The Evolution of the RockCrawler

[Shawn]

I find it kind of interesting that the evolution in this sport can make a full circle from where we started.
We start off with a some what stock 4x4 and wheel it thinking we are all that. Next we add some lockers and gears and feel that we have entered a whole new level. Next we add mad flex and increase the trails to those that we could only walk a few months ago. Enter the sawzall,,, a wheelers new friend. Now we don’t really care how much body damage comes are way. We loose part of the body, we loose parts of the frame, coil overs and air shocks become part of your every day conversation. Then the dreaded day, the day you have been looking for since you realized you where hooked. You build a buggy…….J The next few months you ask yourself why? Why, why, why…. I can’t drive it on the road anymore, chicks can’t see me in my cool rig except on the trail and there are only a few of them…. You have to load it on a trailer and tow it if you want to wheel it…. Why, why, why… next thing you know…it’s for sale and you are looking at a new TJ….

Is our evolution to spend thousands of dollars just to go right back to where we started?

 

[James K]

hobbies cost money, they don't make money.

 

[utahxjer]

hmm, deep thoughts by Shawn...

I'm glad you brought this up, because this is the exact "trail" I'm headed down, I've been looking at buggy frames and the costs and whatnot, but the costs are holding me back for now.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Interestingly enough... there are alot of people "going back to their roots"... meaning a built street legal rig. Even in Moab this year, at both the TLCA & EJS events, I noted the amount of street legal vehicles...

I have always been an advocate for the street legal side. Beleive me their are times I wish I didn't have a body to worry about, and times that a trailer in the parking lot would be a blessing. But, some of my favorite trips have been driving my Cruiser to Moab (with 2 freinds and a trail trailer ), wheeling some of the harder trails, and packing up and driving home.

One of my favorite areas is AF Canyon (yes, I can talk forever about AF). AF is just impracticle for a trailer with my style of recreating. I may decide to head home via Snake Creek, may decide to stay an extra night. And on many occasions, there is just no parking at Tibble for a trailer.

There are definately two sides to the sport, and I agree it is interesting to watch it revolve back to the build street rigs.

 

[Meat_]

I think he's talking to you Supergper

 

[Shawn]

I think he's talking to you Supergper

nope, just in general. I could name many members on this board that have taken this route.

 

[Shawn]

hobbies cost money, they don't make money.

Just like a good meal, we tend to fill our plates with more than we can eat. I'm tring something new. I don't want to sell the Cruiser and have no desire to. I'm also trying to build the Commando so I can have a streetable ride. I also have 4 ATVs that help fill my time with the family. I have more hobbies than maybe I should, but I enjoy each and every one of them.

 

[Meat_]

I can see only one route. Have a built but street legal ride & a buggy

 

[Shawn]

I can see only one route. Have a built but street legal ride & a buggy

That is the route that I'm trying. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[Kris K]

That is the route that I'm trying. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[mbryson]

If I ever get my junk done, it'll be the worst of both.....(but should be pretty good off road). Has enough body, I'd like to keep it intact while off-road, but not enough street manners to make it a decent driver..... I'll trailer it on longer trips, but expect to drive it to AF canyon or ????

 

[Shawn]

If I ever get my junk done, it'll be the worst of both.....(but should be pretty good off road). Has enough body, I'd like to keep it intact while off-road, but not enough street manners to make it a decent driver..... I'll trailer it on longer trips, but expect to drive it to AF canyon or ????

We will all pray for you Marc.

 

[mbryson]

We will all pray for you Marc.

SWEET!!! {I'm thinking the locker choice will be interesting and make things kinda funky on-road}

 

[Kris K]

I kind of wish i would have left my Samurai street legal. But o'well now maybe i can do a little bit harder trails and not have to worry about the body. Maybe i could do the Con now???

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I kind of wish i would have left my Samurai street legal. But o'well now maybe i can do a little bit harder trails and not have to worry about the body. Maybe i could do the Con now???

I think it is all about balancing the best of both worlds.. there are alot of street legal rides that can handle the Con, Upper Hell, Rubicon, etc.

 

[Kris K]

I think it is all about balancing the best of both worlds.. there are alot of street legal rides that can handle the Con, Upper Hell, Rubicon, etc.

True.

 

[samitoy]

Kris, Honestly, do you think it would take that much to make your Sami Street legal??? Some fender flares, some removable mud flaps, ect.

 

[Kris K]

Kris, Honestly, do you think it would take that much to make your Sami Street legal??? Some fender flares, some removable mud flaps, ect.

I'd need some big flares. The rear is dove tailed so the tire's stick WAY out in the rear.

 

[Shawn]

Kris, Honestly, do you think it would take that much to make your Sami Street legal??? Some fender flares, some removable mud flaps, ect.

He would have to buy a windshield............

 

[Kris K]

He would have to buy a windshield............

True.