I guess that’s where we differ; the big sluice is one of my favorites on the trail

I would agree that the last part would be more challenging uphill that’s one of the reasons I want to do it and suggested the other option where you can avoid it like you guys do with Cadillac.

The only step section I recall from Spider to Buck is the slabs if you bypass the Old Sluice, while the slabs should be bit harder uphill not something I’ve heard people be concerned about as opposed to Cadillac. A two-day partial run that splits off is sort of like picking & choosing you challenges which one(s) do you prefer?

Would be really nice to keep the group together for at least the first day while still giving the SAS and more experienced/modified crowd the chance for the fullly experience & route.

How much of a lift am I going to need for trips of this sort. I am in the process of getting my sliders and front bumper. I am looking at a 3 inch or 5 inch lift. Which is going to be better for this trip? I am not really sure that in the end I will need or want the 5 inch.

The Rubicon would be rated a 8-9 on the following difficulty scale: http://ccx.smugmug.com/gallery/146158
(there's info in there as to what you need to run it)

So then we will be taking the bronco and not my X if we can make the trip. We are hoping to be able though.

Are there firm dates on this trip yet? My calendar is starting to get booked already!