The Lions back....

[warpedone]

I just watched a video of a stock Rubicon go up,
and then back down the Lions back in Moab, Utah.
Can a stock FJ Cruiser do that ?

 

[DaveWest5150]

Yes... the only thing bout lions back is pucker factor...a near stock 40 could do it...

 

[firetruck41]

From the pics/video I've seen, I think Dave is right, it is mostly how confident the driver is, as long as you have good brakes .

 

[logic2]

I just watched a video of a stock Rubicon go up,
and then back down the Lions back in Moab, Utah.
Can a stock FJ Cruiser do that ?

Having owned a Rubicon for 3 years, and liking it alot, I'd have to say that the only thing the Rubicon has on the FJC is a little shorter wheelbase, less weight and maybe 4.11's.
Other than that, everything else is arguable and could go either way.

I personally like the FJC better. It takes me anywhere I could ever want to go in a NEW vehicle....It takes me there more comfortably, quieter, faster, I can carry much more crap, and it just looks better (I think).
I still like the Rubicon, but if I really want something with comparable wheelbase and weight to the Jeep, I'll take my FJ-40.

The A-TRAC would (in my opinion) be a big PLUS going up or down the Lions Back. The Rubicon has regular front/rear lockers, which means you could easily end up in a bad situation, really quick.

 

[DBS311]

I watched a stock Suburban loaded with 8 people scrape its way up and down Lion's Back. As mentioned already, it isn't difficult, just makes you rethink what you are doing driving up a tall and skinny (relatively) rock.

I also drove it when my 62 was stock with 31's.

 

[mtbluetick]

here is the lion

[/IMG]

 

[warpedone]

I watched a stock Suburban loaded with 8 people scrape its way up and down Lion's Back.

Give me a break !!!!

 

[woody]

I watched a stock Suburban loaded with 8 people scrape its way up and down Lion's Back.

Give me a break !!!!

ya don't think so? lol

Moab has unbelievable traction...Lion's Back is not at all difficult with regards to the trail itself, it's a mind game to go up and down more than anything.

I know a guy in Reno with a 'burban....may have to borrow it

 

[dmc]

I watched a stock Suburban loaded with 8 people scrape its way up and down Lion's Back.

Give me a break !!!!

you obviously have no idea what you're talking about. First of all Lion's Back is on of the most overhyped obstacles in all of 4wheeling. It is for poseurs only. A tourist trap no different than Old Faithful. A place for people to go and think they're experiencing the best a place has to offer when in reality it's some of the most basic. Second of all an obstacle like Lion's Back, and most of Moab for that matter, is long wheel base friendly. A stock Taco, Cherokee, 4 runner or any other vehicle, up to and including a suburban, will have a far easier time on Lionsback than a Rubicon OR an FJC. Your attempts at bashing are admirable but they make you look like a moron.
dmc

 

[FusionCruiser]

you obviously have no idea what you're talking about..... Your attempts at bashing are admirable but they make you look like a moron.
dmc

Ouch!! I thought he was just making a comment about the ease of the rock, which I think is the same point you are making. Hey, I guess that means you are both of the same opinion. ;p


Unless I mis-understood his statement and he was actually saying that there is no way a burban could do the rock. In that case... nevermind.

 

[dmc]

Ouch!! I thought he was just making a comment about the ease of the rock, which I think is the same point you are making. Hey, I guess that means you are both of the same opinion. ;p


Unless I mis-understood his statement and he was actually saying that there is no way a burban could do the rock. In that case... nevermind.

i think he is doubting the suburban's ability to do it and seems to have a bit of a Rubicon is better than the FJC going on in his posts. Which is fine but argue actual merits like solid axle vs IFS etc. Not 'can the FJ do this?'
dmc

 

[green73]

I saw a mention of "good brakes" earlier in this post. Isn't that a serious NO-NO on a long steep descent as such? I have never been to Moab, so I can't say, but it seems that 4-low is what you would want on the descent there.

 

[saskdiesel]

I've been there.
4 low all they way down.
No way I would want any hydraulics responsible for my decent.

 

[woody]

if you aren't geared very low, gentle braking is likely a requirement...plus, you'd DEFINITELY need the brakes for the z-turn at the top

 

[saskdiesel]

Thats why I am so fond of the 7-1 1st gear of my SM420...........

 

[dmc]

I saw a mention of "good brakes" earlier in this post. Isn't that a serious NO-NO on a long steep descent as such? I have never been to Moab, so I can't say, but it seems that 4-low is what you would want on the descent there.

you're right but enough gearing isn't always an option. 4-low 1st and judicious use of brakes is the key.
dmc

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

or in Neutral

I rode with Bill Burke of Bill Burke's 4-Wheeling America (www.bb4wa.com) up and down Lion's Back twice for a training article and sometimes he suggests putting the truck in Neutral and therefore taking the driveline out of the equation--not trying in any way to pull you down the rock.

There is a time and place for this technique and obviously requires brakes to be in top shape. But Bill knows what he's talking about.

 

[warpedone]

i think he is doubting the suburban's ability to do it and seems to have a bit of a Rubicon is better than the FJC going on in his posts. Which is fine but argue actual merits like solid axle vs IFS etc. Not 'can the FJ do this?'
dmc

There is no doubt that the Rubicon is superior to the FJC
when it comes to offroad capabilities.(Solid Axles, Air Lockers)
I would give the nod to the FJC as a better daily driver.
You are the moron.

 

[Corey]

I have only seen the lion in pics and vids on the 'Net, but it scares me
Maybe its different in person.

David , off topic here, but I want to say I finally ordered your magazine on Sunday, and I just got it today!
Will be looking it over tonight.
Been meaning to order it for a very long time.

 

[FJCruiserOwnersGroup]

There is no doubt that the Rubicon is superior to the FJC
when it comes to offroad capabilities.(Solid Axles, Air Lockers)
I would give the nod to the FJC as a better daily driver.
You are the moron.

"On paper" arguments - like yours - are pretty damned flimsy, malformed, and not really worth the paper they're printed on.

I've seen tricked out Rubicons get stuck and break where my little diesel Samurai wouldn't. I've have my Sammi get stuck where a Discovery never could. I've seen H2s go places that every Jeep Mangler failed to get to the whole weekend - no matter how hard they tried.

They all have different suspension systems, they all have different strengths and they all have different weaknesses. At the end of the day, however, it was the driver's and spotter's ability to work with the rig to get it where it needed to go.

The moron who thought his rig was better with it's (busted) solid axles or it's (nonfunctioning) air lockers was the guy who nobody was willing to strap, winch or lend tools to.

I hope your cell phone has good range, and that AAA is willing to tow you out of wherever you get stuck.

On the trail, we're all equal...although sometimes some are more equal than others.