THINGS I LEARNED ON THE LAST SW COLORADO TRIP (July 2016)
1) I need a lift kit of 2-4”. With 3 guys, full backpacking gear, Jeep tools, etc. which totaled likely near 950# the tires rubbed the rear flares on big interstate bumps and several trail bumps—not so much though where vehicle had to flex over rocks. We actually had 4 in the Jeep for trails but no gear-only tools since we put our backpacking gear in a friend’s truck at the trailhead.
2) The new air compressor and deflators worked well and trail ride was much improved.
3) The Aussie locker worked great and got me thru tough spots with no trouble where last year was a problem. Only drawback—I ran in 2 high instead of 4 low more than I should have to avoid drivetrain stress by having the front axle locked when traction was not needed. (See #6 below)
4) Hanging the high lift jack on the rear bumper was a good place (I made my own mounts) but accentuated the issue with needing a lift.
5) I should put in a second battery in the front and ditch the emergency battery/light due to weight and space in the back.
6) Got a transmission overheat code just like last year resulting in rough 1-2 shift. Though trans oil looked and smelled great—I put in a trans cooler after the trip.
7) After putting in the trans cooler i got another trans overheat code and started reading up on this—not liking what I am seeing. It sounds like the ’06 PCM is likely going bad. AAARRRGGG. Still glad to have the cooler anyway.
8) GoPro camera mount worked great BUT- to really show what you are seeing someone either needs to take pictures out the side or re-aim the camera at times..
9) Do NOT continue east of Stoney Pass—turn around and go back to Silverton until you are a glutton for punishment.
10) Do get out and look in bad spots no matter how tired you are or how late it is. I used every skid plate and rear bumper on a spot I thought MIGHT be ok while driving in the dark. (see #9)
11) Trees fall down on your driveway while you are gone just like when you are home so go Jeepin anyway.
1) I need a lift kit of 2-4”. With 3 guys, full backpacking gear, Jeep tools, etc. which totaled likely near 950# the tires rubbed the rear flares on big interstate bumps and several trail bumps—not so much though where vehicle had to flex over rocks. We actually had 4 in the Jeep for trails but no gear-only tools since we put our backpacking gear in a friend’s truck at the trailhead.
2) The new air compressor and deflators worked well and trail ride was much improved.
3) The Aussie locker worked great and got me thru tough spots with no trouble where last year was a problem. Only drawback—I ran in 2 high instead of 4 low more than I should have to avoid drivetrain stress by having the front axle locked when traction was not needed. (See #6 below)
4) Hanging the high lift jack on the rear bumper was a good place (I made my own mounts) but accentuated the issue with needing a lift.
5) I should put in a second battery in the front and ditch the emergency battery/light due to weight and space in the back.
6) Got a transmission overheat code just like last year resulting in rough 1-2 shift. Though trans oil looked and smelled great—I put in a trans cooler after the trip.
7) After putting in the trans cooler i got another trans overheat code and started reading up on this—not liking what I am seeing. It sounds like the ’06 PCM is likely going bad. AAARRRGGG. Still glad to have the cooler anyway.
8) GoPro camera mount worked great BUT- to really show what you are seeing someone either needs to take pictures out the side or re-aim the camera at times..
9) Do NOT continue east of Stoney Pass—turn around and go back to Silverton until you are a glutton for punishment.
10) Do get out and look in bad spots no matter how tired you are or how late it is. I used every skid plate and rear bumper on a spot I thought MIGHT be ok while driving in the dark. (see #9)
11) Trees fall down on your driveway while you are gone just like when you are home so go Jeepin anyway.