Expedition Modded Jeeps - Let's see 'em!!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
I finally got a chance to use my Freespirit Recreation Adventure Series Manual 60 RTT this weekend. Full write up- Freespirit recreation - Expedition Portal
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
Apparently I was following Mark around last week.Attachment 674655Attachment 674656Attachment 674657Attachment 674658
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 211
Likes: 3
From: Pagosa Springs CO
That's interesting, because we have a great deal of reclaimed strip mine land in Indiana that has been turned into beautiful forest land and even a couple of nice off-road vehicle parks. I'm not advocating selling land wholesale to industry but it is intellectually dishonest, or just ignorant, for you to make the statement that they destroy the land and that it can't be reclaimed or even managed appropriately.
Your first sentence is exactly what I am saying, so thanks for repeating it. The moderate voices in both parties have been completely drowned out and overwhelmed. Extremism prevails today, and you don't have to open your eyes but for a second to see that.
Your first sentence is exactly what I am saying, so thanks for repeating it. The moderate voices in both parties have been completely drowned out and overwhelmed. Extremism prevails today, and you don't have to open your eyes but for a second to see that.
I'm saying specifically, the most recent moves to sell off large chunks of protected land is coming from one party. It's not extremism on my part to say that. If the Democrats were doing it, I'd be mad at them for it. Part of avoiding extremism is also being able to accept when your own party is doing unforgiveable things that should be stopped, and not holding the party line or saying "it's both sides" when the focus is clearly in one place in that instance.
Again... I'm not trying to draw lines across the board that apply to every situation. But let's be honest about who is trying to reverse the protection of a huge chunk of our nature preserves TODAY.
Again... I'm not trying to draw lines across the board that apply to every situation. But let's be honest about who is trying to reverse the protection of a huge chunk of our nature preserves TODAY.
hey guys, I do believe this is about "Expedition Modded Jeeps - Let's see 'em!!" and the trips we take with them, PLEASE leave the other stuff at home or take it someplace else
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 42
From: Danville, Indiana
That conversation ended 4 days ago, and it actually was about one of the places someone might want to go. We've moved on, so thanks.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Finally got to put my XJ/ZJ Roof Rack and LoadWarrior basket to work. Drove down to Bend for a Bachelor Party, then drove back up to Mt. Hood National Forest to meet up with my wife and bro-in-law to camp out and catch a glimpse of the eclipse (within path of totality). I didn't get as many good pics as I wanted to, especially of the forest roads we took on the way back to hit Estacada, but here are a few shots of the weekend excursion 
Loaded up and ready to roll:
Shot of Mt. Hood as I drove past Gov't Camp.
Shot of Mt. Hood on the way back to Mt. Hood Natl' Forest.
Taking a quick break after driving around looking for the perfect camping spot.
Found it. Didn't get a pic of the tents set up, but this was the entrance to an old service road. No one around, perfect!
Eclipse time... didn't even have to leave the camp site. The sun lined up perfectly with the forest service road (skyline rd).
View of Mt. Hood from NF-58 on the way back to 224 to Estacada.
Loaded up and ready to roll:
Shot of Mt. Hood as I drove past Gov't Camp.
Shot of Mt. Hood on the way back to Mt. Hood Natl' Forest.
Taking a quick break after driving around looking for the perfect camping spot.
Found it. Didn't get a pic of the tents set up, but this was the entrance to an old service road. No one around, perfect!
Eclipse time... didn't even have to leave the camp site. The sun lined up perfectly with the forest service road (skyline rd).
View of Mt. Hood from NF-58 on the way back to 224 to Estacada.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 245
Likes: 6
From: Pocatello, Idaho
I need a used 3.8 engine with low miles
I just ruined my engine crossing a too deep creek. 
We took the plugs out and it will turn manually part way around in both directions and then stop. Our local dealer said that hydrolocked engines often have many damaged parts and it would be best to replace it. There should be many 3.8s out there at engine swop shops that have installed V8s in JKs. I would like to find an engine at a shop that could install it for me. Any advice from forum members would be much appreciated. Prefer to find one within reasonable distance from Pocatello, Idaho. 
We took the plugs out and it will turn manually part way around in both directions and then stop. Our local dealer said that hydrolocked engines often have many damaged parts and it would be best to replace it. There should be many 3.8s out there at engine swop shops that have installed V8s in JKs. I would like to find an engine at a shop that could install it for me. Any advice from forum members would be much appreciated. Prefer to find one within reasonable distance from Pocatello, Idaho.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 42
From: Danville, Indiana
Sorry to hear about your engine. Unfortunately, I'm unfamiliar with anyplace in your area with them. You might contact AEV in Michigan. I'm pretty sure they'd have a bunch of 3.8's laying around. Maybe they'd ship one. Otherwise, I'd look at a Jasper rebuild or something like that. I know of a shop in my area that rebuilds them and claims to fix the source of the problem that causes the famous oil burning issue. Maybe there is an outfit like that somewhere near you.
My question:
Is there an app or web site with a database of overlanding routes in the US? Magellan looks like they've attempted it but the reviews are poor.
It would be neat to collect routes from different regions of the country, especially areas where they might be harder to find.
My question:
Is there an app or web site with a database of overlanding routes in the US? Magellan looks like they've attempted it but the reviews are poor.
It would be neat to collect routes from different regions of the country, especially areas where they might be harder to find.
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 896
Likes: 5
From: Ventura, CA
I just ruined my engine crossing a too deep creek. We took the plugs out and it will turn manually part way around in both directions and then stop. Our local dealer said that hydrolocked engines often have many damaged parts and it would be best to replace it. There should be many 3.8s out there at engine swop shops that have installed V8s in JKs. I would like to find an engine at a shop that could install it for me. Any advice from forum members would be much appreciated. Prefer to find one within reasonable distance from Pocatello, Idaho.
We took the plugs out and it will turn manually part way around in both directions and then stop. Our local dealer said that hydrolocked engines often have many damaged parts and it would be best to replace it. There should be many 3.8s out there at engine swop shops that have installed V8s in JKs. I would like to find an engine at a shop that could install it for me. Any advice from forum members would be much appreciated. Prefer to find one within reasonable distance from Pocatello, Idaho.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
Ouch. Sorry to hear that. Of the three shops that I know that do the installs, the already mentioned AEV is the closest. Not sure why a hemi-removal would be any better than scouring local junkyards for a low mileage JK that was totaled. Or, you can check out the remans on E-Bay for a bit over 4 grand.
I had a friend a few years ago who tried to set up a site, but it never panned out. The problem is a great many folks jealously guard their routes for a variety of reasons:
What I will tell you is that there are thousands of creative routes that can be put together by anyone who takes the time to scour over maps. The state Gazetteers are your friend. So are the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) put out by the U.S. Forest Service. YouTube videos, and trip reports on websites such as here are, too. They provide info that maps may hide, such as closed gates, private property, difficulty of routes, etc. There are also widely dispersed websites that provide info on particular states or regions, often with free or modestly priced custom maps and .gpx files. Finally, there are a few guidebooks here and there that provide info on routes. Along the lines of those last couple points, check out:
Some national parks and monuments also offer incredible overlanding opportunities, so check out the NatGeo Trails Illustrated maps for them, including:
- You want solitude the next time you go.
- You can't trust people to not trash a place.
- You don't want to be responsible for people getting in over their head or other trouble out there.
- What good is a secret spot that everyone knows about?
What I will tell you is that there are thousands of creative routes that can be put together by anyone who takes the time to scour over maps. The state Gazetteers are your friend. So are the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) put out by the U.S. Forest Service. YouTube videos, and trip reports on websites such as here are, too. They provide info that maps may hide, such as closed gates, private property, difficulty of routes, etc. There are also widely dispersed websites that provide info on particular states or regions, often with free or modestly priced custom maps and .gpx files. Finally, there are a few guidebooks here and there that provide info on routes. Along the lines of those last couple points, check out:
- The Backcountry Discovery Routes series from Touratech/Butler Maps.
- The Charles Wells state off-road and backcountry road guide books and see what trails he lists might make suitable overlanding routes.
- The Mojave Trail guidebook by Dennis Casabier.
- The TransAmerica Trail and related offshoots.
Some national parks and monuments also offer incredible overlanding opportunities, so check out the NatGeo Trails Illustrated maps for them, including:
- Death Valley and adjacent BLM lands.
- Big Bend and adjacent Big Bend Ranch State Park.
- Grand Canyon on adjacent BLM and NF lands and, with appropriate permit, Navajo Nation land.
- Capitol Reef and adjacent BLM and NF lands.
- Canyonlands and adjacent BLM lands.
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Momument.
- Bears Ears National Monument and adjacent USFS and BLM lands, including the Abajo and Henry Mountains.
Last edited by Mark Doiron; Sep 10, 2017 at 01:32 AM.
