Guys, I screwed up and deleted the original thread. ARRGGGHH, sorry.

Here is the jist of the first Explorer Run of the year.

Jack Lobdell agreed to lead an all Explorer run at Arch Canyon/Moab, Utah. April 16-19 1999.

There will be runs available for all 4x4 Explorers from stock to wild.

Apr 16, Arrive Blanding, Utah
Apr 17, Arch Canyon (Big Dogs)
Apr 18, Somewhere else local or Moab
Apr 19, Split for the ends of the earth

For info and picture of the area check out this website: http://4x4now.com/arch.htm
How many takers out there?

Let us know if you're interested by posting a reply here.

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Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)

The Explorer Run which Paul Bredehoft and Kevin Kocher are planning will be held the weekend of August 14th at the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation in Southern California.

Additional details and a sign up form will be available in 2-3 weeks.

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Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)

This just sucks!!!! I missed both of these Explorer runs, My truck is slated to be in the shop durring the April run and now that it has been dicided to have the Augest run on the weekend of the 14 rather than the 21 I'll be stuck in Minnesota at a wedding. It's hard to skip out of a wedding your supposed to be in! Thats really to bad being a Southern Cali resident. If there are any plans to do any other rides other than these times please drop me a line!

ME TOO!!! I can't make the Easter and I am gonna miss the Aug. one cause of a wedding too. normally I'd be able to miss it but this time it's MY wedding. I don't think my soon to be wife would like that. Hey you guys are cool and all but I gotta live w/ her! http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/wink.gif

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HIX

Oh come on HIX can't you just bring a Preacher out to Utah??? http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/wink.gif

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Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)

Can we have a run closer the the central US some time. I live in Ohio and to drive to Ca. will take like 3 days. I would not mind a day or two, but three to get thier and three back is a bit much for me. Rick, I thought you lived around pheonix, don't you guys have good trails all over the state? Maybe up by the Canyon would be good? Just some Idea's. Also around the Ozarks would be good if they have some trails. I thought I have seen some pictures of guys from here that were taken in the Ozarks. These are just some Ideas for us Eastern folks who can't make it to the other side of the country.
ChrisW

sorry guys, i can't make the spring run either. I'm stuck in school (fininshing my MSc) until May!

Cheers

Dale

I put much of this information up just before Rick accidentally deleted the thread. Hey, Rick, it was only a thread and not your transmission again. No big deal…..this is still the coolest site on the web!

I really want to go on the August run in California run also…it will be grand, but Paul and Kev, I’m going crazy now and need to get out on a really good run soon. If I wait until August, you will find me in The Nice Quiet Home for the Perpetually Aroused, cutting paper dolls or my wrists. So I’ll lead a SE Utah run in a few weeks

Arch Canyon and Hotel Rock are considered some of the best wheeling in the world, and in the opinion of many Moab’ers, have much more to offer.

Hotel Rock has some great vistas, about a 3+ trail with a couple of hard obstacles. Arch Canyon is considered one of the most beautiful in the southwest and the trail is a 2 to 2+, crisscrossing a wash. Both trails have superb scenery with red and white Navajo and Cocoñino sandstone "slickrock" with gnarled piñon and juniper trees. The experience of these canyon country trials is heightened by magnificent Anasazi cliff dwelling Indian ruins. These are not just trails to have fun on. There is a coveted destination on each trail, a place to savor the end of the trail.

If you are coming from the east, you can enter and exit the Blanding, Utah area by way of the San Juan Mountains (scenic), Durango with its narrow gauge steam train (ride it to Silverton), Mesa Verde National Park (huge cliff dwellings), and Hovenweep National Monument (ancient towers).

If you are coming from the west, you can enter and exit the Blanding, Utah area by way of Capitol Reef National Park (do some wheeling and cliff hiking), Glen Canyon National Rec Area (fish for big striper bass and cats, take a houseboat ride), Hole in the Rock Trail (fine wheeling), and Natural Bridges National Park (wait until you see these Golden Arches).

If you are coming from the south, you can enter and exit the Blanding, Utah area by way of Monument Valley (huge monoliths of red sandstone, home of many western movies) and the Goosenecks of the San Juan (bends of this deep canyon almost turn back to touch each other). The views are spectacular.

If you are coming from the north, you can enter and exit the Blanding, Utah area by way of Moab and do some trails there. There is also several entries to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, the incredible Newspaper Rock (finest petroglyph panel in the U.S.).

An amazing grasp of the obvious: Bring your camera!!! This can be a true hegira (trip of learning).

April 16th – Arrive Blanding, Utah. Blanding is a nice bitsy town. There are two full-service groceries, several motels, some nice B&Bs, a couple of mechanics shops, several gas stations, and a couple of edible restaurants. What it is NOT is trendy like Moab…no T-shirt shops, spandex mtn. Bikers, outlet stores, $100 gourmet meals that are high-quality-but-low-quantity, etc. I got a local latté in Blanding once…tasted just like mud (I don’t know why, it was fresh GROUND…yuck, yuck). Blanding and the entire county are DRY…no booze is sold anywhere…so purchase what you want before you come to town. But Blanding has its own charm. Quiet neighborhoods, great vistas, nice folks. There is pound for pound one of the finest little museums in the country …Edge of the Cedars, with a restored Anasazi village on a cliff top and superb displays. Blanding, Monticello, and Bluff, Utah are some of the best kept secrets in America.

The weather in April is the best….cold nights and warm days. (I hiked Grand Gulch a few years back in mid-April and it got down to 19°….brrrr.) Normally it gets to freezing at night and goes up into the low 70°s during the day. If you are camping near the trailhead in Comb Wash keep night time temps in mind. Bring some bug dope for the piñon gnats…these little no-see-ums can be vicious, but they are only common in very wet years and not usually until May. It’s nice in Comb Wash….we may just "campfire" there one night.

The trailhead is only about 25 minutes from Blanding. I will probably stay at the Prospector Inn…..older but remodeled, clean, cheap, comfy-cozy, big corner room available with enough beds for a large family and cooking facilities if you are bringing everybody, near a good restaurant, fuel across the street, etc. (I might also be in a M’home at Comb Wash…I’m now a dealer (W’bagos/Itascas). You want a M’home? Our new motto is "We rip off the OTHER guy and pass the savings on to YOU…!)

OK, the trail runs and some basics: This is BLM land and we have permission and the very best wishes of Kent Walters, BLM area director. We will register at each trailhead every day. We MUST "Tread Lightly" and keep vehicles on the trails at all times. We can enjoy the archaeological ruins, but not touch or take anything except pictures….these are VERY fragile and, of course, no more are being manufactured. The trails are on USGS Hotel Rock Quad (7.5 series) although the upper part of Arch Canyon extends a little bit into USGS South Point Quad (7.5 series). Always encouraged is common sense. First Aid kit, good sunblock and a hat (we are at altitude with crystal blue skies), plenty of water, a little back up food, should be equipe de jour.

April 17th -- Hotel Rock is the gnarly trail with one ledge section and a couple of steep climbs. Stockers may want to go to hotel rock the back way on some easier dirt roads. The rest of you MUST have tow hooks as there may be some winching involved at these climbs. We will operate on CB Channel 4, and there will be hand-held radios for scouting and guiding around obstacles. One of the "big dogs" with winch and lockers (probably me - "Iceberg") will be "Squadron Leader" and a similar rig (probably "ARRGGHH!") will serve as "Tail Gunner" to make sure everybody gets over these obstacles. Of course, we will also have GPS to assure that we can really get lost! The end of the trail is Hotel Rock itself, a magnificent beehive shape rock pocked with cliff dwellings. Here’s a special treat: Famous archaeologist Winston Hurst will ride with me to give us a grand educated tour and talk about the ancient Anasazi. We will exit either on the easy route, or if we had goobers of fun, just turn around and do it all over again backwards! The descent has breathtaking views of Comb Ridge.

April 18th -- Arch Canyon is nice trail, requiring 4WD but little else. There are some little steps, but no hard climbs or shelf roads. The trail does crisscross the Arch Canyon Wash. Depending on recent snow or rain, we may have to adjust accordingly, but it has been a very dry year.. It is long but not particularly slow, so we may get to the arch without difficulty. The canyon is filled with cliff dwellings.

April 19th – depart for home, hopefully stoked, charged, and restored. If you miss this run, you miss some great wheeling, spectacular canyonland scenery, and the mystery of the Ancient Ones. Hope to see you there. Please RSVP…I need to keep the BLM updated as to our numbers.

As we get closer to the time of the run, I’ll put more details up on this thread. ARRGGHH!!! with his "magic fingers" promises to "Tread Lightly" on this discussion from now on…..

This is your brain http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/frown.gif ...this is your brain off-road http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif ...any questions? jlobdell@flash.net or (505) 867-6602 [MST], or FAX (505) 867-5602.


[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 03-11-99).]

Sounds like a great weekend! I hope that I can work it out with my work schedule. I hope to know by the end of the week. I also have to get my transmission sorted out.

P.S. Stop making fun of Rick for deleting the thread, he does a pretty good job typing with mittens on http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/wink.gif and makes a good Charlie Brown impression. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

AZEXPLORER, I live in PHX and would be glad to drive up with you. I don't know if I'll be leaving enough time for the trip to Lee's Ferry though.

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Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)

Ok I also would love to go on both runs but they are a bit far from me. I do think we should get as many runs as possible but I think we need some over on the east coast. I hear there is a good place in pennsylvania. I plan on checking it out soon. I also think we should let some magizines know because I am sick of reading about Jeep runs.
Keith

Let's see, get married or go on a canyon country run with the Wild Bunch in Explorers.... Is this a trick question? What kind of beer again? Could I get back to you on this one? :O

Thanks for the heads up. I will plan on attending, but must first clear the dates with my boss. Should a neophite attempt the Hotel Rock? I am equiped with a '94 lifted 2.5 inches and running 32's, stock gears, no lockers, no limited slip.

Well guys, the wife won't let me out on the wedding weekend! Damn it!! I know it will be a good time! I hope Rick will get the photos on-line asap after the two runs. I have to live the adventure thru you all, ya know!!

Keith.... I will be hitting Paragon off-raod Park from the 23rd to the 26th of April w/ some buddies. You should come w/ us!! There is some hope for us westerers suck out East too!! It won't be an Explorer Run but it'll be damn good fun!!

Rick...I am planning on sending you Pics of a 2" body lift and 2" suspension lift for us poor kids w/in the next 2-3 weeks. I hope you will include them in your site.

Thanks guys


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HIX

This will be a great test for the new front end LockRight and PA 3" lift. Anyone willing to caravan from Phx/Flag area. Maybe a stop at Lee's Ferry for a trip upriver flyfishing on the way??? How far from SLC is this??

Hey Jack,

Dumb question! Are you arriving on the 16th in the morning or the evening?

No such thing as a dumb question...but that's got to be the dumbest question I've ever heard! No really, I haven't decided. I'm probably even going up a day early just to explore around. I love that country and may lollygag on my way up, but it's only 5-6 hours from here. Even thinking of stopping in Red Lake and asking a Navajo guide (Roger Stash) to come along and tell us some Dene "skinwalker" (Spirits who carry around peoples faces without any bones) stories just to scare the peewaddlin' out of everybody.

Sit around in a beerless town an extra night? Do I need some counseling?

Trace: You probably got the clearance, its the traction if we get twisted that might get you on one obstacle, but that's just a maybe...the magic word is Tow Hook! If this is really gnarly, Rick and I will crest the steepies and both tug at you. I think it will work...Rick, waddayathink???

I haven't seen the obstacle, but the strap usually will get the stockers through moderately difficult situations.

From what I understand they also have theoption of taking another trail and meeting us at our destination.

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Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)

5-6 hours? Must be nice! You gonna go home to sleep each night? http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/wink.gif I am looking at at least 18 hours. I will be coming down I-15 and probably cut over at Hwy 6 so if anyone wants to hook up along the way let me know.


Here is the route I will take. www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253/toblandingwewillgo.jpg (http://www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253/toblandingwewillgo.jpg)
I think I will leave on the morning of the 14th, that way I have time to do some sightseeing along the way.

[This message has been edited by Paul Gagnon (edited 03-14-99).]

[This message has been edited by Paul Gagnon (edited 03-14-99).]

I'm getting really excited about this run. I'm pretty sure that I will go I just have to arange it with work and school and it looks like I shouldn't have any problems doing that. I drive a 91 that is unmodified, I shouldn't have to much problems on the right trails, right? Is any going down from Nothern Utah? I live just North of Salt Lake City, if anybody is going down conatact me I would like to go down with others.
See ya then
JR

Still have to juggle the work schedule, but count me in too (Hell, I even put tow hooks on the Sport yesterday). I'm heading out from Tacoma, so I may be able to challenge Paul G. for that gallon of gas.... Since I'm building the Sport (and what better excuse for upgrades than an Explorer Run), got a quick question on the Dana 35. Am told that other than ARB, there is currently nothing available for the front differential - true ?
I'm going to 4.10s and E-Z Locker in the 8.8 rear, and want limited slip up front, would hate to settle for the open diff in the 35 only to be told there is a solution after it's put back together. Any info would be appreciated.
Okay, back to the Run - - Jack, didn't you have a comment about bringing local brews before the thread was lost ? If that offer still stands, I'll bring some Tacoma Brew and Scottish Ale from a great micro-brew/bar just stumbling distance from where I live...

No, sorry don't have no tow hooks. Should I buy some? Are they hard to install? How much do they cost? These are just a few questions off the top of my head. For now I don't mind taking some light trails that are not as hard, I know that my explorer cannot do all. The other reason is I don't have a lot of expperience off-roading. Two weeks ago I just put on a new set of I have 30x9.5 BF Trail Terrains, these I am sure will be good enough.
JR

State Troopers like being teased, besides I won't be able to hear their sirens over the rumble of my tires. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/wink.gif Have you ever heard Thornbirds at 75-80 miles an hour? It is a sweet(?) sound. I'll take a Root Beer flavour popcicle instead of the gas though! http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Paul, you are just driving 18 hours because your brain gets frozed in Alberta. I promise you summer temps at Hotel Rock...lots of brain cell thawing possible. I'm only coming from N or Albuquerque, a pleasant afternoon drive.

Even 18 hours sound like you will be "teasing the State Police".

I think Paul wins "albatross award," a gallon of our fine gasoline, as the prize for coming the farthest!

JR--Hotel Rock is real gnarly. Potential of body damage and high centering if you are not high enough. The one big obstacle requires great traction. C'mon anyway You will probably need to take the back road to Hotel Rock, but Arch Canyon will be fine. There are some alternate drives as well. Got tow hooks?

Okay, I've adjusted my schedule and I'll be there for the first Run of '99. Jack, go ahead and add my name to the list that you have to forward to the BLM. Paul G., I plan on taking I-84 to I-15 enroute to Highway 6/191 through Moab to Blanding. I plan on hitting I-84/I-15 about noonish on the 15th. If you or JR want to link up let me know...Maybe hit a trail in Moab on the way to Blanding - can't get too much of a good thing! JR - about the tow hooks -- check out "Modified Explorations" on 2-17-99 (have to go back 30 or 45 days to access) to Mick's topic on Tow Hooks. Great info. It was this topic that prompted me to put the GM tow hooks on the Sport this past weekend. See you guys in a month !

My boss (wife) ok'd the trip. I need to agree with Paul S., this is a good excuse to make some needed modifications. Be sure to post the meeting times for each day, I wouldn't want to be left out.

I've got a word of caution for those of you wanting to transport liquer into Utah. Watch out on the quantities. The local paper recently ran a story about the highway patrol arresting some fellows for doing the same thing. The big issue was quantity. Utah wants to be sure to get their tax at the State liquer stores. That was over in the St. George area along I-15.



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Wow, gonna be a nice trip.

Paul S...for your front diff you have limited choices if you are going with a limited slip...sounds redundant! You can get a Trak-Loc or a TrueTrac. The later is clutchless and about as strong as a limited can get....they should be released by now...try Reider Racing 1 (800) 375-1330. The rear Diff done with a locker will at least give you 3 wheel drive when you need it but a front limited can certainly help.

OK, Trace... check your Ford Dealer for the big front Tow ring for an Explorer (about $40). They are awesome strong and an easy install. If you can't get those in time, get the plain black tow hooks (about $6 each) and install them upside done just ahead of the crumple zone on the front of the frame...it will take a moby drill and a steady hand...count on smokin' at least one drill bit.

Then get a Clevis Tow Ring to install it as needed through the rear bumper tow ball hole.

Be sure you have a good strap. The fronts are more important than the rears for what we will be doing...going up to Hotel Rock. I suspect my Clevis would fit your rear bumper if needed.

Thanks for the warning on bringing too much booze...I'll leave the tanker truck at home and just bring a 6 or two.

There will not be any high pressure caffine freaky early meetings at o'dark thirty in the morning. I suspect we will depart Blanding about 9-9:30 am after nice breakfasts to be at the trails at 9:30-10am both mornings to check everybody out and air down, jaw a little and be on the trail..

I'll post some hotel info tomorrow or so. I'll probably be at the Prospector or Comfort Inn...I will looking into "group rates" to keep the cost low.

So far I count six rigs. (That is if Paul S. is bringing an Explorer from Tacoma and not a Tacoma from Explora...check that mileage to see who gets the free gallon of gas! Sounds like the race of the Pauls is on except I can't hear over the whine of Thornbirds.) Oh guys, no "whining" on the trail....

Kevin & Lori Kocher just had a baby girl. We get to name our gnarliest obstacle after her middle name..."Grace"...I figure we'll need it.

Rick
I am very interest in the Los Coyote run. Will be looking for further info.
The Utah run sounds great but unfortunately I can not change vacation time so you all have fun out in the giggle weeds.

In the next few days Rick will be putting several links (motels, area attractions, local maps, weather, etc.) and some GPS coordinates for three trails up on this site to provide info for the run.

I have gone ahead and made reservations for The Prospector Motor Lodge in Blanding. Rick and I will be up a day early to do some scouting. I have stayed at the Prospector many nights through the years during research trips and have always been quite comfortable.

The owner, Mary, is offering our group one bed rates of $35 per night and two bed rates of $40. Mary has only 7 single rooms and a total of 19 rooms altogether, so I encourage you to make a reservation early.

The phone number there is (435) 678-3231. Please let the Prospector Motor Lodge know that you are with the "Explorer group meeting for 4x4central.com" to receive the special rates.

Hope to see everyone in Blanding and on these super trails!

Jack - Thanks for the info on the Dana 35. I'm definitely going to do a traction upgrade of some sort before the Run next month. Although there will be some notoriety and nostalgia attached to the incident, I really don't want to be the one responsible for nicknaming an obstacle "Grace". . . . Gonna be a great trip.

hey all, man i wish i could make it out there for the western trips but im like keith and chris i cant get away for that long, not that the drive is too much for a trip like that but i cant get away for 7-10 days. live in NC so... was wondering is there are any other easterners besides keith and chris ? maybe later this year we can pull off a tellico run or a pennsylvaniw run, kindof a east coast chapter? yall let me know ... dodgerr@hotmail.com

Just found out that we will be one week ahead (hooray!) of an official Jeep Jamboree to be held at Arch Canyon. Ours should be a much better run...the Jeep run allows "only 70 Jeeps and 200 people." Since the Hotel Rock trail is only 3 miles long, some Jeeps will still be waiting to start while others are having lunch at the Rock!

Last time I counted, we had 6 or 7. Please raise your hands again as we get closer to departure time.

Jack,

Since this is your baby, how about getting ahold of some magazine people and get them do a story on us.

I'm up for a magizine article. I'm sick of reading about those jeep runs.

Paul brought up a good point in another forum. CB radios. If you've got'em, bring'em!

We will be using CBs for truck to truck communications. Jack will also have a few Motorola hand helds which he can loan, best to be prepared with your own radio though.

For emergency communications I have a full compliment of ham radio gear.

Hams may want to check out this map: http://infowest.com/sites/s/suar/utahrepeaters/seutahrepeaters.html it details the coverage of SE Utah repeaters. I also have HF communications which can get out in any situation.

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Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)





[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 03-22-99).]

Good thoughts...I'll will be operating on CB Channel 4 and encourage everybody to have CB capability. It's very convenient on the trail. I will bring along four Motorola Spirit 2-way hand helds...we normally use these for spotter's to help individual drivers at obstacles.

Paul, OK magazine editors. I have contacted "Popular Beerguzzler" and for HIX, "Modern Bride". Actually, I have invited the editor of 4WD and SUV...we are late to try to schedule him though as these guys normally have to plan their outings months in advance. It's also not an easy place to fly into. The nearest airport is Cortez, CO with connecting puddlejumper flights through Denver...there is a back way from PHX through Farmington, NM...you'd get there faster in low-range!

Also, we can't really give the mags indications of a big turn-out yet either. I still count 6 rigs and we haven't heard from one or two in awhile. I need an accurate count (for the BLM) just before I leave for the run. The mags go to either the very big runs (Jambos) or the very hard (Sledgehammer). Small runs? I love 'em...at Easter in Moab it takes more than an hour just to get out of town!!!

In dealing with the editors, I still find myself having to convince them that Explorers are real 4x4s. Rick and I are submitting an article on our last winter's run to one mag (4WD&SUV) and hope that will break the ice. They claim to be quite liberal, but it's a Jeep mag!!! Also we are trying to get some dittys from some of the shops and dealers that advertise in the mags. Like a good 4x4, sponsorship has to be built. This run is impromptu and for fun and we are going to do and see some neat things. We probably need to do our own article...Rick and I will have professional capability for photos (Rick will also have great digi capability), I will be voice recording notes for an article and will have a hand-held with me to get some data in a computer so we can do this quick when we return. Bring your cameras too..you never know who has the best angle and just happens to have his trigger finger on the shutter release when I leap over Cathedral Arch (a highlight of Arch Canyon) without a running start.....(yeah, dream on)

[This message has been edited by j (edited 03-23-99).]

You lucky dogs! It sounds like the run is coming along in damn good fashion. I'll be on the cpu right after the weekend to see how it turns out. Be sure to check out Potato Salad Hill in Moab...it's only 2 min from town on the road to Lyons back. There is always a big crowd there to watch the trucks try the hill. If you hang out for an hour or two you are sure to see at least one rollover and numerous broken driveshafts.

Are you guys still planning a run in Aug.? It would give y'all some time to get a Mag editor. You should try to get in touch w/ the guys over at Petersens 4x4 and Off-road mag. W/ that much lead time I'm sure they would send some people out.

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HIX

Jack - As far as a "raising of hands" I am definitely a "Go" for the Arch Canyon Run. Once again, thanks for the limited slip info for ther Dana 35, but I've sucked it up and went ARB front and rear. Followed your advice on another topic and got the air line "erector" spring at each diff, protective fuel line hose at critical areas and even mounted the compressor switch in the window/lock panel of the door. Thanks again and see you all in a few weeks.

And by the way, since I am the Editor-in-Chief for "Popular Beerguzzler" magazine, I assume the Paul you refer to in your previous message was Paul Gagnon...

Paul, wise move on getting the ARBs. The road manners are much nicer and you are locked only when you want to be. I know it is much more expensive than a Lock-right or a limited slip, but worth it. I enjoy both my ARBs in the Explorer...my Jeep CJ-5 has two Lock-Rights...and a turning radius of 968' because of it (for low-range switchbacks, I have to disengage the front hubs and should really get the Currie dual-shifter...what a pain!!!).

One other thing on the ARB. Many people find that the ARB "new series" air pump will "cycle" as the pump itself leaks it's own air (actually I think it depressurizes itself on purpose). Many folks, including me, went on wild goose chases looking for leaks in our lines and axle entries and pump exits trying to find non-existant leaks. What we ended up doing after finding no leaks was to install a "kill switch" to turn off the pump when it was not needed to charge the lockers.

I put a toggle or "duckbill" switch, the waterproof variety, just for heavy duty in the door panel right near my ARB locker switches. It is now off unless I need it. I even ended up having my dealer put a new pump in just to try it...it was even worse. It cycled everytime you turned on the engine and about every hour while driving. We did the swithc to prevent premature wear on the pump.

The toggle switch worked and with the switches in the door ahead of the power window and lock switches, it is out of reach unless I want it and looks OEM.

You might go ahead with your install and see how your pump does. If it works like everybody else's, it WILL leak and begin to constantly cycle. I have a left-over waterproof switch that I can bring to the run for you if you want it. Just holler if you do.

See you in Blanding!!!

[This message has been edited by j (edited 03-29-99).]

Hand is still raised. Just finished the PA 3"(after 2 weeks) and custom hitch, This weekend is the front lockright. Hopefully it will go a bit better. The body lift opened up some holes for a pair of tow hooks bolted to the frame that look good. I will bring a pair of 40ch handhelds that I will be using with my crew chief and #1 son when we explore. I can lend them out if needed. Leaving PHX 4/16 way early and caffeen enriched..

ATTENTION ALL SPRING RUN FOLKS!!! I will be out of pocket for several days in CA and will probably not be back checking this site until about April 8th. I will periodically check e-mail from a handheld, so if you have any pressing questions, I can respond, but probably not too quickly. My e-mail is jlobdell@flash.net Rick (actually the co-leader of the run) has lots of info on the area and can probably help you if I can't answer right away.

Just talked to a couple of guys in my local club who did the nearby San Rafael Swell (UT). Third year in a row and they say they still haven't seen it all. Good weather and good trip. Let's hope the same for ours!!!

Jack - Thanks for the additional info on the ARB, and yes, bring your extra waterproof switch. We'll settle up costs once in Blanding...Although not planned on the itinerary, I think the Run will be a great forum for how-to's and lessons learned on our build-ups.

Packed the switch for you...no charge, I'm happy to get it out of "the drawer of electrical junk I'll never use someday..."

I understand that the latest batch of ARB new series pumps are being shipped with a pump kill switch, but these are only now reaching the shelves.

I should recieve my compressor today or tomorrow. Maybe it will have this switch.

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Paul Gagnon
www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253 (http://www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253)

MEETING PLACES IN BLANDING FOR THE RUN!!!

The evening of Friday the 16th of April, Rick and I will plan to be at the Old Tymer's Restaurant at 7p.m.

The next morning, the 17th will be the day of the Hotel Rock run. We will meet at the Prospector Inn at 9 a.m. and plan to leave shortly thereafter.

I flew right over the area on my way back from California and it got clobbered from the last snow storm. But the temps are in the 70's and there is wind so it should all melt off and dry up in just a few days. The long term weather looks good also.

Hope to see you there. Please confirm that you are coming. Trace has already confirmed. I will be calling BLM one more time at the beginning of next week.

[This message has been edited by j (edited 04-07-99).]

Well today the "God of Damn" just rammed a stick into my spokes. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/frown.gif I am trying hard to get all my wheels back on the ground in time for this run, but I keep hitting my head against the wall. Maybe it will feel better once I stop! http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/wink.gif I don't have much of a wallet left now, just a small piece of torn leather.

I just found out from the gear shop that the case for my front diff is cracked. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/frown.gif I hope to have the truck back tomorrow. I also still have to sort out my transmission.

I am planning on leaving early Wednesday morning and arriving Thursday afternoon. At the latest I would leave a day later and arrive on Friday.

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Paul Gagnon
www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253 (http://www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253)

hey paul e-mail me with the solution to your cracked diff situation. where is the crack? mine is cracked at the big square block where the large mounting bolt holds it to the traction beam. let me know the outcome. e-mail me at dodgerr@hotmail.com thanx for the help, ill be scrambling to finish my truck for the sept run in NC also so good luck.

That is where my crack is. They are going to try and weld it up, their welder said it looks do-able. I will let you know how it turns out.

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Paul Gagnon
www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253 (http://www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253)

Still confirmed and ready to go. Plan on heading out from Tacoma on the early morning of the 14th and should hit Blanding early afternoon of the 16th (plan on hitting a trail or two in Moab enroute). Have a final few projects for the Sport this week-end then I'll really be ready. Anyone southbound want to link up on the way let me know. See you in a week...

I'm interested in the August 14 run in Southern CA.

kvo.

Did I hear someone say they were from Alberta? Dang, if I had known about the April run a month ago, I'd be down there with ya. But, just found out today!

Anyway, will definately make some plans for the CA run in August!

-B

I count 5 of us who will be heading to Arch Canyon. 2 - Pauls, Jack, AZExplorer and myself.

I've been checking the weather and the day time highs have been in the mid-60's. It's those low temps in the 30's that will freeze you buns off. Well at least for those of us coming from AZ and NM http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/wink.gif

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Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)

Well that sounds just like the weather in Calgary. I may have to re-think this trip, I can have those temperatures(highs and lows) right here at home. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/wink.gif But seriously, I will probably have to leave Wednesday afternoon but should still make it there by Thursday.

Only 5? What happened to Trace and JR?

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Paul Gagnon
www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253 (http://www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253)

Rick, you better make that 6. Don't count me out just yet. I am definately going to be there.

Sorry that I left out Trace and JR. The last I heard they were only maybe's are you coming guys??

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Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)

kinda slow out there. Everyone still going to go play in the SNOW up there? A treat for a desert rat from Phx and 5yr old copilot/navagator. I have not been out in a while, any recomendations for a trail inventory? I may miss some obvious but what I have collected so far; tug strap (even without Chevys to help out), 10'chain, shovel, assorted tools/nuts/bolts, fire ext, bucket, CB,GPS programed with trail wypts, blankets, emerg food/water, camera, video cam,???

It looks like 7. I will tell BLM "about 8" vehicles tomorrow. With the Jeepers bringing 70 the following week, i'm sure we can squeeze in some more

There is wet weather passing through right now, but should reach the low 70s in the canyons by the time of the run and stay mostly clear.

Everybody drive safe and sound and let's go 'wheel some of the very best canyon country in the world!

The Explorer's good at river crossings but I don't think it'll manage the pacific. Have a great trip. Looks like a lovely place. Just an aussie explorer looking in.
Thanks for the great info in this bulletin board.
Paul Golby

If you've checked the weather in Blanding lately you know that it will be mid-high 70°s on Sat and Sun for the run. In the canyon country that ambient temp can mean over 80°s reflected in the canyons. I wouldn't rule out sticking some shorts and short sleeves in the clothes you pack. Actually hope for a little mid-day breeze.

Should we have a contest to see who has the pastiest untanned legs? Sure beats a modeling contest for the best rain gear!

Night temps will go down into the 30°s, so bring a warm jacket too.

[This message has been edited by j (edited 04-14-99).]

Heading out now from Tacoma (approx. 9:30 a.m. PST Wednesday). I'll see you at the Old Tymer's Restaurant on Friday at 7:00 p.m.

I'm at an unfair advantage in the "pasty-leg" competition - - We had 93 consecutive days of rain here in the Pacific Northwest! I'll have to make up for it while I spend a day at Moab enroute.
See you on Friday.

Well so much for leaving early today. I just got my truck back from the tranny shop at 3 o'clock this afternoon. I will be hitting the road in about an hour(6pm Mountain). I will probably only go as far as Shelby Montana tonight. That will make for an interesting and long day tomorrow. See ya there!

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Paul Gagnon
www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253 (http://www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253)

I'm probably late getting off too with a blown u-joint, but I'll get there tomorrow afternoon.

Back in PHX safe and sound. It was great to meet everyone this weekend, Trace, Paul G. Paul S. and Jack it's always great to go wheelin' with you.

We had 5 Explorers from 4 states and Canada. Paul Gagnon and Paul Sabin both drove over 1300 miles to make the trip.

Stay tuned!

Lots of photos coming soon!

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Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)

Rick- Good to hear you made it home safe, hope Jack, Joe, Paul S. and Paul G. do likewise. I just wanted to tell each of you thanks again for making this such a great run. Jack's insight to the culture and enviroment surrounding the Anasazi was an added bonus. Hope to see each one of you at later runs. I can hardly wait to relive the trip through photos. Already looking forward to October.

Drove straight through arriving Tacoma about 0230 this morning - - Ragged out but still pumped from a great weekend!! I kept awake by planning all the "New and Improved" modifications I'll be making (but told my wife it was just the thought of seeing her that kept me going)!
Think Paul G. did okay. Follwed him to Moab and the Ford guy said he just needed to slam it in Reverse while moving to get the 2nd gear to engage... I went to McDeath's for a McMuffin and by the time I got back to the Ford shop he was gone. Never saw him enroute so I think the "Bigger Hammer" technique of transmission repair was effective.
Gotta go - Need to call James Duff, Con-Fer, and the local steel shop...
Jack, Rick, guys - Thanks for the great weekend - Hope to see you on the next run.

I'm back too and buried in work and Joe is on his Goldwing flying for Austin (looking to buy a '94 Sport for a builder?).

Runs are best because of the participants... I enjoyed meeting Trace, Dave, Paul & Paul and getting to run with Rick yet again.

Hotel Rock was quite an ancient place and Arch Canyon, with its arches, creek, cliff dwellings, lion tracks, hiking, etc., absolutely ethereal. With only a small ding in Maj's rocker panel minimized by "trail trained physicists" and Paul's slightly banged diff housing, we all survived with a little new Utah pinstriping. A couple of the rigs (Trace and Paul's) proved that it's the driver not the lockers (OK, well almost every time) that's the most important. I think looking at each others rigs has got us hungry to see how much more we can deplete the family bank account!

I especially want to thank Rick for all his help pulling this one off and the use of his fantastic web site to do so, Joe for his great spotter skill's, Paul for showing us what real trannies can do with only one gear, Trace for defying gravity without any lockers or limited slips at all, Maj for teaching me how to make a thermonuclear warhead out of an empty plastic bottle of lemonade, Mary for the comfy rooms at a great price, the BLM's help getting this together and trust in us to leave it as we found it taking only pictures with us, and all the fine people in Blanding who fed us and showed us a great time. We'll be back...

Finally, these runs are more fun than humans should be allowed to have. Any of you who didn't get the chance to go on this one, we are already looking forward to August in Southern California and an October run in the mining ruins of Colorado Rockies when the aspen trees decide to light up the autumn sky. In short, let's do this again.

I drove straight through and arrived home at 4 am. Slept lots this morning. Actually I did pull over for a little nap somewhere in Idaho(popped a couple of wake-ups too). I thought that Paul S. had headed out so I drove fast to try and catch up, I was probably ahead of him! I gassed up in Tremonton, Utah, (590km on a tank of gas), Junction of I-15 and I-84 but did not see Paul there(around 2 o'clock). The run sure was a great time. We just had to be careful not to run over the endangered animal eating the endangered plant while dragging it across the endangered dirt. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/wink.gif I guess it is back to work tomorrow. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/frown.gif

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Paul Gagnon
www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253 (http://www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253)

How about the transmission Paul? Did you get second gear back?

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Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com (http://www.4x4central.com)

It sort of worked. The Ford dealer in Moab was able to unstick the governor a little bit by putting it in reverse for about 2 seconds while driving forward. It is a little scary to think about, but in an emergency you try it anyway. I could get into 2nd on a light throttle upshift in Drive but could not kick down into it at any speed. Manually it would not go into 2 either. It was enough to be able to get home without revving to the sky in 1st. The tranny is still under warranty from the shop that rebuilt it, so no worries as far as that goes.

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Paul Gagnon
www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253 (http://www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253)

Hey that Colorado run that J mentioned is one that I will be going on! http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif I can only come for a weekend but I will be there! If anyone would like some help on that I may be able to help some seeing how I live in Littleton, CO. (No I did not know anyone in the shootings thank goodness) Anyways any help for Colorado that I could do please let me know.



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Ryan Penner
1992 Explorer Sport

Thanks, Ryan. I will be looking into scheduling a run in CO for "colors" so probably the first or second weekend in October.

I will be running some trails in Salida/Buena vista are in late June with a Jeep club. Probably Tin Cup and Hancock Passes, depending on snow load. Think these would be nice since St. Elmo and Tincup are pretty well-preserved mining towns and would be great for most folks, plus the area has more 14ners than any other place in CO, the hot springs, and good inexpensive facilities. Salida or BV may be a bit easier for folks to get to than Silverton. I also like the Creede/Lake City trails but quite an extra drive and am thinking about Scofield Pass, but access through Crusty Butts makes it also bit of a drive for others and the Vail side is a bit pricey. At Crusty Butts we could do both Scofield and the loop around back to Crusty, then add Ruby Mountain which is great and ends with an incredible hike to a cirque lake above treeline. In my free time, which isn't much for a few days, I'll be review my CO maps and all those Pass books.

Rick...maybe it's time to start a CO run section and put this message on it also? I'll start getting dates and places together right away.

Here is an interesting little tidbit. According to Jeep Jamboree USA jeepjamboreeusa.com/ac.htm (http://jeepjamboreeusa.com/ac.htm) , the Hotel Rock trail is rated at 8-9 on a scale of 10. And that is for Jeeps! This is actually the hardest rated of all the Jeep Jamboree USA sheduled runs other than the Rubicon Trail. I think we were wise to turn around when we did. The Jeep Jamboree trail rating does not go into great detail, but according to a book I have, a trail rating of 8 is:

"Very dangerous and difficult. The odds are against completing a trip like this, and wise four wheelers will know when to call it a day. This is no place for a novice, and the team should be relatively small since the going will be slow. Most truck will suffer some damage, and sometimes the sort of damage that requires a mechanic. Carry tools,parts, survival gear. Don't expect to be at work on Monday morning"
This is from The Four Wheeler's Companion, The Off-Road Guide to Southwestern B.C. by Mark Bostwick.

Based on the broken parts we found and the trail that we saw I would tend to agree with this description. Especially with Explorers.

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Paul Gagnon
www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253 (http://www.geocities.com/baja/canyon/8253)


[This message has been edited by Paul Gagnon (edited 05-09-99).]

[This message has been edited by Paul Gagnon (edited 05-09-99).]