02-07-2012, 11:57 AM
So you want to go Wheelin'! (4WD Trail Riding)
So you've got your shotgun anna rifle anna four wheel drive, eh? Awesome. It's a totally different type of "motorsport" from racing, but is no less fun!
First off, if you're just going "innawoods" with a bunch of friends to hit that secret squirrel camping spot, you're probably going to be ok just planning for a long trip. Make sure to have a air-d up spare, some extra vital fluids, and make sure someone knows where you're going and when you can expect to be back.
If you want to get a little more 'hard core' and learn how to take the long-way-around, then here's some guidelines:
Trail/Skills Day Requirements:
1. Front and Rear two point, mounted to the frame/chassis with at least two grade 8 bolts
2. Working 4wd
3. Full size spare
4. Most parks and official trail rides require at least All-Terrain tires
5. Each ÔÇ£groupÔÇØ should have at least one rig with a winch
Trail/Skills Day Checklist (pre and post list):
1. Check Wheel Bearings
2. Jack up off road vehicle and pull the tires
3. Inspect the brakes front and rear
a. Lines for stretch/crack/wear marks issues when flexing
b. Pads and rotors to see if there is any life left in them
4. Check the wheels inside and out for cracks, gashes, etc
5. Check tires for nails etc. ***when you air down issues with your wheel or tire will destroy your tire***
6. Lube all the traditional suspension points and check control arms for damage and bushing wear
7. Ensure all skid plates are attached well and clean them if there is any oil or dirt caught in them
8. Check all suspension bolts and look for any rubbing issues
9. Check the transfer case and transmission bolts
10. Clean front and rear diff covers, check for
a. Leaks
b. Scars on the cover
c. Pinched gaskets
11. Reattach wheels (tq them) and ensure the vehicle will engage 4wd
12. Pop the hood and check for
a. Good brake fluid levels and no leaks
b. Oil levels
c. Radiator is in good shape and full
d. Top off fluids
Things to bring:
1. A friend: they are good conversation, good for spotting, and you can kick them out to gain that extra ┬╝ inch of ground clearance if you need to!
2. Good tire gauge (youll want to air down to around 15psi all the way around, some people go lower some people do 15pis up front and 10-12 in the rear before you hit the trail but after you get off paved roads )
3. Tow/snatch strap (when you decide this is what you like to do) and associated hardware
4. Extra oil, coolant, and diff fluid (you donÔÇÖt want to be 10 miles from a paved road and need some)
5. Basic tool kit and a big-ish breaker bar
6. Jack that can lift your vehicle. Someone will whip out their hilift, but you should still have your own
7. WATER ladies bring TP you are in the woods, pee there
8. Snacks you get hungry, it takes a lot of energy to off road. And yes you will be sore the next day if you push your limits and the rigs limits.
9. Hat/sunscreen/advil/etc you are isolated from society, it could be a long walk make sure you are prepped for a hike.
10. If you are going ÔÇ£real extremeÔÇØ you probably arenÔÇÖt looking at this checklist and you know to bring spare axel shafts and things like that for your rig.
So you've got your shotgun anna rifle anna four wheel drive, eh? Awesome. It's a totally different type of "motorsport" from racing, but is no less fun!
First off, if you're just going "innawoods" with a bunch of friends to hit that secret squirrel camping spot, you're probably going to be ok just planning for a long trip. Make sure to have a air-d up spare, some extra vital fluids, and make sure someone knows where you're going and when you can expect to be back.
If you want to get a little more 'hard core' and learn how to take the long-way-around, then here's some guidelines:
Trail/Skills Day Requirements:
1. Front and Rear two point, mounted to the frame/chassis with at least two grade 8 bolts
2. Working 4wd
3. Full size spare
4. Most parks and official trail rides require at least All-Terrain tires
5. Each ÔÇ£groupÔÇØ should have at least one rig with a winch
Trail/Skills Day Checklist (pre and post list):
1. Check Wheel Bearings
2. Jack up off road vehicle and pull the tires
3. Inspect the brakes front and rear
a. Lines for stretch/crack/wear marks issues when flexing
b. Pads and rotors to see if there is any life left in them
4. Check the wheels inside and out for cracks, gashes, etc
5. Check tires for nails etc. ***when you air down issues with your wheel or tire will destroy your tire***
6. Lube all the traditional suspension points and check control arms for damage and bushing wear
7. Ensure all skid plates are attached well and clean them if there is any oil or dirt caught in them
8. Check all suspension bolts and look for any rubbing issues
9. Check the transfer case and transmission bolts
10. Clean front and rear diff covers, check for
a. Leaks
b. Scars on the cover
c. Pinched gaskets
11. Reattach wheels (tq them) and ensure the vehicle will engage 4wd
12. Pop the hood and check for
a. Good brake fluid levels and no leaks
b. Oil levels
c. Radiator is in good shape and full
d. Top off fluids
Things to bring:
1. A friend: they are good conversation, good for spotting, and you can kick them out to gain that extra ┬╝ inch of ground clearance if you need to!
2. Good tire gauge (youll want to air down to around 15psi all the way around, some people go lower some people do 15pis up front and 10-12 in the rear before you hit the trail but after you get off paved roads )
3. Tow/snatch strap (when you decide this is what you like to do) and associated hardware
4. Extra oil, coolant, and diff fluid (you donÔÇÖt want to be 10 miles from a paved road and need some)
5. Basic tool kit and a big-ish breaker bar
6. Jack that can lift your vehicle. Someone will whip out their hilift, but you should still have your own
7. WATER ladies bring TP you are in the woods, pee there
8. Snacks you get hungry, it takes a lot of energy to off road. And yes you will be sore the next day if you push your limits and the rigs limits.
9. Hat/sunscreen/advil/etc you are isolated from society, it could be a long walk make sure you are prepped for a hike.
10. If you are going ÔÇ£real extremeÔÇØ you probably arenÔÇÖt looking at this checklist and you know to bring spare axel shafts and things like that for your rig.
1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442