I am going to go run Fordyce on Saturday and I have never been. I know how to get there and have a few maps of the trail, but I would like someone that has been there to go with me. Anyone up for it?? Also, does anyone know the website with the water flows?

Thanks

if you want to go, post here, PM me and/or email me btmaxwell@ucdavis.edu

BTW... my truck is a Jeep MJ SOA on 33x12.50 BFG MTs, with open diffs (have a lockright, haven't put it in yet:() I don't think the trail will give me any real trouble, though I might take some of the bypasses. It would just be nice to have someone that knows there way around.


Brett

Whoever goes with you should lead, and have the tow strap ready for you.....

your gonna need that locker. ;) better get started............:D

I'll bet my jeep could make it, and it ain't got no lockers

Rich

I suppose I may have time on friday to throw in the lockright...

Can a fullsize Blazer make it through, or are there some real narrow spots? My buddy has a 91 with 4" and 35x15 TSLs but open diffs... whaddya think?

I say go for it! Why stop at just towing one rig, might as well make a train.:flipoff2:

Your opinion of "making it" may be different than others. For instance my opinion of "making it" especially on public trails is minimal tire slippage. I don't really see that happening with open diff's. Some may tell you taht you can make it, but by who's standards. I always ahte seeing guys on a trail (usually fullsize chevy's) that think 35" tires will allow them to go anywhere they want...at least till they can't push the skinny pedal anymore. They may make the climb, but they are also ruining the trail. Now I don't know you guys, and I am not assuming that you and your friend are like this, but I would want a locker to run fordyce and be able to enjoy it.

uhhh there are no bypasses

Originally posted by Wilson
Your opinion of "making it" may be different than others. For instance my opinion of "making it" especially on public trails is minimal tire slippage. I don't really see that happening with open diff's. Some may tell you taht you can make it, but by who's standards. I always ahte seeing guys on a trail (usually fullsize chevy's) that think 35" tires will allow them to go anywhere they want...at least till they can't push the skinny pedal anymore. They may make the climb, but they are also ruining the trail. Now I don't know you guys, and I am not assuming that you and your friend are like this, but I would want a locker to run fordyce and be able to enjoy it.

Thanks for that input, I certainly know to be careful about treating the trail carefully (not so sure about my friend though :rolleyes: ). I know a guy that did it in a 3in lifted XJ with 31s and one locker, so I figure I shouldn't have any problem with 5-6", 33s and a locker.

Okay, another question, is it possible to turn around and go back at any point or is there consistent traffic coming the other way?

There are a handfull of bypasses. I can think of drive line hill, winch hill three, sqeeze rock by the fourth crossing, and another one I cant remember where.

Rich, you rig would only make it if I drove it through.:flipoff2:

Originally posted by BrettM


Thanks for that input, I certainly know to be careful about treating the trail carefully (not so sure about my friend though :rolleyes: ). I know a guy that did it in a 3in lifted XJ with 31s and one locker, so I figure I shouldn't have any problem with 5-6", 33s and a locker.

Okay, another question, is it possible to turn around and go back at any point or is there consistent traffic coming the other way?

the locker is vital. install it for sure :D

I don't know what kind of driver you are but it could be done on 33's open open with minimal issues as a skilled driver....but if the water is deep you are screwed w/ out the locker. But w/ or w/ out the locker you'll be getting wet at that height :D:D:D

Originally posted by Sillyneck


the locker is vital. install it for sure :D

I don't know what kind of driver you are but it could be done on 33's open open with minimal issues as a skilled driver....but if the water is deep you are screwed w/ out the locker. But w/ or w/ out the locker you'll be getting wet at that height :D:D:D

I can handle a little water, What better time than the present to Hurculine the interior :D

The flow looks like it will be at 210 cfm, how deep is that?

If you have the locker put it IN!

ANd will you make it? Of course! But the bigger question will be will you have to trash you truck to get through and are you willing to accept the damage? I'm sure someone has driven it on 31" with no lockers but how much bashing did it take? What kind of damage did they incure? The questions are even mor eimportant for a full size - more sheetmetal and more weight to bash and thrash.

Originally posted by Wilson
Your opinion of "making it" may be different than others. For instance my opinion of "making it" especially on public trails is minimal tire slippage. I don't really see that happening with open diff's. Some may tell you taht you can make it, but by who's standards. I always ahte seeing guys on a trail (usually fullsize chevy's) that think 35" tires will allow them to go anywhere they want...at least till they can't push the skinny pedal anymore. They may make the climb, but they are also ruining the trail. Now I don't know you guys, and I am not assuming that you and your friend are like this, but I would want a locker to run fordyce and be able to enjoy it.

what an excellent point. put the locker in to minimize damage to your rig and more importantly(you can fix your rig) the trail....:D take care and have fun!

Brett, dont listen to these assholes!:D

They are kidding, fordycer is easy! I made it in my honda CRV with 31s and no locker. Stock suspension and a 4 inch body lift.

Just dont forget to take a camera.;)

Originally posted by TyTy
Brett, dont listen to these assholes!:D

They are kidding, fordycer is easy! I made it in my honda CRV with 31s and no locker. Stock suspension and a 4 inch body lift.

Just dont forget to take a camera.;)

Ya, sure, you came all the way from Alabama to run a trail out west NOT!

Your a fawking moron TyTy....... :rolleyes:

Brett, Keith and I ran it with Rubicon DJ, and he was open open in his Toy truck and made it no prob with some excellent driving skills. However, since that trip he is has installed a lockright in the rear, and will be putting an ARB up front. So, if you are a good driver, go for it!

Originally posted by Keith
Rich, you rig would only make it if I drove it through.:flipoff2:

Keith.....I've seen you attempt to drive, by no means unless both of my legs were broken would I let you drive my little 53' m38.......
:flipoff2:

Rich

:D :D

Originally posted by uglyscout
If you have the locker put it IN!

ANd will you make it? Of course! But the bigger question will be will you have to trash you truck to get through and are you willing to accept the damage? I'm sure someone has driven it on 31" with no lockers but how much bashing did it take? What kind of damage did they incure? The questions are even mor eimportant for a full size - more sheetmetal and more weight to bash and thrash.

I really don't care much about the sheetmetal, so I'll throw the locker in and have some fun... anyone want to help me put a lockright in a D30 on Friday afternoon in the Sac. area? The ring gear is already ground down, so the carrier won't even need to be removed. It should be pretty easy, but it would be nice to have someone that's done it before there to help out.

Brett

This is from a NAXJA post I put up the same as this one:

"We only ran to the 1st H2O crossing and back out, which is fun (even more fun at 2am with a disabled Cruiser tuggin along), but not truly runnin Fordyce. If I remember correctly, Keven said that once you cross the river you are committed through at least winch hill 1 & 2. Then there may be an out, but someone else needs to verify that.

We were camping up at Eagle Lakes and just messin around. It is a fun little place to play for a day trip. "

Can anyone verify this? Where are the good spots to turn around and head back without blocking up the trail?

thanks
Brett

If you have a stock air intake don't do this at water crossing #1...
:eek:
http://home.earthlink.net/~jdrios/AA_0768_002.jpg


Jes

I don't know what the water level is right now...but you can do it if you're a decent driver. I went through Fordyce with open diffs, 33s and IFS for god sakes! That was back in the day, although I did take a few bypasses. IFS was bent to shit after that lol.

Look how small my 4Runner was :D

anyone want to help me put a lockright in a D30 on Friday afternoon in the Sac. area?

your not installing the locker in the front are you?:confused:

Originally posted by FULLSIZE


your not installing the locker in the front are you?:confused:

My thoughts exactly, rear lockers come first.

Originally posted by Wilson


My thoughts exactly, rear lockers come first.

I have 3 reasons I am doing the front first, even though I know it's not the "proper" way. 1) Snow. I go snowboarding ALOT during the winter and have heard many scary stories of rear lockers in snow. 2) Price. I got the front locker for real cheap, just couldn't pass up a deal. 3) I plan on swapping the rear axle this winter anyway, so I don't want to drop a couple hundred dollar locker in it.

Originally posted by Big Rich


Keith.....I've seen you attempt to drive, by no means unless both of my legs were broken would I let you drive my little 53' m38.......
:flipoff2:

Rich

:D :D
Ah, Touche!:D

Originally posted by BrettM
This is from a NAXJA post I put up the same as this one:

"We only ran to the 1st H2O crossing and back out, which is fun (even more fun at 2am with a disabled Cruiser tuggin along), but not truly runnin Fordyce. If I remember correctly, Keven said that once you cross the river you are committed through at least winch hill 1 & 2. Then there may be an out, but someone else needs to verify that.

We were camping up at Eagle Lakes and just messin around. It is a fun little place to play for a day trip. "

Can anyone verify this? Where are the good spots to turn around and head back without blocking up the trail?

thanks
Brett
I would not turn around at the first xing. You should have no trouble if the flows are 210. If you dont have anyone to go with you that has been there before, it may be a bit tricky to find your way out to Cisco way. At mile marker 9, there will be some old mining equipment, like a huge steel rusty wheel. If you turn right around the mile marker, it will take you across the river, and then up to Fordyce Lake. It is 7 miles to I-80 from there on a dirt road. I've got a stock Nissan p/u on 31's, I dont have any trouble.:D Seriously, if you hit the trail at 9 or so in the morning, you will have more than enough time to drive out after the fourth xing in the daylight. Warning.....If you do not like the first xing, then two and four you really wont like. Pay attention to where you cross on number four. If you dont drop in straight above the river and go straight across, you will have to parallel the bank in the water, up stream, then dart across to the right. On the first xsing, there will be a rock in the water to the right, about a 1/3 of the way across river. If it is under water, 33's on a smaller statured rig will put the water up fairly far. If it is out (usually a few inches anyway), then it will be no problem. Have fun.....

Here's #2...
http://home.earthlink.net/~jdrios/AA_0768_011.jpg
...that rig has about 5"s of lift and 33s. #1 was actually deeper on this trip but #2 was a lot more bumpy with many submerged boulders.
I locked it up for this section.


Jes

Is that Gary Evans?

Lockers can be scarey on slippery roads, just because you don't know what it's going to do. Spools are a little better, since you know what it's going to do... ARB's are the best:flipoff2: What are you putting in the rear?? Seems like the front 30 would be a prime candidate to ditch first

Originally posted by Wilson
Seems like the front 30 would be a prime candidate to ditch first

The 30 will likely stay through at least one more buildup, I'm only running 33's now, and next spring when I go to 35s I will get some shafts for the d30 with 297x u-joints. That's plenty for 35s.

Actually, I was just wheelin today with some guys at Folsom Lake and one guy busted a 260x on his d30. It took 35s, full throttle, cranked left, pulling a CJ7 up a steep hill to bust a 260x.

For the rear, I am just waiting to find the right deal on either a d44, ford 8.8, ford 9, or Toy 8" (2wd v6 with 5on4.5).

Originally posted by BrettM

Actually, I was just wheelin today with some guys at Folsom Lake [/B] i know this is kind of off topic....but, where do you wheel at Folsom Lake??

Rattlesnake Bar

http://www.anglernet.com/web/lakes/folsom/folsramp.htm

didn't make it up there? my freind ryan and i might be going next weekend. interested?:beer:

Originally posted by FULLSIZE
didn't make it up there? my freind ryan and i might be going next weekend. interested?:beer:

Very interested, details, details, details....

Originally posted by BrettM
Rattlesnake Bar

http://www.anglernet.com/web/lakes/folsom/folsramp.htm
next time you go screw around out there shoot me a PM....i ran Fordyce over labor day.....hold on to your hat!!! i ran it in a 85 yota x-tra cab w/ 35's and a welded rear...fun stuff. we went in through meadow lake and down the trail backwards. we got maybe 200 yards when one guy in our group broke a inner axle...then he broke a birf....we were wrenchin all damn day!!! still fun though.:beer: :beer:

Originally posted by Sly4rnrDRT12
I don't know what the water level is right now...but you can do it if you're a decent driver. I went through Fordyce with open diffs, 33s and IFS for god sakes! That was back in the day, although I did take a few bypasses. IFS was bent to shit after that lol.

Look how small my 4Runner was :D

Uh, you didn't even go all the way to the first water crossing! You barely got a taste of the trail! :p

I've run the trail w/ IFS & open diffs (makes for choosing just the right lines). It wasn't easy AT ALL. It took a lot of skill and a lot of rock stacking.

I was up there yesterday by myself. :) Its been a while. Great day. The water was well over my 35's on the downstream side.

Can a fullsize Blazer make it through, or are there some real narrow spots? My buddy has a 91 with 4" and 35x15 TSLs but open diffs... whaddya think?

Said above, tear the shiat out of the trail. It keeps getting deeper, rockier and harder. I wonder why ?

I don't know the flows in the water crossing pix, or the particulars about the rigs, but from what I have seen of the even the 1st crossing, I would be VERY carefull about submerging my hy-velocity fan under water. First the spray then the steam !!After that, the computer. Ist crossing, at 250 cfs, the H2O is just over knee high. Watch others go first and judge accordingly......:p

Originally posted by Lil Uzi
Can a fullsize Blazer make it through, or are there some real narrow spots? My buddy has a 91 with 4" and 35x15 TSLs but open diffs... whaddya think?

Said above, tear the shiat out of the trail. It keeps getting deeper, rockier and harder. I wonder why ?

I don't know the flows in the water crossing pix, or the particulars about the rigs, but from what I have seen of the even the 1st crossing, I would be VERY carefull about submerging my hy-velocity fan under water. First the spray then the steam !!After that, the computer. Ist crossing, at 250 cfs, the H2O is just over knee high. Watch others go first and judge accordingly......:p

I have definetly decided against letting my friend take his Blazer. It looks like I will be going next weekend instead, and the flows seem to be pretty steady at 210cfs. If 250 is knee height, then 210 should be a cake walk. Anyone want to go NEXT saturday? FULLSIZE, pass along some details, PM or email me.

waters fine. you'll be good to go if your patient. i plan to run from cisco trailhead to the bypass, then cut out. it'll make a nice day run. probably goin sunday, but i'll let ya know. :D

The Blazer, on 35"s is probably high and dry. I'm just real carefull, and paranoid with my bald 33"s, and my 11 yr old Japanese ECU, which is near the floor..... No quick fix for a burnt computer except a spare. $$$$$$$$$$$$$
Air down, take it easy on the gas, enjoy. All else fails, turn around, out the way you came. Wish I could could make it......
Have a good trip. Please, avoid making bypasses. My last short trip in mid Sept to the 1st crossing, we passed Fish and Game personnel hiking out along the trail. The area is under scrutiny for "wilderness protection." Vote your conscience in November !!! :usa:

Originally posted by ErikB


Uh, you didn't even go all the way to the first water crossing! You barely got a taste of the trail! :p

I've ran the trail a couple times after my first time you took me through Erik, and I got further. :p I miss those wheel'n days :(

thats my backyard, i'm usually yellin at people to get back on the trail and pickin up everyone elses "fun". i hope this trip doesn't turn into another clean up :rolleyes:

should be fun, we'll just have to keep tabs on the weather so we dont get stuck in a storm. this is the time of year for that. anyone else wanna go?:D

I can't believe nobody has metioned how easy you'll snap those little 260 joints with a front locker. Take a couple spare shafts and be well prepared.

i'm accually gonna try to talk him out of the front locker for this trip. would rather have to pull someone out than fix broken parts. ;)

balls to the wall.............:laughing:

Well, whether I get the locker in or not is still up in the air, but either way I will hopefully make it to the Pick n Pull to get some spare shafts w/ u-joints this week. With the front open, I have been amazed that the u-joints haven't gone yet. I have many times been turned full crank, up against a rock as tall as my tire, and gunned it... so far so good :)

you'll want to leave the front open if your not locked in the rear. to much stress on the front end when its trying to do all the work.;) you gonna be in town at all this week?

Originally posted by FULLSIZE
thats my backyard, i'm usually yellin at people to get back on the trail and pickin up everyone elses "fun". i hope this trip doesn't turn into another clean up :rolleyes:

should be fun, we'll just have to keep tabs on the weather so we dont get stuck in a storm. this is the time of year for that. anyone else wanna go?:D

It wasn't too bad actually, especially compared to the Con and other busier places. I picked up stuff along the way as I saw it and it was less than a small shopping bag full, and most of that was from what looked like somebody elses trash bag that they dropped. :)

sweet. thanks for the report erik. what are you doin next sunday? me and ryan are goin in his runner.:goofball:

Originally posted by FULLSIZE
you'll want to leave the front open if your not locked in the rear. to much stress on the front end when its trying to do all the work.;) you gonna be in town at all this week?

I wasn't planning on going home at all this week, but I could, why?

if you were gonna be home i was gonna stop by and introduce myself. no big deal. i'll pm and start gettin the plans underway:D

I'll be working... :(