Conquering 5mile pass Q's

[jdub]

I know a I have hinted at this in some of my posts in the past. I am still cycling through my head over and over what it would take to get a vehicle from Provo (where I live) to 5MP, Up Rattlesnake, Waynes and finish Constrictor without too much stress of failure (65mph is ok, speed isn't a huge concern but safety is, braking and steering are more important).

Before Tacoma tells me K5 blazer--- I don't mind body damage but would like to keep it intact. Most blazers end up gettin hacked into buggy things(meat)

Is there anyone that has a Rig that can do that or is it just a dream to have a streetable vehicle and can complete such a trail.

Note; Completing Constrictor doesn't mean not winching the waterfall. Winching is legal in this scenario.

 

[wagonmaster]

My big fat wagoneer does exactly what you are describing on a regular basis. It also tows cars, a 24 foot v track haulmark, motorcycles, gets groceries, goes to moab on its own power and wheels wherever I want and still frives home towing all camping gear for the week.

 

[Greg]

A Toyota... and you'd probably drive the waterfall on Constrictor. :greg: An Ext Cab Toyota was one of the first rigs to drive the waterfall.

Really, my old 4Runner was very streetable. I didn't have a tow rig so I drove it from out home in CO to Moab, which is 1.5 hrs away, ran Helldorado, Green Day & Pritchett, then drove it after the weekend was over.

Honestly, just about anything could do that. A XJ on 35's that's locked F & R could probably make it just fine with the right armor. So could a TJ... it just depends on what kind of discomfort, damage and mental stress you're willing to take. Every rig has it's positives & negatives.

I think a Toyota on 37's with dual cases, locked F & R with Longfields would be the ticket. Cheap, driveable & capable.

 

[UNSTUCK]

I think just about any rig you normally see on the site can do what you're asking. Any rig with at least 33's and lockers can have fun out there. I have a CJ7 on 35's, locked front and rear, 103" wheel base. I go anywhere out there just fine. WW is hit and miss. I've crawled it, climed it will all my horsepower, and have also failed to climb it. I've never even tryed to climb the waterfall. I just get in position and winch. The rest of the trial is no problem. My rig was very streetable in Arizona, and am making it legal in Utah as we speak. Once done, it will be a daily driver. It will still wheel just as hard.

 

[Tacoma]

I wouldn't say K5, they're too wide. They ARE cheap though..

For what you've described I would say.... one of the older 2dr Unlimiteds... or a 4-Runner. In fact, Sami's old blue one is still for sale on KSL... lower it a touch and have at it!

 

[jdub]

All very good things and encouraging. I see a lot of big built rigs but like the idea of something small and light but capable. Toyota has seemed to do the job well and relatively cheap is cool.

I love the idea of grabbing a wagoneer 4 door power and am a big fan of Jeep. I'd probably fuel inject it too.

Wagonmaster, how did you lift yours and what size tires do you run? Lockers?

 

[cruiseroutfit]

My FJ40 has done all of the above, in fact I can think of dozens & dozens of rigs on this forum that could do it without too much problems.

Caveat, I havn't driven WW in 3-4 year and I realize its gotten a lot harder in that time. Truthfully I'm into a "different" type of travel at this point so it might be a lot harder by the time I get back around to it

 

[jdub]

Tacoma some people put jeep bodies(scrambler) on a blazer chassis would you recommend that for the visibility thing?

 

[jdub]

Cruizeroutfit I do mostly exploration wheeling on 35's. I have another project that I want to start to be able accomplish the harder trail aspect without smashing up my flawless scrambler tub.

 

[Rot Box]

I've done that several times in my Hilux. I've ran many of the 4-5 trails in Moab as well...

Toyota's (in my bias opinion ) are a good cheap choice for that. Even with 31's having lower T-case gears, a locker or two, and some higher clearance bumpers they will take you to and from some pretty tough trails.

 

[Tacoma]

I would recommend keeping the Jeep body on a Jeep frame... and that brings me to my next question:

why not build the Scrambler up a bit?

EDIT: I see your post LOL I should hit ENTER a little sooner.

 

[The Stranger]

The previous owner of the Toyota that I just bought said that he drove up the nest a few times (no winch) and also drove the truck to California a couple times. We will see if I can get it up the nest as soon as the snow goes away!

 

[Tacoma]

The previous owner of the Toyota that I just bought said that he drove up the nest a few times (no winch)

..a suspect claim...

 

[jdub]

I'm actually jealous of the Blazer with one tons. And yes I should build the scrambler up. I know with the exception of the big butt It can handle most, if not all the trail. So yeah, the question is to build another beater or beat the armored 8?

 

[The Stranger]

..a suspect claim...

I was a bit surprised to hear that since I've never seen anyone go over it without a winch, but the guy seemed pretty honest. We will see in the spring.

 

[jdub]

I like how high the bumper sits.

 

[ElJefe]

My big fat wagoneer does exactly what you are describing on a regular basis. It also tows cars, a 24 foot v track haulmark, motorcycles, gets groceries, goes to moab on its own power and wheels wherever I want and still frives home towing all camping gear for the week.

I love your waggy. Glad to see theres another FSJeeper on here.

 

[wagonmaster]

I love your waggy. Glad to see theres another FSJeeper on here.

Hey thanks! It is my fourth build of a wagon and maybe in about three or four more I might have the recipe worked out perfect. I have been running a 14 bolt rear end and a early eight lug D44 front which has been working great for me. I only seem to have problems keeping ball joints from going bad on the front. I have the solution in my shop in the form of a D60 I fell into the other day. That will be in within 3 weeks. I run 37 km2's currently and LOVE them, I have run everything from 40's to 35's but the 37's are just right. The suspension is a combination of my own fabrication and custom leaf packs utilizing some stock leaves and leaves from 4" or 6" chevy packs.

 

[DevinB]

I could do all that in my YJ on 33's and dual lockers. Wayne's World was a challenge, but I could do it. It was also my DD, it's been to Moab and back multiple times without a hitch.

 

[Maverick]

I was a bit surprised to hear that since I've never seen anyone go over it without a winch, but the guy seemed pretty honest. We will see in the spring.

Good lookin' trailer in the background.

My scrambler, if I chose, could drive 65 to 5mp, do the trails, and drive back. Doubt I'd drag the bumper unless I meant to. EZ drove his TBI350 scrambler to the Swell last time we went, got 17mpg (measured at the pump).

Besides, scramblers are kewl!