Mojave Road trip - March 2017

[VCeXpedition]

how do u check where ur diff breather is

This is a pretty easy and inexpensive mod you can do if you have some mechanical ability and simple tools.

There's lot of posts about it, search the interwebs for "diff breather" or "breather relocation", something like that.
It just involves moving the vent on your diffs, and probably transfer case to a higher location.

On your Expedition, the vent might be located on a high point of your differential. You just remove that, put in a hose fitting, run some hose from that fitting up to a higher point, say in your engine room or up into a fender, and re-install the breather on the end of the new hose.
Make sure you leave enough hose length from your diff to your frame to allow for articulation. Not sure if your Ford has a live axle rear end or an independent suspension...?

I've summarized it a little too simply here, if there's a forum for your particular car, I'm sure someone has done it successfully.

g'luck!

Dan.

 

[Max Hultman]

This is a pretty easy and inexpensive mod you can do if you have some mechanical ability and simple tools.

There's lot of posts about it, search the interwebs for "diff breather" or "breather relocation", something like that.
It just involves moving the vent on your diffs, and probably transfer case to a higher location.

On your Expedition, the vent might be located on a high point of your differential. You just remove that, put in a hose fitting, run some hose from that fitting up to a higher point, say in your engine room or up into a fender, and re-install the breather on the end of the new hose.
Make sure you leave enough hose length from your diff to your frame to allow for articulation. Not sure if your Ford has a live axle rear end or an independent suspension...?

I've summarized it a little too simply here, if there's a forum for your particular car, I'm sure someone has done it successfully.

g'luck!

Dan.

thank you dan i will check that out its independent suspension with new shocks.

 

[VCeXpedition]

thank you dan i will check that out its independent suspension with new shocks.

So, in the case of Independent suspension, you won't have to worry about your axle/diff articulating, therefore to extend your breather won't be too difficult.

 

[dghcruising]

I have this weekend off and should be able to attend. Looking forward to it!

 

[pabloquiros]

This is a pretty easy and inexpensive mod you can do if you have some mechanical ability and simple tools.

There's lot of posts about it, search the interwebs for "diff breather" or "breather relocation", something like that.
It just involves moving the vent on your diffs, and probably transfer case to a higher location.

On your Expedition, the vent might be located on a high point of your differential. You just remove that, put in a hose fitting, run some hose from that fitting up to a higher point, say in your engine room or up into a fender, and re-install the breather on the end of the new hose.
Make sure you leave enough hose length from your diff to your frame to allow for articulation. Not sure if your Ford has a live axle rear end or an independent suspension...?

I've summarized it a little too simply here, if there's a forum for your particular car, I'm sure someone has done it successfully.

g'luck!

Dan.

I'm going to look into moving my diff breathers asap. Good call Dan. Thank you.

 

[Scott]

I am subscribing to this.. I have done part of the Mojave road. I would love to do the entire road...

 

[TheMcCalls]

Stupid question - traveling from Seattle area, could I make this trip (down & back) in a week? It sounds awesome......[emoji106]

Caravan!

 

[Max Hultman]

so are the dates are march 24-26 or still not decided.

 

[VCeXpedition]

so are the dates are march 24-26 or still not decided.

Yes but keep an eye on Post #1 for the most current planning updates, meal planning, directions, crucial details, etc.

Dan.

 

[Kelly]

I'm in!!!

 

[DaveL]

We're in! We were going to do this trail alone a year ago until wisdom took over & I decided a group run would be a lot wiser. At that time, though didn't know anyone I could do this with - now there's a whole community. Can't wait!

 

[theick]

Pretty sure I'll be in for this as well. I thought I heard that if there is more than 5 vehicles in a group that a permit was required. Don't know how hard it is to get or if it's just a matter of purchasing the permit.

 

[O.Dfj]

Pretty sure I'll be in for this as well. I thought I heard that if there is more than 5 vehicles in a group that a permit was required. Don't know how hard it is to get or if it's just a matter of purchasing the permit.

https://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/permits.htm

 

[VCeXpedition]

Yeah I had read that earlier. It calls for a permit for 7 or more vehicles. We'll see what a really shakes out when people are able to commit.
I'll call when it gets closer. Thanks @O.Dfj , that's a good resource.
I've talked with 3 or 4 people off-line that want to come as well. We might just have to have several groups of 6 vehicles!

 

[O.Dfj]

Yeah I had read that earlier. It calls for a permit for 7 or more vehicles. We'll see what a really shakes out when people are able to commit.
I'll call when it gets closer. Thanks @O.Dfj , that's a good resource.
I've talked with 3 or 4 people off-line that want to come as well. We might just have to have several groups of 6 vehicles!

We can just stage in 10 min intervals that makes separate groups right.

 

[pabloquiros]

Yeah I had read that earlier. It calls for a permit for 7 or more vehicles. We'll see what a really shakes out when people are able to commit.
I'll call when it gets closer. Thanks @O.Dfj , that's a good resource.
I've talked with 3 or 4 people off-line that want to come as well. We might just have to have several groups of 6 vehicles!

I mean I wouldn't be opposed to one large group and splitting the permit fees or what not. A large group would be super fun too.

 

[WCO_Ryan]

end of March is best for me too! thanks for getting this together Dan!

 

[O.Dfj]

This is mojave camp its right before marl springs halfway thru the trail. It had enough room for a huge group and the view isnt to bad

 

[pabloquiros]

So I just called NPS and got some info regarding the planning for the trip, I am going to try and outline it as best I can.

1. Permit is $69
2. Permit takes two weeks to process. Probably a good idea to send it ahead of time.
3. Bureau of land management has jurisdiction over the surrounding area, so if we are going to come in via the avi casino towards aston canyon, we should contact them too.
4. BLM Barstow oversees areas on the west side.
5. BLM Needles oversees areas on the East side.
6. Camping is first come, first served on the designated campgrounds.
7. March -> April -> May are popular times, recommended we have plan B and plan C for campsites.
8. If possible, plan campsites ahead and provide info to NPS, so they have a rough idea where to look in case of emergency.
9. All vehicles must be insured and street legal (lol)
10. If we wanted to submit the application, we can do it via email directly to the nice lady I spoke with, I have her email address, we can send the permit info to her and start it processing whenever we are ready.

11. Large groups are required, the more trucks the better.
12. I just made up #11.
13. But seriously ^ #11.

That's all I have for now, I am going to try and call BLM Needle and Barstow in the next few days and find out if more permits are required.

 

[O.Dfj]

So have we thought about what we want to see like the lava tube it's awesome. Kelso train depot is out of the way but awesome. The mojave triangles creepy knowing they predate the Indians from that area.