CT4WD attends MCR9 Rubicon 2010

[freeze]

It's that time of year again and we're going down to the Rubicon to attend MCR9 with Marlin Crawler.

A small crew of CT4WD'ers went down last year and raised almost all the eyebrows on the Rubicon as we were told our Toyota's were IFS (except for Gary), stock, and couldn't make the trail. Well... we made it with only one Toyota suffering minor body damage.

There was lots of spotting and very careful driving.

If you're attending this trip with us you will be required to have the following:

Course Requirements:

Trail Ethics & Safety
The 101
The 202


Minimum Experience:

At least 2 Multi-day Trips
At least 5, 1Day Trips
Really good spotting (From The 101 Course!)


Vehicle Requirements:

Sliders
Skid Plates (more so in IFS)
Rear Locker
Front winch bumper
Winch (Bare minimum 8,000LBS)
Rear recovery point attached solidly to the frame
33" Tires
AT or MT Tires
Spare vital Parts
Excellent mechanical condition (It has to drive 2,500KM easily and take 22Miles of abuse and drive another 2,500KM home)
Air Compressor
Camping Equipment
Porta Potty (Mandatory as you need to pack your #2 out)
Cooking Equipment


When:
September 7-15, 2010

Two days to drive (Leave Calgary)
5 Days on the Rubicon
Two days to drive (Return to Calgary)



When you're down there, you will be representing CT4WD. You will be a guest in someone else's backyard and you will be expected to act/drive respectfully.

This year we will be on the Rubicon a day before MCR9 and coming back a day after to give us more time to take a look around and enjoy the experience.

Git Registered!!

Registration is Here:
http://www.marlincrawler.com/event/9th-annual-marlin-crawler-round

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4443033216_b7f544e828_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2770/4443042728_a069f042fe_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4442261131_3cd6e8a195_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4443696910_a8483d7cd6_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4443042874_da3c6b8378_o.jpg

[Doc McCoy]

You should probably mention the poo requirements!

[freeze]

ohhhh.... haha!

Don't put the poo in your FJ Cruiser.... :D

[canadian bum]

I would say that the only people prepared enough for this are you guys winch and welsey. Poo? just eat cheese everything will work out...

[freeze]

I think Will, David W, and Ryan that have expressed attending.

Haha I've heard for some people that could work out opposite!

[canadian bum]

I guess I am riding shotgun with Gary on this one. Should be fun.

[freeze]

looks like you'll be stacking rocks... I dunno if Gary told you about that part of being passenger.... :D

[Winch]

So, who's all going this year? Early bird deadline for registration is next week. I ain't going to spend that much time alone with John by myself. C'mon you procrastinators. :)

[freeze]

haha.... well... I guess I won't be going this year... have fun you two :D

[canadian bum]

Haha if Gary and I end up alone the farthest south we will make it is Ranchman's.

[fjtent]

I'm writing this so people will not make the same mistake I did. If you have never gone to The Rubicon, make sure you know what you are "driving" into. The Rubicon is not Maclean Creek, Waipourous or Crowsness. It's difficult at the best of times; and some of the bypasses are more difficult than the trail itself. Ninety-five percent (approx.) of the trail you can walk faster than you can drive. Picking lines, at least for me, was difficult at best; and the rocks never end. The only way I made it thru was with good spotting. If you break down and your rig can't be fixed, it's going to cost you thousands of dollars to get it out. Find out which towing company could be available. Make sure you have medical insurance as well as insurance on your vehicle to cover damage that may incur.

To date that trip cost me over $10,000 in repair bills...and counting. If I sound jaded about The Rubicon it's because I am. The scenery was incredible but my skill level for this trail was not. Make sure you have all the facts before you go and make sure your skill level is up to the challenge of this trail. Too this day the only person who has told me I shouldn't have gone was John (Canadian Bum) and for that I respect him highly.

In closing, make sure you have all the facts, count the cost (literally) and make sure you know what your getting into. That trail, like the outdoors, can be very unforgiving if your'e not prepared; I certainly was not. If then, and only then, you decide to go, then enjoy yourself. Have the greatest time you could ever have because they will probably write songs about you....or use pictures of your rig in ads without permission :-( So here's hoping those songs, and ads, are great :-)

[Winch]

Well said David. The 'Con can certainly be extremely difficult and daunting for some, and extremely easy for others, and I think it depends largely on what you drive. For an FJ with IFS, 33's and only one locker the trail will be extremely difficult and if the vehichle is worth $40k plus, it would also be extremely daunting. On the other hand if you have an SFA, 35's or bigger and two lockers, it gets easier.

Personally, I would not recommend this trail for anything with less than 35" tires, and at the very least one locker and lots of armor, unless you are a very experienced driver and don't mind body damage too much.

How the heck did you rack up 10 grand in repairs? Did you mean 1 grand? :)

[fjtent]

Bodywork mainly. Armour, bent rear lower control arms, bent lower shock mounts etc, etc.

[Winch]

Bodywork mainly. Armour, bent rear lower control arms, bent lower shock mounts etc, etc.

Wow, so she should be in tip top shape for this year's run, eh? :D

[Spooky08]

so who exactly is going ?

i plan on going down this year as i like being challenged by difficult terrain, Alberta and BC both have awesome trails and i do enjoy them, but it's also nice to experience something different, going back to what David (Tent) said about being in the right mind set. i fully agree but to contest to what he said earlier, now that you've successfully negotiated such a famous and known to be difficult trail do you not agree that it has made you a better driver, i agree it may have been to early to have thrown you into such a demanding trail, but you should also see the benefits that has come of it, not only that but if you plan on going on longer expeditions (which CT4WD) plans to eventually we will encounter new trials with obstacles such in the way that the Rubicon presented to you. Which may or may not be both harder and more demanding. Yes there were some mishaps when you guys were down there but you learned and grew to become a overall better driver and not to mention realized the limitations of your truck, skill and character ! to sum it up i am a firm believer that to become a better driver you should have a well rounded experience, rocks, snow, ice, mud, sand etc etc.

oh and this is by no way a post to try and convince (DAVID) to come on the Rubicon this year.

[freeze]

oh and this is by no way a post to try and convince (DAVID) to come on the Rubicon this year.

.... :D

I'm going... i was just kidding.

I agree... David has really become a good driver from the experience. It's putting yourself into bigger ponds which will push a person to become better.... it's what I usually say:

Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable.

This is just like in skiing... (Shayne might know this a bit) In the ski racing community, when I was racing, My family and myself were the black sheep of the community. My father believed that a great ski racer should not only train gates but be able to ski bumps like a bump skier, chutes/cliffs like a freeskier, and a race course like a ski racer and do it really well.

Racing community didn't like the bump skiing/freeskiing thing too much, they thought it wold ruin a ski racer. There are times when there's adversity in the race course and the only way to ski it is with some bump technique (huge ruts!)

Being a Swiss Army Knife is better than being a toothpick. It's not the jack of all trades and master of none... this is a myth. If one really put the effort in to master all.... it can be done! It just takes more effort and dedication.

When I first started skiing the bumps.... I hated them... with a passion. It just boiled down to... I wasn't good at them and didn't know how to ski them well. Now I love them... after a bump coach and lots of prodding...

Driving is the same way.... (except for mud!) The Rubicon is full of rocks... first time.. daunting especially if you don't have all the bells and whistles (which is the best way to start!). The more you do it... the better you become and more you'll love it!

Rubicon last year taught me this:


Better spotting
Rock stacking
Clutch, throttle, brake control
Pictures and video do nothing in terms of showing obstacles
Pre-Run!


There's lots more but these were the major ones.

Taking a $40k+ vehicle on the Rubicon will teach you to be very precise and provides more of a challenge.

[fjtent]

Some tell me I've improved so I'll let them answer the 'skill' question. If I had known how difficult it was I would not have gone. End of story. The point I am trying to get across is this; there is a difference between opinion and fact. Sometimes they can be the same, sometimes they are not. "The Rubicon is tough" (fact) does not translate (roughly) to "We've done it before you'll be fine" (opinion), although that maybe true. What I needed was facts, not opinions, so I could make an informed decision. When people are passionate, opinion and fact can be mixed up. We have to be careful with opinions because those who are asking are making decisions based on what they hear. Especially if the person being asked is in authority. I like this definition of prudence: making decisions with the consequences in mind. When a person does not know the consequences, or believes in a faulty consequence, they can't make a prudent decision. When it's based in fact, at least a person knows what they are getting into; with regards to The Rubicon I did not. The major lesson I've learned is to be careful who I listen too.

I think you are right Spooky08 regarding the experience. I did come out of it better than I went in. I only wish people would have told me what The Rubicon was really like so I could have made a 'no go' decision. I can think of other ways of developing skill that would be less costly. That's why I like being involved in PATHS because we are trying to give people a factual (real-time) view of the trails (when we pre-run them), so they can make an informed decision and perhaps understand the cost, physically or mentally, that might occur.

I had an interesting conversation with Winch the other day. I asked him how he makes decisions regarding which line to take? Here's the answer paraphrased (sorry Gary), it's based on worst case scenarios and if he can get out of them safely. My problem with The Rube was it was a worst case scenario that I was not ready for. There's a difference between consciously putting yourself in a high risk situation or being in one, not of your choosing, before you are ready. The price one pays can be very daunting. And sometimes unaffordable. That's why proper leadership is essential; to present the facts so we can make informed decisions. I feel I was mislead and it cost me. The risk was definitely greater than the reward.

Ultimately I will chalk it up to a life lesson learned. Its in the past and I can't change it. And ultimately the decision to go was entirely my responsibility. My hope is this, that people will think twice before they offer an opinion. And make sure it is routed firmly in the facts. There, my rant is finished.

[freeze]

I apologize you feel as though you were misled. I put out the thread to see who wanted to go. I did the research. I provided a possible idea of what I'd encounter based on this research. The only person doing the misleading would have been myself... for this I apologize.

http://www.ct4wd.com/forum/showthread.php?t=337&highlight=rubicon


The major lesson I've learned is to be careful who I listen too.

There is no one else except for me in the above sentence... Just to make this clear to everyone else if they're thinking it's Gary or Meghan.


There, my rant is finished.

I appreciate your rant and thank you.

[Wellsy]

Agreed - Rubicon is one demanding trail, especailly when your not quite sure what to expect.

I had done some Cali wheeling before the trip so had an idea, and went with a bunch of yota guys from a local club for a Toyota Jambo (Drews Rubicon Bash) - I have to tell you after the first day on the trail I was asleep by 8pm. It's a very mentally demanding trail -with un-ending rocks, your constantly picking your lines, trying to visualize your way through the obsticles. That yr I was on 35"s with a semi working rear locker and IFs up front.

Next time I did it I had a solid axle - lockers in both ends and a crawler box as well as much more experience, trail was much more enjoyable

Last trip - much more confident in my truck and my abilities - so started run the optional obsticles (soup bowl, little sluice, etc). Great time...

But anything can happen on the trail - last few friends of mine who have ran that trail several times have both flopped and/or rolled there vehicles. So even with good gear and exp you still need to be aware of where your truck is and whats around it.

Heck last run I blew a rear ring and pinion coming up Cadillac Hill. Was able to get out on my own but made getting back to the tow rig at the start of the trail a much longer experience..

Makes we want to come down again.. ;)

[freeze]

Makes we want to come down again.. ;)

:D

[Winch]

Hey Nathan. It states on the website that registration is now closed. Have you guys registered yet? If not would it be possible for you to get in touch with Big Mike to find out if we could still register? http://www.marlincrawler.com/event/9th-annual-marlin-crawler-round

[canadian bum]

I think they only had a max of 150 rigs. Gary I told you back in July to get on that haha.

[freeze]

Ah. Haha. I was just on the phone with Mike today! I'll have to call him again. He asked if we were going and told him yes. I'll make sure were registered.

[canadian bum]

Good I was going to be bummed if we couldn't go. Looking forward to an adventure. Hmm... Gherra and I involved in the local entertainment is going to equal... fun haha

[freeze]

I'm amazed you'll be sitting shotgun for the entire trip! Are you sure you don't want to drive the Rubicon? Being a passenger would drive me insane especially on terrain like that... :D I'd rather be driving than being a rock stacker. Mind you..... thank you in advanced for being our rock stacker!

[canadian bum]

Lol sorry can't do that either hernia lol. I have had it for a while but I am trying to take it easy I pop it in myself and lately I have been pretty good at keeping it in line by taking it easy when it comes to lifting haha.

[Doc McCoy]

Jesus John. Get your ass to a doctor.

At least that's one reason for IFS huh? No heavy lifting. ;)

[canadian bum]

Jesus John. Get your ass to a doctor.

At least that's one reason for IFS huh? No heavy lifting. ;)

Haha trust me I'm a doctor.
But yeah I have been to one in July my next appointment is in October for a grope and see haha. So in the mean time I am hoping that I can just keep it all pushed in and let it heal because its a long ways away. And that isn't even my surgery. It's no biggie though doesn't ever bother me often.

And I have heard go to a doctor a lot but never usually go, May long I dislocated my shoulder and my buddy got kinda hot footed cause we were way out in the bush and he didn't know what to do. I just said hold on lined up with a tree and with a swift body check pop good to go haha. So if anyone needs some doctoring on the trip I could figure something out... female patients only.

[fjtent]

Well, I hate to rain on everyone's "happy parade" with more bad news about this trail; but it is what it is. The Rubicon has now cost me a transmission ($2,800.00) and clutch ($925.00) plus install labour ($2,000.00 approx.) on a truck that is only 2 years old!!! Either I'm a real bad driver, Toyota's suck, or I can attribute this cost to the Rubicon. Obviously my skill was not up to the rocks at that time and it isn't now so that's why I'm not going on the sept trip. My hope that those of you who are going, other than freeze or winch, know what your'e getting into because it may cost you. BE PREPARED TO PAY!!!. It's like flogging a dead horse but I've really had enough of paying for these damages...... :-( :-)

[Spooky08]

what happened to your transmission ? i really can't see it going bad maybe just a clutch problem like Nathan had with his clutch, it's actually quite common for that to happen at least in the tacoma, if you look at his pictures his clutch actually looks fine and he's still using the same transmission with new bell housing and maybe the same clutch and fly wheel ?

it's probably something simple, remember the bolts and upper arms ? those bolts never needed to be replaced they are a bit hard to get in and out but there was no reason for you to spend the extra money for them. i just think it was or is something simple, just like when i thought the noise my truck was making was from the differential and it turned out to be the universal joint ... i could be wrong as i don't know the whole story.

oh and i don't think i'll make it down this year =(

[Winch]

Yeah, I thought there was a TSB on those tranny/clutches?

[fjtent]

I don't know the exact details or terminology but these are the symptoms (paraphrased):
-transmission, not shifting smoothly was the main one. More noticeable when its cold. Apparently there is something in the tranny that allows you to shift smoothly, or disengage the gears to shift smoothly. It felt like the edge of the gears were catching when shifting. Most noticeable in shifting from 2nd-3rd. Wasn't there when I bought it. The tech said it's easier and less expensive to replace the tranny than the parts. Obviously they thought it serious enough to replace. Obviously there is more to it than I know.
-clutch, burn spots, or wear marks. Cheaper to replace now, while the tranny is off, as opposed to later.

They showed me a tsb for part of the clutch assembly cracking. Not sure which part. Also not sure if there is more than one tsb. I can find out the details if people would like them. I'm really lucky this stuff is under warranty. For what it's worth all my work is done thru Charlesglen Toyota. Although I don't get a 15% discount, there is security in knowing the work is going to be done right and that I can trust their judgment. And no discount can change that. I know its a cliche but it truly is the service. I was in there the other day talking to a tech about Royal Purple synthetic gear oil and he ended up giving me a litre of the stuff. It's the little things that count.

But that doesn't mean I forgive that trail down south. I still believe doing that trail has contributed to premature wear of my rig. Somehow, somewhere, I'm going to go back and conquer the Rubicon; and do it on my terms and in my own way...stay tuned :-)

[canadian bum]

That sucks but the reason why I didn't get a manual is there was a problem with the tranny's and clutches. But there are problems with the autos too. I guess the new Toyota's are just turds and no matter how much you polish them they are still going to be a turd.

[Spooky08]

Nope but it'll be a pretty turd .... Sry myth busters

[freeze]

Well, I hate to rain on everyone's "happy parade" with more bad news about this trail; but it is what it is.

The question becomes: What's a happy parade and how is this related to the MCR9 thread? As part of the forum rules it states: "keep it positive"... which is simple. This goes for others on the forum as well who believe this is a place to complain or be negative. Perhaps start a new thread regarding your TSB in the FJ Cruiser section.


The Rubicon has now cost me a transmission ($2,800.00) and clutch ($925.00) plus install labour ($2,000.00 approx.) on a truck that is only 2 years old!!! Either I'm a real bad driver, Toyota's suck, or I can attribute this cost to the Rubicon.

I had the same transmission and clutch as you in your FJ Cruiser. I had the same issue and it's a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) Issue. It's under warranty so if you have to pay for this... the dealership is taking you for a ride. I don't blame the Rubicon, I don't blame anyone.... Nelson Toyota took care of it through Toyota's TSB. This is life... I had to pay for a new clutch as I caught the issue too early so there wasn't enough damage to the clutch to warrant it to fall under TSB.

On a side note.. why is labour $2,000.00? In Nelson the Toyota went in at 9AM and I had it back at 5:30PM Are they charging you more than 200$/hr?


know what your'e getting into because it may cost you.

I appreciate that you're looking out for people. I believe people have a good sense of the trail from your previous posts.


BE PREPARED TO PAY!!!. It's like flogging a dead horse but I've really had enough of paying for these damages...... :-( :-)

I agree... the horse was dead long ago. I don't see why you have to pay for a TSB?


Yeah, I thought there was a TSB on those tranny/clutches?

Yes Gary... you're correct. TSB for the clutch cracking and the separation of the clutch pack. TSB for the release bearing. TSB for the transmission case.


The tech said it's easier and less expensive to replace the tranny than the parts.

It's possible the tech doesn't wan't to dissect the entire transmission to replace the case (which is the proper way to do it). The TSB calls for a replacement of just the case which entails taking the transmission fully apart to get to the two bolts that hold the bellhousing onto the transmission. Most dealerships won't even replace the case, they'll just change the release bearing. It sounds as though Charlesglen is trying to change the entire transmission? The transmission itself is pretty burly as it was designed to handle the V8.

Toyota only pays the Dealership's service side 6hrs to do a 9hr job for warranty of the case which is why majority of dealerships won't change the case.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4813087354_9aa4dc57e5_b.jpg

What Toyota service dreads doing


Obviously they thought it serious enough to replace. Obviously there is more to it than I know.
-clutch, burn spots, or wear marks. Cheaper to replace now, while the tranny is off, as opposed to later.

I had the same issues in the cold, I also had a pretty good chatter once in a while. Yes a clutch will have wear marks on it and possible burn marks as it's made to do this as it's a friction piece made from similar material as your brake pads. The main issue is to do with the release bearing and the amount of pedal pressure it takes to engage and release the clutch. Toyota may have made a clutch that was too stiff. After having the new clutch installed it was very light but engaged very solid. It was a huge improvement.


They showed me a tsb for part of the clutch assembly cracking. Not sure which part. Also not sure if there is more than one tsb. I can find out the details if people would like them. I'm really lucky this stuff is under warranty.

The release bearing is going. It also wears the nose of the bell-housing. The clutch plate also cracks.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4883764796_8a38a6f795_b.jpg

Crack near inside edge of clutch disk

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4813080846_b8ba3613c2_b.jpg

Nose worn out from the release bearing

http://www.novak-adapt.com/images/graphics/clutch_diagram.gif
Throwout is where the release bearing is.


Although I don't get a 15% discount, there is security in knowing the work is going to be done right and that I can trust their judgment. And no discount can change that.

I'm glad you're satisfied with Charlesglen and I'm sure they have an excellent service department. I don't see how a discount would change this? We're very fortunate to have a dealership (out of all the dealerships in Calgary) to step up with a discount for our Premium Members. People have choices regardless. I don't believe it's very respectful to downplay what people are doing for us in this Association. Without businesses stepping up to contribute in some way... CT4WD's Members wouldn't have perks.

Some basic info on clutches:
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/clutches_etc.htm

This is definitely sounding like a TSB issue and not a Rubicon issue.

[freeze]

Haha trust me I'm a doctor.
But yeah I have been to one in July my next appointment is in October for a grope and see haha. So in the mean time I am hoping that I can just keep it all pushed in and let it heal because its a long ways away. And that isn't even my surgery. It's no biggie though doesn't ever bother me often.


Yeah no doubt! Definitely no heavy lifting...

Take it easy.. hope it gets fixed up so you don't end up looking like some of the tires in David's post!

[canadian bum]

Yeah no doubt! Definitely no heavy lifting...

Take it easy.. hope it gets fixed up so you don't end up looking like some of the tires in David's post!

Haha already got a bulge I just push it back in.

[Winch]

So if anyone needs some doctoring on the trip I could figure something out... female patients only.

So, if I pass out and needs mouth to mouth, would you save me or let me go?

[canadian bum]

I would wave down some hotties to give you mouth to mouth at least if we do lose you, you won't go out doing anything gay haha.

[dragonlady]

Hey freeze; Great post on the technical but lay person's article (link) regarding the clutch assembly. Keep them technical stuff coming our way. Even if it's elementary to many of you seasoned folks, for those of us who are still newbie students of all things 4 wheeling, engines, engine lingo, Toyota parts, acronyms, and anything else related to how a vehicle operates, this is awesome stuff.

Could a thread be started (like basic technical stuff) devoted to the kind of info you've posted (also the video on the differential was by far the best way to grasp how it works).

The reminder of keeping our vehicles happy with the washing reminder made a whole lot of sense from a operational perspective aside from the visual. I think that understanding details of how everything works on our vehicles will certainly make us better drivers which was reconfirmed by one of the guys at Shake night last week.

And am also finding out that it's practice, practice, practice in keeping with the strong educational component of this Association. Even moguls at the gravel pit at Mclean is a good spot to learn (without the heart thumping that sometimes happens on the actual trail runs), about precise wheel placement, figuring out the line and pedal to brake ratio (or clutch to gas ratio for all the folks with standards) all those good things that's needed on the trail. Everything counts. As you said "it's problem all solving" and I quite agree and what a fun problem to solve to be out doors with all those amazing vistas to enjoy as well as inside in a garage so we can keep enjoying our days out on the trails.

[dragonlady]

Let me quote you properly, freeze, without the stupid typo: freeze says: "It's all problem solving" instead of "it's problem all solving" which may not be all that bad either. Either way, they're all fun problems to solve.

[Winch]

Hey Nathan, I have a few questions:

1. Would I be correct in saying that those of us who has done the 101 course, with the intent to do the 202 course, will be eligible to go on the trip, since the 202 was cancelled?

2. Should we call Marlin individually ourselves to get registered?

3. How many confirmed people do we have so far who's going? (I presume there will probably only be 2-3 of us from here)

4. Will we be having a meeting at some time to discuss the logistics of when we leave, when we return, where do we stay while on the road there and back, etc?

[freeze]

Hey Gary ;)

1. It looks like it's just you and I that's going. I'm not sure if Will will be making it nor will David W. But they're both tentative. ...brothels beware! :D Meghan will be co-pilot again!

2. Did you already send your form from the MCR site. If you haven't already I can see if I can get it set up with Mike.

3. It'll be yourself and I!... eek

4. Yeah we'll have to grab a beer and plan for sure. But I'll send you a ring a ding after the weekend to plan out logistics. Especially since you might have your RTT by then, things could be pretty simple! I have a place we can stay at in S. Lake Tahoe.

[freeze]

ohhh... on a side note... we'll be changing our format for the upcoming CT4WD Trail Run's which will be pretty neat!

[Winch]

1. Meghan will be co-pilot again!

2. Did you already send your form from the MCR site. If you haven't already I can see if I can get it set up with Mike.

4. Especially since you might have your RTT by then, things could be pretty simple! I have a place we can stay at in S. Lake Tahoe.

1. Yes, and John's my rock stacking b%#ch - hernia or no hernia :)
2. No, haven't sent anything, so yes, if you can please set it up with Mike because they don't have the registration form available anymore, and then I can perhaps just call them with my CC #.
4. Yes, that could save us some dough and we can take showers at the truck stops: http://www.aitaonline.com/TS/ID.html

[canadian bum]

Nathan did you get your crawler box coming? I hope the trip is still on. Also didn't see any of us registered on the Marlin site.

[Winch]

Nathan did you get your crawler box coming? I hope the trip is still on. Also didn't see any of us registered on the Marlin site.

Got a message from Nathan this morning that he would unfortunately not have the box in time to join us, which is really sad. :( On the upside, I just made arrangements with the guys at Marlin, and we are set to go, plus we would have the RTT.

So, unless someone else is into impulsive road trips, looks as if it will only be John and myself for this year. Should be a blast! :D

[freeze]

Well I'm working on the 81 as back up so it's not totally out of the question quite yet.

Got new tires coming...along with some other things. I'll be a super tortoise though on the drive!

[FeeVer]

Lets see this 81 you speak of! Pics?

[canadian bum]

Haha lets just flat tow you.

[freeze]

Lets see this 81 you speak of! Pics?

Here's some photo's here
http://www.ct4wd.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21


Haha lets just flat tow you.

Haha... I do have a receiver hitch in the front bumper. Could do a straight
bar to a ball hitch!

[Winch]

Well I'm working on the 81 as back up so it's not totally out of the question quite yet.


That will be awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[freeze]

I just scoured the city for tires as MTZ's are two weeks wait. Just found a set of different tires, looks like people aren't running 15"'s anymore. Hard tim size to find.

Yeeeaaah!!!

Can't show up with nothing Marlin...haha so the 81 is the ticket.

[canadian bum]

Are you running DOT bead locks on the 81? If not I have heard of people not getting across the border. Just swap rims with the Taco for the trip.

[freeze]

The wheel says DOT on it... which is supposedly good enough. There's only one way to find out. The 81 won't be able to turn the Hutchinson and I'll probably blow a birf if I tried.

[CalgaryRider]

i have a set of stock taco rims with the stock tires on them sitting in a field if you want to borrow them for the trip down Nathan. its not like they are getting any use, and I cant justify selling them yet. But I can justify a borrow if you want.

[Winch]

Got my Serengeti RTT today. I like! Should have some pics of it on the truck by Sunday. Oh, and I should also say, that its big enough to keep John from spooning me......

[Winch]

Can't show up with nothing Marlin...haha so the 81 is the ticket.

So Nathan, I suppose you won't be taking the RTT, eh?

[stroM-]

Nathan,

Have you herd back from Marlin yet?