I set my mind on finally doing the Dusy this year. My plan is to get to or near the trail head and camp on Weds the 3rd afternoon/evening and camp, start the trail in the AM on the 4th. The travel plan is to take the trail slow allowing all four days to enjoy the trail, stop and fish in the many lakes and ponds along the trail and then finishing on Sunday the 8th.

If I could get at least one other solid rig to go it would be great, but I know it's short notice. My schedule might alow a slight flex to the left or right but not much. I have a seminar to attend the week prior that I cant miss, and my daughter goes back to school on the 11th so I got to get this trip in during the above time frame.

I plan on taking the my 89 SWB, which I need to install my ARB front locker into prior to the trip, as well as some other things, so I have my work cut out for me. It should be pretty capable with the crawler gears and dual lockers& winch, but If all else fails, I'll take El Gato, after installing some sliders on him.

Interest? Takers? Should be fun...Maybe a bit hot this time of year but plenty of shade and higher ellevation should temper that. Vehicles should be well equipped and as always prepared for possible body damage <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

You meant camp wed night august the 4th? and start the trail on Thursday the 5th?

Gonna check my schedule and will do my best to join you!
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
I can't wait to get out and stretch my tires! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Yes, Camp Weds night start Thursday Morning after breakfast. Hope you can make it Carlos.

I wanna get out and do some wheeling so bad but I don't think my rig is ready yet. Looking at my setup in my sig, what would I need to be able to join you guys on this trip? I have my sliders made up and will be installing them in my friends shop within the next few days, and am on the lookout for some 33's on CL...would this be enough to make it or will I constantly be hookin up the tow strap? I badly want a front locker but can't drop the dough on a new arb, is there a cheaper way to go about this, can I find something in the j yards? Thanks in advance guys.

I've watched hours of video of FJ40s on the Dusy-Ershim trail. There was only one rig in the group on less than a 35" tire with a spring under suspension set up, and he put was banging and dragging his rocker protection all the way down the trail. This is not to say that you wouldn't be fine as driver skill has everything to do with rig capability. Justice and Carlos are GREAT drivers and spotters, so I'm sure they'll be a great voice of reason to let you know what you should and shouldn't do.

I wish I was going, too...

I would say you could make it if you can get 33's on before the run, With the SWB it should give you the clearance you need, but you need to be prepared to take a strap. The LSD will help a bit but for the slow speeds this trail will likely require it wont be enough in all cases.

You could go with an Aussie Locker up front, these run around 250 bucks or so, but not sure if they have any more Mitsu units in stock. That would help you out a lot if you could get one installed. Search tech about that.

Make sure you clutch is in good shape, because with the stock low range you'll be working it a great deal. I plan to take it slow so winching and straping is no big deal. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I think Carlos and them drug a SWB with 29's through the Con one time so anything's possible.

I've already got plans then otherwise I'd be there.

I ran the Dusy a a few years ago with Lloyd in my '95 LWB with 32's, rear locker & rock sliders. He had to winch me out of a few places. After the body panels that were in the way were ripped off by rocks and my gas tank had been mashed in I almost had enough clearance. 33's would be a really good idea.

Thanks for the feedback fella's, Im going to see what I can do over the next few weeks and get back to you.

Days off work -- check.
Kids with ex-wife for the weekend -- check.
Permission from the girlfriend -- check.
Condition of truck -- check. (well, I better replace that coolant hose near the thermostat)

I'm confirmed!

Justice, where are you planning on making camp? I'll be leaving from Palm Springs noon on Wednesday; does that fit in with a meet-up on the way there somewhere after LA, or shall I just join you at the campsite?