Explorer over the Rubicon
Day one July 18th
We meet at the Icehouse and introduce ourselves to the others on the run. The
planned group of 20 plus people and 10 or more vehicles has come down to 8 people
and only 5 vehicles ( 3 early broncos, 1 jeep and my '92 4dr. Explorer). Lots of last
minute cancellations, some just stay in camp.
Airing down at Loon Lake, there is lots of talk " Hey this is going to be a hard trail,
especially for that Explorer". We line up with a "strong bronco" in front of the
"weaker" jeep and Explorer and a bronco as tail gunner. The trip to Spider Lake, the
first camp site is a good test for all. The jeep hits some rocks hard enough to break
both front spring hangers. Everyone else makes it to the lake with just a few little
scratches.
All vehicles except two of the broncos bypass the Little Sluice. However, both the
broncos have to turn out early and go up the slab rock because they could not make it
through the Little Sluice.
Camp is set up at Spider Lake and there is just enough daylight to weld the jeep's
spring hangers and cook dinner. (steak, shrimp, green salad, potatoes and
strawberries)
Day two July 19th
After breakfast, it's time to load up and hit the trail, 9:00A.M. This is where we go
wrong. After leaving Spider Lake we make a left turn (should have gone right) and
start down the trail (we found out later it is called Lost Trail--- you go down it and you
are lost). This trail proves to be the undoing for one of the, STRONGER, broncos as
he breaks big time (steering box, trans linkage, rear output shaft and finally his front
drive shaft). So, the "WEAKER", Explorer has to strap the bronco to a place where it
can be left, and the other broncos head back out through Loon Lake to get parts in
Stockton.
This leaves the Explorer and the Jeep on their own. Sooo, off we go down the Big
Sluice to Buck Island Lake. This takes us about 4 hours as we missed the bypass for
the Big Sluice. This is where my Explorer gets most of its Off Road Badges.
At Buck Island Lake we find that the jeep is leaking oil from the oil pan, but only
when cold. We park so it doesn't lose all its oil and make dinner (just some fruit and
Kool Aid).
SLEEP--- what a long day.
Day three July 20th
We wake up a 6:00 A.M. eat a little fruit and some crackers, break camp and hit the
trail by 7:00. The run into Rubicon Springs is uneventful as both Explorer and jeep are
doing very well. At Rubicon Springs we are able to pick up some oil (just in case it's
needed for the jeep), then on to Cadillac Hill.
Once on Cadillac Hill we run into an international group of jeepers sponsored by Jeep.
They have 22 jeeps (all stock) in their group so we have to wait a bit to get to the top.
While talking to the tail gunner of this group we find that we did miss the bypass to
the Big Sluice and followed one of the hardest parts of the trail, the stock jeeps take
the bypass. After the hill, we meet a back packer. I ask," how's it going", he says not
to well and can he have a ride. "Sure thing get in" it's a nice drive to Tahoe.
This run was a real test for my Explorer, and I am able to say that it proved to be a
very strong and capable vehicle. Also the many comments and finger pointing from
other wheelers on the trail were very rewarding, " Hey, is that an Explorer?", "All
right an Explorer on the Rubicon!", "An Explorer, that's the first one I've seen here!"
Explorer specs:
The Explorer has a 4" Super Lift, rebuilt auto trans with all strengthening upgrades,
4.56 gears, Auburn rear, Lock Rite front, manual hubs, 33 by 12/15 BFG ko tires,
custom 2"x4" bash bars under the doors, front sway bar disconnects, front tow hooks
and shackle in the rear hitch.
jerry (thunderhorse)
