Preparing Willys for Colorado Trip

[74huggerorange]

We have a 1950 CJ3A that we wheel. It has the stock flathead and drivetrain with 5.38 gears. We have added 1" lift and 31" tsl's as well as front and rear lockers and some other things to make it more trail worthy. We are from Oklahoma and looking to make our first trip to the Colorado trails with it. What are some trails you recommend? Also, I assume that I am going to have issues with it running good because of the altitude change. What can I do to it to make it run good once I get there? I have heard advancing the timing and a possible Jet change, I am not sure if different jets are even offered for the carb. Thanks in advance

[jph3]

If you have a timing light, just bring it with you and adjust the timing as needed. I live at 8100ft and have advanced my timing from 10 to 16...

There are a ton of trails throughout the state... I would say pick an area you want to be in, and then go from there. http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php

Also, post up on co4x4.org and I am sure you could join in from there as well.

[bump it or crawl it?]

If you are going to be running any higher mountain passes make sure your brakes are working perfectly I know you are geared well, but imagine trying to make a very tight switchback............your gears and lockers are pushing you. you can't make the turn without backing up. If you go over the edge.............you die. Brakes are good.

On that note................c'mon out and have a great time. The mountain passes around the Telluride, Silverton, Ouray, area are stunning. The rockcrawling around Montrose however does require more than 31's. Enjoy your trip.

[WildWilly4x4]

I will have my willys up in CO in late july. For my stocker rigs i like taking them on the scenic trails around Lake city/Silverton Ouray area. Fairly easy wheeling, but technical in switchback areas. X2 on triple checking the brakes and possibly the E-brake. The western slope of most of the trails going towards Silverton are pretty steep with lots of switchbacks. All my flattys are converted to running disc brakes all around, so i havent had any braking issues, but i wouldnt risk going without checking everything. On my L-head rig i just bumped the timing up a bit till it sounded good. They make even less power up in the hills so its pretty slow going with lots of low range running.

The alpine loop trails are pretty fun and beautiful scenery. Engineer pass, Imogene Pass, Cinnemon Pass, and theres lots more in the area. Most of the gas stations and travel info stores have good guide books that show and tell about the trails in the area.