TowndawgR50

Snow was really deep. I basically plowed my way through thanks to the major balls the 3.5 has but after it got too deep there was no going further. Even the Suzukis were having trouble. While they were able to float most of the day the snow quickly changed characteristics when the temps got above 40 and everyone was getting stuck. We were about 3 miles from the pass summit but glad we backed out when we did. Nothing but slush from all the sun as we rose in elevation, Sunrise on the Cascade mountains as we approached Monroe Airing down Getting deeper. Subframe plow begins Getting deeper... Too deep. A couple good yanks forward and back got the job done. Was down to the body, tires spinning freely. Those little Samurai's are tough bastards. Lunch and dog break sunset in the snow

Took another snow wheeling trip with my new 4x4 group, mostly comprised of Suzukis, to Jacks Pass. Snow was deep. Really deep. The major downfall of the SFD became apparent after the snow got to be about 4 ft deep. The damn thing is a drag. Literally. While a SFD allows you to effectively raise your truck and fit larger tires but the subframe still is extremely low ultimately making any kind of ground clearance gained for the body and tire size fit useless in deep snow or mud. I basically plowed my way through thanks to the major balls the 3.5 has but after it got too deep there was no going further. Even the Suzukis were having trouble. While they were able to float most of the day the snow quickly changed characteristics when the temps got above 40 and everyone was getting stuck. We were about 3 miles from the pass summit but glad we backed out when we did. Nothing but slush from all the sun as we rose in elevation, So now the question is...what axle will I use for my SAS because this IFS sucks when it comes to clearance. Dont get me wrong, my truck has gotten me tons of places that I never thought it would. But I have to adapt and accept that what I really want to do will require a SAS for this area. More on the list to do. Sunrise on the Cascade mountains as we approached Monroe Airing down Getting deeper. Subframe plow begins Getting deeper... Too deep. A couple good yanks forward and back got the job done. Was down to the body, tires spinning freely. Those little Samurai's are tough bastards. Lunch and dog break sunset in the snow

No worries. Next time. Events will be monthly. Tahuya, Elbe, Cle Elum all in the coming months. I think Elbe is next month.

Ive resigned to wheeling with whoever is willing and decent. Not many R50 people round these parts apparently. Joined a local 4x4 group thats mostly Suzukis but has a variety of rigs. Really nice folks and they have some really cool little trucks. Very well organized too. They have regular meetings to discuss events, organize trail maintenance days and are actively working with the forest service to keep trails open and continue a positive dialogue. Definitely looking forward to exploring more of Washington.

Headed to Jacks pass outside Monroe w sone folks this Sunday with a local 4x4 group. All are welcome to join

Right? Pretty impressed with their consistent and regular activity.

There is a large club of R50 owners in Lebanon. They definitely should have information on local suppliers for SFD hardware. Most of their rigs are heavily modified. Try them on Facebook https://m.facebook.com/PathyQx4/

I installed an XJ specific bumper from Smittybilt and overall Im not happy with it. Its close dimensionally but the proportions are off and they leave a lot of post installation fab work to clean up the aesthetics. Anyone with the will, a grinder and a welder can make them work. If you like them, go for it. Dont skimp on mounts. In my opinion, with the amount of work required and upfront cost of an XJ bumper I suggest making one or having one made. I just picked up some steel and a bender to finally replace my XJ unit. Will be glad to see it go.

Congratulations. Make sure to post some photos when its all installed

Thanks! That day was a tough lesson learned.

The Bilsteins are the 5100 series. Dont remember the part number but if you search this forum they'll come up. I believe they are for a late model Ford F150 and should be fine for a 2" lift.

Try this

Scanned the document for those that care...

Yea, i read that. 12 years or 120k miles. Which ever came first. Thats crap. If the engine failed due to power screws it should be on Nissan, period.

Anyone else get this notice? Looks like those of us that lost motors are now eligible for some money towards repairs due to damage from power valve screws falling out

sign me up for a raw aluminum set

Ok. Well if you get it sorted out for this coming year let me know. I have big goals of monthly outtings to explore the WA wilderness. Everything is so close compared to where I came from in California.

Scratches on skid plates?! Well there goes all my HP gains

Any posibility for sets without powder coating?

I did intake, cat-back exhaust and hubs. That with a light foot makes for better MPGs during daily driving and little more power in the higher RPM range for freeway on ramp acceleration. While most dont like loud exhaust I subscribe to the theory that "loud pipes save lives". As a former motorcyclist being heard and seen is half the battle against avoidable collisions.

I mounted the rack directly to the roof rails. This drops it down significantly. My truck wouldn't fit in the garage either if it was mounted to the factory cross bars

Call for just the link. All blocks must be equal length