Yup, I'm slomatt on OB and wrote the post linked in message #8 on this thread. I moved away from San Luis Obispo (SLO) years ago and figured it is time to change my forum name. :)
I've driven the western half of the trail a few times, but not since 2011. As you know it was then closed for many...
(first post on this forum, hi all)
The eastern side is definitely more technical but doable with sliders and 32"+ tires. I used my rear locker quite a bit, and a friend in a double cab Tacoma had to make a few multi-point turns.
There are several good campsites, one of which is near a natural...