The 60 series Rubithon thread!

[Dirtgypsy]

Now that I have longs and I am running the 35's do I need to carry a spare birf? What about inner axles. I was considering selling the stockers I have a picking up just a 30 spline birf as a spare. So what's you think?

Thanks,

clint

 

[CaliCruiser]

I think you are correct, when I get Long's I'm not planning on carrying spares. Maybe a 30 spline birf if you can get one. I'd focus on other stuff, plus I'll have a full set in my cruiser.

Dylan

 

[Dirtgypsy]

thanks dylan. I appreciate it.

does anyone know what birfs are selling for? how about the complete set?

Clint

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I have 30 spline longs and I will confess I had stock inner/birf spares on Dusy last year.

I also run rear Polys and didn't carry spares until someone posted up he has broken 2 of them. Now I'm back to carrying spares.

 

[esh]

It wouldn't hurt to carry spare inners. You could go nuts and carry spare knuckles too! Right side is more prone to breakage (or just recheck steering arm nuts at least daily until you get a feel for them.. and then check daily hehe).

or just tow an extra truck along.

I've only had issues because of POS Warn hubs (loosening, lack of cone washers, PO overtorquing/stripping stuff, etc) or being an idiot applying too much power at the wrong angle (impatience, 454). If you are unsure anywhere along the trail, get out and look for yourself. Don't let anyone tell you what to do if you don't feel comfortable with a line or directions. I have learned lots more while wheeling alone about how the trucks work or what kinds of strategy work better than others. Groups can get distracting and can also make you More Stupider(tm). Course I like talking to myself so it's not really wheeling alone.

Fortunately there are lots of good spotters on the 'Con for the 'Thon.

 

[wagon4wd]

I have 30 spline longs and I will confess I had stock inner/birf spares on Dusy last year.

I also run rear Polys and didn't carry spares until someone posted up he has broken 2 of them. Now I'm back to carrying spares.

I'm not really getting a warm fuzzy feeling about wheeling stock rears with 200k miles and 33s if you guys are talking about busting polys with 35s. I already didn't have a warm fuzzy about the front, but it feels like I get the honor of yanking the front end apart to replace knuckle bearings.

Though I guess if Dylan's still running stockers with all that low gearing he has, maybe I shouldn't worry so much.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I'm not really getting a warm fuzzy feeling about wheeling stock rears with 200k miles and 33s if you guys are talking about busting polys with 35s. I already didn't have a warm fuzzy about the front, but it feels like I get the honor of yanking the front end apart to replace knuckle bearings.

Though I guess if Dylan's still running stockers with all that low gearing he has, maybe I shouldn't worry so much.

PismoJim has wheeled the crap out of his Fj60 for years, and I think until recently it was with stock rears. That's the good.

The bad: I broke a rear short side on 35s and I wasn't going all that hard. It just got bound up in an undercut ledge and snapped right at the base of the splines.

I have seen and helped fix all manner of broken birfs and front inners. Definitely worthy of an upgrade to 30 spline Longfields. Once I start breaking those, I'm getting a Dynatrac HP Dana60.

 

[wagon4wd]

PismoJim has wheeled the crap out of his Fj60 for years, and I think until recently it was with stock rears. That's the good.

The bad: I broke a rear short side on 35s and I wasn't going all that hard. It just got bound up in an undercut ledge and snapped right at the base of the splines.

I have seen and helped fix all manner of broken birfs and front inners. Definitely worthy of an upgrade to 30 spline Longfields. Once I start breaking those, I'm getting a Dynatrac HP Dana60.

I guess I'm a little more worried than I should be about being the least common denominator with my 60. I probably worry too much. Then again, my typical trail rig is an XJ, so I necessarily worry about everything.

 

[freds40]

Got my reg. filled out and it's going in the mail @ the butt crack o' dawn tomorrow. Looking forward to hitting the Rubicon again. It's been a couple of years.

 

[Dirtgypsy]

Got my reg. filled out and it's going in the mail @ the butt crack o' dawn tomorrow. Looking forward to hitting the Rubicon again. It's been a couple of years.

All right!! It will be nice to meet you. I have been a big fan of your 60 build and can't wait to see it!

What's the weather like during the run? Anything we should be prepared for? Rain, snow, mosquitos, very small rocks etc?

Clint

 

[FRIZZLEFRY]

My registration is going out tomorrow

Cant wait!

 

[dtrain]

All right!! It will be nice to meet you. I have been a big fan of your 60 build and can't wait to see it!

What's the weather like during the run? Anything we should be prepared for? Rain, snow, mosquitos, very small rocks etc?

Clint

Ive been there in June, July, and Aug... I havent been to the con a ton of times but it rained on a few trips so I always carry one of those PVC rain suits and a tarp (the tarp can be good for multiple uses anyway). Bug spray is a huge bonus.

Cant really comment on the snow but I dont think there will be any at that elevation considering the time of year ... although IIRC - there was skiing in June last year which made the running waters COLD.

Cant comment on last years Rubithon... couldnt make it Year before... very nice weather... sunny and between 75-80 IIRC. Nites were kinda chilly if you have a crappy sleeping bag.

EDIT/Addition: I think 3 years ago it rained for a time during the event

 

[Pighead]

What's the weather like during the run? Anything we should be prepared for? Rain, snow, mosquitos, very small rocks etc?

Clint

Be prepared for rain. and snow. And/or very hot sunshine.

 

[Dirtgypsy]

dirtgypsy does not care for pigheads response. dirtypsy has a 12 hour drive to get to Rubithon and Dirtgypsy would like to keep the extraneous bs to a minimum before driving on the trail. Dirtgypsy does appreciate dtrains response. dirtgypsy will keep an eye on the weather forcasts. dirtgypsy would also like to hear from others whom would like to be helpful to dirtgypsy and the oregon crew.

dirtgypsy says bye for now

Clint

 

[dtrain]

Oh, and I get to use my new TentKot for the first time! Ahhhhh, no more putting up or breaking down of the tent.

Need to send my reg in

 

[Cruiserdrew]

dirtgypsy does not care for pigheads response. dirtypsy has a 12 hour drive to get to Rubithon and Dirtgypsy would like to keep the extraneous bs to a minimum before driving on the trail. Dirtgypsy does appreciate dtrains response. dirtgypsy will keep an eye on the weather forcasts. dirtgypsy would also like to hear from others whom would like to be helpful to dirtgypsy and the oregon crew.

dirtgypsy says bye for now

Clint

LOL--He's right you know. Here's what I remember

04(this may have been 03)-Massive rainstorm on the way to Buck Island Lake. I was with PismoJim and the water was sheeting off the slabs. Literally the hardest rain I have ever been in. Buck Island camp area had 12 inches of water flowing through it. I slept on a rock knoll to stay dry. *** Event run in August because there was too much snow and wet trail in June***

05--Huge deep water and snow. Very exciting and dangerous Rubithon. Literally hood depth water on the approach from the Tahoe side.

06--Rain and some snow during the event, otherwise warm and nice

07--Warm and nice, except one freezing cold night at Loon Lake, and a thunderstorm on Friday-very windy

08--Warm and nice, nearly perfect weather


I recommend you bring warm clothes, plus a good selection of shorts and t-shirts. Rain gear is a major plus. You'll have your wagon, so you can always sleep inside. If you bring a good attitude and are prepared for fun, you will not be disappointed at all. Even when the weather is bad, it's only bad for a couple of hours.

 

[FJ40_owner]

You honestly should have no issues with a 4BT finishing the trail if you fill up in Placerville. With a 23-24 gallon tank it shouldn't be too hard even for teh 2F guys. Its always a good idea to bring 5 gallons, but this trail is only 12miles long from Loon Lake all the way out.

I have run it with a built 302 in a 72' Ford Bronco with only 18 gallon tank. I had at least 1/3 of a tank left after running from DoRobbs all the way out.

I have had my fair share of major carnage on the trail itself. Pulled a steering box off the frame just after Little Sluice. Broke the ears off of it, so using new bolts wasn't an option. We had to drill the frame and run a u-bolt through the frame to hold the box on it. I did the last 99% of the trail in 2wd. We aired up the front tires, and I would only lock the front hubs for certain spots that I couldn't drive in 2wd. Made it out, and drove it around Tahoe back to DoRobs that way.

I've done the Con at least 8-10 times now. Its a great vacation, but be prepared. Big Sluice isn't too much of a big deal since the whole thing is pretty much down hill. Cadillac Hill is tough mostly at the bottom unless its real wet and sloppy. Anyone who values their body and parts at all will steer clear of Little Sluice. Its really just a buggy type of section. Its only 50ft long, but its just plain nasty.

Go in the attitude to just survive the trail. Take the bypasses when necessary, and don't run stupid lines to show off. 12 miles is a long way when you have a large group of other rigs depending on you to make it through.

I love camping at Spider Lake, Buck Island, and Rubicon Springs. You can swim (its cold though), fish, and just kind of relax.

If you come in early and want a great place to camp or rent their cabins the night before you hit the trail, I highly recommend DoRobbs. Its closer to Loon Lake than Icehouse and is a great place. Its changed ownership quite a few times over the last few years, but they have a full restaurant with bar, and provide much safer tow rig parking for a fee. They make a great Bloody Mary too. The are right off Icehouse Road as well. And, they allow fires, even when you need a permit on the trail or even when fire restrictions are in order on public land.

I would love to make this run, but seriously doubt my 60 will be ready for the Con by then. I could always bring my 4runner, but if you guys only want wagons, I would be out.

On another note. Make sure to save some room on the camera for the drive out 89 around Lake Tahoe. Its an epic drive around Lake Tahoe, and you will chit yourself when you get to Crystal Cove and look down on it.



Here is a pic looking down on the slabs. Its a huge playground area.

I am fairly certain Robbs is closed and for sale.

 

[FJ40_owner]

Bring what you got, wheel what you bring!

(Expect a little body damage and make sure everything is in top shape mechanically when you start.)

Wagons are perfect for the Rubicon because you can bring everything with you and when it rains you and your gear will be dry!

Some places are a little tight:

Some times there is carnage:

Big tires help:

But it's always fun:

Just watch out for this guy:

I'll second that!

 

[Pighead]

dirtgypsy does not care for pigheads response. /QUOTE]

Dirtgypsy should be thankful for full disclosure and fair warning.

 

[Dirtgypsy]

dirtgypsy is thankful for full disclosure AND insight as to why IE: post from cruiserdrew.

I have friends and family flying in for the event as well and a long travel time to get there. Would like this to be enjoyable and not miserable due to not asking questions and having shorts while it is snowing.

feel free to keep posting "if you don't like the weather just wait 5 minutes" response though.



Clint