T-Rex Run

[JustChad]

All in all we had a great run.  Started out by leaving from Spring Valley around 2:30 and made our way to Ramona for a quick bite at Jack 'n' the box.  From there headed out to Galletta Meadows.  We got there right at sundown and parked right next to a nice family of Velociraptors.



Woke up the next morning to head to Fonts point and on the way out Dave started having fuel issues.  So stopped at the local NAPA and picked up a fuel filter.


Changed it out pretty quick in the parking lot then got underway to Fonts Point.




It was amazing to look out on the desert from that view.  I have never seen anything like it.



From there we headed back to the road and then down Inspiration Wash to Inspiration Point and then down the canyon into the valley.  It was very Inspiring.


After hitting one dead end we finally popped out right next to Blow Sand.  We headed over to Devil's Slide where Dave found out that it wasn't his fuel filter it was his fuel pump that was the problem.  We got some big help from MT, who tracked down a pump in Brawley at Kragen for us.  So a short detour into beautiful downtown Brawley and back the pump was installed as the sun set.  We went back into the mud hills and found a great spot away from everyone to camp.



This is Chief playing on one of the hills by camp.


We started romping around the hills when Chief started to overheat really bad.  We stopped to let it cool off when Dave noticed that the upper radiator hose was collapsing.  So before we gutted the thermostat we had a little ceremony passing the Yard Waste Only badge of honor from Dave to Chief.




We got that taken care of then headed back home for a much needed shower.  Thanks to  Moorehouse77 and Chief Gunner for a great run.

[Metal Twister]

Glad you guys had a good time even with the setbacks. Curious how the sleeping cot worked out for ya Chad? And thanks for the great pics and write up. 

[Chief Gunner]

Man, what a blast.  I had a great time out in the desert.  Even with the set backs, it was a great trip.  Fon't point I think was the highlight of the trip.  It was cool to walk up the trail a little to find that vast scene in front of you.  Ocotillo Wells was pretty cool.  I have to say, there is a lot of money out there.  We saw a few 4X4 Rangers that were just bad.  The way they floated across the desert makes me want to build one.  We aslo sow a few sand cars that were over the top.  As far as my Jeep, looks like I need to do a little work on the radiator, water pump, fan, and thermostat.  I am glad we caught it now and not when the water pump blows up.  Now for the pics I took.



A stop to pump and dump on the way to Galleta Meadows



The view we woke up too



Inspiration Wash.  About half way through, we had to stop to see if we would fit....we did

 Overall, a great trip that is going to require some more exploration!!!!!!

[Chief Gunner]

Wow, I am so proud.  I just want to take this time to thank all the little people that made this possible.  First, I have to thank AMC.  Without their engineers to develop such an awesome Jeep and their poor finacial business plan that forced them to never change it, this opportunity could never happen.  With that said, a big shout out to Chrysler for taking the reigns of such awesomeness and again not changing a thing.  Sure, technology has it's place, but not in a FSJ.  Then of course, I cannot begin to thank enough Mr. Stacy David for his Bargin Beater build which cemented my desire for a "Jeep on a Budgit".  And last but not least, I have thank all you SCUFF'ers out there.  I would not be able to "pimp" my heep without all your help and support.  Thank you all for believing in me, I will carry out my duties as the "Yard Waste Only" representitive for 2011!!!!!

[moorehouse77]

Oh my goodness that dino just crapped out an FSJ!!!!!!!!




Dave.

[moorehouse77]

Was a good time.  I really needed to get out of town and that we did.  This was a different kind of run for me cause after camping by the sculptures we had no idea what trail we were going on.  We just knew we were heading southeast for Superstition.  That made it really nice with such a relaxed schedule there was nothing to think about.  Just sit back and enjoy the views. 

On a side note Galletta Meadows is a cool place to stop but not the best for camping.  Its full of bushes, ocotillo trees and cactus.  There are a few places where there's room to park rigs and setup a fire but thats about it.  Dogs beware, the cactus spines are everywhere.


dave.

[JustChad]

Glad you guys had a good time even with the setbacks. Curious how the sleeping cot worked out for ya Chad? And thanks for the great pics and write up. 

The cot was awesome.  It worked great and it was pretty comfortable. The winds kicked up pretty good on Sat. night and I was real glad I was not in a tent.   I do want to drop it about 3" lower though.  When I try to sit on it to put on my shoes my feet don't touch the ground and my head hits the roof.  Chief being the idea guy said I should lift the roof and floor instead of moving the cot.

[SNOTROCKET]

thats awesome that you guys had such a great time. i really wish i could have joined ya for this trip. but i dont think the wife would have given me the pass seein as how i spent last weekend camping in the desert. im glad it all worked out and nobody had to get towed out of there. fonts point in pretty amazing. ive only been there once but i would love to go back there someday. it definately give you some perspective on how massive an area it all is.

[moorehouse77]

There were some pretty gnarley but fun looking hiking trails going along the ridges down there.  Would be awesome to check out.


Dave.

[jeepsterrob72]

ive had the fuel pump issue before in the middle of nowhere Chief. Now i carry and extra pump in my junk box. i bought a $20 cheapo at pep boys.

[Scooter]

How where the trails...2wd accessible?

[JustChad]

Everything we did could be done in 2WD very easily. 

[moorehouse77]

You could drive a passenger car through Galleta Meadows.  The rest of the trails we hit had lots of washes with deep sand.  Most of the trail to fonts point would be ok but the last little bit is twisty so you can't carry momentum through the sand.   And getting around the badlands from Fonts point to the flats was soft and whooped out so no not a 2wd friendly area.  IMHO!!!


Dave.

[Scooter]

even with a 5 in lift on 33 mud terrains??

[moorehouse77]

Do you have an open rear diff???


Dave.

[JustChad]

The ground was still pretty hard from the rains through a lot of the washes we went through but there wer some soft sections.  Galletta meadows is not an issue for anything.  I guess if it hadn't rained then the washes would be pretty tough for a 2wd.

[Scooter]

Not sure but going to assume limited slip. Not to sure what an open did is <------noob

[moorehouse77]

Open differential is one without traction adding devices installed like a locker or limited slip.  Look in the bottom of your glove box.  There will be a sticker with a ton of codes.  Those are called RPO codes and they tell you all you could ever need to know about your CHEVY or GMC truck.  Check this site out for searching RPO codes... http://www.lonestarthunder.com/m_rpo.php.  Look in the G's for the code G80.  If your find G80 you have factory installed limited slip.  I think you would be fine but I definatly wouldn't go without a second 4x4 vehicle and a tow strap.  I just don't want to be the guy who says oh yeah no problem and then you get stuck.


Dave.

[BorregoWrangler]

Nice trip you guys had out there. I haven't checked out too many of those sculptures. My wife would get a kick out of those.

[2wdrckcrwlr]

Not sure but going to assume limited slip. Not to sure what an open did is <------noob

Not trying to hijack.....Scooter, there is an area called Vallacito Wash off the S-2 that is 2wd friendly. When my Waggy is not running(which has been way too long) I like to go out there with my 98 GMC 1500 which is 2wd on 33's. There is enough to be fun but not too much to get into trouble.