Rubicon advise?

[javik]

I just got stationed in Central California and want to know what is the best time (or just a good time) to hit the rubicon while im here. Im thinking of either going in the next couple of weeks, or going in the month of november. When does it start snowing up there? Also my rig only has about 4 inches of lift and 31s, but it does have rock rails and an arb locker. so is the trail even doable for me? Any advise or tips would be very helpful.

 

[Shomsky462]

you should probably go pretty soon.
my mom owns a cabin up in trukee and she said it snowed up there about a week ago.
youre rig will be fine to make it as long as you go with a buddy with a capable rig. and make sure you have front and rear tow points. front more importanly.
are you regeared?

 

[javik]

not regeared and i only have rear tow points. Plus i dont have a buddy with a capable rig yet in this area. So is anybody going to do the rubicon in the next little bit?

 

[nosigma]

For what its worth I ran it this June with 4.5", 31's, two lockers, AW4-3.54 gears, and skids on the diffs, engine (eng skid is not essential), gas tank, transfer case and trans which I used frequently along with my rock rails. The aluma-flex tie rod was indespensible. There may be some bypasses you will want to use, little sluice obviously, but also at two or three of the waterfalls and drops where the easier route (there usually are options other than the bypass) if not the full blown bypass would be advised. Best thing to do is to get out and walk ahead when you cant see the road clearly even if your buddy on 8" & 35's went first. Dont be worried about stopping in the middle of an obstacle, getting out and looking things over. Your pinion is a lot lower than what most guys are use to so you need to be extra careful. Several times I took the more aggresive route and suffered some body damage falling off rocks due to my 31's and narrower track than the guys on 33's with the extra offset. The only thing I had serious trouble with that didnt have a bypass was the waterfall going up Cadillac hill. 33's made all the difference in the world here. I was ready for a strap but my SoCal trail buddies had more patience than I did and worked with me for quite a while to get up it unassisted.

Patience, careful tire placement and good spotting were essential to my having a fun and incident free run. Carry the normal spares including DS, tie rod, axle shafts) and do it. You will remeber it for a lifetime.

John

 

[XJ_ranger]

not regeared and i only have rear tow points. Plus i dont have a buddy with a capable rig yet in this area. So is anybody going to do the rubicon in the next little bit?

let me know when you go...

id be down for another trip...

got spare pinion yokes? if not, buy them...
Got stock steering? carry a spare set...