ahead and upgrade my tires from 31” tractor style tires to 33” KM2’s before SAS or just use what I’ve got???

 

[dogfishlake]

Question.... Should I go ahead and upgrade my tires from 31” tractor style tires to 33” KM2’s before SAS or just use what I’ve got???
View attachment 1738172 View attachment 1738173

Not sure it matters but I think I will leave that one to those with more experience where we are going.

If you are buying new, consider the brand new KM3'S. They are supposed to be an overall upgrade to the KM2 and get great reviews. I just put some 35's on my 80. So far just one easy off road trip but they are awesome smooth on road.

 

[dogfishlake]

 

[Mr Cimarron]

Question.... Should I go ahead and upgrade my tires from 31” tractor style tires to 33” KM2’s before SAS or just use what I’ve got???
View attachment 1738172 View attachment 1738173

Same exact tire I have on my BJ40, which I drove to SAS last year. The skinnies really help me since I don't have power steering. They also drove pretty damn good, for a mud tire, on the pavement.

 

[dogfishlake]

Very true about the skinnies and manual steering. Forgot about that.

 

[John McVicker]

Jade, unless you really desire to upgrade for SAS, I'd run what you got. They will be fine for what we do. There are some trails rated as 'Difficult', but your current tires will be fine, even on those trails.

 

[dogfishlake]

Plus those skinnies look super cool!

Bummed that BFG quit offering the 33x9.50-15.

Yours are maybe 16" splits? If so, when the time comes you could do 255/85-16's they are skinnier than 285's and 33x10.50's but no BFG's. Cooper STT Pros maybe

 

[The Jade Bean]

Honestly I’m tired of the way they behave on the pavement. Off road they are capable, but on pavement they ride so ridged. 1st world problems I know.

 

[mesa man]

I bought my set (33x10.50 15 bfg km2 mud) thru 4wparts.com and mounted them myself, saving a bundle. They were under 200$ each on sale, no tax, free shipping,plus instant rebate. And like dogfishlake said they ride great on the road for a mudder!

 

[REKCUT]

View attachment 1738185

Gonna be 2 white 80's sporting New KM3's on this trip

 

[4Cruisers]

Due to a work conflict our youngest son won't be able to attend. I had offered to let him bring the newly built '86 FJ60, and my wife and I would bring the '76 FJ40 again. So it looks like I'll bringing this:

 

[mesa man]

Congrats on your finished ride John. Looks sweet! Maybe your son can make it next year.

 

[4Cruisers]

Congrats on your finished ride John. Looks sweet! Maybe your son can make it next year.

Thanks. Still needs to have the mudflaps, snake blinders, and carpet installed. And I just washed it off, no rubbing compound or wax yet. It should shine right up. It sat out in the Nevada desert for almost nine years before going into my garage out there for almost another ten years. Brought it back to New Mexico four years ago to start the build. Until last week it hadn't been on the road since 1995. Glad I saved it.

 

[mesa man]

Inspirational!

 

[Mr Cimarron]

I may have to switch vehicles. My 80 is down at the moment. I was replacing transmission and didn't realize the new one was a GM nv4500 rather then a Dodge version. I am kicking myself for not noticing until I tore everything apart. Now waiting on AA to confirm the new adapter needed. BJ40 is ready to go if needed but not looking forward to the Austin->Chicago->Ouray->Austin triangle of driving.

 

[4Cruisers]

I may have to switch vehicles. My 80 is down at the moment. I was replacing transmission and didn't realize the new one was a GM nv4500 rather then a Dodge version. I am kicking myself for not noticing until I tore everything apart. Now waiting on AA to confirm the new adapter needed. BJ40 is ready to go if needed but not looking forward to the Austin->Chicago->Ouray->Austin triangle of driving.

That's even a lot more driving than you did last year. Hope all goes well with the adapter availability.