Well, all the late nights paid off finally. I was able to take the boys camping and wheeling together for the first time. The Bronco did great over the 1000 miles we drove. I only had one self-induced issue that was caused by my impatience that resulted in us driving the last 150 miles in front wheel drive only (while towing too).

Packed up and ready to head out




Stopped at Johnson's Corner





Ophir Pass





Imogene Pass

A little dutch oven pizza after a day on the trail.





Silverton










"That's right, because hippies don't use soap"




Animas Forks

I learned that if, in your haste, you slip the transmission into reverse without using the clutch and the truck lurches, then stalls, that you probably just collapsed the crush sleeve on the 9" and you now have a driveshaft vibration at 55 mph. Additionally I learned that my socket set stops at 1" and the pinion nut is bigger then that and the monkey wrench you packed for bigger nuts doesn't fit down in the pinion yoke.

Congrats Jesse. I know you've put in a lot of work for this moment. Very cool!

Sweet! Cant wait to follow you down a trail.

Sounds like a perfect Bronco adventure.

I bet those boys really enjoyed it.

That's a great trip. The Alpine Loop from Lake City to Animas Forks & back was my last trip in my Bronco, super jealous.

Jealous. Looks like a good time. Your boys will remember these trips forever. I know I do. Doing that same thing with my dad.

What a great pay-off! Sorry for the mishap!