Full Size Jeep Network

Hey you guys,

A bunch of my friends are planning to go to Ouray this weekend and I'm considering tagging along. Given that I banged up the Waggy pretty good on a 4-5 rated trail last weekend, I'm having some second thoughts....
So, I'm asking you guys. Do you think Black Bear Pass is doable in a Grand Wagoneer on 2" of lift and 30" tires without dragging my undercarriage? Have any of you done it with similar equipment? What's your opinion?

Thanks in advance!

I did it years ago on a 4" lift with 31" tires and I don't remember dragging. I think you will be fine. Going down the one way side is no problem. There might be some spots on the way up you need to pick your line a little more careful but if I remember correctly it would only be a couple of spots and you shouldn't have a problem.

The way up is easy on stock suspension and 28's. The way down I smacked my back bumper three times, no damage just minor contact. Seeing our rigs side by side, and considering the height of your rig, you'll be fine.

So, right now, the consensus seems to be that I should be able to make it through without touching anything... as long as I'm careful. Does anyone else have an opinion on the subject? (I'm thinking about trying to convince my wife that we should throw the tent on the roof and head out tomorrow...)

make dang sure your brakes, brake lines, master cylinder, steering lines, etc are in top notch condition.

Parking brake should be working too.

Thanks for the info, you guys. It looks like I'm not going to be able to make this trip this weekend but I'll keep it in mind for the Ouray trip I'm doing in September. Thanks, again, for the input!

When ya goin'?

I want to head out at the end of September for fall colors... maybe the 27th or 28th. Then stay for 4 or 5 days for a little wheeling, hiking and bumming around town.

I've only done Black Bear once but IMO the worst spot suspension wise is before you even hit the infamous steps. One of the switchbacks I had my suspension really flexed out but a lot of that was due to having a longer than ideal wheelbase on a TIGHT switchback and working with what was there ie cutting the corner.

My Jtruck is lifted about 5" and was running 30" AT's with all sway bars in place.

I'm going back September 25-28th. Staying at the KOA again.

My wife and I are going to be there Sept 19-27, but we will be in our XJ. We plan on doing Black Bear again.... We have done it 3 or 4 times over the last 5yrs or so. Not sure which campground we are staying at yet, possibly the koa.

It looks like I'm just barely going to miss both you guys. I'm arriving on the 27th and leaving on the 1st.

We ended up staying at the Ouray KOA and really liked it! We plan on staying there the next time we are down that way.

We had a blast on the trails in the XJ and went at just about the perfect time to see all the colors, it was great!

We passed a couple of FSJs in Ouray and just outside of Ouray, which are always cool to see!

We saw a few FSJs up there too... but we could never end up at the same place to talk with the owners.