Man, it was a great time seeing everybody and checking out all the rigs in Moab this year! I ended up doing way more than I expected and had an absolute blast while doing it!!! The best part was definitely the people, it is impossible to replace the great personalities and great times to be had with friends
The trails were out of this world as well!
I'll admit though, after charging through Kane Creek and seeing some of the other rigs (Dr. Jack's ride height & 5spdmans' lights) I think I have found some weaknesses in Captain America that could use some upgrades. I'm going to start a bucket list of things that I would like to get done for Moab 2016 (20th EF Anniversary celebration!).
First off, Dr. Jack is owned by reapereviltwin aka Mike, and is one of the best guys you could ever hope to meet. He wheels the hell out of his Explorer and has put it through the paces. What it will be capable of after Bandit Customs is done with it? Probably a whole heck of a lot more!! For Captain America's sake, his chassis ride height is one that I am very jealous of...
Happily clearing 33's and looking tougher than Mad Max himself Dr. Jack has a good ride height. Whether I can achieve a similar height or not will be something I'll be mulling over in the months to come.
Next, I noticed I have a terrible lack of functioning lighting on Captain America. It would appear that I have 4 off-road lights, but the reality is that only 3 work - the wiring is a lousy mess - and they are about as bright as an additional stock headlight (which as we know Explorers leave quite a bit to be desired when it comes to headlights...). This brings me to 5spdman's setup!
He has built an impressive lighted bumper using a combination of light bar/light blocks which I'm sure do wonders in the dark. After going down Cliff Hanger in the dark with Adamsbro I'm absolutely sure the investment in off-road lighting will be well worth it.
Another lingering problem is the lack of a tow rig... As seen on the Moab 2015 thread
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=417398 we are definitely to the 'tipping point' of always being on all 4's. In the event I push Captain America over this envelope I would like to be able to get him home. I have a plan laid out, but plenty of work ahead of me. This plan involves a '67 Galaxie Fast Back and a .060 bored over 390 Big Block. Here is what the pair look like as of now...
As you can see lots of work, but lots of potential. As of now it is raining like mad outside and funds are a bit low after touring Moab for a week, but I plan on tackling one at a time till Moab 2016!
For now, here is the list (I'm sure I'll add more as the summer goes along):
-Tow Rig
-More Lift
-Lights
...and one more picture of the Bull Horns