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BB15 for the Newbs!

Chevman88

Chevman88

I don't know what I'm doing
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Ok, I am pretty new to this forum and have only learned of Blazer Bash just after this past one happened. Luckily I live fairly close to Moab and am definitely planning on attending this next year :woot:. My question is what trails should I go on? I have never taken my Blazer out on any trails or anything of the like as it has pretty much been in the garage for the past while. Specs on the Blazer:

383 Stroker
10 Spline SM465 with figure 8 NP205
4" lift
35" tires
Currently have the stock 10 bolts and 3.73s but those are coming out shortly (hopefully this weekend) for a 14 bolt SF and D44 with 4.10s.

I have never been wheeling in a 4x4, but have been riding ATVs and such since I was a kid.

I have sub'd this thread about a run through arches already and would like to see what other trails a newbie like myself could go on: http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317664


Thanks guys! love the forum so far!

here's how she pretty much sits today
10569006_10101543012063429_6391404259815709863_n.jpg
 
I'm glad you posted up. Your question deserves a better reply than I can swipe on my phone so I will post on my computer in a little while.
 
Ok Chevman, I'm also glad you could start your own thread.

(just looked over the trails, I'm so focking giddy right now you have no idea :D)

Here are the trail descriptions. http://blazerbash.com/trails.shtml

Here is BB15 schedule http://coloradok5.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3463693&postcount=1


It sounds like you are running a manual with 205, 35s, and open diffs? Try to get a rear locker for Moab. Just a rear locker opens up so many opportunities and helps 200% when off roading.

It also sounds like you need A LOT of experience between now and September. Try to get in on some wheeling with other members in the area. Before hitting Moab with a manual trans, you really need to practice having 3 feet, you know...... clutch/accelerator/brake control. That is the most important experience you'll need, knowing how to work your own rig.

hmmmmm

look up trail names here too
http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php
 
Knowing how your rig works and what it can do is important. But you could not have a better group of people to teach you what to do, if you listen. I would bet there is 1000 years of combined experience at BB.

I showed up as a desert racer who always wanted to see Moab. Thought I was going to puke on the first trail. Knew I was going to puke on the second day. And had the time of my life.

Nobody bagging on me for being a newbee, just a lot of help. Now I go do stupid stuff at the encouragment of others.:whistle: And now I don't have a staight panel on the truck. :doah:

As for what trails, do a newby run the first day and someone can give you pointers for a trail for the next day.
 
We also need pictures from your wheeling adventures leading up to BB, you know, for science and technical support.
 
I ran Hells Revenge, Flat Iron Mesa, Fins n Things with a Suburban with 10 bolt, 12 bolt, 35's with a 4 inch lift.

It is a bit different now, my first time ever wheeling it was on Hells Revenge. Scared the living crap out of myself.
 
O yeah, get a cheapo CB.

People were sending pigeons my way just trying to communicate :D
 
Being a new person, having a CB to holler out for help is a good idea.

Doing a newby/easy run on Friday will definitely give you a better feel for what kind of trail you'd like to conquer the rest of your time in Moab. You pick trails with your registration, but it's okay if you decide to switch if you feel the need to. Ideally we use the registration to determine how many people are going to be running the trails, so we don't encourage a lot of trail swapping.

More than likely you'll be fine running Chicken Corners or Porcupine Rim. You could probably do Gold Bar Rim if you're feeling inspired after the first day. You would also be fine to run Hell's Revenge. I haven't done Steel Bender yet, so I can't speak to that trail.

Look forward to seeing you there!
 
Best advice I can give is do something your uncomfortable with not like freaked out scared but uncomfortable.

Of course the caveats are listen to your spotter still be aware of your limitations. Don't be scared to take a strap or a winch listen to your spotter.

Did I mention listen to your spotter.

Watch other guys do stuff ask them questions.

Go wheeling
 
Yeah, spotter. There was some stuff I hardly remember cause all I did was watch the spotter lol

For me, Moab was the very first time I ever had a spotter or anyone else to wheel with. I've only wheeled solo. So I learned fast on my first trail (Moab Rim) to keep an eye on where the truck in front was going. I lost the track for a second and ended up taking a much harder line, got REAL tippy. (CB radio would have helped) LOL Jack laughed since he was ahead and watching. Said it made him feel better knowing K5s could tip that bad buwahahaha :doah:


*shivers*, Moab Rim and Hell's Revenge are the best kind of newbie runs :haha::whistle:
 
Where about in Utah others quite a few members there I. Over in grand junction CO.
A cab is a def need like the other guys have said if you can get some seat time on trails in your area it would help you become one with your ride. Also if your unsure of the trails in your area you might seek out local clubs so your not wheeling alone. If ya have questions just ask lots of knowledge around this forum. And welcome to the brotherhood.
 
This is all great info, thanks!! My concern is that my blazer is also my DD, so I've gotta be a little careful with it. I've been watching some of the videos of last year's BB and it looks epic. I am for sure going on the arches unofficial ride (wife's request). And am still trying to decide on what others, which will likely be affected by how much wheeling I can get in before the big event.

I am in the Utah Valley area, so if there is anyone up this way that wouldn't mind showing me the ropes, I definitely wouldn't argue :D.
 
Don't worry you're not the only one has to drive your truck home. Mine is not a DD but we drive it 400+ miles to BB and then 400+ miles home again. It's okay to take it easy and make sure your rig can't make it home.

We also have a rule in our house about truck mods before BB. No big mods within 90 days of the event. We made that mistake several years ago and we almost missed the first day and had to borrow a K5 from my dad. Aside from missing the event entirely, it's good to have things tested out and making sure it's all in good working order.
 
I always drive mine, since I have moved a few times during the times I go to the bash my trip changes from as little as 2 hours to about 8 hours each way.

Out of the about 6 times the cherry bomb has gone I have only had two times where I needed to fix something or jerry rig it to get home.

The group that attends pulls together to help anyone who needs it to ensure everybody has fun and leave no one behind, unless you are making a parts run. :D

Do the discount double check on maintenance and address any issues, Drive as hard as you need to but not any harder. You will be fine. If something happens it can be fixed, we have the technology, or a trailer.
 
Hey all! Unfortunately I was not able to get the axle swap done this weekend as my wife and I decided it was time to start house shopping! We may be putting an offer down on a house with this bad boy
ISphijp0y56rnt1000000000.jpg


Pretty stoked not gonna lie!

Back on the topic at hand, I think my concern is just an unnecessary worry of breaking something the first truck I have built. Minus the axles and wonderful cold start piston slap that she has, she is pretty stout. I am definitely looking forward to making it out there and have started recruiting some friends to come down with me.
 
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