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Just did a Friday - Sunday trip with a big group and me being the only Bronco. Thought I’d share for those that are curious on conditions.
Mods/Add-ons:
-Hammerbuilt tailgate reinforcement kit with accessories and antenna mount
-BD S2 sport chase light
-Weboost Reach
-2 Rotopax 2 gal tanks
-Wildpeak RT01 Tires
-Black Rhino Primm wheels 0 offset
-BD lights with KR off-road bracket in bumper
-BD LP4 pillar lights
Day 1
Temps 75°-80°
60 miles
Friday morning we met up in Ridgecrest around 10am and headed to Trona Pinnacles as the first stop for pics. Rangers didn’t seem too keen on us being there and followed us the entire time as we drove around.
After about about an hour there we headed to Nadeau road to our first campsite. The road to the first site was pretty rocky with a decent drop into a wash but has a bypass for those not wanting to risk it. We stopped for camp just near Modac mine on an open concrete slab. This spot is great with wide open space for multiple rigs and an awesome view.
Day 2
Temps 80° - 95°
103 miles
The day started off on a morning trail run to Defense Mine and the chunk on this trail was quite significant. This was the only trail on the trip where I was hitting the underside, and definitely wish I had a lift and some transmission crossmember skids due to those taking the most hits.
After coming back down, we continued on our journey heading up Nadeau to the 190 and going through Panamint springs. We continued on the 190 to start the next leg of this long day on Saline Valley Road. The road was in fairly good condition with some snow still remaining in the higher elevations. There were some segments where the washboard was so bad, it knocked loose some of my BD bumper lights and who knows what else. We drove this all the way to Steele Pass, first stopping at the saline valley hot springs for a break.
Back on the trail we continued on to Steele Pass. The road from the springs was extremely dusty with a few washed out spots from the last rain storms. The path on Steele Pass was, for the most part, fairly visible as we drove through the wash. Towards the end going into Dedeckera Canyon there were a few tight spots between large rocks but all of the rigs got through just fine.
Finally, on the last leg we trekked down the steps in Dedeckera Canyon. The steps were in good condition with no significant wash out from the rain. I was able to get through them without spotting only using the cameras. At last, we made it to the dunes to set up camp for the night. I was definitely beat after this day, we started at 9 am and got to the campsite around 7:30 pm.
Day 3
Temps (60° - 80°)
50 miles
The last leg of the trip was mellow. We took Death Valley Big Pine road straight to Big Pine, stopped for some BBQ and headed home.
Overall the Bronco did great with only some minor issues. My rear window struts have started showing issue slowing to open not sure if it’s from all the dust or what. My alignment got knocked out of spec but fortunately no broken tie rods. I also have a clunking sensation coming through the gas pedal only when it’s windy and going highway speeds. Not sure what it could be but may be worth a trip to the dealer for inspection.
Update 6/8/23: I finally had time to take the truck into the dealer after I started noticing more issues. My rear axle is weeping at the breather vent line and I noticed the driver side rear shock had residue on the bottom of the coil seat. I got word back that the shock is leaking and being replaced, the rear axle is "sweating" and they don't see it as a cause for concern yet, and the gas pedal feedback I was getting was due to a cable near the transmission coming loose and tapping against it. The death valley trip was a definite shakedown test.
Mods/Add-ons:
-Hammerbuilt tailgate reinforcement kit with accessories and antenna mount
-BD S2 sport chase light
-Weboost Reach
-2 Rotopax 2 gal tanks
-Wildpeak RT01 Tires
-Black Rhino Primm wheels 0 offset
-BD lights with KR off-road bracket in bumper
-BD LP4 pillar lights
Day 1
Temps 75°-80°
60 miles
Friday morning we met up in Ridgecrest around 10am and headed to Trona Pinnacles as the first stop for pics. Rangers didn’t seem too keen on us being there and followed us the entire time as we drove around.
After about about an hour there we headed to Nadeau road to our first campsite. The road to the first site was pretty rocky with a decent drop into a wash but has a bypass for those not wanting to risk it. We stopped for camp just near Modac mine on an open concrete slab. This spot is great with wide open space for multiple rigs and an awesome view.
Day 2
Temps 80° - 95°
103 miles
The day started off on a morning trail run to Defense Mine and the chunk on this trail was quite significant. This was the only trail on the trip where I was hitting the underside, and definitely wish I had a lift and some transmission crossmember skids due to those taking the most hits.
After coming back down, we continued on our journey heading up Nadeau to the 190 and going through Panamint springs. We continued on the 190 to start the next leg of this long day on Saline Valley Road. The road was in fairly good condition with some snow still remaining in the higher elevations. There were some segments where the washboard was so bad, it knocked loose some of my BD bumper lights and who knows what else. We drove this all the way to Steele Pass, first stopping at the saline valley hot springs for a break.
Back on the trail we continued on to Steele Pass. The road from the springs was extremely dusty with a few washed out spots from the last rain storms. The path on Steele Pass was, for the most part, fairly visible as we drove through the wash. Towards the end going into Dedeckera Canyon there were a few tight spots between large rocks but all of the rigs got through just fine.
Finally, on the last leg we trekked down the steps in Dedeckera Canyon. The steps were in good condition with no significant wash out from the rain. I was able to get through them without spotting only using the cameras. At last, we made it to the dunes to set up camp for the night. I was definitely beat after this day, we started at 9 am and got to the campsite around 7:30 pm.
Day 3
Temps (60° - 80°)
50 miles
The last leg of the trip was mellow. We took Death Valley Big Pine road straight to Big Pine, stopped for some BBQ and headed home.
Overall the Bronco did great with only some minor issues. My rear window struts have started showing issue slowing to open not sure if it’s from all the dust or what. My alignment got knocked out of spec but fortunately no broken tie rods. I also have a clunking sensation coming through the gas pedal only when it’s windy and going highway speeds. Not sure what it could be but may be worth a trip to the dealer for inspection.
Update 6/8/23: I finally had time to take the truck into the dealer after I started noticing more issues. My rear axle is weeping at the breather vent line and I noticed the driver side rear shock had residue on the bottom of the coil seat. I got word back that the shock is leaking and being replaced, the rear axle is "sweating" and they don't see it as a cause for concern yet, and the gas pedal feedback I was getting was due to a cable near the transmission coming loose and tapping against it. The death valley trip was a definite shakedown test.
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