Wheeler Lake 7/27/08

[BigDaveZJ]

Well, similar to the OCG trip a couple weeks ago, we made it through the trail with no real issues. The drive home on the other hand . . . .

My tranny is acting up, hoping to hell it just needs the fluid flushed and it isn't about to shit the bed. It doesn't like to shift from 1-2, and the fluid is BURNT. And Stan can only make 5lbs of boost after hearing a loud POP going up Crow Hill. So yay for tow rigs.

On the way out we happened upon a jacknifed semi and a rolled car. Dr Stan to the rescue there! I dunno what it is with this group and medical emergencies on wheeling trips this year, but it's gotta stop!

Burro Days didn't hold us up much at all in Fairplay, and it was definitely interesting to see people racing donkeys.

Weather was typical Wheeler Lake weather, cool with occasional drizzle, but it was nice to get out of the Denver heat and get up there.

Still working on getting pics off the cameras and such, should have some up in the morning.

[SCAMPER ZJ]

For me it went great until a bit after Crow Hill coming back. Might have been pushing the truck a little too hard because I suddenly heard a FWOOSH and the turbo pressure dropped. Stopped under a street light at the top of the hill - no oil spraying all over the place this time, but basically had no boost over 5 after that and if I tried to get more than that the turbo wheel would whine and my EGT's would shoot up. Definitely sounded like a hose busted or something. Pressure lines seem to be in place and the boost tubes didn't seem loose. . .I'll check it in the AM when it's cooled down and there's more light. I did make it home, but definitely hobbling.

[96_zjlarado]

Sweet pics!

sorry to hear about the turbo issues. hopefully it's nothing serious. I'm gonna be throwing the boost to mine soon too.

[SCAMPER ZJ]

PHEW! This AM, with sunlight and a cool engine, I found one of a pair of hose clamps had worked its way off of a tube on the turbo. I might have been able to find it last night with a flashlight, but it's pretty tucked in there and it would have been impossible to get at with the engine hot. Easy fix, and the turbo is back in business!

[jsteves]

Sorry I couldn't make this one. Stan, glad the truck was a simple fix...hopefully it will be good luck from here out for you.

[dwcustoms]

My family and I passed you guys cruising down the road yeasterday. We were headed up to Breck to the brewery for dinner. I was in my embarrasingly underpowered KIA. I am gonna have to go wheeling with you guys sometime.

[BigDaveZJ]

Yeah, tranny's shot. Flushed the fluid out with some cheapo Castrol MERCON V shit, the old fluid was PURPLE. The new fluid made it a LITTLE better, but not enough to wear I trust it all.

[jsteves]

Dave, that sucks! Time for the heavy duty tranny I guess.

[SCAMPER ZJ]

Yeah, tranny's shot. Flushed the fluid out with some cheapo Castrol MERCON V shit, the old fluid was PURPLE. The new fluid made it a LITTLE better, but not enough to wear I trust it all.

OUCH!! That REALLY bites. I know it's just a matter of time for mine too. I wish Ford had just done it right the first time.

[BigDaveZJ]

With the 6.0 cooler that should help you out, although my temps still never got over 210 . . . who knows. I think Rocky's gonna take a peak at it just to make sure before going full blown with the BTS.

[Colorado 5.9]

Sucks about the trans Dave. That's why I jumped on a spare trans a couple of weeks ago. $250 for a 46re out a rolled 5.9 I just couldn't pass up. Now do I send it off to level10 & have built/rebuilt or do I just hang on to it untill my trans dies & just swap them.

Had fun yesterday, lots of pics. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v1...008/?start=all

[spacely]

Dave - that sucks about the tranny.

I had a good time yesterday - fun trail! Here are the few pics that I got on my camera: http://community.webshots.com/album/564660053ewMpwF I'll try to post some of the ones Kevin took once I see them.

[PassRunnerZJ]

Scott, send it out and have it built, then put it in your 5.9 and have a known good trans as a spare. Hopefully the mechanical issues are nothing major. Dave do you have a transmission cooler? When you change the fluid, it is a great time to add one. Mine shifted so much better after I did a pan off change and did an adjustment.

Nice pictures, definately Wheeler Lake is on my list of trails to do.

[SCAMPER ZJ]

Dave do you have a transmission cooler? When you change the fluid, it is a great time to add one. Mine shifted so much better after I did a pan off change and did an adjustment.

I'm pretty sure this was GOING to be his next upgrade until yesterday - I just got a 6.0 tranny cooler in mine, bringing down the temp from 210-220 to a peak of 180. It mostly runs around 150 now.

Like I said earlier Dave - I'm bummed for you, and yet I'm a little jealous too - I shall covet your BTS!!

[BigDaveZJ]

It's got an OEM cooler, but its not quite sufficient for heavy towing. Rocky's gonna take care of the tranny, and before I do any towing with it after I get it back it's getting a much better cooler.

[SCAMPER ZJ]

OK, all my pics can be viewed here:
ShutterFly Wheeler Pics 7-08

Full-res pics can be downloaded here:
FULL RES Wheeler Pics 7-08

[Colorado 5.9]

Thanks again for getting everyone's dinner Stan!

[SCAMPER ZJ]

My pleasure! I'm just glad we found the place.

[BigDaveZJ]

Scott, can you send me the full res versions of these:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t=DSC03547.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t=DSC03548.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t=DSC03428.jpg

Thanks!!

[BigDaveZJ]

[Kraqa]

thats alot of tire in the air!!!!

looks liek fun!!

[91YJoe]

OH, how I hate having to catch up at work after a week off....
anyway, Thanks for letting me join the group, had a great time.

Here is a link to pics we took at Wheeler Lake:
http://community.webshots.com/album/565145060ZFFOOA

[SCAMPER ZJ]

Here is a link to pics we took at Wheeler Lake:
http://community.webshots.com/album/565145060ZFFOOA

AWESOME pics. Great wheelin' with you too!

[Colorado 5.9]

Very nice. Good wheelin with ya here too. Thanks for this photo! I didn't think there were any of me coming down that obsticle.