Couldn't take the heat in the garage, so I headed for the hills yesterday for an impromptu test run.
I was able to convince James (Baddestcross) to come join me for a night run through Dishpan and Holcomb Creek.
It was over 20 degrees cooler on the mountain, but getting there I had to blast the heater to keep the Jeep from heating to the point it derates the power. Once I made it to the top, life was better.
I did a quick run solo down to Deep Creek while waiting for James to arrive.
I am amazed at how much better I can handle the bumps now with the 4" plushrides in front, and the 4+1 Curries from Ddays in the rear. That, coupled with the new axles gives me the confidence to really push harder on the trail without fear of damage.
After getting back from that and topping off the gas, met James and his wife, then off to the trail. The normal road to the trail is closed, so I know a much longer way around, but it was perfect. Got to the first obstacle at dusk, then did the whole trail in the dark.
With the new, higher stance, I'm clearing things that used to hang me up, and even though it is taller, it is also wider, plus the axles are heavier, so off camber feels just as stable as before, once I got used to it.
I was able to spot James up some of the trickier obstacles he has been on, and Fiona made it without any problems. I'm pretty sure he thought I was crazy for some of the angles we took, but we made it anyway.
Off the trail and aired up sometime after one am, made for a fun night, and a great way to beat the heat.
