Desert Run
John
& Peg B
Paul
& David Beckman
Steve
& Renie Friend
Chris
& Arlene Storm
Mike Verner
Welp, we are back. The Lake Havasu
Sidewinders did an outstanding job of hosting the event, again. The trails
are anywhere between extreme, really extreme, and tame. Yes, I
broke. I broke a front U bolt. Kind of weird
until I saw the right leaf 
spring mount. I think my Rock Ram might
have torn the mount loose from the axle and the U bolt could not take the load.
Yes, they were all tight before I
left. I might have broke the mount on Wrecking
ball and did not see it. I need to consider larger U bolts. I think
I can reuse the mount, although it is pretty well broke. Chris had an
issue as well, but we will let him explain that. John B tagged a
corner, but his engine ran fantastic. Mike Verner
also got a small bit of damage near his hood. Again, pretty minor, but he
was not too happy. And Paul Beckman tagged one rear corner/light/lens and
I think a small area near the front. David, his 3 year old, did most of
the driving:) I think that is about it.
These trails are very technical. Friday run (Snake Pit) was outstanding
with some really tight, high articulation ravines. Saturday run (Diamond
Back) was one that we had done in past years. But, still, it was highly
technical, with some climbs requiring power. I broke about 1/2 way thru
and found a way out and did not finish. Turns out, I think that was the
right thing to do.
SF
Actually had a great time at Havasu and I agree that the Sidewinders did a great job
again.
Jeep had design flaws that are being
corrected but I'm fairly happy in general with it's
future performance. I think due to the additional weight of the 9" the
axle travel is more and my calculated front drive line length was too short
thus requiring that we abort the "5" trail after about the third obstical.
Upon initial set up I experienced some
front wobble at speed and added a stablizer shock. I
have now figured out the "full traction" steering set up was allowing
the tie rod to rotate which allowed about 3/4" movement laterally prior to
moving the pitman arm. I've now ordered the M.O.R.E. spring over steering
correction kit which will eliminate the "full traction mess" and hopefull the occasional wobble. Fortunately I've got two
more practice sessions before
Oh- the Ford started leaking transmission
fluid so its now in the shop.
Just got the Jeep in the
garage Sunday before a substantial hale storm hit- weird weather. I'm ready for spring.
Chris
Ditto to Steve's comments about Havasu. Had a blast but I did make
some of the spots look a lot harder than they should have been. Guess one
of these days I'll need to start cleaning up the rock rash - it's starting to overtake the brown. Thanks too
to all who helped with the engine R&R especially Steve F who answered more
questions than you can imagine & Mike who helped muscle it into place.
JohnB
