Moab 2006 Chat Thread

[Perry]

Can we bring along the Sami so TDavis won't feel so bad being the only "NON EXPLORER" ??????????
I'm not signing up just yet because PWSX4 will be still in school and since he started highschool it's costing us $640.00 a month to send him to private school so we will see what kind of money I can save up between now and then.

 

[tdavis]

Hey Perry, thanks for the support. The zuk has a fine tradition of breaking big time on these runs, so we will see.

I've got big plans for it the next few months which totally changes the zuk. It will be interesting to see how it comes out.

I'm signed up, but I haven't registered for any camp site yet. I will probably be doing Canyon Lands again.

 

[jrgaylor]

Moab is ROCK. Don't even think of wheeling out there without skidplates - make real sure that you put some on yours before the trip.

Will the factory skid plate on the fuel tank be enough? and what about the factory transfer case skid plate?

I will be building a skid plate for the oil pan/transmission.

 

[Perry]

Hey Perry, thanks for the support. The zuk has a fine tradition of breaking big time on these runs, so we will see.

I've got big plans for it the next few months which totally changes the zuk. It will be interesting to see how it comes out.

Yes, I saw another thread about your new powerplant you bought. I assume that is one of the "big" plans you have going with the Zuk...
I took Patrick out last night for his first time wheeling in his and it diffently needs lower gears. He scared himself trying to get up one area because you have to go to fast.

 

[Albino 94LTD]

Moab is ROCK. Don't even think of wheeling out there without skidplates - make real sure that you put some on yours before the trip.

Will the factory skid plate on the fuel tank be enough? and what about the factory transfer case skid plate?

I will be building a skid plate for the oil pan/transmission.

Yeah, I'd like to know the answer to this too, so I know if Joe has to make mine at the same time

 

[Climbnkd2]

I just made reservations at Canyonlands. I noticed that they do have cabins available with A/C for those of you who are concerned with creature comforts. It also said that they will sleep up to six people and they only cost $35/night. Sounds cheaper than a hotel to me. Only 234 days to go.

 

[410Fortune]

the cabins at Canyonlands RULE. They have bunk beds and a screened porch as well as lights, electricity and a small AC unit.
Canyonlands said they plan to add more and more of them.

 

[nissanboy]

Just curious but if we were to fly in which airport would we need ot get to?

 

[Rick]

To meet me in Moab my wife flew into Grand Junction, Colorado and then it was at least a couple hours drive from there.

 

[tdavis]

You can also fly into Salt Lake City, and take a commuter flight into Moab..

 

[Brother_of_Jefe]

Night run in 06?

Jefe and I did a night run all the way up and down TOTW ("Top of the World") in 2004. It was a blast, and rather freaky to look over the edge and not see anything.

 

[410Fortune]

and not get lost, hahaha.
TOTW at night I would love!

 

[mrboyle]

Will the factory skid plate on the fuel tank be enough? and what about the factory transfer case skid plate?

I will be building a skid plate for the oil pan/transmission.

The factory gas tank skid plate should be fine (as long as you don't try to hit things with it). Mine has held up to several Moab trips with only one noticable dent in it. The stock t-case skid plate is a joke! I destroyed my first one.

And the current one, which I reinforced, not only gave in and bent, it bent the channel of the frame also (sorry no pics).

I plan on making a entirely new skid plate this winter.

 

[GJarrett]

I've survived so far with just the factory skidplates and Mike is right. The fuel tank plate is fine - it will bend some, but it prevents the tank from getting punctured and that's what is important. I finally had to replace my gas tank because it had been bent in and held a couple of gallons less than it used to, lol, but it still was good because the skidplate protected it. I still have the original tcase skidplate but I've banged it back into almost-the-right shape so many times it won't line up correctly and I need to do like Mike is saying and just build my own. Keep in mind though that I've put a LOT of fourwheeling over those skidplates. Your factory ones will be fine for this one run.

 

[GJarrett]

The zuk has a fine tradition of breaking big time on these runs, so we will see.... I've got big plans for it the next few months which totally changes the zuk.

I hope those plans involve mods to improve reliability

 

[Brian1]

and not get lost, hahaha.
TOTW at night I would love!

Im in! A few years ago a couple people did baby lions back at night, that was interesting.

New t-case skidplate, sounds like a good idea. I have always thought about making one after I made the one on my Jeep. I may have to fab one up before Moab.

 

[tdavis]

I hope those plans involve mods to improve reliability

You do the math..

 

[410Fortune]

OH baby. Just give yourself a month or two of running it around with the new digs before the trip. Lord knows each time I start messing with EFI and engine conversions, it takes at least 3 weeks of constant tinkering to get the bugs to go away

What is that engine out of? what year? Tracker? and can I come over?

 

[tdavis]

It's a 2liter from a 2001 Vitara. 125hp+, at least the same torque, only 51k miles on it. Multi-point FI, DIS ignition, factory tube header; it's a screamer! I'm still debating on getting it to pass emssions or to give up and make it off-road only.

Come over to help? Sure. Almost anyone who shows up at my door to help is welcome.

 

[410Fortune]

01 Vitara = OBD-II?
Potential PATS or similar security inside the factory PCM.

this could get tricky! Do you Zuk guys already have this swap figured out?