Little Sluice, Soup Bowl and More! Dirtnation Hits Rubicon Trail 2022 Part 1.

[@rhinooffroadrecovery]

You are so right, We all start as rookies and people with experience seem to forget that when bashing newbies online!

[@66Duffman]

We’ll said! 💯

[@SimonPhoenix313]

Also, we forget how much fun that journey was starting fresh. The joy of those beginning stages are priceless!

[@66Duffman]

💯💯💯

[@douglasrodrigues8361]

@@SimonPhoenix313 Makes for good storytelling around a campfire.🤣

[@douglasrodrigues8361]

I was a newby 10 days ago, taking my basically stock 2001 Ford Explorer Sport, with 31 inch tires down the Rubicon. I'm not sure to say that I drove the Rubicon, more than winching myself into the Rubicon. I'm posting this as a warning to anyone else who thinks they can take a stock 4WD into the Rubicon. You can get into it, but you may not get back out! For me it was a real "Learning experience," a crash course (literally) in learning the facts of what is necessary. My previously pristine Ford Explorer looks like a wreck underneath. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I had to winch myself over 30 times just to get to arrive at the wall at Buck Island, all the while thinking that the trail has to get better ahead. It didn't. I went for about another mile or so beyond that low wall at Buck Island, around the left curve of mostly wide dirt road, then winching up the steep ancient humps of granite. After a couple of more winchings, I finally accepted reality and turned around. It took me 14 hours to get this far, but I had enough. Found a flat spot and crawled into my sleeping bag and went to sleep. At about 3:00 a.m. a couple of small pickup trucks with high tires went past not even slowing. That's what I needed, I thought. The next morning I realized that I didn't have enough fuel to make it back out. I put the word out that I'd pay $100 for 5 gallons of gasoline. I got the gas. On the way out I found out that my grand daughter had reported me as being two days late returning home. Eventually, the word got back that I was okay and slowly working my way back out. Getting towed for about one mile over the worse of the rocks got me into a position to continue while using the winch only 5 more times. My Ford Explorer will be sold cheap, or simply sold to a wrecking yard. Yup, it's that bad. But now I know exactly what I want: A stick shift two door Jeep lifted 6 inches with at least 37" tires, but prefer 40," chrome alloy axles, 5:38 gearing, and if possible a transfer case with the lower gear being even lower to be able to slowly crawl over the big rocks or rock faces. Lockers too. I've applied for a bank loan and am looking hard for what I want to build on. This urge to traverse the Rubicon from beginning to end has to be satisfied: It's on my bucket list of things to do. At age 78 I'm almost running out of time to complete that list! Thanks to the help I got to get back out, I made a promise to myself that when I return I'll have enough supplies to help anyone else who needs food, water, or a tow.

[@66Duffman]

That’s quite a story…you’re a brave man trying the rubicon in a Explorer! Kudos to you! Hope you get that Jeep soon looking forward to hearing you made it all the way thru the trail! How much you selling the explorer for?

[@douglasrodrigues8361]

@@66Duffman I think a fair price should be about $1,100. OBO. The engine was rebuit about 60,000 miles ago and doesn't leak or even seep oil, nor does it burn oil between 5,000 mile oil changes. Same for the transmission: no oil leaks and no functioning problems. I've completely flushed the transmission and torque convertor twice during the past 40,000 miles. The shift linkage cable is new because the plastic cable guide got cracked on the Rubicon. With the exception of the driver's seat showing wear, the other tan leather seats are undamaged. The one piece headliner is undamaged as is the dashboard. The 6 CD player works great. In preparing the Explorer for the Rubicon (what I thought was preparing), during the last year I installed a new radiator, water pump, thermostat, a/c compressor, receiver drier, expansion valve, and a winch. The winch I'm keeping for the Jeep I buy. The rear axle, I believe is the dana 44? The front brakes have new vented rotors, new calipers, and new brake pads. The rear brakes turned out not to be needing new rotors but new rotors go with the vehicle. The vehicle is actually safe to drive but needs the front alignment adjusted. It now drifts slightly left with hands off the steering wheel. None of the adjusters are damaged. The 4WD works great. Anyone can take this vehicle up a 45 degree nearby slope to try it out. The rear differential has a slight deceleration hum because I didn't set the proper thickness of pinion shims installed. After two tries to get it right I finally decided to leave it as it is. The front differential cover now drips a couple of drops of oil per day because the bottom of the cover is damaged by rock impacts: a lot of impacts. The frame in front of that cover is also dented in pretty good. To replace the cover may require loosening the attachment points (3 or 4 bolts) to have access to the cover bolts. I just don't care to put anymore time on this Explorer. I'll spend my time working on whatever Jeep I buy. I suppose that the kick panel damage can be covered up with rock sliders, and the side damage can be covered up with new plastic trim panels which were torn off. The fuel tank rock guard is badly dented, but it did it's job. It's only held in position with four bolts, but I'm not going to spend one thin dime more on this vehicle. This would make a great 4WD vehicle for anywhere but NOT on the Rubicon. It would make a really great vehicle for a school kid who likes to go off road, it simply looks like hell with the scratches now on the body and a couple of minor dents. The tires on it now are 265/70 R15. The OEM size was 235/70 R15. Lot's of tread left.

[@adamshartley]

Glad you made it out. Next time dont try it solo. You saw how fast it can go south. Luckily that trail has traffic and a sheriff that patrols it. Everything you mentioned for your jeep sounds about right. I wish you the best. With a competent rig that is one of the funniest most beautiful trails around. Good luck on your next try. I cant wait to run it again. Stay safe and happy trails 👣. A good time to run it would be jeep jamboree. Lots of people to help you get through it.

[@douglasrodrigues8361]

@@adamshartley Thank you. If I can score on a used 12 Volt portable stick welder I'll carry one of those with me too. My aim is to be of service to others when I get back on the trail which will probably be next year. The speed in which I get a prepared rig depends on my finances. All spare income will be applied to assembling my "perfect" rig.😀

[@adamshartley]

@@douglasrodrigues8361 im in gardena ca if there is anything i can do to help with the build just reach out. We are all a big family and most are willing to lend a hand. We always try to help people out on the trails. I am also adding a welder to my assortment of crap i carry! Especially after our rubicon run our buddys karnage welder saved the day multiple times for us. And if it wasnt for the kindness of a fellow off roader on the trail we would have had trouble getting one of our rigs out also. I hope that you got a better deal on that gas than you were offering. But i do understand all you wanted was to get off the trail and be home after that adventure. And it was probably worth any amount to you at the time. Lol maybe if you get your rig togethet next year you could join us for our Rubicon adventure. We are all ready to be back there. And like i said running it with a group like Dirtnation definitely makes it better. Team work makes the dream work! Stay safe and Happy trails 👣

[@hibiki54]

Sounds like the MVP of the run is going to be that welder. And Winchers might be needing more love.

[@66Duffman]

100% 😂😂😂

[@baloghlcb]

"Where the hell do we go?" Asked myself that quite a few times in Moab last year. Ended up in a few spots definitely not meant for an F250. And at one point I'm pretty sure my offroad gps was taking me somewhere to get murdered haha. Awesome video as always Dustin!

[@66Duffman]

Really easy to get lost at points 😂 can’t wait for our chance to hit Moab! 🔥🚀

[@douglasrodrigues8361]

You can always look for the worn black rubber tracks on the granite areas, or also oil drips, or vehicle body pieces which got torn off some vehicles to know that you're sort of going in the correct direction. I was lost to start out, but waited for more vehicles who seemed to know where they were going.

[@douglasrodrigues8361]

I didn't 4WD Moab, but did go around Capitol Reef. It was mostly washboard dirt roads. Quite a disappointment. I'd like to go back to 4WD CanyonLands.

[@michaeljones2960]

When the yota truck went through the soup bowl backwards I became a huge fan of this page. Badass video

[@66Duffman]

That’s what’s up 🔥🚀

[@drewncars9505]

“I’m not bypassing anything today, just keep the welder handy” that’s the spirit!!!

[@66Duffman]

😂

[@DavidNaritaYT]

I just started the video,but I gotta say this first. If you can't make it through the Rubicon in 2022 then you need to rethink your wheeling career. This trail use to be something to fear, and now it's laughable. I grew up going to the Rubicon in the late 80's to early 90's with my family in a CJ7 on 33's very mild Jeep back then. First time out we snapped the front locker clean off on a tight squeeze between two massive boulders and had to limp back to camp in 2wd. Wheeling trip was over. Now the trail can be done with ease on 35's and still doable on 33's with experience after they blew up all the big boulders. Don't get me wrong though lake Tahoe and the Rubicon are still on my list after all these years because it's just so damn beautiful. Good luck guys an gals!!

[@jessem.2807]

Insane! 1st time seeing a video of the Rubicon trail. Thoroughly enjoyed!

[@66Duffman]

Glad you enjoyed! It’s only getting better 👏🏻

[@george_bwrenching2983]

Great video! Worth the long drive and time. Nothing but great times. 💯

[@66Duffman]

Agreed! Worth every second of struggle getting there 👏🏻

[@noahhill1042]

Haha I was driving the blue Toyota that was broke at the gate keeper I guess that’s what happens when you party all night and then wheel back out to the tow rig at 6:30 in the morning and get stuck behind a broken jeep and try to wheel around them lol This trip taught me to be patient

[@66Duffman]

Patience is definitely key in this hobby…hopefully the rest of your weekend went well 👏🏻🔥

[@steelmill888]

From powerlines to the Rubicon you guys are impressive.

[@66Duffman]

Appreciate that 🔥

[@adamshartley]

Great trip, amazing trail and awesome people! It doesn't get any better. By far my favorite trail!

[@lyndapena3898]

Loved watching you, Son!!❤️

[@lyndapena3898]

The Jeep did Great!!

[@adamshartley]

Thanks mom it was a great trip. I love you

[@waterboy0873]

Man your crew is the best!!!

[@66Duffman]

Thanks! We have a great crew nothing but appreciation for them

[@petereldredge6204]

Hell ya! That’s what I’ve always liked about your channel and crew, you all seem like guys you’d have great time wheeling with. Keep it up!

[@66Duffman]

Thanks Peter 👏🏻🔥

[@Tunaslayer1]

I must admit I have wronged you. I been watching this channel a long time, and just realized I never subscribed. You got a new sub! Keep the content going. Great fun!!

[@66Duffman]

For sure 😂 I’m sure there’s a lot out there in the same position…glad you’re enjoying…appreciate the support!

[@socal_zr2]

Wheeling with awesome views 🥵

[@66Duffman]

🔥💯

[@westlos13]

love the intro. Great Video!!!!

[@66Duffman]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@mudgyver5205]

Congrat guys on tackling The Rubicon! Glad you had fun.

[@66Duffman]

Yessir 🚀

[@albertgonzales2031]

This is dope. Cool to see you and the team progress over the time. Love the content. And I need another shirt! Keep the videos coming 🤙

[@66Duffman]

Appreciate it! Hit us up for that shirt we’ll get ya taken care of

[@SketiSquad]

For anyone who likes the rubicon you gotta check out the poop truck for the porta-potties on the trail. It was built by WFO concepts, freakin monster! And helping us keep our public lands clean, proper use of tax dollars el dorado county 😊🤘

[@66Duffman]

I wish we could have saw that thing…I’ve heard the stories! 🔥

[@mattandrickadventures8416]

👏👏👏👏 awesome Dustin.....finally the crew came up to northern California; great content and even better documentation of the trail. 👍

[@66Duffman]

Appreciate it! So glad we made our way up here finally

[@williamtaylor1327]

Absolutely freaking awesome

[@66Duffman]

🔥🔥🔥

[@frankfilippone9679]

This is a great video Dustin! By next year This time I should have my Taco 🌮 Box in my Tacoma I'll be ready for my dream offroad trail , Rubicon! I will make the thousands of miles trip out there and join my Dirt Nation Familia! I declare it 💯 brothers 💯 I've been savoring this video D , been watching since this morning and this will be a 2-3 time watching DN video, my favorite offroad videos on KZbin! TY Dustin

[@66Duffman]

Thanks frank as always! Can’t wait for ya to make your way out this way! Stay tuned more rubicon videos coming

[@frankfilippone9679]

@@66Duffman I know, looking forward to the next Rubicon videos! That's my # 1 most bucket 🪣 list trails , once I get my doubler and 37s, she'll make it , last weekend I was hitting some hard lines, unfortunately the gopro got nothing for 2 days of awesome spotterless wheeling , stupid gopro! The 35s were even doing great! Darn truck 🛻 is so tall and pumpkins so small and I actually have pretty much full skids , she was driving over everything! I finally after 20 rigs, finally put one together right! Light, nimble and flexy , I love my taco 🌮 and the main reason I built it is cause of your S.A.Swap videos, made me actually think I could do it myself 😆 cost me but so well worth it! Can't wait for the "2017 S.A.SWAP on 1 Tons and 40s" videos in your future, you know they're eventually going to happen, that would be the fukin shyt!

[@66Duffman]

Fuck yeah 🔥🔥🔥🍻🍻🍻

[@frankfilippone9679]

@@66Duffman Gotta get a " Taco 🌮 Box " She'll be a total creep then 😆

[@juanmcar00]

Damn, was looking forward to see flakos 4runner in action 😢 hope he gets it back up soon!

[@66Duffman]

He’ll be back no worries 🔥🔥🔥

[@robertyoung8289]

At the awards ceremony Dustin won the most welded. 👍👍

[@66Duffman]

This is only half of day 1 🌚😂😭😩

[@sergioacevedo2874]

Best trip ever!

[@66Duffman]

Yessir 👏🏻

[@Bpongs22]

“We’re getting ready for the Rubicon” 😩😩😩

[@66Duffman]

Pain 🥴🥴🥴

[@protacodan4225]

Fun stuff

[@66Duffman]

Indeed 🚀

[@k9projectworks]

Well said intro! Can't wait for the next part of this series! Love it man!

[@66Duffman]

Thanks check out the other parts going up this week!

[@cmac956]

I went through the Rubicon in the early 1980;s it was a good time . I had a 1982 Toyota 4X4 truck .good truck it was stock with 32 inch tires, wish I could still do it .

[@ascentoffroad]

Can’t wait to see the IFS only vid 😂.

[@66Duffman]

Sheeeesh that’s gonna be a challenge

[@SimonPhoenix313]

Right on, awesome film.

[@66Duffman]

Thank you 🎥

[@blacksmithpunx]

Winchers winning the souper bowl 🙌🙌🙌🚀🌑

[@66Duffman]

Ayyyyy 🔥😂👏🏻

[@jeremyquaney5019]

3 days of full send 🔥🔥🔥

[@66Duffman]

#teamnobypasses 🔥

[@daniellablee6682]

Felicitaciones muy lindo material filmico digno de 100milk se llega vamos que se puede furza👏👏👏.me encanta cuando hablan español,mexicano buenisimo👍🍻

[@66Duffman]

🍻

[@frankfilippone9679]

George's F150,000 SD is doing awesome!

[@66Duffman]

Yessir 🚀

[@HarleyRunner]

Good stuff! Thank you!

[@66Duffman]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching 😎

[@11denco]

Great video, bucket list trail for sure. Interested to know the build on the Green JLUR?

[@66Duffman]

Check out lbcr1 on instagram

[@adamshartley]

No stacking, no paving the trails, no pussy lines, HARDLINES ONLY! Break your shit fix it and keep rolling! 💯 No airbags we die like real men! 😆

[@66Duffman]

Yessir 🔥🚀🙏🏻💯

[@jaymontalvo7395]

"En la Rubicon la whinchers"!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@66Duffman]

😂😂😂😂

[@MrCalifornia1234]

Another reason why California rules. Awesome!!

[@66Duffman]

Yessir 👏🏻🔥

[@precisionmarksmanshiphq773]

Man, that was awesome! I've been wanting to take my truck out there, but I'm not so sure...I only live like 1 1/2 hour drive from it.......It's my daily and its new...Im chicken to cave in a panel...Plus its a full size pickup....I do have sliders and 37s but I think this trail is a bit much for my noob ass.....Maybe I will need to build a truck for the harder trails...something I don't care if I dent up...Thanks for the badassery! I look forward to more vids....

[@66Duffman]

Thanks for watching…definitely get some experience under your belt before trying a trail like this…a beater vehicle helps too

[@truthhurts5379]

Damn!!! That lady kicks a$$.

[@66Duffman]

She sure does 💯

[@purebred714]

So what's the rule with trimming bushes on trails? Is that a no no? Never done it, but it has crossed my mind on over grown trails.

[@edgarramirez6588]

Yo Im trynna see more of your buddies Blue Nissan! Got one myself

[@66Duffman]

There’s a few videos featuring it on this channel….it’s my rig he was borrowing

[@wyattdaugherty2019]

Dude i found a Toyota body mount like 2 days after you went into the trail

[@66Duffman]

No shit 😂😂😂

[@tinamoody4867]

Sheesh!!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@66Duffman]

😁😁😁

[@keithhayter3178]

whats the build of the red gladiator

[@Daronvines]

Jeeps make it look so easy compared to other brands 😂

[@66Duffman]

That’s kinda the point 🤡

[@Daronvines]

@@66Duffman comment was made purely because you jokingly “dissed a jeep” if I’m a clown you must be chuckles in tiny clown car. Beep beep fool

[@trdrockwarrior_sport4432]

what state is the rubicon trail at???

[@66Duffman]

Northern California

[@temolishiion_]

10/10 👏👏👏

[@66Duffman]

Thank you sir 🫡

[@venusrose5199]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@66Duffman]

👏🏻

[@Elbeerad]

flacko ftw 😎

[@66Duffman]

Flako a beast 👏🏻

[@2a_crawlcamper]

“F*%k yeah, a huevo! A huevo!!!”

[@LowKeySusGaming]

Anyone know what welder that is?

[@66Duffman]

Karnage welder

[@JoeDeStefano-n5q]

do it on 31s

[@66Duffman]

🤔

[@yotapete]

Hell ya 🤘

[@66Duffman]

🔥🔥🔥

[@prrnrngr]

What was that last 10 seconds of the video all about.......

[@66Duffman]

None sense 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@pennmikael]

I started as a noob, still a noob.

[@66Duffman]

🤣

[@RegisteredNurseLA]

pinche flakita put a trans cooler and a trans temp gauge no wonder ur trans blew up

[@Djkommode]

People get offended over dumb crap all the dumb.

[@66Duffman]

Indeed they do!

[@drewncars9505]

“I’m not bypassing anything today, just keep the welder handy” that’s the spirit!!!

[@66Duffman]

That’s forever the mood 😂