Any other Sport Tracs going to Moab?

[becker69]

Just wondered if I had missed anyone who may have signed up for Moab. Are any other ST's going? I hope to not be the only one there this year (again .

Note: John J. couldn't make it up from Texas last year

 

[John_Rock]

And I don't think I will be making it this year either. I just don't have the money resources that I used to. The truck needs lots of work right now besides the cost of a trip like that. Maybe I could throw my lockers in TxPlates ST and drag his ass up there in his truck.

 

[becker69]

Dang!! They're like twins! Sorry I won't get to wheel with you... it's been awhile. Although, my truck is definately not wild like yours or the other one pictured... I've really only added sliders. Still only the L/S in the rear... I need to see if Aussie makes one for the L/S carrier. I hope you are doing well though John.

I had to put the disclaimer note on my original post because I know someone would think "What do you mean?!! I know Johnstone's wheeled all over the place including Moab!"

I was just hoping someone else would step-up and I wouldn't be the only LWB (long-wheel-base) odd man out.

 

[chad551]

It sounds like alot of fun. I went wheeling for the first time last weekend and had a blast. I finally have my ST modded out pretty good I think. It sounds like I need to get a locker for the rear end? Not sure what this does though. My ST has 4.10 gears.

What are the dates for this event and when is everyone leaving? Will this be a caravan for guys coming from the east?

 

[John_Rock]

It sounds like I need to get a locker for the rear end? Not sure what this does though.

Powertrax demo videos....
http://www.richmondgear.com/02powertrax.html

 

[John_Rock]

What are the dates for this event and when is everyone leaving? Will this be a caravan for guys coming from the east?

Moab 2007 Chat Thread
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=170859

 

[chad551]

So am I better off putting a powertrax in the rear first? My ST has the 4.10 LS option. This vehicle is also my DD.

 

[John_Rock]

So am I better off putting a powertrax in the rear first? My ST has the 4.10 LS option. This vehicle is also my DD.

With the LS rear you have to buy the PowerTrax No Slip. The PowerTrax LockRight is only for Open differentials. And yes, it's best to put one in the rear first.

Things break more easily if you put one in the front. I know, I know. I've bent a tierod and broken countless CV axles. I think Dixon Bros. have an upgrade to our tierods.

 

[becker69]

So am I better off putting a powertrax in the rear first? My ST has the 4.10 LS option. This vehicle is also my DD.

Yeah I was with John went he had some tie-rod pretzels in the front... I would put one in the rear end if you're really thinking of an upgrade. Depending on the miles you have on your truck and/or if your L/S still engages or not; you may want to wheel a bit more before going to a full time locker.

If $ is not an (primary) issue you can choose a selectable locker like Eaton, ARB or another.... I'm waiting to hear back from Aussie to see if they have one (or are going to anytime soon) for the L/S rear as this is what I have as well. Seriously give Moab a look (I'm not sure if the sign-up is closed... but someone has probably backed out and Rick might be able to work with ya) .

 

[John_Rock]

Becker standing to the left of my wife.

My bent tierod

 

[Hartman]

Yep, that's bent alright.

 

[becker69]

Ah, your pics from New Mexico!! That was my awakening to some of the crazy stuff you do.

FYI: I heard back from Aussie earlier and they only make one for the 'open carrier' so I'll have to research my terminology and make more decisions. It looks like I might have to go with the Powertrax No-slip after all (not a bad choice by any means).

 

[chad551]

I just do not want my tires schreeching everytime I make a turn though.

 

[JohnnyO]

With the LS rear you have to buy the PowerTrax No Slip. The PowerTrax LockRight is only for Open differentials. And yes, it's best to put one in the rear first.

Things break more easily if you put one in the front. I know, I know. I've bent a tierod and broken countless CV axles. I think Dixon Bros. have an upgrade to our tierods.

For Moab I'd definitely get a front locker too unless you have a winch. AFAIK the only front locker for us is a Powertrax No-Slip. I heard they quit making that model but some places may still have them in stock.
Dixon Bros has stronger CV axles too but I think they are longer than stock and you have to use their longer control arms, which leads to their whole coil-over suspension package which leads to fiberglass fenders which leads to.....
What the hell, mods are an addiction.

 

[John_Rock]

I have the Powertrax LockRight in my front axle.

If you put a locker in the front axle, be prepared to be replacing CV axles. Especially if you go to Moab. Traction is very good in Moab and having a front locker will cause a lot of binding in the front end and make turning difficult.

I have replaced numerous CV axles since I put my front locker in. I have even broken the little pins inside the Powertrax LockRight twice now. So, if you want a front lunchbox locker you better be mechanically inclined.

Ideally you want a selectable locker in the front differential. But to my knowledge there is no such thing.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone from putting in a front locker in the IFS setup, but I'm letting you know my experience with it.

And I wouldn't go to Moab without having 2 sets of spare CV axles and probably one spare front wheel bearing hub assembly.

CV axles from a dealership will cost you over $200. And I wouldn't buy aftermarket CV axles. Jefe and I have both tried an aftermarket CV axles that were like $125 new, but we both experienced really bad axle shaft breaks with those. My best solution has been to get CV axles out of junkyards or I have a CV axle repair place here in Houston where I can buy rebuilt Ford ones for $65.

 

[chad551]

I signed up for Moab. I dont want to install a front locker in my ST. I will get a locker for the rear only. I dont plan on doing anything real extreme in my ST as I will be driving it from St.Louis to Moab and back. But from what I have read I will be able to handle most trails, and still have a good time.

 

[becker69]

You'll have a blast... and the extra 6-7+" of clearance you have should make most things you'd want to do pretty easy.

I'm going on 6 years of wheelin' my ST and with yours way more outfitted than mine you should have it easy.

You'll have to watch the trail lists when they are put up and do Top of the World to complete the Moab right of passage for newbies (I finally got to do it last year and it was worth it).

 

[John_Rock]

Some of my Moab pics from 2002...

Some of these pics are more dramatic than they would be today, because back at Moab 2002 I didn't have lockers yet.

Top of the World

Wipeout Hill on the 7 Mile Rim Trail

Gemini Bridges

Top of the World trail

Top of the World

Gemini Bridges

Dump Bump area

Fins and Things - Me trying to run down Ray Lobato. Sorry Ray.

Canyon Lands National Park - Elephant Hill

 

[Jefe]

I really don't think its necessary to have a locker for Moab, at least for your first time out. You can do plenty of great trails w/o it.
And I'll highly suggest that you not bother with a front locker in the IFS, unless you like dumping money into replacing stock parts.
And as for the Dixon Bros. tie-rod upgrade. CG (FAT CAT now?) has broken 2 of them. I had to go rescue him on Golden Spike last year because of one. Sounds like a great 'upgrade'.

 

[chad551]

Thanks for the input Jefe. I dont plan on putting in a locker for the front. Was only considering the rear only. But I have not found them for under $475.00, so I may wait.

After reading the required items to bring in your truck, I already have a pretty big shopping list. Plus the only hotel rooms I have found are 120.00 a night.

I am/was planning on being there Thursday night, and maybe doing some trails on Friday if others are there. And hopefully meeting others from this site for the 1st time since I am a newbie here.