Front Range 4x4 Upcoming Trail Runs - Add a New Trail Run

Results 1 to 19 of 19

Thread: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Member
    #1973
    Last Online
    3 Weeks Ago
    Location
    Allenspark / Peak-to-Peak Highway
    4x4
    2021 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon
    Posts
    2,294
    User Name
    RockyMtRebel
    Real Name
    Matt
    Thanks Given
    401
    Thanked 925 Times in 550 Posts

    Default Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    Jim drove to my place and hopped in with me and we headed to Wheeler lake this morning. We got to the trailhead on time and aired down but after waiting 30+ minutes and driving out to the highway to check the forum to see if we were going to have another rig to wheel with or if we would be doing todays trail solo or not in the Jeep. Turns out we were not going to have someone to wheel with and decided let’s do it anyway!
    It turned out great, at just just 3.6 miles to the end it’s not long but it is a slow going crawler! From the start of the trail it’s 4Lo and climbing rock obstacles. There are 3-4 obstacles that are definitely not easy and I scraped a bit here and there and needed the lockers a few times. However most of the trail is moderate rock crawling that my big tires just rolled over easily. 35” tires wouldn’t have much issues either but 33’s or smaller would certainly be challenging on this trail!
    Jim helped spot me a few times and it was great to be able to chat and catch up and enjoy this amazing trail with him. He also was able to take more pictures and stuff so I’m excited to see what he came up with!

    Here’s a few pictures I took…. What a fun trail!!
            
    ___________
    2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon TJ
    2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon edition
    2023 Ford F150 Raptor


  2. The Following 3 Members Say Thanks to RockyMtRebel For This Post:

    cnstaco (October 2nd, 2022),Java (September 19th, 2022),Tom (September 17th, 2022)

  3. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Member
    #1973
    Last Online
    3 Weeks Ago
    Location
    Allenspark / Peak-to-Peak Highway
    4x4
    2021 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon
    Posts
    2,294
    User Name
    RockyMtRebel
    Real Name
    Matt
    Thanks Given
    401
    Thanked 925 Times in 550 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    One more
         
    ___________
    2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon TJ
    2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon edition
    2023 Ford F150 Raptor


  4. The Following Member Says Thanks to RockyMtRebel For This Post:

    Tom (September 17th, 2022)

  5. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Member
    #921
    Last Online
    47 Minutes Ago
    Location
    Fort Collins
    4x4
    1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
    Posts
    10,057
    User Name
    Jim
    Real Name
    Jim Williamson
    Thanks Given
    2,462
    Thanked 3,008 Times in 2,005 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    10:15 - I'm home!

    Thanks for the ride-along Matt. Dinner was well enjoyed.

    The snow touched peaks were a treat. Some snow flurries / slush flakes. Some ominous cloud cover and some wonderful blue sky (and warm sun).

    I got out to spot twice and the first event had my phone fell to the ground. I didn't notice it missing until we were packed to leave the lake. I walked the second spot - no phone. Traffic was empty but there were three hikers. Between my two spot locations two SXS's were rolling up trail and Matt asked if they found a phone - YES. Bonus - phone delivered - done!

    We saw a group of four in a photo shoot somewhere between the first two obstacles. Near the mill two other vehicles were heading in. A light day.
              

  6. The Following 4 Members Say Thanks to Jim For This Post:

    cnstaco (October 2nd, 2022),Java (September 19th, 2022),RockyMtRebel (September 16th, 2022),Tom (September 17th, 2022)

  7. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Member
    #1973
    Last Online
    3 Weeks Ago
    Location
    Allenspark / Peak-to-Peak Highway
    4x4
    2021 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon
    Posts
    2,294
    User Name
    RockyMtRebel
    Real Name
    Matt
    Thanks Given
    401
    Thanked 925 Times in 550 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    Inspected my under carriage this morning. Both rear shock mounts had scrapes, t-case and engine/trans skid plate also had scrapes. All was expected 😁
    I did notice that I damaged my steering stabilizer slightly. Dented the stabilizer tube just a little so I ordered a new one just to be safe as it was pretty cheap and looks very easy to replace. Here’s a picture of it, do you think it’s fine or should be replaced asap? I didn’t notice anything driving home last night so I’m thinking it’s totally fine as is but ordered a new one anyways.
         
    ___________
    2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon TJ
    2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon edition
    2023 Ford F150 Raptor


  8. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Member
    #921
    Last Online
    47 Minutes Ago
    Location
    Fort Collins
    4x4
    1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
    Posts
    10,057
    User Name
    Jim
    Real Name
    Jim Williamson
    Thanks Given
    2,462
    Thanked 3,008 Times in 2,005 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    Dented stabilizer: I'm thinking of the seal that has to pass the dented section. It's dented enough that I think the seal might get compromised with enough passes over the area. Go ahead and replace it.

  9. The Following Member Says Thanks to Jim For This Post:

    RockyMtRebel (September 17th, 2022)

  10. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Member
    #1028
    Last Online
    3 Hours Ago
    Location
    Longmont
    Age
    72
    4x4
    '12 Jeep Wrangler Sport 2.5" lift, 33s, winch
    Posts
    5,074
    User Name
    Tom
    Real Name
    Tom
    Thanks Given
    2,400
    Thanked 1,234 Times in 933 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    some of those the area that is dented is just a cover. Might see if you can see in the opening.
    ___________
    Tom
    -.- . ----- .-- - -.-.

  11. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Member
    #1973
    Last Online
    3 Weeks Ago
    Location
    Allenspark / Peak-to-Peak Highway
    4x4
    2021 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon
    Posts
    2,294
    User Name
    RockyMtRebel
    Real Name
    Matt
    Thanks Given
    401
    Thanked 925 Times in 550 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    I noticed this morning the plastic “dust cover” was loose and after seeing if I could connect again (which I could not) I cut it off completely so the metal rod is visible now. Nothing is bent and the metal rod goes into the body and there is no oil or anything there. It looks mechanically intact and fine but just in case I ordered a new one since it was just $105
    ___________
    2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon TJ
    2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon edition
    2023 Ford F150 Raptor


  12. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Member
    #921
    Last Online
    47 Minutes Ago
    Location
    Fort Collins
    4x4
    1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
    Posts
    10,057
    User Name
    Jim
    Real Name
    Jim Williamson
    Thanks Given
    2,462
    Thanked 3,008 Times in 2,005 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    I completed the web page for the remaining photos, if you wish...

    www.JimWilliamson.net/automobile/2022-09-16--trail--wheeler-lake-ride-along/
    .

  13. The Following Member Says Thanks to Jim For This Post:

    RockyMtRebel (September 18th, 2022)

  14. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Member
    #1028
    Last Online
    3 Hours Ago
    Location
    Longmont
    Age
    72
    4x4
    '12 Jeep Wrangler Sport 2.5" lift, 33s, winch
    Posts
    5,074
    User Name
    Tom
    Real Name
    Tom
    Thanks Given
    2,400
    Thanked 1,234 Times in 933 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    Jim previously posted:
    "I completed the web page for the remaining photos, if you wish...

    www.JimWilliamson.net/automobile/2022-09-16--trail--wheeler-lake-ride-along/
    ."

    Nice Jim!
    ___________
    Tom
    -.- . ----- .-- - -.-.

  15. The Following Member Says Thanks to Tom For This Post:

    Jim (September 18th, 2022)

  16. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Member
    #921
    Last Online
    47 Minutes Ago
    Location
    Fort Collins
    4x4
    1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
    Posts
    10,057
    User Name
    Jim
    Real Name
    Jim Williamson
    Thanks Given
    2,462
    Thanked 3,008 Times in 2,005 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    There are a couple scenic images of Mt. Democrat (in the pile of'm).

    Having HDR capability on the next camera would be nice.

  17. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Member
    #1973
    Last Online
    3 Weeks Ago
    Location
    Allenspark / Peak-to-Peak Highway
    4x4
    2021 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon
    Posts
    2,294
    User Name
    RockyMtRebel
    Real Name
    Matt
    Thanks Given
    401
    Thanked 925 Times in 550 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    Nice pics Jim! I won’t soon forget that day!
    ___________
    2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon TJ
    2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon edition
    2023 Ford F150 Raptor


  18. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Member
    #921
    Last Online
    47 Minutes Ago
    Location
    Fort Collins
    4x4
    1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
    Posts
    10,057
    User Name
    Jim
    Real Name
    Jim Williamson
    Thanks Given
    2,462
    Thanked 3,008 Times in 2,005 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    `twas a nice day out! Thanks for the ride.

  19. #13
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Member
    #1546
    Last Online
    16 Hours Ago
    Location
    Bozeman, MT
    Age
    45
    4x4
    1970CJ5 1958WillysWagon
    Posts
    3,694
    User Name
    FINOCJ
    Real Name
    James Orofino
    Thanks Given
    1,272
    Thanked 1,588 Times in 965 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    RockyMtRebel previously posted:
    "Dented the stabilizer tube just a little so I ordered a new one just to be safe as it was pretty cheap and looks very easy to replace. Here’s a picture of it, do you think it’s fine or should be replaced asap?"

    Another one who thinks its fine....its hard to tell from the pic, but guessing its a twin tube design and the outer shock body only has some fluid behind it, The piston rides up and down inside the inner tube - so it would have to be a pretty big indentation to dent the outer tube into the inner tube and deform the inner tube. In theory, the dent will affect how fluid flows around the dent in the outer reservoir from the inner reservoir, but that affect is really, really minor - and even moreso on a steering stabilizer shock as compared to a suspension shock. I just replaced the twin tube shocks on my cj - due to clearance issues, I get dents bigger than that in the shock body the first day it goes wheeling, and I've never had a significant problem. I also usually run without the rubber boot - its not a huge issues, although grit and grime that sticks to the exposed piston will cause the seal to fail sooner as it slides in and out. As long as there is no fluid seeping out of the seal, it should be good to go for awhile.
    ___________
    James Orofino
    1970 CJ5
    1958 Willys Wagon

  20. The Following 2 Members Say Thanks to FINOCJ For This Post:

    Jim (September 19th, 2022),RockyMtRebel (September 19th, 2022)

  21. #14
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Member
    #1420
    Last Online
    October 9th, 2023
    Location
    Nederland
    4x4
    05 4Runner
    Posts
    1,090
    User Name
    jayson44
    Real Name
    Jay
    Thanks Given
    71
    Thanked 178 Times in 137 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    great pics, Jim! I've always wanted to do that trail.

    J.
    ___________
    05 4Runner Sport - 3" lift, 35s & v8 POWA!

  22. The Following Member Says Thanks to jayson44 For This Post:

    Jim (September 19th, 2022)

  23. #15
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Member
    #1546
    Last Online
    16 Hours Ago
    Location
    Bozeman, MT
    Age
    45
    4x4
    1970CJ5 1958WillysWagon
    Posts
    3,694
    User Name
    FINOCJ
    Real Name
    James Orofino
    Thanks Given
    1,272
    Thanked 1,588 Times in 965 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    Here are what my front shocks look like after a few years wheeling....these are the standard twin tube design seen many places. It was just starting to cause some issues with the piston not traveling smoothly along the inside of the inner tube. You can beat up on twin tube shock bodies pretty hard before it causes much issue....


    After a couple sets of shocks like this, I am trying new, smaller diameter mono-tube shocks....the have more clearance from the axle etc, but with only a single tube, damage to the shock body will affect the smooth piston movement with much less damage. We'll see....
    ___________
    James Orofino
    1970 CJ5
    1958 Willys Wagon

  24. #16
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Member
    #921
    Last Online
    47 Minutes Ago
    Location
    Fort Collins
    4x4
    1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
    Posts
    10,057
    User Name
    Jim
    Real Name
    Jim Williamson
    Thanks Given
    2,462
    Thanked 3,008 Times in 2,005 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    I hadn't known of twin tube design until you mentioned it. Can one look at a shock and know if it's twin or mono?

  25. #17
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Member
    #1546
    Last Online
    16 Hours Ago
    Location
    Bozeman, MT
    Age
    45
    4x4
    1970CJ5 1958WillysWagon
    Posts
    3,694
    User Name
    FINOCJ
    Real Name
    James Orofino
    Thanks Given
    1,272
    Thanked 1,588 Times in 965 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    Jim previously posted:
    "I hadn't known of twin tube design until you mentioned it. Can one look at a shock and know if it's twin or mono?"

    hmmm....not sure. If the shock body is not perfectly cylindrical (see the small reduction in diameter near the top of the shock body in the pic I posted?) then I think it will always be twin tube and not monotube. BUT, there are twin tubes that are perfectly cylindrical, so differentiating monotube from those is not obvious to me. Price is probably the best bet! - monotubes are expensive, and typically considered a better, more modern design - especially for situations like washboard as the fluid doesn't heat up as much.
    ___________
    James Orofino
    1970 CJ5
    1958 Willys Wagon

  26. #18
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Member
    #1973
    Last Online
    3 Weeks Ago
    Location
    Allenspark / Peak-to-Peak Highway
    4x4
    2021 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon
    Posts
    2,294
    User Name
    RockyMtRebel
    Real Name
    Matt
    Thanks Given
    401
    Thanked 925 Times in 550 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    Interesting, mine isn’t dented nearly as much as your picture James! This is the cheap stock damper so likely twin tube (also has the reduction in size at the end). I have a slightly used one on the way from eBay, $60. New ones are back ordered everywhere. I’ll probably install the one on order and keep the slightly dented one as a back up for *when this happens again 🤣
    ___________
    2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon TJ
    2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon edition
    2023 Ford F150 Raptor


  27. The Following Member Says Thanks to RockyMtRebel For This Post:

    FINOCJ (September 22nd, 2022)

  28. #19
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Member
    #2626
    Last Online
    September 29th, 2022
    Location
    Fort Collins
    4x4
    JL Rubicon
    Posts
    33
    User Name
    Udi
    Real Name
    Udi
    Thanks Given
    14
    Thanked 21 Times in 16 Posts

    Default Re: Wheeler lake solo Jeep run



    Matt I'm on the second steering stabilizer on my JL as well. I didn't even notice that my first stabilizer was dented... the dealership just replaced it for free while my jeep had a warranty repair. That plastic mud cover got loose on both of them pretty quickly. Not a good design.

    I was going to join you guys on this trail but my job got in the way. Not sure I would have made it to the top with my 33" tires, but I would like to try (again).

  29. The Following Member Says Thanks to Udi For This Post:

    RockyMtRebel (September 23rd, 2022)

Similar Threads

  1. Wheeler Lake
    By JandDGreens in forum 3) Trail Run Reports
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: September 9th, 2018, 07:21 AM
  2. Grizzly Lake - Tincup Pass - Wheeler Lake
    By Brian in forum 3) Trail Run Reports
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: August 11th, 2018, 08:53 AM
  3. Wheeler Lake 5-10
    By Gecko Cycles in forum 3) Trail Run Reports
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: May 12th, 2009, 06:43 AM
  4. Wheeler Lake
    By Chris in forum 3) Trail Run Reports
    Replies: 44
    Last Post: October 17th, 2008, 12:26 PM
  5. Wheeler Lake Run
    By Gate Monkey in forum 4x4 Videos & Photos of Interest
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: October 12th, 2008, 02:06 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
BACK TO TOP