Willow Springs 9-23-06

[desertdawg]

Me, Dan Sherman, and Mike (DesertRat) hit Willow Springs today. I've been really wanting to put my new Rubicon Express LA suspension to the test and finally had the chance today.

I was a little worried about how low the T case skid hung down on the 4.5" LA, but I never got hung up on the rocks. It pretty much glided over them with ease.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7411&d=1159059562

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7412&stc=1&d=1159059883
Mike also put his new Nth degree skids to the test. He never got hung up on the rocks like he used to. Great investment!
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7413&stc=1&d=1159059883
I was especially amazed by the articulation of the new suspension. It handled the rocks very well.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7414&stc=1&d=1159059883
I came very close to body damage today. The TBT corner panels and my Shrockworks Rock sliders did their job.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7415&stc=1&d=1159059883
Mike had a new sense of confidence with his new shids. Here's a boulder he would have never been able to negotiate with the stock skid.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7416&stc=1&d=1159059883
Here goes another suspension test.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7417&stc=1&d=1159059883
As you can see I've put the T-case skid plate to use. Those lower control arm skids that 4Wheeler's put on also was a great investment as you can see.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7418&stc=1&d=1159059883

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7419&stc=1&d=1159059883

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7420&stc=1&d=1159059883

Stay tuned for more!!!!!!

[desertdawg]

It performed well on the V-notch
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7421&stc=1&d=1159061351
Mike's long wheel base Unlimited made it look easy.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7422&stc=1&d=1159061351
dan coming down off the notch
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7423&stc=1&d=1159061351
This is the same obstacle I almost layed it on it's side in July when I had the Short Arm.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7424&stc=1&d=1159061351
I tried to duplicate what I had done in July and couldn't. Look at the difference.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7425&stc=1&d=1159061351
Here I am in July on the same obstacle.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7426&stc=1&d=1159061351
Dropping down into the wash.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7427&stc=1&d=1159061351
Here's Dan doing his favorite pose.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7428&stc=1&d=1159061351
Okay, now with my new found confidence I found myself getting into more crap. My wife was very calm here. All it takes is a few beers and she's good to go!
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7429&stc=1&d=1159061351
My sliders saved the day here. If I were to continue through, I would have received some definite body damage. I don't like that! Here's Mike doing some great bumper humping as I attempt to back out.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7430&stc=1&d=1159061351

More to come!

[desertdawg]

Here's a view from the other side.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7431&stc=1&d=1159062308
Okay, I gave in and requested the winch to get me out since I would have received damage either way. Here's Dan enjoying the moment.:)
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7432&stc=1&d=1159062308
Here's Mike with his new found confidence negotiating up a notch. Last time it was winch city for him. Not Now!
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7433&stc=1&d=1159062308

I had a great day! The suspension performed very well and it was money well spent.:)

Thank's Dan and Mike for tagging along! See ya next time!:)

[k7mto]

Great shots, Mike. Mike sure picked an odd line coming back up that notch :)

I can't wait to get back out there! Hopefully I'll be ready before the end of October.

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?p=119145#post119145

[DesertRat]

Thank's Dan and Mike for tagging along! See ya next time!:)

I had a great time! We must have taken 1000 pictures today :eek:

No luck with my wife letting me get the bumper :(
She said "bummer" when she seen what I did to mine :eek:
Until Next time :)

[DesertRat]

Great shots, Mike. Mike sure picked an odd line coming back up that notch :)

I can't wait to get back out there! Hopefully I'll be ready before the end of October.

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?p=119145#post119145

It looked good siting in the drivers seat :D
Must have slid off...yup that is what happened :rolleyes:

[LOWTECH]

Okay, I gave in and requested the winch to get me out since I would have received damage either way. Here's Dan enjoying the moment.:)
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7432&stc=1&d=1159062308

I'll bet Dan the one who got you stuck in the first place :eek: He just loves to spot folks into trouble :rolleyes: but at least he can't blame me this time :D

[desertdawg]

I'll bet Dan the one who got you stuck in the first place :eek: He just loves to spot folks into trouble :rolleyes: but at least he can't blame me this time :D

Nope it was all me this time.:D I'm still trying figure out how I got into that mess. I'll blame it on fatigue. Yeah that's the ticket. Yeah we were on our way back and I was tired.:o :D

After that little incident a rock gouged my right rear tire. That's the third BFG Mud Terrain I have gouged and unfortunately one that's not covered by Discount. :( I think I'm going to try a different brand of tire next time. I'm thinking Maxis Creepy Crawlers.:cool:

[desertdawg]

I had a great time! We must have taken 1000 pictures today :eek:

No luck with my wife letting me get the bumper :(
She said "bummer" when she seen what I did to mine :eek:
Until Next time :)

Didn't you use all the tactics we talked about?

Honey It's illegal to drive with a bent bumper.

Honey, $250 vs thousands of dollars to repair body damage.

Honey, I'm only thinking of your safety when you're with me on the trail.

Honey, all the other cool Jeeper dudes have cool bumpers.

Honey, I'll buy you a diamond ring if you let me buy that bumper. (Yeah, I forgot to tell you about this one. They always give in for jewelry.;) )

[Wind_Danzer]

Nice shots!!!!! Would love to check it out sometime!!

[DesertRat]

Didn't you use all the tactics we talked about?

Honey It's illegal to drive with a bent bumper.

Honey, $250 vs thousands of dollars to repair body damage.

Honey, I'm only thinking of your safety when you're with me on the trail.

Honey, all the other cool Jeeper dudes have cool bumpers.

Honey, I'll buy you a diamond ring if you let me buy that bumper. (Yeah, I forgot to tell you about this one. They always give in for jewelry.;) )

Kind of...I got to number 3 before I got that look. You know the one where I would be sleeping on the couch if I did not shut up :D
Oh well, next week I will try again hehe

[4 Wheelers Supply]

Isnt your Jeep worth a few nights on the couch.:rolleyes: