shellback91

Sounds good, the truck may be to big of a rig so the WJ is recommended.

Signing you up, I presume you are bringing the WJ?

You + 1 or alone?

I am borrowing information from @4x4tographer with his blessing. He helped me get my hands on the permit for this run, thanks dude! 🙂 Join my wife and I for a day trip on the famous Casner Mountain Trail! The USFS only allots 22 permits per year to help keep this trail in good shape. Each permit limited to 10 vehicles/25 people, that means getting there and running the trail is a special treat. This trail will take us high above the city of Sedona along a series of serious switchbacks where we will gain 2,000 ft of elevation in just under 2 miles. At the top, we will ride the ridge-back of the mountains with beautiful views of the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness to the right and Sycamore Canyon to the left. As we climb, the landscape will transform from scrub brush and junipers to the tall and shady Ponderosa pines. We'll cruise through the Coconino National Forest and end up just outside of the city of Flagstaff near the I-17. When & Where: Saturday: July 1, 2023 @ 8:30 A.M. Air down and depart NLT 9:00 A.M.- Please arrive fueled up and ready to go. Location: Dirt lot near the intersection of 89A and Loy Butte Road (FR 525) 34.815120577231774, -111.9052835271499 Trail Rating: Moderate We will be running the trail from South to North, dropping us off near Flagstaff. This trail is not very technical- based on past experience it is well maintained. There are very steep inclines with tight turns (in the switchbacks on the way up and along the saddle), moderate off-camber and narrow shelf roads. Because of the steep , off-camber and very tight switchbacks Full-sized trucks are not recommended. Also, if your rig is a manual I ask that you be very comfortable with it when climbing uphill. Great trail resources: TrailsOffroad: https://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/1460-casner-mountain-trail A great trip report and photos from @4x4tographer Vehicle Requirements: High clearance, 4x4 with low range, aggressive A/T or M/T tires are required. GMRS or ham radio in good working order. Most stock 4x4 vehicles with low range will do great. Rear lockers/limited slip recommended.(Not required) Communications: GMRS Channel 20 (462.675mhz) Additional Items: Dress for the weather Bring a chair! Bring snacks, a lunch and plenty of water Recovery gear/traction aid Emergency supplies / Med kit Sunscreen! Don't forget that camera - you're going to want it Bring a positive attitude! 🤘 Sign-Up: Per the permit: 10 vehicles MAX and 25 people MAX. When you sign up, please tell me how many are in your party. Anyone above the 10 vehicle max will be added to the standby list. Don't worry if you end up on stand-by; people drop out as plans change and you may end up getting a spot! Attending: @shellback91 & Mrs. shellback91(Lead) @MzPriss +1 @LaZorraRoja +1 @Sputternutz +1 @Dcoleaz +1 Standby squad

Thank you Ryan for the information! As old as Betty Lou is I may have to take some drastic measures here. 🙂 After looking around some more I did see on the Metalcloak website that the Tie Rod works with stock JK wheels and spacing but I wanted to verify. I called Metalcloak and spoke to Jon. He verified that the Tie Rod does in fact work with stock 17" wheels and spacing, that's a win because that's what I have and it lessens impact on the wallet some, for now. Here is where the dominoes fall 🤣 If I replace Tie Rod I will probably be forced replace the steering stabilizer. Not necessarily a bad thing, I would only need to decide what mount. I like bougie so I would get the Billet mount. It looks like I may have to bite the bullet and buy the HD Steering Kit. It has what I need, I just need to check my budget. I will be calling Mr. Joe to see what he would charge to install that stuff. I do not have all the right tools to do this without committing a murder or 3. 🤣 Good talk guys, as always I appreciate hashing this out here. 🤘

Thank you sir. My main concern is how much of a PITA they can be to remove. I read Ryan had to commit a murder to remove his drag link. 🤣 If I go and replace the Tie Rod with a MC one could I possibly run into clearance issues at full lock? Cascading issues are a huge PITA and expensive to boot.

Betty Lou's drag link is having issues, it is old so I am not surprised. My steering wheel has decided to un-center itself randomly lately so I am having to fix that every so often. I had to do that on the KOFA run. The adjustment collar is bolted down, I put plenty of ugga dugga's on it. When I was adjusting it Sunday Ken & I noticed the TRE on the Pitman arm has some play where it goes into the adjustment collar. I was able to wiggle it and watch and hear the threaded portion move around. All that to ask this: Based on your experiences If I replace the stock Drag Link with an after market one would that cascade into replacing other things up front? I want to avoid that because every time I upgrade one thing three more have to be upgraded/replaced. It is the way of the Jeep gods, they are cruel that way. 😃 I may also have to buy a bucket of patience, more tools and other things. I am looking at the Metal Cloak drag link as one option so far. It looks like a good option.

All good Mike, I did not either.

The gang and I completed our KOFA Run this morning. It was good to see some familiar faces, even Louie the dog was along for the ride. Over the three days we were there we only saw 3 other people, we essentially had the place to ourselves. The weather was perfect, nights were a little colder than I expected but not a big deal. This was my first trip using a tent so I may have felt the cold a little more. Still awesome weather everyday. We ran the trails noted in the original post and added a part of the Hodoo Trail down to the cabin. Those in attendance were: @gearhead (Co-Lead and Tailgunner) @Ken Ford @Mick Bowers @Rawhyd Day 1- We covered approximately 25 miles to camp in the shadow of Polaris Mountain. We took King Road to Polaris Mountain road to where it J hooked an ended at an epic camp spot that had views for days. We set up camp, relaxed and took in the scenery. The trails were easy and in good shape. Day 2- 46 Miles- We woke up to a beautiful morning and broke camp with a goal of making it to the Hovatter Homestead by days end. We made our way back to King Road then went and explored the Polaris/North Star Mine, this area is pretty darn cool. The trail to Polaris Rd. is easy, Polaris Rd. itself is a short moderate trail. We visited the old cabin then hiked the old road to the mining area. Not much has changed here which is impressive. We explored the mines with core samples and the other debris on the trail to the big mine. After exploring we made our way out the KOFA cemetery where we stopped and paid our respects. The rest of the day's trails were easy to moderate with no significant challenges. Mild off camber spots, rocky terrain, ruts, some steep climbs and epic scenery sum it up nicely. This time I did not let the Hoodoo Wash beat me, I remembered where I got sideways last year and corrected my mistake. We made our way down to check out the Hodoo Cabin this year. It is a pretty cool cabin, however, there is a warning about Africanized Bee's under the bathroom so that's kinda scary. We arrived at the Hovatter Homestead a little before 3 for another relaxing evening under the stars. I visited the family graves, payed my respects the to Hovatter's again and thanked Mr. Hovatter for his hospitality. (I am weird like that) We had the entire place to ourselves until it got dark, then the coyotes started making a bunch of noise. They kept the noise up overnight doing whatever coyotes do at night. Day 3- 29 Miles- We woke to another beautiful but colder morning. We took our time breaking camp then made our way out Hovatter Road to the Pilot on Vicksburg Rd. The trail was just as bumpy and rocky as I remember from last year for the first portion then it evened out and was easy all the way up. The views on the way were just as awesome as l remember. Thanks again to everyone that came along for the ride, I had a good time and hope you did too. I did not take many pictures myself this time and am looking forward to seeing everyone's pics. I did get this pic from @Mick Bowers.

Happy birthday Ryan!

Replaced cabin air filters, did a fluid check and inspection of miscellaneous nuts, bolts and things.

Is Barbie jealous yet? 😃

Happy birthday dude!

Thank you. 🙂 If the last few years have taught me anything it is that anything is possible, more so lately than ever before. 🤪

Apache Maid Area Exploration- Camping At Buckhorn Cabin Saturday June 3rd & Sunday June 4th Primitive Tent Camping | No Facilities Join me for 2 days of easy low mileage exploration on this overland style run. I expect this to be a low key, low effort run before the weather gets too warm. (Trails are colored Teal below) Saturday we will start on Stoneman Lake Road which is approximately 6 miles east of I-17. We will make stops and check out anything interesting along the way this day. We will take Stoneman Lake Road east to Rocky Gulch Ridge then south to a small piece of Apache Maid Trail. We will pick up Cedar Flat Road and turn south until we find 00081A. From there we will snake our way down about 4 miles to the Buckhorn Ranch and cabin where we will camp and check out that area. Sunday morning we will work our way back to Cedar Flat Road then over to the Beaver Creek trail and then southward towards Camp Verde. Meetup,Air-Down and Departure When: June 3rd @ 9:30 A.M, departing no later than 10:00 A.M.. We are only covering about 35-40 miles Saturday so we should make the cabin mid afternoon. Subject to change. Where: Stoneman Lake Road Trailhead. (Where the paved section of Stoneman Lake Road from I-17 ends) Fuel up in Camp Verde if coming from the valley. Please arrived fueled up. Requirements A high clearance 4x4 truck or SUV with a low range transfer case option, suitable front & rear recovery point, aggressive A/T or M/T tires While not required, aftermarket skid plates, rock rails, and sway-bar disconnects are suggested. Rigs & drivers must meet all the typical state/federal legal requirements for on-highway vehicles (license, insurance, registration, seat belts, lights, etc.) Vehicle should be mechanically sound and safe to drive Drivers of varying experience should be fine on this trip PRIMITIVE CAMPING Camping stuff (tent, sleeping bag, chair, stove, etc.) Other Important Details Bring 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, snacks MORE water than you need Camping (PRIMITIVE) Please bring appropriate clothing and bedding. Radio Comms Primary - GMRS channel 20 (462.675 MHz) Recovery gear, first aid kit, fire extinguisher Folding chair, camera Adult beverages are allowed and must be enjoyed responsibly. Absolutely No Drinking and Driving Is Allowed. Subject to cancellation or postponement due to weather, WW3, plague, the rapture, natural disasters or lack of interest. GPX File: Sign-Ups Rig limit: Going to limit to 8 rigs because I am not sure how space is available at the cabin. After that, I'll place you on standby. Do not hesitate to sign up as peoples schedules sometimes change and you may be able to go. Attending: @shellback91 (Leading) @Curly & Devon @MzPriss @gearhead @gman @Eugene Standby Crew: @Alexis

Thanks Tim, you rock!

Looking at Gaia and it seems there are a couple of ways to get there from Cedar Flats. That is provided I found the spot correctly.

Very cool and has my interest. I have run, and will be running, Cedar Flat to Apache Maid before. I love that area because there is a lot of stuff to see.

Not really any mods for Betty Lou but I got us some gadgets for trail runs and some for camping. I pulled the trigger and bought me a MORRFlate Quad hose set up with an integrated digital gauge for convenience during airing back up. I did not want to chop up my Smittybilt hoses so I could have them available and intact should I, or anyone, ever need them. I also bought a MORRFlate Extension hose with the Smittybilt fitting on one end. I like to have my compressor on the ground and probably could have reached with just an adapter they sell, but having the extension helps keep tension off the hoses. I did an air down and air up in the driveway and I am very happy with it. The hoses do not kink up, are good quality and the gauge is accurate and easy to read. I especially like the way it equalizes the PSI between the four corners. I left the hoses connected while I stowed the pump, by the time I was done everything had evened out. You can air down with this set up too but I will continue to use my Stauns for that. I have been struggling with my big ol' Wal-Mart water jug that I take camping. It is nice and does the job somewhat, but it is a little too big/cumbersome and it takes up extra space. @4x4tographer pointed me to where he got his water container which I appreciated. Frontrunner sells a plastic 5 Gallon Jerry Can style water container with a plastic tap. This tap is on the bottom and "out of the way". The threads on the can are 3/4" NPT style threads. I found a brass 1/4 turn hose bibb valve in my hoard that fits this can nicely so I swapped them out. Bonus is that it is still "out of the way". I also bought a 5' Stainless Steel Garden Hose for this set up to which I'll attach a nozzle. This will help with washing dishes and what not.