Shark top sucked, so John and I ran it backwards with another leader which put us back at Sandy Bottom so we could do another trail. We ended up getting in on a run of Jeepers Alley.
Pretty easy at first, a lot of mud, but nothing a decently built jeep couldn't handle. Then we got to a creek crossing where a group in front of us was considering turning around due to the difficulty of the climb on the other side, so we pulled off the trail to make room. That crew decided to just winch up the ledge.
Our crew decided winching was not a great idea, so two small open/open XJ s pounded the climb and cleared it with ease. Then I went and after trying slow-n-go a few times decided to power through it and had no issues. Then John went and I ended tow strapping him to clear it.
Then crazy ensued...a stock tj on 37s, non Rubicon, stood his JEEP up on two wheels and there was a bunch of non-positive crunching and clanking noises that followed. It turned out he broke a d35 axle shaft and cleaned the front and rear ring gear of teeth (or one of many things that allow a driveshaft to spin without tires moving). I have another theory about what is going on with the rear axle, but it doesn't matter. The wheel wanted to walk out, so the tow strap and a tree/log/hi-lift approach to keeping the axle shaft and wheel under the JEEP was used very successfully! John had to pull this dude up a pretty major hill climb, with some winching, to get him out so he can get a trailer to grab the jeep.
Then a yj went for it and broke his driver's axle u joint. No problem...he's still rolling with the rear wheels providing power...until the axle shaft takes out the ball joints (reminded me of Morris Mountain with some whiny know it all (@jeepson33s)
). The property owners were in our group and were able to grab one of their tractors to help out...but it took an extremely long time (reminded me of 2013 Windrock).
On a positive note, the brother that owns the property rode a long way with me and he said to let him know if there are any problems next year for gatr on club row and he'll solve those problems. I have the dude's cell number if we have problems next year.
Topic: Sheriff's JeepFest 2014 (Read 22250 times)
