Grand Slam West (Grand Cherokee-Only Trailride)

[Sandy R]

August 3-5, Western Colorado
http://www.aoco.com/gsw01.htm

[Guest]

I am definitely interested! But since my WJ is still a little on the ... er.... nice and shiny side, I was wondering what the damage rate is on these particular trails? Can one expect dings, scratches, etc? Or are there ways to chicken out of the sheet-metal rearranging parts of the trails?

[KevinF]

I am definitely interested! But since my WJ is still a little on the ... er.... nice and shiny side, I was wondering what the damage rate is on these particular trails? Can one expect dings, scratches, etc? Or are there ways to chicken out of the sheet-metal rearranging parts of the trails?

Sorry, if you bring it along, it's mandatory that it get scratched, dinged, damaged, or otherwise mangled. It's a Jeep Thing, you NEED to understand...

Just kidding. In past GSWs, we've had "non-modified" trails available and a lot of careful spotting to avoid damage of ANY sort, even to the bonestockers. I wouldn't hesitate to take a "new-ish looking" Jeep along on GSW01; you should be fine. From memory, the places that we'll be in Colorado won't be "tight" trails with lots of places to scrub the paint, but JeffW would be a better one to ask about that. I say "bring it"!

P.S. Somehow, after running all the CO trails that he has, JeffW's still looks "new-ish". I think you're safe.

[dave]

Guys, how does this run compare to the Rubicon? I'm interested in challenges but don't want to get ahead of my abilities or Jeep. I could use more trail time but so far I'm mostly limited by my tires and lack of locked things. The brakes got a workout this past weekend. :)

Dave
-----
'94 Laredo, I6, NP249/42RE, Open diffs, JKS G2 discos, 2"BB now, Tera 3.5" lift by late April, Michelin LTX M/S 29", Mopar skids & hooks, KevinF's Sliderz.

[Guest]

I want to do it! :) I have already sustained minor damage in my WJ, but usually within 100 miles of home, so that it is not such a hassle to get back. Western CO is a 2 day drive for me, so I have to decide what to do.... whether I trailer my WJ in or not (would have to rent a truck). (What do you guys do?)

If I destroy a transfer case or a driveshaft or two, it might suck trying to get back to MN, and I don't really relish being stuck somewhere in CO.

[J's Jeep]

Living here in Colorado and having a lifted Jeep, I am still scared to take my 5.9 on some trails. Like Holy Cross. You need at least a 3", rockers, steal bumpers, and in some cases lockers for these trails. I think if you post this on Ju and put Z or Tom Z. in the title and ask him what trails you should not attend. Better yet I work with Tom so I will post on here an exact trail description for all days.
Peace

[KevinF]

I want to do it! :) I have already sustained minor damage in my WJ, but usually within 100 miles of home, so that it is not such a hassle to get back. Western CO is a 2 day drive for me, so I have to decide what to do.... whether I trailer my WJ in or not (would have to rent a truck). (What do you guys do?)

If I destroy a transfer case or a driveshaft or two, it might suck trying to get back to MN, and I don't really relish being stuck somewhere in CO.

I usually just "MacGyver" it to get into town. I don't know if I'd trailer it ALL THAT WAY to CO, tho. Sure, trailer it home if you need to, but it's a long enough drive as it is...you don't really want to rent a truck and trailer, do you? Most everyone carries tools, and I'll be carrying my welder (if I can get a 110v converter large enough for cheap). Otherwise, there is always the old "two battery weld job" with jumper cables and rod. I'm being lengthy, but the point is that WE will get you home. That's what being a Jeeper is all about...working together; helping each other.

[KevinF]

Guys, how does this run compare to the Rubicon? I'm interested in challenges but don't want to get ahead of my abilities or Jeep. I could use more trail time but so far I'm mostly limited by my tires and lack of locked things. The brakes got a workout this past weekend. :)

Dave
-----
'94 Laredo, I6, NP249/42RE, Open diffs, JKS G2 discos, 2"BB now, Tera 3.5" lift by late April, Michelin LTX M/S 29", Mopar skids & hooks, KevinF's Sliderz.

Dave:
You'll need to ask JeffW about the trails we're runnin', but I HIGHLY doubt that any of the trails that we choose for GSW will be as difficult as the Rube was. If there IS a trail that comes close, it will be for "Highly Modified ZJs ONLY", and there will also be a "less-modified" trail run that day. No worries, K? You NEED to go, dude!

[CannonBall]

I'm there, if it's cool, I'd like to drive out early with Sandy.
-Nate

[Sandy R]

I'm there, if it's cool, I'd like to drive out early with Sandy.
-Nate

Hey Buddy, it's absolutely cool.

[Guest]

Consider me convinced! I'm going to sign up! :)

[J's Jeep]

First of all everyone should sign up and go.

I have talked to Tom Z and he says that they have not come to a exact trail list yet. But as mentioned above if it is a trail that you should not go on they will probably not even let you go if you want to. We will be on the boys Jeep trails. JK :D

[George Frampton]

Jeep Trick- I am planning on going to GSW (as of today, anyway) and I will most likely be trailering my ZJ (5" lift, 32" SSRs, 97K on stock tranny, etc.) If you're interested in caravaning, let me know. I assume you'd come down to I80 and go over?

I haven't registered yet, I should get around to that.

[Tiffster]

Give me the trail names and I can give you some info on them.

[Guest]

George, that sounds like an absolutely excellent idea. :)And yes, it is best for me to drop down to Iowa, and across to CO, so it be easy to hook up.

I have decided to trailer my WJ too. :)

[SNOMORE]

Tiffster and Company,

First time on this forum... looks great! Here's a link to the trail info:

http://forums.jeepsunlimited.com/ubb/Forum19/HTML/004181.html

Sorry, it's a post from the "other" board.

Kevin F; it's Jeff Bay, not JeffW. He's the one with the once lifted WJ.

I invite all Colorado Jeepers and anyone else to come and visit in Winter Park for skiing or just relaxing, the snow is incredible and you can always get a deal at my hotel. We'll have to arrange a Jeep get together here sometime. www.vintagehotel.com

[Z__]

For all those worried about damage - don't worry (unless you're particularly accident prone). We will offer two types of trails each day - one for the stockers who are worried about damage, and another for the rest. We'll have a completed itinerary posted by April 1 (no foolin'!)

[KevinF]

Kevin F; it's Jeff Bay, not JeffW. He's the one with the once lifted WJ.

DOH![/b] Sorry, Jeff. Temporary lack of oxygen to the brain is the excuse I'm going with...

[AAMC]

Henley,
If you come, that will be about 4 WJ's that I know of. Jeff's, Patrick's, you, and me! I'm trailering my WJ to CO. Just need to figure out how to do it!

[Guest]

Anton, that would be really cool to meet you, at last! And all the others too. I want to trailer my WJ, but I also don't know how to do it!! I was going to rent an Expedition, but all the rental places say no to towing. Anyone have any ideas? Going offroad, or towing, violates the rental agreement. Renting a truck from budget or ryder or something seems to be out of the question. I am trying to twist a few arms, but have not gotten anyone to either part with a truck, or agree to come with me with their truck.

My current thought is to buy a used full size pickup.... I have some leads on good deals, and at least if I decide I don't want it, I could sell and possibly it won't cost me much, if anything. So, what will it be? Ford, or Chevy?? :D :D

[AAMC]

I'm gonna have to figure out that one too. Perhaps I may just rent a U Haul truck and carry my gear in there. Talking about overkill.

[INO1]

AAMC & J.T.: Exactly why do you want to trailer to the event? I'm not trying to be a jerk just curious. Any breakdowns can be easily remedied with the amount of Jeep experience present. Worst case scenario you get delayed a day or two. Colorado is a great place to get stuck. BTW, I'll rent/sell you my Suburban for towing.

P.S. If I'm not in WY fishing that week you can make that 5 WJ's.

[Guest]

INO1, oh, so if I destroy my transfer case, someone present will fix it for me? Shall I bring one with me, as a spare? ;)

It is a 2300 mile round trip for me.... Trailering the WJ in lowers the risk and provides peace of mind.

Tell me more about your suburban. :)

[AAMC]

I'm in the same boat as JT, plus I'm trying to keep mileage down.

[INO1]

J.T.: You seem quite pessimistic. Were you thinking of trashing the TC on the trail or on the 2300 mile trip? ;) It just seems like quite a hassle (buying/renting a truck, etc.) unless you are needing a good excuse to make a large purchase :D I actually respect you for wanting to make such a large trip & wish you the best.

I'll tell you what, if you break down on the trail I will personally drive you to the nearest dealership or shop to fix or replace whatever you break. Deal? Of course, it only applies if I'm there, but if I'm not, there will most likely be other volunteers.

A guy here has a Ford F650 (or something huge!) that he purchased & converted to a flatbed to piggy his Scramblered CJ. He has it sitting on there right now for this weekend.

My Burb is a 1997 GMC 4x4 SLT 2500 with the 454 Vortec, dark green w/ black trim & tan leather. I hear alot of people complain about the GM motors but this thing will outrun my WJ on the freeway (50-90 mph). It tows REALLY well. I will be trading it in on a 99 or newer here in the next few months.

[Johnathan Kazmierczak]

Sandy,

I can donate a few SWR meters for the raffle (I think I can spare two), and I can donate my Tech skills for those who need radio and antenna help.

[jeepinator]

I am VERY seriously considering this trip. It is quite the drive, but I would not be trailering !
Sheesh, that sounds extreme. When I get to the point where I need to trailer my ride to go off roading I will have gone too far. I draw the line here. No trailering my ride !
I am not attempting to be flamey (hehe is that a new word ?), I am just not an Extreme Jeeper (EJ ?) ...

So, if i go that would be 5 WJ's. Man, I really want to go, and there is not much stopping me ... so I probably will be there.

[Sandy R]

Sandy,

I can donate a few SWR meters for the raffle (I think I can spare two), and I can donate my Tech skills for those who need radio and antenna help.

Thanks Kaz.

[Sandy R]

So, if i go that would be 5 WJ's. Man, I really want to go, and there is not much stopping me ... so I probably will be there.

Oh there's more than 5 WJs registered. You're only counting the ones on this thread. There are people with both ZJs and WJs who have registered through JU and other Boards. My computer is currently crashed and I plan to get it fixed this weekend, but I believe that we're up to 25-30 Grands as of now with just under 4 months still to go.

[SNOMORE]

Just an FYI, There is a Jeep dealership with service right in Aspen, Berthoud Motors

[Guest]

And are they mod friendly?? Cool!

[INO1]

Okay J.T., I have to admit that I now see things in a different light. I can absolutely see a need for trailering to an event if hardcore obstacles are going to be challenged. My buddy broke his clutch ankle so his wife was driving his sweet Toyota pickup (8" lift, solid axle conv., 35" MTR's, Marlin crawler, etc.) on the Golden Spike trail with us yesterday. She attempted to go up Double Whammy at a more difficult approach & rolled 1 & 3/4 times. Fortunately we found a truck & trailer to bring his truck back. Going 2500 miles might be a good reason for a trailer. Also, tire wear on those MTR's would be reduced if trailered.

[George Frampton]

Sandy, any more info on finalizing the itenerary?

[Sandy R]

We're working on it George. I think it's done but we just haven't done a great job of posting it.

[Guest]

INO1, well I wasn't planning on rolling my WJ..... ;)

I read your trail report in another thread, and it sounds great!

I envy your location.