This is eastbound just downhill from Mengel Pass in Death Valley last week. I wouldn't want to go uphill on these rocks.
Since my post of now a year ago, I have added an add-a-leaf to the rear bringing the packs up to 8 leaves(it lifts the rear up 3 inches to match the front);
replaced the exhaust system with a 4 inch pipe and less restrictive muffler; replaced the front outers with Dana 70, 35 spline outer shafts and upgrade, replaceable bearings (to replace the unit bearings) and put on Dana 70 selectable hubs. Just these two things gives me about 1 mpg and better acceleration. The steering is easier now, i'm thinking because of not all that drivetrain turning, giving a gyroscopic period.
Even so, I dragged both the front and rear diffs, once each, and bonged the pass side step bar. My excuse is it was the worst (read best) roughest trail I've been on with Cabeza to date. We drove all the bad stuff.
I did not air down the first couple days and paid for that mistake with a harsh ride. Once down to 32/30 pounds in the tires, driving washboard and rocky terrain were a walk in the park.
jefe