DHappel

It may be time I actually get out to TX to show those fools what real wheeling looks like!

This is just the first in a series of axle upgrades coming in the next few months from Timm.  There will also be standard Rover (D1/RRC/Defender) axle upgrades soon which will be designed to keep your Rover axle alive with today's larger tires and should give SIGNIFICANT strength upgrades while still being a bolt-on solution that requires no fabrication.  Again, I'll update this thread as these become available.
This is great news for anybody who runs big power or big tires and wants to stay Rover and not fabricate super custom aftermarket axles.  Also a good option for those who run extremely heavy rigs even if you don't want to run 40" tires.  Or if you just want the peace of mind of having some extra beef.

OK, which one of you is the U-boat commander?
 

This is just the first in a series of axle upgrades coming in the next few months from Timm.  There will also be standard Rover (D1/RRC/Defender) axle upgrades soon which will be designed to keep your Rover axle alive with today's larger tires and should give SIGNIFICANT strength upgrades while still being a bolt-on solution that requires no fabrication.  Again, I'll update this thread as these become available.
This is great news for anybody who runs big power or big tires and wants to stay Rover and not fabricate super custom aftermarket axles.  Also a good option for those who run extremely heavy rigs even if you don't want to run 40" tires.  Or if you just want the peace of mind of having some extra beef.

This is just the first in a series of axle upgrades coming in the next few months from Timm.  There will also be standard Rover (D1/RRC/Defender) axle upgrades soon which will be designed to keep your Rover axle alive with today's larger tires and should give SIGNIFICANT strength upgrades while still being a bolt-on solution that requires no fabrication.  Again, I'll update this thread as these become available.
This is great news for anybody who runs big power or big tires and wants to stay Rover and not fabricate super custom aftermarket axles.  Also a good option for those who run extremely heavy rigs even if you don't want to run 40" tires.  Or if you just want the peace of mind of having some extra beef.

This is just the first in a series of axle upgrades coming in the next few months from Timm.  There will also be standard Rover (D1/RRC/Defender) axle upgrades soon which will be designed to keep your Rover axle alive with today's larger tires and should give SIGNIFICANT strength upgrades while still being a bolt-on solution that requires no fabrication.  Again, I'll update this thread as these become available.
This is great news for anybody who runs big power or big tires and wants to stay Rover and not fabricate super custom aftermarket axles.  Also a good option for those who run extremely heavy rigs even if you don't want to run 40" tires.  Or if you just want the peace of mind of having some extra beef.

This is just the first in a series of axle upgrades coming in the next few months from Timm.  There will also be standard Rover (D1/RRC/Defender) axle upgrades soon which will be designed to keep your Rover axle alive with today's larger tires and should give SIGNIFICANT strength upgrades while still being a bolt-on solution that requires no fabrication.  Again, I'll update this thread as these become available.
This is great news for anybody who runs big power or big tires and wants to stay Rover and not fabricate super custom aftermarket axles.  Also a good option for those who run extremely heavy rigs even if you don't want to run 40" tires.  Or if you just want the peace of mind of having some extra beef.

Many of you know Timm Cooper.  He's built a ton of amazing trucks and custom fab projects over the years.  He's now doing high-end axle options for Rovers, starting with the Salisbury axle.
The simple description - 35 spline bolt-on upgrades for the Salisbury.
Detailed info follows
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Spindles: machined from USA sourced 4130 chromoly steel billet, 50MM O.D. bearing surface diameter, for inner and outer bearings, takes Timken 32010X metric tapered roller bearings. Inside pass-thru diameter for axle shaft 1.530"
These spindles are designed to position the late style Defender/D1/RRC wheel hub exactly as the 1994-2002 factory disc brake Salisbury rear axle. This allows full compatibility with factory brake components for late 110/130 rear applications.
 
Axle shafts: These 1.500" 35 spline 4340 chromoly shafts have an integral forged drive flange (like real trucks) with a 15 (that's right, fifteen) bolt pattern.  The factory 5 bolt pattern was a significant downgrade from the old Land Rover Series 6 bolt, and is troublesome..... We fixed that!!
 
The factory Land Rover wheel hubs this kit is designed for are the 1994-2015 Defender style, also used on 1990-1995 RRC, and 1994-1999 D1. This is the hub the factory used on all the disc brake rear Salisburys. The casting # is HRC1924.  We machine these to fit the larger bearings, and drill them for the 15 bolt drive flange pattern.
 
Again, due to the spindle / hub offset, this kit is compatible with all the rear brake components for the 1994-2002 110 and 130 models, making disc brake conversions to early drum brake Salisbury rear axles a bolt-on affair with stock brake parts.  Even the earlier Series III 109 rear Salisburys can be upgraded with this kit, only the LH axle shaft is different length.
ADVANTAGES OF TIMMCO 35 SPLINE UPGRADE
·         All TIMMCO axles, spindles and drive flange bolts are manufactured in the USA from USA steel.
·         Compatible with stock Defender 110/130 disc brake rear Salisbury brake components.
·         If installing on a drum brake Salisbury, this version of the kit provides a complete rear disc brake conversion to late Defender 110/130 setup.
 
TIMMCO 35 Spline Shafts:
·         35 spline axles are 1.500” diameter.  Stock Salisbury 24 spline shafts are 1.240”
·         90% stronger than 24 spline chromoly
·         120% stronger than stock Salisbury axles.
 
TIMMCO 35 15 Bolt Spindle:
·         TIMMCO 15 bolt flange is FAR less likely to loosen
·         Larger chromoly spindle and higher capacity bearing setup is approximately 50% stronger than stock.
·         Integrated one piece axle/drive flange eliminates spline wear and backlash issues
·         With a TIMMCO 15 bolt flange, each of the 15 bolts carry 1/3 the load compared to the stock 5 bolt pattern
·         The 5 bolt setup has proven too weak for more demanding use.  Loose/broken bolts are repeated problems with these vehicles.
·         Selective fit bearing preload spacer simplifies maintenance, eliminates bearing "creep" and wear on spindle, and increases rigidity, reducing brake pad "knock back" and low brake pedal in more demanding applications
 

We will revisit this late spring/early summer when the snows melt.  

I’ve heard people mention multiple times to post the pics in the thread. Google album or something in this thread when you post the podcast would be awesome. Last podcast I listened to of “longest episode ever” I was googling about 100 different things as you all were passing around the phone pics. 

This closes on the 14th.
The group-buy is for anything on their website at a straight discount.  The more people, the more the discount.  Currently I believe we are at 20% - if we get to 30 people signed up we will be at 30%.  This is being done as part of total off-road podcast and is open to anybody who's interested.
If you are interested, best to ping me directly with your email and I'll forward it on to Derick from TOP who's managing.  You can reach out to me via text at 510-825-5056 or on Whatsapp chat. Or DM me here though I don't check in here as often as I used to.
Before you ask....yes, you can buy other versions of the 10.6 compressor for less money and no, they are not identical.  I have one of the generic twin compressors and there are a number of differences.  Morrflate uses actual aluminum heat sinks where the generic ones are plastic and more of a "heat insulator" (ie they are just for looks).  Morrflate uses standard US air fittings instead of the oddball chinese ones used on the generics.  They also have a built in pressure limit switch that the generics don't have as well as longer-life piston rings.  So yes, you can buy "the same" compressor for less, except it's not really the same unless you spend your own time and money to make it the same.
Additionally, Morrflate is a small local (Sacramento) company who actually puts their money where their mouth is and supports a lot of pro-offroad enthusiast and public land groups like Blue Ribbon Coalition, FotR, Cal4, CORE, etc
Really, the only strike against them is their unfathomable love of toyotas.  But I'll try not to hold that against them.  Too much. 
And as mentioned, this discount will apply to anything they sell, not just the compressors.  I do plan to pick up one of their 10.6 PSI Pro compressors for my RR L322 though. 
https://morrflate.com/

It seems like unless we have an unexpectedly warm winter this will have to be pushed until next spring/summer.  I'll keep it open though and if some of you want to put some dates out just let me know.

OK, who's up for a last-minute Rubicon run before the snow starts?
Thinking go in Saturday the 4th from Loon Lake.  Wheel down and do the RTF Loop (I've been wanting to do this since it opened a couple years ago) then camp at Buck Island Lake.  Sunday head out via Old Sluice back to Loon entrance and home.  
Obviously not everybody is interested in trying Old Sluice.  Body damage is very possible there.  It's another section I've been wanting to hit but haven't had a chance.  If you wanted to come but not hit Old Sluice you could just go back out Indian Trail like normal.
Of course I don't know what the weather will be - if it's raining I'm probably going to wuss out.  I might go if it snows.  November is a crapshoot.
Anybody?
 

I assume there will be significant cleaning of the RRC engine bay and trans tunnel while you have access.  I would expect nothing less.

It may be time I actually get out to TX to show those fools what real wheeling looks like!

IIRC the Forest Service maps do show seasonal closures, but they don't take into account things that close on a case-by-case basis like Dusy or Barrett.  They just show a general "normal" closure date range but of course local jurisdiction can change that.  
I run Gaia, but have been very tempted to go to OnX just because they support 4wd so much more.  I'm not sure if it's actually a better platform or not.  It seems like OnX may have some better 3D features and the land ownership feature if you get the right subscription is interesting but I think Gaia has more map variations.  Again - I "think" since I haven't done more than glance through OnX.
 

I have previously cleaned the frame and applied a coating of POR-15 chassis black paint while the body was lifted off the frame for body mount replacement. 
 
now that the frame is super easy to access, I plan to sand back to a solid paint surface and then coat in Eastwood 2 pack classic paint. I’ve also got some Eastwood interior frame paint to apply. 
 
Expect nothing less

I assume there will be significant cleaning of the RRC engine bay and trans tunnel while you have access.  I would expect nothing less.

I assume there will be significant cleaning of the RRC engine bay and trans tunnel while you have access.  I would expect nothing less.

It may be time I actually get out to TX to show those fools what real wheeling looks like!

I'm planning to come down for this one!  I recently had a chance to visit the tap room and learned there are many EBB beers I didn't know about.  I plan to enlighten myself.  Sadly, I don't think Michele will be able to come so I won't be able to get that enlightened.  😁

Wow, more interest than I expected.   
I'm pretty open as to the exact "when", but we do need to stay mid-week.  Mon/Tue; Tue/Wed; Wed/Thur   Probably better than trying to come out on Friday since there are usually some folks coming in on Friday while we'd be coming out, but we could go that way if needed since I wouldn't expect too much traffic on a Friday.  I'd probably lean toward Mon/Tue since that abuts the weekend and should be easier for most people (I'd guess...been a long time since I had a regular schedule)
As for what you need - Sliders and a working winch are must-haves, especially for the late model trucks like the LR3-on.  Any extra under-body armor would be a plus.  When I did it with my 3 I had TR sliders, tcase, and gas tank skid and I used them all.  You WILL hit stuff with the bottom, it's just a matter of how much/how hard.  I honestly don't remember what sort of skids came stock on the 3 but I think it did have some (?)  You don't NEED aftermarket bumpers as the stock LR3 bumpers are nice and tight, but do expect to scuff them.  Steel is of course nice as it's more durable and can take a hit.  I do expect to run slow and careful but as always, you roll the dice, you take your chance. 
You will want a spare tire and a jack you can actually lift your vehicle with.  High-lifts are nice (I always carry one) but a simple bottle jack is sometimes better depending on your specific setup.
For the LR3 guys, an extra tie rod isn't a  bad idea.  I did bend one on Cadillac Hill with my truck.  It's cheap, small, and easy to change on the trail if needed.
A GAP tool would be highly recommended as well.
You will want to be running a lift of some sort, be it rods or software.  You will also need a good tire, AT or MT and a compressor to air up.
If you are in a solid axle truck like a RRC or Defender, a small lift, sliders, dif guards, and upgraded rear control arms would be on the list.  The stock rear arms seem to be made out of dried spaghetti.  
To reiterate, not planning to run the whole trail, just go in as far as Spider.  Basically we'll do the "day 1" of Rovicon.  That will be plenty to give you a good feel for what the trail is like, see how comfortable you are with it, and if you want to make any changes to your truck for future rock crawling trails.
 

...Or at least people who wouldn't normally take it on.
There has been some discussion about doing an intro run on the Rubicon for the late model LR3/4/RR/Defender/etc trucks that wouldn't normally come out for Rovicon or one of our regular Rubicon trips but are still interested in at least giving it a try.  I've mentioned it in the past and it came up again after this year's Rovicon.
Here's what I'm thinking:
Definitely want to do this mid-week to avoid traffic.  We will be slow moving and nobody needs the pressure of people breathing down your neck or an audience giving "questionable" advice.  We would start at Loon Lake entrance with a goal of getting to Spider Lake - basically what we do for the first day of Rovicon.  IF everything goes really well we could push on to Buck Island Lake but I wouldn't count on that.  We'd then camp and wheel back out to Loon the next day.  That's enough of the trail to give you a good feel and let you decide if you like it and if you want to get deeper into this sort of rock crawling.  You'll get to taste the gate keeper, granite bowl, Walker Hill, etc.  Plenty to keep you entertained!  The views aren't half bad either.  😁
I would invite anybody who wants to give it a try but isn't super comfortable to join, though we do want to keep the group fairly tight.  Truck-wise, I'd recommend a 32" tire, sliders, and a winch.  Steel bumpers would be a plus as would extra skids.  A rear locker would be strongly recommended as well.  (based on an LR3/4 platform...others may vary)
If you are considering it, be aware that although we'll do everything possible to minimize risk the chance of damage is definitely there.  Either body damage or mechanical.  It's entirely possible to do this without breakage but you need to know and accept the risk.
As for timing, I'm thinking maybe the last week of October - assuming I don't kill my own truck on Fordyce before that.
So anybody have an interest in seeing America's premier trail in-person?
 

As an aside, I need to keep this a small group since I expect to move slowly and deliberately.  With the interest it's getting I'm going to limit this to club members.
#membershiphasitsprivliges
Luckily I think everyone who's posting or reading this is a club member anyway, so not an issue.  

Wow, more interest than I expected.   
I'm pretty open as to the exact "when", but we do need to stay mid-week.  Mon/Tue; Tue/Wed; Wed/Thur   Probably better than trying to come out on Friday since there are usually some folks coming in on Friday while we'd be coming out, but we could go that way if needed since I wouldn't expect too much traffic on a Friday.  I'd probably lean toward Mon/Tue since that abuts the weekend and should be easier for most people (I'd guess...been a long time since I had a regular schedule)
As for what you need - Sliders and a working winch are must-haves, especially for the late model trucks like the LR3-on.  Any extra under-body armor would be a plus.  When I did it with my 3 I had TR sliders, tcase, and gas tank skid and I used them all.  You WILL hit stuff with the bottom, it's just a matter of how much/how hard.  I honestly don't remember what sort of skids came stock on the 3 but I think it did have some (?)  You don't NEED aftermarket bumpers as the stock LR3 bumpers are nice and tight, but do expect to scuff them.  Steel is of course nice as it's more durable and can take a hit.  I do expect to run slow and careful but as always, you roll the dice, you take your chance. 
You will want a spare tire and a jack you can actually lift your vehicle with.  High-lifts are nice (I always carry one) but a simple bottle jack is sometimes better depending on your specific setup.
For the LR3 guys, an extra tie rod isn't a  bad idea.  I did bend one on Cadillac Hill with my truck.  It's cheap, small, and easy to change on the trail if needed.
A GAP tool would be highly recommended as well.
You will want to be running a lift of some sort, be it rods or software.  You will also need a good tire, AT or MT and a compressor to air up.
If you are in a solid axle truck like a RRC or Defender, a small lift, sliders, dif guards, and upgraded rear control arms would be on the list.  The stock rear arms seem to be made out of dried spaghetti.  
To reiterate, not planning to run the whole trail, just go in as far as Spider.  Basically we'll do the "day 1" of Rovicon.  That will be plenty to give you a good feel for what the trail is like, see how comfortable you are with it, and if you want to make any changes to your truck for future rock crawling trails.