my buddy and i are thinking about running the trail this weekend for the first time and hes all sketched out about it. i know my rig is completly capable but he is driving a yota with a welded rear, t-case gears, open front, 35's and a winch.
any input on the idea is appriciated. i dont want him to puss out

river levels are supposed to be around 100

Don't trip. I've made it in a 4 cyl tj on 33's open frt and rear with no issues. Just go slow and pay attention. I plan on going again this weekend. Let me know if you want a guide. I will be rolling on a fully set up Willys on 35's.

Your buddy will be fine...might need to take the strap a couple of times...and I suggest take the legal bypasses around the hard spots...

i will be there all weekend. you will be fine we are going to be campted at the lake. so if you see me in this http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=547234 stop by and have a beer.

I ran the whole trail many times with 33" tires, IFS, ARB rear, tru-trak front, Marlin single case with 4.70 gears, 4" lift. I never took a bypass nor a strap. Pick your lines and listen to your spotter if you have one. The first time I was on it I was bone stock, went down to first water x-ing. Water was to high and could not cross. I did need a clutch by the time I came up the rock garden. :grinpimp:

i will be there all weekend. you will be fine we are going to be campted at the lake. so if you see me in this http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=547234 stop by and have a beer.

I will be up there also with him but I am going to run the trail on Friday from Eagle Lakes to Fordyce lake and meet them there. It's good you have a winch. A little birdie told me you have to use it to get through the mud hole but we will see I have not been on that part of the trial this year.

I too think you'll be fine. Just take the strap or winch out of any tough spots to minimize impact on the trail especially the wetter spots.