wagoneer trail capability?

[bigrob]

How capable is a wag with a 4" spring lift and 31" or 32" tires? What "trail rating" would it be up to on a 1-5 scale? I've seen some trails that have signs warning that 33" tires and winches are recommended. How confident are you in your comparably equipped wag?

Before summer, mine will have an Aussie locker in the rear and hopefully a winch. How much difference can I expect the locker to make? thanks :cool:

[jode]

I've done Poison SPider in Moab with a 76 wag on 31X10.5 BFG muds with a 4" Superlift and open diffs

There were a few spots that were less than graceful, but with spotting - I made it through alright (and have pics to prove it :D )

http://www.ashurstfamily.com/~joe/JoesTempFiles/PoisonSpdr.jpg

IIRC, Poison is rated 3+ ? :confused:

[paddyp]

Locker will make a huge difference. It will definitely increase the capabilities of your rig.

[J10Mike]

ya...what paddy said. i have the aussie locker and it's great. a locker really does make a difference.

[blt2krl]

Originally posted by jode:
I've done Poison SPider in Moab with a 76 wag on 31X10.5 BFG muds with a 4" Superlift and open diffs

There were a few spots that were less than graceful, but with spotting - I made it through alright (and have pics to prove it :D )

http://www.ashurstfamily.com/~joe/JoesTempFiles/PoisonSpdr.jpg

IIRC, Poison is rated 3+ ? :confused: It is a 4 now Jode. If ya can believe that, Mostly due to all the travel on it.

[grand_wag_85]

What exactly is a locker?

[J10Mike]

a locker is a device that will lock in both sides of an axle...both tires...for greater offroad capabilities. the locker is installed within the rear or front differential or both. there are many types of lockers available. starting with the cheapest: lincoln locker (welded and irreversible), spool, lunchbox locker, automatic locker (detroit), and selectible lockers.

[jode]

Originally posted by blt2krl:
It is a 4 now Jode. If ya can believe that, Mostly due to all the travel on it.Oh yeah baby - I did a 4-rated trail in an unlocked, lifted, station wagon :D

Can you picture the wheelspin and tire smoke yet? :D It was good times though ;)

[carrotman]

I spent over 20 years doing mineral studies on old mines over the whole western US. The vehicles were bone stock, except for four speeds and winches. Most had bias-ply tires and no radios. Only high-centered a few times.

Low-gearing was much more important than big tires. With a 30 pound backpack without rock samples and driving a company vehicle, I didn't want to hike anymore than necessary. But I didn't want to be so crazy that I had to walk out of the wilderness. Actually pulled out more other vehicles than myself. Experience and low gearing are more important than big tires and high clearance.

[4x4n In A Cherokee In Colorado]

I agree carrotman...Ive seen way too many tall rigs fall over out here, even been in one myself. You could say I learned the hard way..

I had a friend that had a 8in lifted toy pu on 38's go over down the side of a 400 ft drop off and watched him fly out on a flight for life in '92 He learned also....He barely lived, the truck didnt.

[carrotman]

Hey 4x4, I spent several summers working in the Sangre de Cristo's. Every day an Army Chinook helicopter would fly by picking up climbers that fell from Crestone Peak or Crestone Needle. I cleaned up a dozen mufflers and several locking hubs on that trail going up to South Colony Lakes. Bigger tires might help there.

[4x4n In A Cherokee In Colorado]

Lol...been there, used to elk hunt there for years. I agree!! It has a few rough spots!!

We went up Hermit last year,,Its getting rougher..Sure works out the shocks!!

Medano sure aint the same it used to be...Its alot easier now cept in the spring time...I havent been to Blanca in a few years, its a rough one and will sure teach you something about tall rigs on side angles (PUCKERING) LOL

I have had all sorts of 4x's and have never used a bigger tire than a 33x12.50...Yea you may need a tug or winch every now and then, but its all in fun. All you need is a nice flexy susp a locker and 33's and you can do about any pass around my neighborhood with a little experience in 4x4n.

What I call big tires are 36+ If your runnin 3-6 inch lift with 35 or less you are so much more stable its not funny....Every rig I have helped get picked back up has been rigs with 8 or more lift and 36 and up tires. I feel a lifted rig with a couple size bigger tires are actually safer than stock, with the stiffer susp and wider tires, they handle better than factory.

The guys around here are building lots of cage rigs with up to 42's. Let me tell ya those rigs are pure fun to watch around here....I keep thinking about builing one and making my Chero a tow rig for it..