Attempting Rubicon Trail: Land Cruiser Gauntlet Part 2

Road Trip to Rubicon

• 🚗 The journey to the Rubicon Trail began with 800 miles of highway driving, despite a cracked transmission.
• 🛠️ The team managed to source a replacement transmission and secured shop space in Sacramento for the repair.
• 🌧️ Despite initial concerns about the cracked transmission, the Land Cruiser performed surprisingly well on the highway, even feeling better than before the crack.

Transmission Repair and Trail Prep

• 🔧 At Stellar Built, the team, with help from friends, replaced the cracked transmission and addressed a sticky throttle cable.
• 💡 The throttle cable was lubricated using WD-40 Specialist Gel Lube, significantly improving low-speed control.
• ✅ The transmission swap was completed, and the vehicle was deemed ready for the Rubicon Trail.

Navigating the Rubicon Trail

• ⛰️ The Rubicon Trail presented challenges, including slick rocks and difficult obstacles like the Gatekeeper and Soup Bowl.
• ❄️ Weather conditions were harsh, with rain, sleet, and snow making the trail more treacherous.
• ⚠️ Issues arose, including a check engine light and a hybrid system error, but the vehicle continued to perform.
• ⚙️ The rear locker intermittently malfunctioned, hindering progress on some of the tougher sections.

Overcoming Obstacles and Camp Life

• 🏞️ The team navigated various obstacles, including the V-notch and a river crossing, with the Land Cruiser performing well despite its age and mileage.
• 🏕️ After a challenging day, the team made camp at Buck Island, facing cold and hungry conditions.
• 💧 A coolant leak was discovered the next morning, requiring further engine work and careful monitoring of the temperature.

Cadillac Hill and Trail Completion

• 📈 After fixing the coolant leak, the team continued, with the 30-year-old Land Cruiser demonstrating its resilience.
• ⛰️ Cadillac Hill, a significant obstacle, was tackled, showcasing the vehicle's capability and the driver's skill.
• ✅ The Rubicon Trail was successfully completed, with the team celebrating their achievement and the Land Cruiser's performance.