For the record, I'm leaving Phoenix about 6-7PM Thursday night, so I'll be a potential wingman. I'll have V, P, and V's mom with me. We're staying at Grandpa's house in Covina, and headed back to Phoenix Monday morning.
For anyone who's will be taking I-10 west out of Phoenix for the first time, you're in for a real treat, or an adventure, if you don't have AC. Make sure your cooling system is rock solid, and make sure you bring at least a gallon of drinking water per person. This is some of the hottest, most remote stretches of highway in the country. And while there's reliable cell service and plenty of traffic, a breakdown can mean you're sitting in 115°F/45°C+ son for a while.
I've done the drive in DSMs, GVR4s, an 89 2.6 without AC (for MOD, in June), and Fezzik. It's an amazing place, but it's fucking hooooooooot out there, and there are a couple long (10+ mile) climbs at honest speed.
That said, I'll make sure I've got the truck setup for sleeping on the lawn. That's gonna be so cool.