yetti and i ran the hackberry creek trail with three of his friends to ride along. after a late start to head out we made it there with only a couple wobble problem (freeways i tell ya). all i can say is wow for that trial. it was fun to run. we started out climbling some of the rocks there. the first one i did twice. i forgot to pull my disconnects so i got a do over. all in all there were some challenging spots leading up to the hills. we made it through there no problems.
we hit the pond and decided not to do the loop. instead we turned around to head back to the first play ground. about half way up the first hill my driver rear lifted up spun and came down with a loud crack. the guy riding with me was like what was that and i said i think i broke my axel. i tried to move again but nothing from there except it move the shaft out some. now the real fun started figuring how we were going to get out. we had to crimp the brake line first since i broke the line when the axel went and the drum pulled off. after that we had to inch me down backwards and three brakes about 20' so we could start getting the jeep turned around. (flash backs of spare tire are running though my mind. at least all my brakes were new big help.) we placed rocks as stop points in case i started sliding out of control. we worked it into a spot and the jeep slid around so we were forward again. now we had about a 100' to get to the service road so richard could bring his trailer in. had one guy pushing the tire in and just creaping down also using rocks to keep the rear tire in. about 2 hrs we made it and got her on the trailer to get home.
even with the breakage this trail has moved up on my list of to visit again. now it is time to make some decisions on how to go with the axel. 44 super 35 stay as is. going to put some feelers out and see what comes up.
here are a few pics--

Looks like a great time. I vote 44. You send all that same money on a turdy 5 and you still have a weak point. Most people are stepping up to a 60 so if you keep your eyes open you should be able to find a built 44 for under a grand.

Those pesky c-clip axles!
I vote full floater

fatbob309 wrote:Looks like a great time. I vote 44. You send all that same money on a turdy 5 and you still have a weak point. Most people are stepping up to a 60 so if you keep your eyes open you should be able to find a built 44 for under a grand.

that is where i am thinking about going to. visit some shops, craigs list and junk yards and see what i can find.

Looks like a fun place Russ, I'd vote 44 as well..

cool pics 8)

Looks like a good time.

Good stuff....... I vote 9" Ford :p