Just saw this post... new member. Just got my stock FJC w/locker (no ATRAC switch mod yet) on 2/21...
I admit I'm nervous popping my cherry on such wet and sloppy trails in a stock rig... one I am still very unfamiliar with (judging clearances and distances, etc...) I don't want to break or bash it before I make my first payment...
I was hoping to start out easy and gain confidence...
Can you share more details about trail or a link to more details?
Can you share more details about trail or a link to more details?l
Most of the GWNF trails are fire roads. These are normally not very challenging to any 4x4. I ran them a few months back with open difs and street tires and had little trouble except in a couple of spots where I had to take a bypass. None of the FJs had any real trouble, although a few times it took more than one attempt for some of them to get over some of the obstacles. Here is a link to the tread on the Fall Colors run. It has lots of pics and some video. These should give you a sense of the trails.
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Rmplstlskn previously said:
I admit I'm nervous popping my cherry on such wet and sloppy trails in a stock rig... one I am still very unfamiliar with (judging clearances and distances, etc...) I don't want to break or bash it before I make my first payment...
Understandable. This is what I can tell you. There were about 50 mostly stock FJs at the Fall Colors runin GWNF. The only trail damage was some "racing stripes" caused by branches along the side of the trail when a driver misjudged the width of the FJ. There is a tread somewhere on this site about how to buff out scratches. The paint on the FJs is very soft so the scratches come right out for most colors. (According to my brother-in-law, MoJoFoJo, Cherry may be the exception due to the metal flakes in the paint.)
However, as Rip said, the ice, snow and mud will make the trails more difficult. How much more difficult, we won't know until we get there. The biggest problem that I anticipate the FJs will have is that the rubber compound used in the stock Bridgestone tires is too hard, making them crap in slippery conditions. On a run at Paragon earlier this month, some of the FJs running the stock tires were sliding all over the place in wintery conditions similar to those that we are likely to face in GWNF.
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Mario
I wheel an 89 Isuzu Trooper, but at least my wife drives a Sienna.
Exactly. But remember that there will be experienced four wheelers with you. We will place all inexperienced drivers in the middle of the pack. An experienced leader and tailman is the key to a successful and enjoyable outing with little to no damage.
I agree about the scratches (racing stripes), but this is a part of the off-road game. Get those scratches in early and you will never worry about them again.
Just saw this post... new member. Just got my stock FJC w/locker (no ATRAC switch mod yet) on 2/21...
I admit I'm nervous popping my cherry on such wet and sloppy trails in a stock rig... one I am still very unfamiliar with (judging clearances and distances, etc...) I don't want to break or bash it before I make my first payment...
I was hoping to start out easy and gain confidence...
Can you share more details about trail or a link to more details?
Rmpl
Welcome aboard . It's good to see another silver fj in the area. I have run GW in my stock fj several times. It's a good place to go for first timers , it's mostly dirt roads with harder spots you can choose to try or just by pass . I also had my fj at Rausch Creek 2 weeks after i bought it . Go have some fun with your new toy and remember to just take your time .
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07 FJ, At ,Upgrade #2,Toytec 1/2 FR Spacer,Auto Vent Shades,285/75/R16 Dick Cepek FC-11's on 16x8 Ultra 50/51's
Thanks for all the GWNF pics... Most of it is not as bad as I thought it would be. The rockcrawler pics from Crozet had me thinking GWNF might be lots of rockcrawling, climbing and technical turns... and lots of winch work.
Seeing the pics has me 100% convinced to dump these street-duty Bridgestones for some beefer tread, maybe BFG A/T's.
The dealer gave me a $800 allowance for a stereo at Crutchfield... I think I will suffer through the stock stereo and get some new treads instead. Much more "real world" important...
As for the trip... I may have to pass on this one as I promised the wife that we would go cruising in the new FJC Saturday and she gave me "that look " when I asked if she wanted to go 4-wheeling in wet and muddy GWNF instead...
Rmpl
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Ti FJ still basically stock. BFG's all around. What Would Y'shua Do?
Thanks for all the GWNF pics... Most of it is not as bad as I thought it would be. The rockcrawler pics from Crozet had me thinking GWNF might be lots of rockcrawling, climbing and technical turns... and lots of winch work.
I have never run Crozet, but from what I have read, there is no comparison between the two. Crozet is (in)famous for its rocks. Big Rocks = Big Risk
Quote:
Rmplstlskn previously said:
Seeing the pics has me 100% convinced to dump these street-duty Bridgestones for some beefer tread, maybe BFG A/T's.
The dealer gave me a $800 allowance for a stereo at Crutchfield... I think I will suffer through the stock stereo and get some new treads instead. Much more "real world" important...
Do it now or do it later, but if you wheel you will eventually dump the stock Bridgestones. Just look at how many are listed in the classified section! If you can get an allowance, go for it!
Quote:
Rmplstlskn previously said:
As for the trip... I may have to pass on this one as I promised the wife that we would go cruising in the new FJC Saturday and she gave me "that look " when I asked if she wanted to go 4-wheeling in wet and muddy GWNF instead...
Seriously, we have all been there. I don't know what this little trip will cost me. My wife is going to a home improvement expo on Sat. Letting her roam free, could be expensive.
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Mario
I wheel an 89 Isuzu Trooper, but at least my wife drives a Sienna.
I can't make, it's my anniversary and i don't think the wife wants me to take her 4 wheeling. With the warm weather the past few days it should'nt be bad up there. Take plenty of photos.
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07 FJ, At ,Upgrade #2,Toytec 1/2 FR Spacer,Auto Vent Shades,285/75/R16 Dick Cepek FC-11's on 16x8 Ultra 50/51's
I just joined this forum recently. No FJ, but I have a 4th Gen 4Runner with 33s and a Shrockworks bumper. Can I join you all? I'm in the Reston area.
Thanks!
Sure, join in. Your 4Runner is like a big brother to the FJC. Besides, the FJ owners allow me to tag along with my "little" first generation Isuzu Trooper. I guess my Troop is like a distant cousin to the old FJ60.
This will be my 4th FJ run. I had a blast each of the previous times and I expect no different this time. This is a GREAT forum to find trail runs. FJ owners like to wheel their rigs and seem to feel the more the merrier.
See you at the Waffle House tomorrow.
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Mario
I wheel an 89 Isuzu Trooper, but at least my wife drives a Sienna.
Re: George Washington - VA 2/24/07
" when I asked if she wanted to go 4-wheeling in wet and muddy GWNF instead... 
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