Lift install for EJS 2024

[DMNDBK RTLR]

Couldn’t find the answer anywhere in Google…

After wanting to go for almost a decade, EJS 2024 will be my first time attending. I sold my Mojave and played around with a F250 for a bit-but missed the Gladiator, so I recently took advantage of the steep discounts and grabbed a 2023 Rubicon. I’ve already got 37’s as a result of a cheat code I know for tires. I want a lift for the trip, and a thought occurred to me while planning:

Should I buy/install before the trip, or are there vendor installs at the event?

I know there are benefits to installing and shaking down prior to the trip (driving from Nashville,) but wasn’t sure about discounts, etc.. if done at the event, not to mention a likely much higher proficiency of the labor.

Would love to hear opinions from those who have been!!

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[JTPatriot]

Better off doing it now. Work any bugs out and no guarantee a vendor will have what you want for your rig. Plus finding and a place to do it during EJS, sure vendors are not installing at the event.

 

[Orange01z28]

It's hard to get anything worked on in Moab. High real estate prices are driving everyone out of town

 

[capncking]

Couldn’t find the answer anywhere in Google…

After wanting to go for almost a decade, EJS 2024 will be my first time attending. I sold my Mojave and played around with a F250 for a bit-but missed the Gladiator, so I recently took advantage of the steep discounts and grabbed a 2023 Rubicon. I’ve already got 37’s as a result of a cheat code I know for tires. I want a lift for the trip, and a thought occurred to me while planning:

Should I buy/install before the trip, or are there vendor installs at the event?

I know there are benefits to installing and shaking down prior to the trip (driving from Nashville,) but wasn’t sure about discounts, etc.. if done at the event, not to mention a likely much higher proficiency of the labor.

Would love to hear opinions from those who have been!!

It's hard to get anything worked on in Moab. High real estate prices are driving everyone out of town

what size are the tires on this JT
They fit the stock wheels well!

 

[DMNDBK RTLR]

Firestone Destination MT/2 - 37-12.50-17. Stock wheels, 1.75" Teraflex wheel spacers.

 

[Mbryson]

I don't think you'd have any luck getting anything installed at EJS 2024? Love to have you come out and hope you have a great time. I am a volunteer trail leader for Red Rock 4 Wheelers. I think my schedule just got bombed this past week but I'll post up what trails I'm on if people want a "friend" to run into. I'm confident you'll make great friends with the officials and participants whether you're with me or whomever. There will be at least 25-35 white JT running around that week. Wave with more than one finger if you see me.


I'll post up my trail schedule when it's confirmed in this thread linked below. It'd be fun if others would post up in that thread as well.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...oup-together-for-moab-ejs.73197/#post-1194976


Here's my rig (white) along with a fellow volunteer and long time friend (Brett Davis---he seems to like the green?) just this last Saturday.

We both have "CJ" rigs as well. His is a CJ8 (TBI 350, SM465, 205, GM 60/14 bolt). Mine is a "CJ7" (YJ tub and frame, 350 TBI, 700r4, D300, GM 60/14 bolt). For Safari, I will likely have the JT just for the comfort factor. This is from a LONG time ago for a JP magazine photo shoot. Somehow, Verne Simons threw a couple of pages up of my Jeep. It's LONG in the tooth now for sure. https://www.motortrend.com/features/154-1306-1980-jeep-cj-7-nip-tuck/

 

[capncking]

Firestone Destination MT/2 - 37-12.50-17. Stock wheels, 1.75" Teraflex wheel spacers.

Thanks much! I love the look!

 

[Gizmo]

Do it now . It's not like its hi tech to install . Then you can make changes before ya go and understand what the changes do .

 

[DMNDBK RTLR]

I'd prefer to lift it myself (have done it before, and typically do my own wrenching.)

Unfortunately, I'm now in an apartment instead of my home w/garage and may have to rely on a shop to do the work. Apartment complex apparently doesn't want people like me in the parking lot for a weekend lifting a Jeep.

 

[DMNDBK RTLR]

@Mbryson Great looking rigs! Appreciate the offer to run into someone on the trails as well, since I'll be venturing out solo on this trip - and have no experience in the area. Admittedly, I'm a bit nervous, and will try to take it easy out there to avoid drama. I've got a lot of research to do before the trip. Mostly whether I want to bring the camper or just find a hotel/air BNB...

 

[kevman65]

You want the work done as close to home as possible.
Makes it easier on you for any warranty work that might pop up.

 

[Mbryson]

@Mbryson Great looking rigs! Appreciate the offer to run into someone on the trails as well, since I'll be venturing out solo on this trip - and have no experience in the area. Admittedly, I'm a bit nervous, and will try to take it easy out there to avoid drama. I've got a lot of research to do before the trip. Mostly whether I want to bring the camper or just find a hotel/air BNB...

See what you can find for accommodations sooner than later. It's my understanding those fill up pretty fast even if you're wanting a campsite at an improved campground. Don't sweat the preparing dinner for at least a few nights. Solid restaurants are available. Dewey's, Blue Pig, Moab Diner, etc are worth throwing a few $ at.

Nothing to be nervous about. That's one of the things about going on the trails with the volunteer guides. If you're nervous, we'll put you near a gunner. If you're experienced and just want to make sure you stay on the trail, we'll kind of let you your own thing (within reason). We have a trail leader that shouldn't get lost (harder than you think :D) and a tail gunner. Mid-gunner or two keeps people in line or we put nervous folks near them. Trails usually leave at 9 am (some exceptions with the trails that are staged at 8 and 10 am departures) and it's rare that you're not back to town by about 3-6 pm.

The club has really done a pretty good job of responding to what is turned in on the comment cards. Groups are smaller than ever. Trail officials are getting more training and in some cases scrutiny. There's some REALLY popular group trails where people that are NEW to offroading will jump in on. The groups run for 3 days with the same people and the same leaders. Leads to a very fun experience where people make friends on the trail.

We have a First Timer's (2 groups) package of 3ish rated trails (super cool leaders and gunners that are patient and understand that this MAY be the first time you've moved that extra lever to make the 4x4 a 4x4) a Sophomore (likely 2 groups for this year based on popularity) package of 4ish rated trails and a Junior package of 5ish rated trails.

We have more ladies and "newbs" attending than ever before. This is awesome and we try to create a cool experience for everyone whatever their gender or experience level.

One of the biggest complaints we do get is that we still use CB. I am not the biggest fan and have spent WAY more than I should trying to get a working CB (1 mileish range would be delightful for me). We do still use CB. I have 2m HAM and GMRS but me repeating things on 3 different radio flavors is just not going to happen well. Other trail officials have great luck with CB. Unfortunately, I am not one of those. I WILL have a good working CB for 2024 and have some good things to share with those that have a CB. Points of interest, names of buttes/mesas and maybe some history of the trail passed from some of the older club members.

If you're putting on your own lift in the past, I don't know if the packages would be ideal for you specifically or not? If considering one, I might suggest a sophomore package depending on how "nervous" you are. The trails are 7 Mile Rim, Dome Plateau (AMAZING vistas) and Fins and Things. I run those trails pretty frequently despite having about 300-400 trail days in the Moab area over the years. They are great experiences and interesting for sure. Junior package is 3D, Tip Toe Behind the Rocks (Tip Toe Behind the Rocks is about a "4" rated trail--Behind the Rocks is a tough trail---at least an 8 and I'd personally not take my JT on it https://www.rr4w.com/jeep-safari-mag-flip.cfm) and Jax Trax. I'll probably do Jax Trax this year as I've not done it but I'm not able to jump into the Junior package. I'm sure it's available as a normal trail.

Coming from as far as you are, you may only be able to get out here to wheel the one time? Hit the Nat. Parks, Dead Horse Point, raft the Colorado for a day, etc if you have interest. Hells Revenge is pretty unique and worth some time just to demonstrate traction and such. Make it worth your time. Rest when you get home :D

I'll answer whatever questions I can in this thread or the other referenced one. I'm obviously a bit biased to Moab but have really enjoyed a few trips to Rubicon and competitive trips to other locations around the west. I feel very fortunate to have been wheeling the west since about '98. It's been rewarding and infuriating at the same time. Red Rock 4 Wheelers works cooperatively with the BLM (at least until a few weeks ago---we'll see how that turns out---they've contributed a good chunk to Blue Ribbon Coalition to fight the Labyrinth Canyon area closures I reference in a totally other thread) and my personal land use perspective aligns with the club's goals. Thus I volunteer and try to share the perspective with visitors from wherever.

As Utahn's, we are blessed more than we know as far as access to 4x4 trails. We have desert, alpine and hybrid landscapes all around us. Approx 65% of UT is owned by the Feds. That has historically given us access to some pretty crazy landscapes. With the increased visitation and burgeoning population, things are really changing fast. I love to share my great state (and passion if you've read this far) as responsibly as possible with visitors.

 

[kingsize]

Personally, I'd install the lift now. This way you can get a little break-in time on the kit.

Ive been going to EJS over 20 years. It's a great event. You'll enjoy it.

Now if you are looking for the best on and offroad suspension system for your JT, Id give this one a serious look 3.0" Adventure - X PRO "No-Limits" Mid-Arm System - Rock Krawler Suspension

 

[MPMB]

OP: life now, get comfortable driving it this way. Fewer surprises on the trail.

Red Rock 4 Wheelers works cooperatively with the BLM (at least until a few weeks ago---we'll see how that turns out---they've contributed a good chunk to Blue Ribbon Coalition to fight the Labyrinth Canyon area closures I reference in a totally other thread)

Skinny on this? I've visited their site for trail descriptions, etc, and found them super helpful. Or is there a post about it?

 

[Mbryson]

OP: life now, get comfortable driving it this way. Fewer surprises on the trail.



Skinny on this? I've visited their site for trail descriptions, etc, and found them super helpful. Or is there a post about it?

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ck-to-those-if-commenting.73314/#post-1197174

Some of you may or may not know about one of the latest SUWA (Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance) lawsuits that resulted in ANOTHER BLM (Bureau of Land Management) trail inventory. I will try to report without bias. If you read bias it is not intentional and I do apologize.


https://www.blm.gov/press-release/b...th-rims-gemini-bridges-travel-management-plan

Miles of long established trails are listed to be closed. Some are actual Jeep Safari trails. The local Jeep clubs have had a longstanding cooperation with the BLM and feel quite blindsided by the designation. Needless to say, locals are a little on the surprised side of the amount of closures. If we are being honest, some of the spurs and such SHOULD be closed. There are a LOT of overlooks and historic trails closed that the clubs will try to get an explanation for.

Blue Ribbon Coalition is rumored to be preparing a countersuit.

As I mention above. Some of the red routes are valid closures in my mind. I have NOT run ALL of these routes (maybe 25%? --- It's a LARGE area) and can't give any personal perspective except on the "Jeep Safari trails". From the map above, three of those have been closed (Hey Joe Canyon, chunks of Dead Man Point and Hell Roaring Rim). I would be SHOCKED (and frankly concerned for their health and well being) if there were hikers out this far from the highway if the temps were above 70* F.

https://eplanning.blm.gov/EPLCommentMap/?itemId=2be8bfadeb6a40549e59ad0ad0abb169
above is the link if you wanted to read about the numbering system and actual trail inventory in the 650 Mb file circled above.

If you want my political perspective, it is NOT here (I hope? I've tried to stick to facts only. I'm glad to edit anything I need to)

If you respond, please don't respond with politics. Save that for informed and well structured comments to the BLM.

Links from local 4x4 boards in Utah if you wanted a more passionate slant. There are many people more informed in both places than me.
https://www.rme4x4.com/threads/rr4w-urgent-alert.119876/page-2#post-1220719
https://expeditionutah.com/forum/in...s-gemini-bridges-travel-management-plan.7940/


There will be more "inventories" in other areas in/around Moab upcoming. It would behoove us all to get involved in the political process whatever side of the aisle you are on.

Glad to respond as long as we don't get political.

Was just in that area this past Sat. This is Dead Man's Point with a good friend of mine and a bunch of CJs that we were tagging along with. (both of our CJs are ALMOST resurrected but neither of us felt they were trail worthy even for that trail)

Closure map in the Labyrinth Canyon area per BLM website.

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