Looking for some good places to off-road in Southern California. Nothing real crazy though, as I'm sorta a newbie when it comes to off-roading. Drove down to Borrego State Park this past weekend. Was trying to make it to Ocotillo Wells but ran outta time. Did a little 4-wheeling somewhere near the airport. Don't even know what it was called though. There was a wash that led to some hills. Good for novices like myself.

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'99 F-250LD 4x4 SC XLT 5.4 3.73LS TTP
285/75/16 BFG Muds, Gibson 3" swept-side, K&N FIPK, clear corner lenses, tinted windows, ford bug deflector

 

GroggyModem,

I've bought a couple of "Off Road" guides to Southern California. I got them from **** Cepek in Riverside. I also bought a 4Wheel guide book from the Big Bear Visitor's Center.

The "Off Road" guides do include Anza Borrego, the high desert, Santa Barbara area and some Mojave areas (I15 & I40).

**** = "Richard Cepek" 4Wheel Drive shop.
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99 4x4 XLT supercab 5.4L Flareside, Deep Wedgewood Blue/Med. Graphite w/Captain Chairs, Pioneer DEP-4000, Tint, K&N, Bedliner, 3" Catback w/3 Chamber Flowmaster, 285/75/16 BFG A/T on American Racing Python wheels, Stull Billet Grill, Clear Corner Lenses.

'00 Expedition XLT, Silver w/Dark graphite interior, 5.4L, Stull Billet Grill, 2/4 Drop and some other stuff. All in all she'll stay stock. Ok, maybe a Flowmaster 50 series soon.




[This message has been edited by Loser1 (edited 02-29-2000).]

 

Thanks Loser1. I'll have to check some local shops. The Cepek near me has moved, so maybe I'll shoot down to the one in Garden Grove sometime soon.

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'99 F-250LD 4x4 SC XLT 5.4 3.73LS TTP
285/75/16 BFG Muds, Gibson 3" swept-side, K&N FIPK, clear corner lenses, tinted windows, ford bug deflector

 

Not so much advice as to where...but a tip:
If you are in a new area and or a new trail (new to you), I strongly suggest going with at least on other capable 4x4. Better still an experienced off-roader. Stop at a high point, get out and look/scout. Think about how water would flow down the hills or through the terrain. visualize how the soil will react to the weight of your truck/tires.

I know it isn't always practical; but it is a great idea. It is amazing how fast those PCS/Cell phones get out of range off the pavement.

This advice becomes essential as soon as you are transiting snowy trails or even light river/creek fording. It just ain't worth it to be alone out there-after the trail beat the truck.

But test that truck when you have company; nothing feels better then looking back with that "I did it" grin on your face.

Best of luck

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2001 SuperCrew 4x4 Lariat 5.4/4-spd auto, 3.55 l/s, elec xfer case, Skids, Class III tow, Stock 17"s, Oxford White/Med Graphite leather capts chairs, Rhinolined
Planned: K&N FIPK (When they get the CARB # for 2001's), Superchip

 

1stSuperCrew,

Great advice!!!

 

going up to Big Bear to try out some 4X4 in the back roads this weekend, I will take some pics. This is the first time I have taking the truck off road.



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Don W
97 F150 4X4 XLT, ORP, Tow Package,
CD-Changer, K&N, B&M shift improver,
PIAA fog lights, Weld Rims 17", 265 70LT AT/S, Flowmaster 40 series 3" cat back.
f1504x4.hompeage.com

 

did some offroading in big bear, here is a pic or two.

[img]//albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=241528&a=1794813&p=20141123&Sequence=0[/img]
[img]//albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=241528&a=1794813&p=20141124&Sequence=0[/img]

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Don W
97 F150 4X4 XLT, ORP, Tow Package,
CD-Changer, K&N, B&M shift improver,
PIAA fog lights, Weld Rims 17", 265 70LT AT/S, Flowmaster 40 series 3" cat back.
f1504x4.hompeage.com


[This message has been edited by DonW (edited 04-25-2000).]

[This message has been edited by DonW (edited 04-25-2000).]

[This message has been edited by DonW (edited 04-25-2000).]

 

Going back in May, The road that go behind the ski lifts will be open and will do some mild offroad stuff, anyone want to meet their ?, let me know.



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Don W
97 F150 4X4 XLT, ORP, Tow Package,
CD-Changer, K&N, B&M shift improver,
PIAA fog lights, Weld Rims 17", 265 70LT AT/S, Flowmaster 40 series 3" cat back.
f1504x4.hompeage.com