Hackberry to Hell Run 2006!

[desertdawg]

My intentions for this trip was to wheel with a few friends and to show 8upXJ a relatively moderate trail for his first run with the club. BamBam had already planned a run to Hackberry with a few of his friends so we decided to join him.

We met at the usual spot in Superior and what was supposed to be wheeling with a few friends turned out to be a massive group of Jeeps and Tacos. BamBam took the lead as I took the tailgunner slot and we were off to the trail. It was quite a impressive sight as we all convoyed to Oak Flats. Sorry I didn't get a picture of that, I was too busy driving.

As we turned into oak Flats another mass of Jeeps were gathering from another group. Don't know who they were but for a minute I thought "My god BamBam's a popular guy."

We aired down and hit the trail looking for trouble, which we soon found.

Kyle wanted to tackle the rock face obstacle where the old Chevy sits as sort of a monument at the top. Kyle had tried this same obstacle several weeks ago and pretty much ripped his rear axle off his Jeep while doing so. Kyle likes to keep 4Wheelers Supply in business so he tried it again. Several attempts were made before he finally gave up. Even his suck down winch didn't help him up this very steep rock face. This picture does no justice.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7052&d=1156823866

TBob made several attempts but failed. He probably would have made it if he was locked up front.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7053&d=1156823866
DesertRat gave it a try in his Rubicon but also failed.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7054&d=1156823866
Then Ben gave it a try and he failed.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7055&d=1156823866
The only one who made it was TBob's buddy from the TTora group. What a show off!
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7056&d=1156823866
After playing around on old Chevy Hill we proceeded to DesertRat's favorite waterfall that he has yet to conquer. The obstacle was under water so it was going to have to wait for another time.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7057&d=1156823866
We crossed the cattle pond and on up to boulder garden hill.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7058&d=1156823866
It looked like the 101 during rush hour. Friggin Jeeps everywhere!
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7059&d=1156823866
We took a short break in the Green Valley where I got a little flex time.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7060&d=1156823866
This here is the portal to hackberry hell. Stay tuned for more.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7061&d=1156823866

[desertdawg]

As we were working our way through the creek BamBam decided to take the extreme route and got hung up on this rock. In the process of trying to get out of this bind he broke his front axle shaft and bent his tierod.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7062&stc=1&d=1156827396
He finally had to winch himself out and limped his way up the creek in two wheel drive.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7063&stc=1&d=1156827396

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7064&stc=1&d=1156827396
As we were following BamBam and his wounded Sahara up the creek my buddy Zeliman took a more difficult line up this ledge and his front locker seemed to not want to engage. (A common problem I have seen on several Rubicons). If you know Zeliman like I do you know that if he can't get up an obstacle there is no way he's going to back down knowing that I'm watching him. So what does he do? Yep! He puts the pedal to the metal and PoP! goes the axle!

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7065&stc=1&d=1156827396
Luckily it was the outer yoke that broke so he still had 3 wheel drive.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7066&stc=1&d=1156827396
After we all made it up to the top of creek, Rich and his buddy who had gone the opposite direction along the Powerline to exit the trail through FR315, radioed in to report an XJ from the other group had blown a driveshaft on Mcguyver hill and had torn the heck out of his tranny pan and was blocking the trail. At the same time ben reported that his track bar mount had busted.

BamBam and his gang decided to head home via FR315 and Zeliman followed.

Ben was in good company and it looked like everything was good for him and the others to limp him off the trail so me Dan and the tacos decided to head over to McGuyver hill to see what was up over there. By the time we got to the hill the broke XJ either vaporized or the group dragged it off the trail like an army of ants. So we decided to give the obstacle a try while we were there.

First TBob tried and just couldn't get enough traction to make it up. he crushed his tail light and received some minor sheet metal damage in the process.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7067&stc=1&d=1156827396
Anybody who knows this obstacle will tell you it can change drastically. One day it's a piece of cake the other it's down right scary. The hill is composed of a soft crumbly granite that makes it very slick. There is not much room for error and if you screw up your gonna flop into the V notch below on the driver's side. The rains washed it out pretty good and TBob's rig was just not cutting it so he finally opted for the winch and pulled himself up.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7068&stc=1&d=1156827396
One option is to stradle the solid rock out cropping to the right if you have at least 37" tires. I've tried it that way with my 35" tires and just can't get up and over it. TBob's buddy with his 39" tires went right up that rock
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7069&stc=1&d=1156827396
Dan attempted it and also opted for the winch
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7070&stc=1&d=1156827396
And so did I. Here's TBob pulling out my winch line as I'm in the fighter pilot position.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7071&stc=1&d=1156827396

[BamBam]

Hey DesertDawg, I guess word spreads fast when a few of us go wheeling :D I think people show up to see what we are going to break next. :eek:

I busted my right front stub axle and of course it wasted my hub. I also bent my currie HD tie rod. It all sounds bad but the axle is under warranty (alloy USA) and the hub was only $86. Mike at 4-Wheelers was able to bend the tie rod back into shape, it looks good as new. Simon also took care of me on the parts I needed with the friendly AZVJC discount. Thanks again 4-Wheelers. I will have the Jeep back on the road this weekend and ready for more challenges.

It sure was a strange site to see that many rigs on that trail that day. It made for some real excitement and of course carnage. A big thanks to Mike, Joe, Pete and Rob for escorting me off the trail, I only had two wheel drive but was able to get out with out any problems.

We will regroup and hit Willow springs in a couple of weeks and keep the group a little smaller. You can test your new suspension on that trail. So what did you friend think of the day?

DCMP

[desertdawg]

Here's another view while I was waiting for the winch.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7073&stc=1&d=1156831496
After we all made it up the hill I picked up some CB chatter and was suprised to hear that Ben was still on the trail. We all thought he would have been long gone by now so we headed back to where Ben was waiting on Rich who had gone to Globe to pick up some welding sticks.

I strapped him up and we attached the winch to his axle while we were waiting and decided to see if it would hold so we proceed up the hill on FR315. It seemed like it was holding pretty good so we waited for Rich and his buddy who we could now hear on the CB telling us they were almost back to our spot on the trail. After they arrived, we decided to proceed with what we had rigged up on Ben's XJ and limped down the hill towards 177. The straps were not strong enough and they kept breaking about every 500 feet. So we decided to try out the two batteries and a welding stick method. Here's Rich sporting the newest look in welding goggles.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7074&stc=1&d=1156831496
Rich doing his magic! No gurrantee on his work.:)
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7075&stc=1&d=1156831496
It looked like it was going to work but it broke. And well you know the rest of the story. We had to leave the Jeep on the trail and Ben returned later the next day with a welder and drove it home. What a day!
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7076&stc=1&d=1156831496

[desertdawg]

Hey DesertDawg, I guess word spreads fast when a few of us go wheeling :D I think people show up to see what we are going to break next. :eek:

I busted my right front stub axle and of course it wasted my hub. I also bent my currie HD tie rod. It all sounds bad but the axle is under warranty (alloy USA) and the hub was only $86. Mike at 4-Wheelers was able to bend the tie rod back into shape, it looks good as new. Simon also took care of me on the parts I needed with the friendly AZVJC discount. Thanks again 4-Wheelers. I will have the Jeep back on the road this weekend and ready for more challenges.

It sure was a strange site to see that many rigs on that trail that day. It made for some real excitement and of course carnage. A big thanks to Mike, Joe, Pete and Rob for escorting me off the trail, I only had two wheel drive but was able to get out with out any problems.

We will regroup and hit Willow springs in a couple of weeks and keep the group a little smaller. You can test your new suspension on that trail. So what did you friend think of the day?

DCMP

Glad to hear it wasn't too expensive to fix. I definitely want to run Willow next time. But it won't be until three weeks from now.

If your talking about 8upXJ he didn't make the run. If your talking about Brian (Zeliman), He was more concerned that his wife was going to kick his arse when he got home.:D He's probably going to stick to mall cruising for now on.:)

[8upXJ]

awesome write up Mike ! I will definantly have to make the next one ! Whats on the agenda for this weekend ?

[LOWTECH]

Dang I miss all the FUN

[TBob]

Is this JJ? hey I forgot to get my CB from ya.

awesome write up Mike ! I will definantly have to make the next one ! Whats on the agenda for this weekend ?

[4 Wheelers Supply]

I think I need to open a shop up there. (HACKBERRY OFF ROAD) what do you think.:rolleyes: As usual good write up Mike.:)

[etropic]

when you get your CB from JJ tell him he still has my FRS too :P

[Symon623]

Looks like a fun run, thanks for sharing. Where is that trail?

[RokNRich]

Great pic's and write up, thanks for sharing.

[Antman]

I thought TBob ran out of "minor sheetmetal" a long time ago! :eek:


:D :D

[westy]

Looks like a fun run, thanks for sharing. Where is that trail?

East of Superior - Oak Flats

[8upXJ]

Is this JJ? hey I forgot to get my CB from ya.

No man my name is brandon I didn't make out to this run I drive a blue XJ .

[Oc1paddler]

That was a great write up! I always forget that most of the guys in the AZVJ don't know what and older jeep looks like! LOL . The jeep at the bottom of Mcguyver was a 72 Commando on 37". I almost made it but the front end bounced and my driveshaft pulled apart smacking the tranny pan pretty hard.
I was able to stick a bucket underneath and catch the majority of the fluid. We removed the pan beat it straight reinstalled it put the shaft back together and I drove it out with no problems. My new long travel shaft will be finished by this afternoon and I should be ready for another attempt. Thanks for posting the picture and the names of some of the obstacles. That was my first trip in that area and didn't know what the stuff was called.

[TBob]

Pics??

That was a great write up! I always forget that most of the guys in the AZVJ don't know what and older jeep looks like! LOL . The jeep at the bottom of Mcguyver was a 72 Commando on 37". I almost made it but the front end bounced and my driveshaft pulled apart smacking the tranny pan pretty hard.
I was able to stick a bucket underneath and catch the majority of the fluid. We removed the pan beat it straight reinstalled it put the shaft back together and I drove it out with no problems. My new long travel shaft will be finished by this afternoon and I should be ready for another attempt. Thanks for posting the picture and the names of some of the obstacles. That was my first trip in that area and didn't know what the stuff was called.

[Oc1paddler]

I was busy wrenching so I didn't take any. I think my friends got some good ones, but Iam still waiting on them.

[vwkaferman]

Great pics, and great post! Sounded like a LOT of carnage, sheesh! Glad everyone made it out safe.

James

[TBob]

I know why out welding didn't work
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/on-boardwelder/
Battery Welding: here are some brief instructions on welding with batteries. First of all, you need at least two car batteries, but three is better. The reason for this is that you need about 36 volts to get a decent arc from the weld rod. You must wire the batteries in a series fashion. You can use a few sets of jumper cables to do so. The batteries must be as far away from the welding as possible! Also cover them with a blanket or tarp incase of an explosion.

Three batteries: From the first battery, attach a cable from positive to negative of the second battery. Then from the second battery, connect a cable from the positive to the negative of the third battery. Now, your welding rod cable will go from your positive side on your third battery, and the ground cable will come off the negative side of the first battery. Your ready to weld now! Be real careful!!!!!!

This will produce 36 volts and about 250 amps. .

[azcharlie]

Sounds like I missed another great trail run.:( :(

[T.C.'S TOY]

Great report Mike, will try to make the next one,Thom (T.C.'S TOY):)

[BamBam]

hey TBOB, send me a PM with your phone number and I will forward it to JJ for you so you can get your CB back. As for you ETROPIC you drank beers with him all night Sunday and forgot to ask him for your radio again.

Russell

[etropic]

something tells me it's under 4 feet of sand in the first cove :(

[TBob]

??

something tells me it's under 4 feet of sand in the first cove :(

[etropic]

??

my frs I mean...

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=15752

[Zeliman]

I just got my Rubicon back from the shop. MOORE Chrysler Jeep showed me why they are a Five Star Dealership. They replaced my (Dana 44) left front Axle shaft, U-Joint, Knuckle, Hub and bearings and three of the bolts that hold the front wheel on. They also replaced my lockers. All of this at no cost to me. They covered it all under my warranty.

Thank you MOORE Jeep for standing behind your warranty.

Zeliman

[1toughxj]

Good news.

[desertdawg]

I just got my Rubicon back from the shop. MOORE Chrysler Jeep showed me why they are a Five Star Dealership. They replaced my (Dana 44) left front Axle shaft, U-Joint, Knuckle, Hub and bearings and three of the bolts that hold the front wheel on. They also replaced my lockers. All of this at no cost to me. They covered it all under my warranty.

Thank you MOORE Jeep for standing behind your warranty.

Zeliman

Good Deal Brian! I'm glad they took care of you.:)

[DesertRat]

I just got my Rubicon back from the shop. MOORE Chrysler Jeep showed me why they are a Five Star Dealership. They replaced my (Dana 44) left front Axle shaft, U-Joint, Knuckle, Hub and bearings and three of the bolts that hold the front wheel on. They also replaced my lockers. All of this at no cost to me. They covered it all under my warranty.

Thank you MOORE Jeep for standing behind your warranty.

Zeliman

Good to hear. :D