Ladd's Page
Green 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (TJ)

Spring Creek, 7/6/2003

TrailDamage.com member since June 28th, 2003
 
Colorado4x4.org Name: ladd
City: Lyons
State: Colorado
Zip Code: 80540
Job Title: Engineer/Manager

Favorite Passengers: Jean
I wheel with a CB radio AND a two-way radio

TRAIL DAMAGE: Holycross is responsible my first damage! Messed up one of my wheels on French creek when we did it and I was stock (31's). Busted a valve stem near the top. The second time up it was wet, I slipped off a rock and damaged the rear corner. Worked that OEM "shovel" over pretty well, until I replaced it! Now I work the 33eng skid over too. Busted the Window & Hard top on Spring Creek in the snow, also did some more Wheel Damage that day. Ripped a hole in the Soft top on Hole in the Rock. Smashed the front passenger wheel well on Gillispie. Oil Pan Damage on Behind the Rocks. Fender flare in the chutes. Not sure or how but 2007 was the year of finding and fixing issues: Pulled Skid plate bolts out on spring creek, turns out they were the wrong size anyway. Tie bar and Drag link, Both Drive shafts and Axel u-joints all contributed to major vibs. Second set of Srings in the summer of 2007 the OME were sagging and getting soft after 4 yrs so I replaced them with Rancho 3+" for bit more lift. Had to re-weld a rear control arm mount to the axle. Replace the rear control arm bushings after all that wheeling. Paint loss on 21 road. Bent High lift and right fender on Boulder Carnage, more paint.

Favorite Arizona Trail: Broken Arrow
Why? Like Moab, but with more trees. Very busy trail, lots of tours, but still fun to do.

Favorite Colorado Trail: Black Bear Pass
Why? Classic high mountain trail, great views, and a must do trail. Not that difficult, can be scary if you aren't paying attention I suppose. Switchbacks are tight and Not for the Larger SUV's.

Favorite Utah Trail: Golden Spike
Why? Moab, Wow! Gotta do it to believe it. Has everything you'd want from Moab in one long day. Great because you get to do two great trails to get to it, Poison Spider and Gold Bar Rim :)

Least Favorite Trail: Hey Joe Canyon
Why? Nothing good to say and it will ruin your paint! Don't bother, Moab has so many great trails. If you want to see the Green river do Spring Bottom and turn around.