Full width for CA trails

[kr7o]

As I keep my eyes out for upgraded axles I was wondering if FW is an advantage or disadvantage for CA trails? Technically it seems to be about even on the positives/negatives to FW, but being denied on the trail for being too wide would be a big negative. I see a couple of people in the chapter are FW.

I don't plan this to be a DD, nor a trailer queen. I would like to enjoy driving it occasionally on road and of course to the trails.

 

[Matt S.]

your REALLY close to me and a few guys here in the area. I would bet that WE think for OUR central trails, that youll not like it. Some guys do it, but its really pointless. We do have trees, and the generally the trails are not very wide.

Where in madera are you?

Matt

 

[kr7o]

Thanks Matt,

I suspect I will see a lot of time on the central trails between the runs and our local group. Eventually, I would like to run trails within 8-10 hours drive. A few of our group went down to TDS last month and one of the guys regularly does Moab.

I am in the north part of Madera Ranchos.

Robert

your REALLY close to me and a few guys here in the area. I would bet that WE think for OUR central trails, that youll not like it. Some guys do it, but its really pointless. We do have trees, and the generally the trails are not very wide.

Where in madera are you?

Matt

 

[Capt. Nemo]

Obviously there are pros and cons to everything. My '78 Cj with narrow track axles was too narrow. It got really tipsy with 2.5" of lift and 33's on the Rubicon. On the other hand, I've seen full-widths struggle on the Rubicon trying to squeeze between stuff they weren't big enough to drive over. Nearly every trail I've driven, I've seen full widths drive over vegetation because they were too wide.

The track width of the XJ is ideal for the trails in the Sierras. Coming out Wentworth Springs the last time on the Rubicon, I was really suprised at how narrow the trail was. That part of the trail would be very difficult for a full-width, and I suspect it's that narrow b/c full-widths don't drive that part of the trail.

Hope this helps :laugh3:

 

[BrettM]

backspacing can make huge differences in width, so I'll assume you're talking about 66-67" axles and 15x8 wheels with 3.5" backspacing.

I've done the Mirror Lake trail near Shaver Lake, which I was told is one of the hardest in the area. Fullwidths would not have been a major detriment. I can't speak for the other trails in that area.

it will do okay, though not ideal on the Rubicon and Fordyce. from talking with Jes and CRASH the other day about their experiences in AZ and Johnson Valley, full-widths would be a BAD idea down there.

 

[kr7o]

Sounds like it is worth the added effort to shorten (or find) to near stock width. Thanks for the feedback.

Look forward to running with you guys.

Robert

 

[XJ_ranger]

welp,
my take on it -
my d35 was 60.5" wms mearsurement, my FW fors 9" is only 5" wider at roughly 65.3" wms...
so witht he same backspacing - i only sit out 2.5" wider.... i liked my 3.5" backspaced rims before, but my new rims might be 4.5 - meaning compared to what im used to - i would only see 1.5" difference on each side...


i can live with that...

 

[TimW]

I used to run full with chevy axles on my Yj with 38's. Never had any problems with them. I have been on the rubicon, deer valley trail and many other trails in ca and nv. I took out my axles only because I like to drive it on the street to and from the trails. This way won't get hasseld by the law for being to wide. I also used to run a full size blazer on the same trails, Never had any problems with the axles , but the body is to wide if you don't want body damage.

 

[FarmerMatt]

Is it doable... Yes. People swap full sizes in & run them all the time. You may be forced to take a line you didn't want & have to back up an extra time to make a turn, but you will get through the trail. It is not ideal. If you're going to spend the time to swap out the axle than spend the extra day or so & narrow it too. Running extra backspaced wheels is cool & a tool you could use, but this will leave your lock out hubs extremely vulnerable in the front. The rear doesn't matter. Once you start playing in the big rocks (JV) than track width becomes very important...

Matt

 

[Jes]

Also, comparing a YJ or TJ on full width to a full bodied rig with glass is kinda moot. An XJ has a wider body with glass and a metal roof, with some of the lines you'd have to take(even if you're only 3"s wider than stock) you would be putting your glass and roof into the rocks.
I'm 2"s wider with my new front end than what I was and I really notice it. I wouldn't want my front end any wider.

 

[CRASH]

I'm seriously contemplating adding width guidelines for upcoming Sierra chapter events.

If you look at all the trees at both entrances to the 'Con, you'll see the toll that full-width axles have taken on the trail. It's not good.

CRASH

 

[BrettM]

Jes and CRASH, what are your widths again? i forgot... (outside of tire)

 

[JeepFreak21]

backspacing can make huge differences in width, so I'll assume you're talking about 66-67" axles and 15x8 wheels with 3.5" backspacing.

This is very true... if you plan on running 3/4 ton or 1 ton axles, remember that it won't be easy to run 15" rims (in case you currently have 15" tires and don't plan on getting new ones). You'll need to do some grinding on the calipers and you won't be able to run much more than 3" of BS.
Billy

 

[kr7o]

I saw that on one of the D60 threads. Wish I would have known that earlier as it would have influenced my tire/rim purchase. Had to replace what I had to get the thing moving.

This is very true... if you plan on running 3/4 ton or 1 ton axles, remember that it won't be easy to run 15" rims (in case you currently have 15" tires and don't plan on getting new ones). You'll need to do some grinding on the calipers and you won't be able to run much more than 3" of BS.
Billy

 

[kr7o]

Thanks again guys for all the replies. Enjoy the trails this weekend!