So, I drove to Lander, Wy Friday afternoon. Following a motor home pulling a TJ, I managed about 20mpg. That's not the surprising part though. I was on my way to the Wind River 4X4 Association's annual Father's Day Show and runs. The first run was Friday night. This was a pretty easy trail, just to see the scenery. At one stop, the YJ driver behind me comes up and asks if I have a locker. I chuckled and told him no. I was the only KJ, btw. First KJ to be in this event ever, actually.
There were three runs the next day, all at the same time. Two extreme trails that I know my Jeep would not have come back from and one trail that I figured I shouldn't have too much trouble but, I haven't been on any of these trails since I was a kid (late 70's-early 80's). So one of those things where anything could have happened, pretty much.
I went with the Sawmill Creek group (the "easy" trail). The guide learned what NOT to do when installing a lift the night before the run.
Jayson (Crzyxj) hooked him up with a bolt and we were able to get to the trailhead. The trail itself was easy for about the first five miles. I was in 2-HI until after the first water crossing. I tried using 4-HI, until the trans temp light flashed. It went out 2 minutes after I went to low range and never came back on. Other than a couple light taps on rocks (nothing serious) I didn't have any problems. One YJ lost a t-case. A stock WJ had to be strapped off a rock in the second water crossing. A stock Blazer also managed with only minimal trail rash (a couple small dents). What should have been a 4-6 hour drive turned into a seven hour drive. Two more people asked me if I had lockers.
I also entered the show, somewhat as a joke, but also to show the public that a Liberty can 'wheel...
but, I won! anything under a 3" lift is considered stock and I guess I impressed the judges enough on the runs to beat out the Wranglers.
Congrats and Good Job!