Jack of All Trades, Master of None: LJ Build
- Thread starter PNW_LJ
- Start date
OP
OP
Well, we felt like the Rubicon wasn't enough, so we decided to hit up Busywild. For those not in the know, the Busywild (when wet) is probably one of the toughest trails in WA, easily in the top 10.
The keyword is "when wet". Many big pits + off-camber side hills + no traction makes for a fun time. When it's wet, body damage is inevitable.
And when busywild gets REALLY wet (around December) it becomes practically unpassable, even on 43s.
When the trail is completely dry, it can be done on a mildly built rig (33s), taking the bypasses of course. The holes get a bit smaller, and at least there's some semblance of traction. So we decided to run it just before the rains come in.
All started out well:
Until it wasn't (skip to 1:45 for the juicy part):
Very nearly rolled it, at least that's what it felt like from the inside! What surprised me most was just how quickly it all happened. I was going slowly and all felt normal right up until it wasn't.
Huge thanks to God that I didn't roll and all is well. I do think that had I a slightly larger tire, my bumper may not have hit the ground, and I might've driven out of it the first time, instead of sliding sideways. Perhaps it's time to go up in tire if I want to continue doing similar trails.
The keyword is "when wet". Many big pits + off-camber side hills + no traction makes for a fun time. When it's wet, body damage is inevitable.
And when busywild gets REALLY wet (around December) it becomes practically unpassable, even on 43s.
When the trail is completely dry, it can be done on a mildly built rig (33s), taking the bypasses of course. The holes get a bit smaller, and at least there's some semblance of traction. So we decided to run it just before the rains come in.
All started out well:
Until it wasn't (skip to 1:45 for the juicy part):
Very nearly rolled it, at least that's what it felt like from the inside! What surprised me most was just how quickly it all happened. I was going slowly and all felt normal right up until it wasn't.
Huge thanks to God that I didn't roll and all is well. I do think that had I a slightly larger tire, my bumper may not have hit the ground, and I might've driven out of it the first time, instead of sliding sideways. Perhaps it's time to go up in tire if I want to continue doing similar trails.
OP
I got winched down by my rear bumper and was able to drive out of it.
OP
Barnett cover arrived for the rear.
The rear midarm truss can only use a stock thickness cover, so this was my best option to replace the busted cover.
No more shaved bolts for me!
OP
Got a safety thimble! @NashvilleTJ apparently had a spare one, and sent me one free of charge! Didn't even charge me shipping. Thank you sir!
This will help when I switch to synthetic in the near future. My old steel line has been making some sketchy noises the last couple times I've used it, so it's about time I upgrade.
OP
Some new goodies for the LJ.
35x12.5r15 Cooper STT Pros on alloy wheels that I got for a steal up in Canada.
And Genright Boulder fenders that I picked up from @TJustinz.
Awesome build--had to catch up about 9 pages. Coming together well
OP
OP
Awesome build--had to catch up about 9 pages. Coming together well
Thank you! I’ve reread your thread, and your build is one of a couple that serve as inspiration to me.
Very nice, those yotas dominate Elbe.
You won’t be taking the LJ there I assume?
I haven't decided yet........
OP
Picked up something that I was completely not planning on buying: a brand new in box 15” BMB big brake kit for a steal down in Gig Harbor. I think it came out to less than the price of the regular BMB pads/rotors.
The guy bought it new and just had it sitting in his shop for the past couple years. Apparently he stumbled upon it last night, posted it on FB marketplace, and I picked it up within 2 hrs.
Now just have to decide if I want to install it, or save for a hub kit and send to Blaine for machining.
OP
No build updates since last time, been real busy lately with work and midterm season. But we have been out to Elbe several times on practice runs for King of Elbe 2023 (buggy is the one practicing, LJ acting as support vehicle).
Pics never do it justice. ^^ That rear tire is in a hole that's about 7 ft deep, and no tire lifting!
Boat Ramp is also wayyy steeper in person, I wish I could capture it better.
First year competing, so here's to hoping we don't come in last
We are the smallest tire rig in our class with 40" stickies, so that's saying something. Race is this Saturday.
Pics never do it justice. ^^ That rear tire is in a hole that's about 7 ft deep, and no tire lifting!
Boat Ramp is also wayyy steeper in person, I wish I could capture it better.
First year competing, so here's to hoping we don't come in last
We are the smallest tire rig in our class with 40" stickies, so that's saying something. Race is this Saturday.
OP
KOE 2023 was a blast. Several rollovers. Numerous broken parts. We won 1st place (technically).
So the race is a time trial on a course centered around the infamous Boat Ramp. Each racer is given 10 min to complete the course. There are 3 categories of racers: side by sides, small tire (40” and under), and unlimited (40s+, portals or rear steer).
We initially registered for unlimited, as we planned to race the CJ buggy on 42s. Later, for unrelated reasons, we had to change rigs to dad’s yota-based blue buggy on 40s. By then it was too late to change classes, so we stayed in unlimited.
That proved to be a mistake. Most of the unlimited rigs were on 42-44s, a couple on 50s. Most running dual shock setups w/ air bumps, 400+ hp and 5”+ uptravel.
Needless to say, dad’s low slung buggy on measly 40s, 2” of up and stock 22re was in the wrong class and severely outmatched. And so he raced.
Ended up setting a time of 2 min 27 sec. For comparison:
1st place SxS: 2 min 30 sec
1st place Small Tire: 2 min 40 sec
1st place Unlimited: 2 min 1 sec
So had we initially registered in the right class, he would’ve been in 1st place by a wide margin. Oh well, it’s our 1st year racing, happy we got this far, and without any breakage. Got much more planned for next year!
Interestingly enough, watching the buggy run the course was boring. Where all the rock bouncers were throttle heavy, bouncing around searching for traction, the buggy calmly glided across. Makes you wonder. I may post up a couple videos later.
So the race is a time trial on a course centered around the infamous Boat Ramp. Each racer is given 10 min to complete the course. There are 3 categories of racers: side by sides, small tire (40” and under), and unlimited (40s+, portals or rear steer).
We initially registered for unlimited, as we planned to race the CJ buggy on 42s. Later, for unrelated reasons, we had to change rigs to dad’s yota-based blue buggy on 40s. By then it was too late to change classes, so we stayed in unlimited.
That proved to be a mistake. Most of the unlimited rigs were on 42-44s, a couple on 50s. Most running dual shock setups w/ air bumps, 400+ hp and 5”+ uptravel.
Needless to say, dad’s low slung buggy on measly 40s, 2” of up and stock 22re was in the wrong class and severely outmatched.
And so he raced.Ended up setting a time of 2 min 27 sec. For comparison:
1st place SxS: 2 min 30 sec
1st place Small Tire: 2 min 40 sec
1st place Unlimited: 2 min 1 sec
So had we initially registered in the right class, he would’ve been in 1st place by a wide margin. Oh well, it’s our 1st year racing, happy we got this far, and without any breakage. Got much more planned for next year!
Interestingly enough, watching the buggy run the course was boring. Where all the rock bouncers were throttle heavy, bouncing around searching for traction, the buggy calmly glided across. Makes you wonder. I may post up a couple videos later.
OP