that spot on Cliffhanger always makes me cringe, I have not yet done that trail and it'll be a while, the videos I saw from these steps, yikes! I imagine all you see from the driver's seat at times is that looooong drop off to your left. Gorgeous trail though.I ran 8 (cliffhanger) a few days ago with a Samurai, 1 early Bronco nearly stock on 35s and a handful of full-size Broncos (82-96s). That trail wasn’t particularly hard. It certainly wasn’t something that was going to result in body damage with patience and a spotter in a couple of places. So 8 all day long for me. Sometimes a 9.
Not my rig, but this guy was cruising over this trail without a front locker!
Finally a photo of Black Bear that illustrates what all the fuss is about. Looking at that photo, I can predict my mental state: “I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine” “Holy Crap! Switchback!” “Holy Crap, Holy Crap, Holy Crap!” “Holy Crap! Switchback!” “I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine . . .” All of this is based on my relationship as the driver to the drop off.I'll probably stick to Level 6...maybe an occassional Level 7...anyone think the Trail Turn Assist feature will allow this switchback at Black Bear Pass to be made without going into reverse and having to make the typical 3 to 4 point turn?
People have driving Black Bear for decades. 2x4, 4x4, trucks, all 4 wheels that are/were drum brakes even, manual steering, etc lol. Today's vehicles are so more capable that vehicles of yesteryear that still safely made the trip. As with anything, driver capabilites usually make or break the trip.
Level 10 upside down and in my boxers until I wake up and realize the truck is still at DM.How extreme are you going to take your Bronco?
Level 1: Only the smoothest roads and mall parking lots for me!
Level 2: I'll manage the potholes
Level 3: Smooth and well-maintained unpaved roads
Level 4: Ruts and washboards are OK
Level 5: Some of the rocky and rough stuff
Level 6: Bring on staircases and inclines!
Level 7: I'm going to test Sasquatch
Level 8: I'm going to have to do after-market mods to get where I'm going
Level 9: Look for me on YouTube
Level 10: I might need to be institutionalized!
Look at the picture very closely and you can see the winch lead is attached to something to keep it from rolling over backwards.I see pics like this and wonder how it doesn't tip over, let alone how it actually makes it up that hill.
Really, the worst part is the first 150 yards dropping in next to the waterfall, steep, narrow and loose rock. After that it's just a matter of not driving off the edge.
My '71 Bronco lived at a 6 with open diffs, though admittedly one had to choose lines very carefully. The new Wildtrak is much more capable than that.
