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Work, life, and family have had me pretty busy lately - so I've been neglecting signing on to the forum! Over the last few months I've been getting more focused on the Jeep and prepping ahead of the upcoming Dusy Ershim trail trip this September 2026. I've also been chasing down a nagging "shimmy" around 50-55mph in the front end. Since the last update: New Dynatrac HD balljoints for the front end Replacement Clayton offroad bushings in the front UCAs and trackbar Replacement of the tie rod ends for both the drag link and the tie rod itself Replacement of a broken Fox ATS steering dampener bracket New/replacement Metalcloak bushings in the front axle UCA bushing locations A visit to our friends over at @OnPointOffroad for new front brakes and service, differential service, transfer case service, and an overall inspection for "Dusy-Worthiness" New front and rear Adams driveshafts (1310 and 1350, respectively) Re-wiring of my entire rear aux electrical system while trying to figure out a voltage collapse issue when my DC-DC charger is running A "chop job" on my storage/sleeping platform in the rear Design/ordering/fab/install of a new bracket to keep my Bluetti power station safe during trips Install of a like-new American Adventure Labs overhead front molle panel from our good friends @J2DXPLR New hood-mounted Hi-LIft jack mount New Yaesu FTM-150R ham radio with the MARS communication mod (GMRS) Starlink satellite dish install Here's the new Dynatrac BJs - @theksmith was kind enough to stop by and help with the install. Overall, the job was easier than I originally anticipated. The lower BJs (formerly Teraflex) were shot and pretty sloppy. They didn't last as long as I'd originally hoped they would. The removal of the steering knuckles was the biggest pain during the process - requiring a sledge and a 2x4 to knock them out. A combo of WD40, PB Blaster, and a little heat also helped coax them out. My new ICON balljoint press has been invaluable these past few months during the BJ install and when tackling the various suspension bushings around the Jeep. Each BJ came right out after about 20 seconds with this beast of a tool. The reinstall was just as fast. Did the job over 2 evenings - and now I know how to do it! (This was my first time). Next up was an install of an AAL overhead molle panel. I have their seat and door panels in the Rubicon dash red, so I jumped on this when I saw Jacq & Jermey offering it up. THANKS GUYS!!! There was some squeaking when flexing the Jeep on the rocks that was livable. but I think I might have solved it by installing a few rubber washers where the molle panel makes contact with the Jeep's sport bar. Time will tell :) Additionally, I've upgraded my radio comms to a new unit from Yaesu. The base station tucks nicely into the overhead molle niche. A little fiddling with my 67Designs (RIP) platform on the dash, and I've got the head unit and mic nicely within reach. Next up - I tackled my front suspension bushings - but have only gotten as far as the UCAs and trackbar at this point. I'll need more time to replace the rest of the bushings throughout the suspension. Again, the ICON balljoint press made quick work of this. These bushings were replaced with new ones from Clayton. I picked up an optional bushing press tool from Clayton to keep the job simple. New trackbar bushing Here's the ICON BJ press. While I had the UCAs removed, I took a look at the axle-side bushings and saw they were chewed up pretty badly. These are the OEM factory bushings with 90,000 miles on them. About 1/4 of their life they've had 35s and 37s and a longer-travel suspension stressing them out. Again - the ICON BJ press came back out for another jam session in the Arizona heat. Unfortunately I didn't have the "right" adapter in the kit, but the 32mm socket I keep around for removing front axle shafts was juuuuuuuust right. New Metalcloak "duroflex" bushings installed. More to come in PT 2!

Here is another one that I will be trying in the next week or two. I'll report my results when I do. Creamy chicken corn skillet (filling) — 1 person Ingredients: Pre-cooked chicken, chopped: ¾ cup Cream of mushroom soup: about 10.5 oz can Use ½ to ⅔ of the can (about 5–7 oz). If you want leftovers, use the full can. Milk (or water): start with 3 tablespoons, plus more as needed to thin Garlic powder: ¼ teaspoon Black pepper: a few turns Canned corn: ½ cup drained (about 7 oz can drained, or 1/2 of a 15–15.25 oz can) (Optional) shredded cheese: ¼ cup Tortillas: 1–2 Steps: Warm the base: In a skillet over medium-low, add soup + milk + garlic powder + black pepper. Stir until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk/water (1 tbsp at a time). Add chicken + corn: Stir in chicken and corn. Cook 3–5 minutes, stirring, until everything is hot and the sauce coats the chicken. Optional cheese: If using cheese, sprinkle it in and stir until melted (about 1 minute). Use with tortillas (choose one): Tacos: Spoon filling into tortillas. Quesadilla style (best texture): Put filling on one tortilla, add a little extra cheese if you want, top with another tortilla, and cook 2–3 min per side until golden and melty.

Important announcement Due to anticipated smaller group size this year, we only have the WEST loop (it is the biggest of the 3 loops though). I did go ahead and add on Thursday night to the reservation - so anyone is welcome to come up a day early (anytime after 2pm on Thursday) though the Gala officially still starts on Friday. I do encourage anyone with a large RV to arrive on Thursday if possible to be sure you can find a good spot to park.

Don't forget to pack a set of these!

Hey Kristopher, Have you ever heard of these?

The 17th annual Dirt Gala will be at the Cinders again! Come spend the weekend camping with us at the O'Leary group site near Sunset Crater in your tent, trailer, or RV. Saturday morning we'll do an optional moderate trail ride into the Cinders OHV area, have lunch, then return to camp. You could also just hang out at camp, go into Flagstaff and play tourist, or explore on your own! Chock full of friends, family, games, prizes, laughter and dirt – there’s fun for everyone! So grab the whole family and join us. Don't be that person hearing about all the awesome stuff you missed for the next whole year! Sign up now! Note: This event is open to everyone! You do NOT need to be a club member to attend. LOCATION The O'Leary Group Site near Sunset Crater & The Cinders OHV area, just outside Flagstaff, AZ. Click here for directions... We only have the WEST loop this year (the larger one on the left as you come in). This is a semi-primitive group campsite with paved access, vault toilets, charcoal grills, tables, and a central shelter. Note that there are NO hookups, however the shelter does have a spigot and an 120v outlet for temporary use (blenders, etc.). Individual spots are NOT reserved within the group area and space is limited. If you have a Travel Trailer or RV, we recommend you get there by 4pm to secure a big enough spot! SIGN-UPS / TICKETS Reply to this thread to sign-up, then click here to visit our online store and purchase your virtual tickets with a credit card or Paypal. We'll mark you as "paid" once you checkout and then you're all good to show up! A camping ticket (Tent, Trailer, or Motorhome) includes admission for you and your immediate family! UPDATE (as of 8/18): There are no more Motorhome or Travel Trailer tickets available (due to limited parking space). There's still room for more tent campers for now though! If you are NOT camping, then please purchase one "Attending but not camping (1 Adult)" ticket for each adult. Children are free! No ticket sales at the event, please purchase online ahead of time. Tickets are non-refundable since the venue has been booked. Note: This is ORP's annual fundraising event, and the camping reimbursements are an important source of revenue for the club/website. Thank you all in advance! ITINERARY Thursday (9/10) Optional: Early crew arrive anytime after 2 PM. I encourage anyone with a large RV to arrive on Thursday if possible to be sure you can find a good spot to park. Friday (9/11) Rest of the folks arrive anytime on Friday! Setup your campsite, meet & greet people as they arrive! Dinner (self-prepared). Campfire social time, visit with old friends and get to know the new folks! Saturday (9/12) Optional: Line up rigs at 9:30 AM for the 4x4 moderate rated Cinders OHV area trail ride (around 4 hours). Must have a 4-low transfer case option & suitable tow points. Please bring a trail lunch, and plenty of water! Late afternoon: The game(s)! These are for 2 person teams, so partner up! Annual salsa & dip contest after the games (see below). Dinner time (self-prepared), then head over to the common area for... 50/50 raffle drawing, awarding prizes, and ORP announcements. More campfire social time! Sunday (9/13) Breakfast (self-prepared) Leisurely break camp, bid friends adieu & head home! Everyone must to be out of the group site by 11 AM. CONTESTS Annual Salsa & Dip Contest: Enter your homemade salsa or chip/veggie dip! Keep on ice until Saturday evening. Offroad Passport supplies the chips, but you're welcome to bring more. Everyone come hungry! Enjoy the chips, salsas and dips and VOTE for the winners! Salsa and dip contestants will compete for 1 prize this year. However, you can enter as many salsas/dips as you want! 50/50 Raffle: Back by popular demand is a 50/50 raffle! Tickets on sale Saturday afternoon/evening. 1 winning ticket drawn Saturday evening. The winner gets 50% of the ticket sales! (the Club keeps the other half). $5 per ticket, or $20 for five tickets (bring cash) IMPORTANT NOTES This is a family-friendly event! Alcohol at camp is OK but please be responsible and respectful. ABSOLUTELY NO DRINKING & DRIVING! Click here to read ORP's Pet Policy... Please print, sign, and bring a copy of the participation agreement with you. Click here for that form... Be sure to bring everything you need for meals including stoves/dishes/etc. HOW YOU CAN HELP! Bring your corn-hole or other lawn games to play at camp. ORP swag (hats, shirts, etc.) will be on display and available for purchase at special Gala discount prices! (bring cash). Please bring 1 or 2 bundles of firewood for the community campfire ATTENDING NOTE: Sign-ups are a little different this year, please see above for details! @theksmith -- PAID: 1 Travel Trailer & Vehicle @Bradywgn71 -- PAID: 1 Motorhome & Vehicle @Curly -- PAID: 1 Travel Trailer & Vehicle @4WLNRN -- 1 Tent & Vehicle @shellback91 -- PAID: 1 Tent & Vehicle @Lecia Smith -- PAID: 1 Travel Trailer & Vehicle @4x4tographer & @Yodamom -- PAID: 1 Motorhome & Vehicle @mynr1 -- 1 Overland Trailer & Vehicle @ob1jeeper & @Ladybug -- PAID: 1 Motorhome & Vehicle @Adventure F150 -- PAID: 1 Tent & Vehicle @Jeep XO -- PAID: 1 Tent & Vehicle @gearhead -- PAID: 1 Attending not camping @atm000 -- PAID: 1 Tent & 2 Vehicles @SonoranWanderer -- PAID: 1 Overland Trailer & Vehicle @Angela Holladay -- 1 PAID: Tent & 2 Vehicles @OnPointOffroad -- PAID: 1 Motorhome & Vehicle Bill & RaKell -- 1 Travel Trailer & Vehicle @mikemann57 -- PAID: 1 Tent & Vehicle @TylerTrv57 -- PAID: 1 Tent & Vehicle

Ill be out with my Subaru as my Jeep has been sitting neglected lately.

My wife and I will be there. First time coming out. Hope we fit in with all these jeeps hahahah kidding.

Welcome back to Part 2 of my catch-up post 😁. This chapter begins with my shaft. It's seen some miles and had some wear and tear. However, we're also going to look at my rear storage deck and some electrical stuff. The boot over the slip portion of the shaft was a little torn and bulging, but wasn't throwing any grease at this point. This is the OEM driveshaft, so again it has 90,000 miles on it and a number of wheeling trips. In all, it wasn't giving me any issues at all. My decision to upgrade was based on: A desire for a more "bomb-proof" driveline Better droop in the front suspension. In the future I'd like to go to longer shocks for more down-travel. I have about 1-1.5" of unused up-travel with my current set up. However, IMHO, going to longer sticks will set off a chain of upgrades, including a front driveshaft with better angles, longer front brakelines (which I have in my garage, waiting to install). So - since I've been looking to upgrade both my front and rear to a stronger but "smaller profile". My choice ended up being for a pair of Adam's driveshafts - 1310 in the front, 1350 in the rear. Here's a series of shots from the install. My first time seeing green locktite. Rear yoke on the transfer case Flange on the rear differential. Rear diff flange removed Back side of the transfer case The white marker was my attempt to get the pinion nut precisely back to where it was from the factory. However, I couldn't get the pre-load measurement to work out. Instead, torqued it to 140 ft/lbs per Tom Woods' directions and common advice found out there for the install. The rear, all buttoned up. Here's a shot of my red locktite'd pinion nut through the new yoke. The front was a lot faster of a job for some reason. The other project I've tackled recently was a "slimming down" of my rear storage deck. Since I have an AAL rear shelf, and the top of my deck was pretty tall, I had pretty limited leg room when sleeping in the rear of the Jeep. I measured it around about 12" of vertical space which made me feel a little claustrophobic sometimes, depending how much I inflated by air mattress and the bedding I'm using (like my trust 30" thick Coleman sleeping bag). 😄 I basically ended up removing the top with my oscillating multitool and a circular saw. Then took off 3" from the overall height of the walls, and then re-glued and screwed the top back on. Consequently I needed to trim the drawer as well to accommodate the new, shorter profile. Here's the box reinstalled, and a little dirty. My next project was to fix my wiring situation in the rear of the Jeep. I was having some issues with my Bluetti Charger One DC-DC charger running into a voltage issue. The relay would trigger, charge my Bluetti power station, and then the voltage would collapse and the unit would re-cycle. It'd charge the battery, but it took forever as the relay would cycle every 60 seconds or so. Theories ranges from a bad ground to damaged wires to some other constraint along the wiring from the main battery/alternator. It didn't take long to find the culprit. Talk about a minor heart attack finding that. The 100A fuse took a dump, but never disconnected. It became what looks like a superheated mass of melted glass and plastic. The fuse sat at a connection between an 4AWG wire from the main better, terminated into an 8AWG wire that led to the rear. At @theksmith's advise, I upgraded the wiring to the rear to a large 4AWG wire, and ditched the crappy Chinesium fuses for a MIDI fuse holder from Blue Sea Systems. I also re-installed my ground - upgrading it to 4AWG as well, with a shorter cable and a more solid ground mount in the rear tub. Additionally, I make a small tweak to my connector for the Bluetti Elite 100 v2 with a right-angle connector to help protect the connector from things flying around the rear deck. I also designed and "built" this cradle out of aluminum via Send-Cut-Send to hold the power station so I could bolt it down to the rear shelf and run a strap over it to keep it in place. In the below shot you can also see my half-baked Starlink Mini mount, which is a Frankenstein of my hi-lift c-pillar mount and some RAM mount stuff. I relocated my double water jug set-up and moved my 6gal of water capacity to the passenger side, away from my electronics. Whewwww....... that's a lot of work these last few months, especially when it's 110 out! My garage swamp cooler went through about 2,000 gallons of water. Last upgrade - a new mattress inflator! It's from Flextail and is a 5 kpa unit that is smaller than my key fob and includes a built-in lantern. It's 3x faster than my current inflator that is 5x the size!

Just when he changed altitude. Chris and a friend ended up taking off the heavy bumper and dropped the tank. Turned out that within the fuel tank there is a check valve for of the vehicle rolls over. This one was weak and closing when the change in altitude creates pressure. Chris created a new breather line (since we don't have emissions) and it's back to normal now. Also took the opportunity to change the original fuel pump too. One of the last original parts on our WJ.

Paid in full and super excited!

In an effort to make dinner(s) a little more varied at camp I have been looking for recipes that are pretty straightforward. My thinking is cooking this ahead of time and either throw it in my 12v stove as we're wheeling or heat it up in my skillet at camp. Here is one that I cooked last night and it was pretty tasty. I used frozen diced potatoes and went with the 1 1/2 cups amount and one link of sausage. I also went with salsa instead of tomatoes. Andouille sausage is not recommended unless you like it (food that is 😁) extra spicy. This recipe says it’s for one person and one dinner. Here’s how it worked out for me: I made one small burrito last night, had enough for another one today, and still had some leftover which I quickly scarfed down. The only thing extra I added was cheese and sour cream. Chicken sausage taco potato skillet (tacos) -1 person Ingredients Fully fried cubed potatoes: 1 to 1½ cups Pre-cooked chicken, chopped: ¾ cup Smoked sausage, sliced: 4–6 oz (½ to 1 link) Taco seasoning: 1 tbsp (start here) Canned diced tomatoes or salsa: ½ cup Canned corn: 7 oz can (drain + rinse, use about half if needed) Tortillas: 1–2 Oil: 1–2 tsp only if needed Optional: pinch salt/pepper Steps (stove, no lid) Reheat potatoes: Put potatoes in a skillet over medium-high. Add 1–2 tsp oil only if the pan looks dry. Sprinkle in about 1 tbsp taco seasoning and stir 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Warm meats: Add sliced sausage and chopped chicken. Stir and cook 2–3 minutes, just to warm and lightly brown. Add sauce/veg: Stir in diced tomatoes/salsa and corn. Simmer-stir 2–5 minutes until it looks “taco-y” (moist but not soupy). Add more taco seasoning if it tastes bland. Serve: Spoon into 1–2 tortillas. (If you want them extra tasty, toast tortillas briefly in the same skillet after the filling is done.)

I still have the suburban, and recently completed a 4000+ miles tour from Tucson to Washington state and back over 28 days on the road. It was amazing and included touring the Basin and Range NM in NV, several California Trail routes in NV along the truckee and the blackrock desert playa, turning north to eastern Oregon wildlife refuges, and the Washington okanagan rivers and forests... then via the north cascades NP a costal return. No subaru but I do have a CX5 AWD for skiing (the annual ski safari).

Just paid for attending not camping, thanks!

Please count me in. Just me, Jeep, tent and wood. I'll play judge for the salsa/dip contest.

I paid up the other day so I should be set.

I feel like this picture should be in an ad trying to sell me upgraded steering/front end components or new tires!

Ladybug & I are in... M-home and 1 Jeep. Looking forward to it... ;)

I'm in. Small overland trailer/suv. $$$ on way couple of weeks!

Please sign @4x4tographer and I up with a motor home and vehicle. I just paid and can’t wait. 😍

I can't wait to see everyone again. Such a great time last year. I'll be entering the salsa/dip contest again. So much fun and food! See y'all soon😜

We just paid and are looking forward to this great event!

American Adventure said for them to design and build a custom tray. Could cost $300. They suggested a battery tray / mount from Amazon. I found one that fit for $19 See attached below

Welcome! As long as you follow our Pet Policy (i assume those are the rules you read already), then no other info needed. See you there!

Got paid up and excited! Our first time out. Truck/Rooftop tent, my wife, and our dog. I read the animal rules, she's been to overland expo the past two years. Is there any other info you need on her?

Hi Mick, the shelf and water carriers are American Adventure Labs. The carrier for my portable battery is custom made. I designed it in Affinity Designer and then sent the file to Send-Cut-Send, who CNC'd the aluminum and performed the bends. https://sendcutsend.com I used them in the past to create the aluminum tray that my fridge sits in.

Welcome to the site, looking forward to meeting you both! ...our Jeeps do play nice with others!

Nice work! I have the same Yaesu radio, but a few years older. I just realized its 16 years old now and I've never had trouble with it. The GMRS mod is nice.

Damn. Have 1 Weekend after we get back to get the Jeep ready....😯 It hasn't moved since Easter Jeep Safari this year. But at least it will have a nice new set of Mickey Thompson Baja Boss MTs on it. The last set had about 1700 on them...I think its getting less and less every year...:( Cant wait to see everyone this year!!

FYI - there are no more Motorhome or Travel Trailer tickets available (due to limited parking space). There's still room for more tent campers as of now - better sign up soon if you're considering coming though!

Just signed up! Truck camper & extra vehicle to play in the cinders. See you next month.

SOLD

Not gonna lie....would love to have that Yota in the background

Oh yeah, duh. I may look into some solar panels too, just need to justify the expense and clear it with my CEO. 😆

there's an outlet in that central gazebo thing too

We've got recharging options in the RV if you need it.

Done. Paid in Full. Thank you for your help.

Working on getting our Fridays off with the lady and should be paid up by tomorrow! 1 truck 1 tent

I'm so looking forward to this event up in the cool pines! Phoenix set a record high for yesterday of 115* and a record low of 94*!

Howdy! Believe it or not, I was the previous owner who sold you this XJ! Love what you guys have done to it and that its still alive and well! I am looking at getting another XJ. I was looking at different lift sizes when I came across a photo of yours when you first got it. Checking the post with the headliner and wheel confirmed it was mine. I wanted to say hello and ask about a summary of the work so I can keep it in mind for my next XJ. Here's what I have from reading that seems relevant for my to daily drive one as a pavement princess: -WJ Brake Swap -Look into wiring both radiator fans always on, if overheating persists, mopar heavy duty replacement -Crossover steering kit if I start having death wobble issues. -Rebuilt motor when it dies -Rebuild tranny when it slips, replacements are too expensive because of the market.

Awesome!

Cigars and bourbon/beer will be available sir! Just let me know for sure.

As of today I will be attending. Just me, my Jeep and a tent. I will look at getting this paid in the next few weeks.

Will be attending, either the Jeep and a tent or the Subi and a tent (dependent on how nice the Jeep gods are to me when I get her in for her 100K service on the 31st) . Will pay in the next week

I've had zero issues with speed/latency on our residential starlink or starlink mini. Heavy snow or crazy thunderstorm will sometimes cause a drop but it reconnects pretty quickly. We recently got the starlink mini. we blew through that 50g of data in under 7 days. Granted Chris was gaming and streaming shows in the evenings. We have done the pause feature before and it was fast to pause and then bring back online. Since you are not in the rural area check with your phone carrier. We used a hotspot from Verizon and ATT in the past to successful work from home. More stable on the price and typically we had great service in the phoenix area.