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Author: Subject: A Car for baja?
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[*] posted on 5-19-2005 at 10:39 PM


http://www.sportsmobile.com/4_4x4sports.html

now thats my dream rig.
Makes my Dodge Cummins 4x with the Callen camper feel/drive/look like a VW bus.
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Sharksbaja
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[*] posted on 5-19-2005 at 11:10 PM


well said!
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aha baja
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[*] posted on 5-21-2005 at 02:03 AM


how bout tug o' war for titles and bragging rights:lol::lol::lol:
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[*] posted on 5-21-2005 at 12:01 PM


check this baby out it is the ultimate

http://www.jeep.com/autoshow/news/hurricane.html

Press Release

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Show-stopping concepts and extreme expressions of the Chrysler Group brands aren't new: Dodge had its Tomahawk and Chrysler, the ME Four-Twelve. But when the Jeep? Hurricane blew onto the 2005 North American International Auto Show stage, it raised the bar for the Jeep brand.

"Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most powerful 4x4 ever built," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Chrysler Group Design. "It pays homage to the extreme enthusiasts' Jeep vehicles in form and off-road capability, but is a unique interpretation of Jeep design. Simply stated, it is the extreme example for the Jeep brand."

Hurricane represents the continued success of bold concept vehicles for the brands as a means of demonstrating Chrysler Group's creative and mechanical expertise. For example, powerful powertrain performance is an understatement considering the Hurricane is not just HEMI?-equipped, but HEMI squared. There are two 5.7-liter HEMI engines in the vehicle: one in the front and one in the back. Both engines deliver 335 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque - a total of 670 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque.

Can you have responsible excess? To test the theory, we equipped both HEMI engines in the Jeep Hurricane with the Chrysler Group Multi-Displacement System (MDS). Depending on the driver's needs, the Hurricane can be powered by 4-, 8-, 12- or 16-cylinders. All of that translates into buckets of torque for climbing obstacles other 4x4 vehicles can't even comprehend. In addition, it has the power and traction to move from 0-60 in less than five seconds.

The power is delivered through a central transfer case and split axles with a mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system. The front and rear suspension is short/long arm independent with 20 inches of suspension travel, controlled by coilover shocks with remote reservoirs.

The vehicle has 14.3 inches of ground clearance, and incredible approach/departure angles of 64.0 /86.7 degrees. These are nearly vertical angles - combined with 37-inch tall tires, so the Hurricane won't meet much that it can't climb. The Jeep Hurricane is the only vehicle on the auto-show circuit that provides its own turnable feature. The vehicle features a turn radius of absolutely zero, thanks to skid steer capability and toe steer: the ability to turn both front and rear tires inward. In addition, the vehicle features two modes of automated four-wheel steering. The first is traditional with the rear tires turning in the opposite direction of the front to reduce the turning circle. The second mode is an innovation targeted to off-road drivers: the vehicle can turn all four wheels in the same direction for nimble crab steering. This allows the vehicle to move sideways without changing the direction the vehicle is pointing.

"Out in the wilderness, changing direction in minimal space can mean the difference between an afternoon of adventure and a distress call back to the trailhead," Creed said. "The multi-mode four-wheel steering system on Jeep Hurricane is designed to offer enthusiasts the next level of performance and unexpected maneuverability."

The one-piece body is shaped of structural carbon fiber, and forms the chassis that would be offered through a traditional frame. The suspension and powertrain are mounted directly to the body. An aluminum spine runs under the body to both connect the underside and to function as a complete skid plate system.

The design is lightweight with high strength, and it boasts functional appearance. Jeep Hurricane is an honest, minimalist approach to its design augmented with the Jeep signature seven-slot grille, two seats and no doors. On the inside, occupants will be surrounded by exposed carbon fiber and polished aluminum with Black Thunder and Tiluminum accents.

Jeep? Hurricane Specifications:
Weight (estimated): 3,850 lbs. (1,746 kg)
Length: 151.8 inches (3,856 mm)
Wheelbase: 108.1 inches (2,746 mm)
Front Overhang: 25.0 inches (635 mm)
Rear Overhang: 18.7 inches (475mm)
Width: 80.0 inches (2,033 mm)
Height: 68.2 inches (1,732 mm)
Track, Frt/Rr: 67.5/67.5 inches (1,715/1,715 mm)
Engine: two 5.7-liter HEMI? engines
Transfer Case: Custom multi-mode with 1:1, 2:1 and 4:1 ratios
Transmission: 5-Speed automatic
Front and Rear Suspension: Long-travel, short/long arm independent
Ground Clearance: 14.3 inches (363 mm)
Break-Over Angle: 31.5 degrees
Approach/Depart Angle: 64.0/86.7 degrees
Tire Size: 305/70R20
Wheel Size: 20x10 inches



Source: DaimlerChrysler MediaServices




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[*] posted on 5-21-2005 at 12:09 PM


Iv'e not been a jeep fan, but it looks like they built a true off road vehicle



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[*] posted on 5-21-2005 at 02:26 PM


ahem.......


"Engine: two 5.7-liter HEMI? engines"





the only thing jeep is the name and the grille
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eetdrt88
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[*] posted on 5-21-2005 at 03:13 PM
I know...


its not quite as cool as the 50,000$ jeep or the dodge tomahawk or all these other great new off road vehicles...but it is quite fuel efficient and quiet as well....oh and chicks dig it too:lol::lol::lol:
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[*] posted on 5-22-2005 at 12:19 PM


I first went to Baja in a Mitsubishi sedan that got stuck in the sand twice, and then on the way back from Puertecitos, suffered from a popped gas tank! Sand tires, shocks, and all, be careful off roading without SKID PLATES to protect the vehicle's vital organs. Rocky roads are notorious for spitting up all kinds of fouls, which we've all noticed if ever driving on a dirt road with the music off- the cling clang of a hundred rocks bouncing off the chasis, not very reassuring without steel plates covering the transmission, gas tank and whatever else might be dangling down there.

I'll have to back up Japanese trucks, though- absolutely superior off road machines. Especially the early Toyotas. I'm now using a 1983 Land Cruiser- wow, what a truck! Big engine, but also a full set of skid plates covering EVERYTHING and a big stack of front leaf springs to provide for better front-suspension handling. Problem is, that truck will easily take you through real rough terrain you wouldn't want to drive into, so a lot of HEED is important to keep yourself from getting in too deep. These early FJ60's are the Japanese equivilant of the Hummer, maybe even a little better, they rarely know how to say "no".

I previously was driving a 1988 Mitsubishi Montero, with "wishbone" (Upper-lower control arms) suspension in the front, and was nagged with constant problems from this less supple negotiator.
But that seems to be the front suspension of choice for modern manufacturers, except now with the addition of a coil spring.



[Edited on 5-22-2005 by Geothermal-Shane]
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[*] posted on 5-22-2005 at 12:40 PM


Does this new Jeep come with big chrome rims, too?
(subwoofers?)
So. Cal. gangsters need to off road, too, and in style while making those backcountry drug runs in Laguna Salada...

I'd rather stick to the reliability of the ol' Toyota. After all, you still see these FJ60's driving around with 600,000 miles on the clock.
No (real) sound sysytem, though. Biggest problem is rust and the resulting corrosion. At 22, mine is still tough, only a few plastic peices have broken off or fallen apart, but the rest is still intact. The thing drives like I just drove off the dealer's lot...
oh-
Passing smog may be an issue, depending. You have to be real careful about who you let work on these trucks. Mine has seen a few mechanics that were better suited to be working on Geo-Metros and Astro Vans, and it suffered from the resulting work. The Land Cruiser's OLD design calls for a semi-specialist(ironically) or at least a reliable mechanic familiar with old Japanese engineering style.
And of course...
Finding parts for this thing is an endless problem. Standard after-market suppliers(Pep Boys etc.) don't carry most basic parts. If you're lucky you can find a shop that specializes in Japaneses imports. Here in LA I can get everything from a place called ETY in Eagle Rock. And within 24 hours!

Well, El Monte is full of good beer drinking mechanics!
(????????)

[Edited on 5-22-2005 by Geothermal-Shane]

[Edited on 5-22-2005 by Geothermal-Shane]

[Edited on 5-22-2005 by Geothermal-Shane]
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[*] posted on 5-22-2005 at 01:01 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by synch
Quote:
Originally posted by JESSE
Anything Japanese is perfect, i would go with a Toyota or Nissan, its been proven over and over that Japanese cars can handle the Baja roads ( or lack of them) better than anything else.

Sorry Detroit.



Toyota Recalls 900,000 Trucks for Suspension Defect


People tend to be very brand-loyal to cars that have treated them well...to the point of ignoring facts otherwise.
A heap load of advertizing doesn't hurt to drill it into their head either.

[Edited on 5-20-2005 by synch]


That doesn't change my mind, i take anything Japanese over Detroit or Europe anytime, i used to drive cars from Tijuana to Mexico city and Los Cabos 10 years ago, drove dozens of cars from almost all brands, and i as well as all the other drivers agree, nothing beats a Japanese car for driving Mexican roads.
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[*] posted on 5-22-2005 at 01:13 PM


alot of these Amereican cars won't last longer than ten years...

...and if they do everything will be falling apart and falling off right up to the grave.
I wouldn't want to rely on one in the Baja desert...

[Edited on 5-22-2005 by Geothermal-Shane]
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[*] posted on 5-22-2005 at 01:52 PM


Having done research I think I need a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. I may go with a Ford Expedition because they are cheaper and in my price range - $15-16K

What you guys think of this?




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[*] posted on 5-22-2005 at 02:01 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by MH_Stevens
Having done research I think I need a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. I may go with a Ford Expedition because they are cheaper and in my price range - $15-16K

What you guys think of this?


Go with Toyota, you wont regret it.
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[*] posted on 5-22-2005 at 02:45 PM


This has been a very interesting thread. But one thing has not been mentioned...

The nicer and newer the vehicle, the more somebody else may want it.

My 82 Chevy Silverado is in the shop for yet more repairs. But, hey I have to be honest, I beat the hell out of it on a regular basis. As my mechanic gave me a ride home, we discussed vehicles and Mexico. We were in his sister-in-law's fairly late model 2wd Tacoma. He said it got 17 mpg. I've always liked Toyos, the only vehicle I've ever bought new in my life was a 77 Toyo truck ($3,000). it was great but foolishly I didn't keep it long due to "circumstances". Frankly. 17 mpg for a 2wd v6 does not impress me and makes me think twice about Toyos in spite of their reliability.

The next thing that he mentioned was that a friend of his recently took his new Lincoln Navigator to El Golfo. On the way back, they stopped to help some people in trouble. while on the side of the road, a couple of "narcos" stopped, admired the Lincoln and decided to take it. They shot the guy and beat his wife before jacking the Navigator. There's been little if anything in the news, hurts tourism ya know. I don't want to imply that El Golfo is a hotbed of crime. Actually, Phoenix is now the car theft capital of the world. But, mierda happens.

That's why I'm still carrying "Pizza" insurance. I drive a Pizza Chit in Baja and hardly ever bother locking it. Nobody wants it. The mileage sucks, it's old and ugly. But hey, so am I. It needs fixing from time to time (so do I), but there are no computers to freak out shade tree mechanics in San Goloteo de Las nalgas, BCS. The Chevy 350 is known everywhere and chimpanzees can fix it without screwing much up. Parts are available at yonkes up and down the peninsula. It's paid for,I don't need more insurance than liability and if the worst of worst scenarios occurs, I can just walk away from it with no major tragedy in my life.




All my childhood I wanted to be older. Now I\'m older and this chitn sucks.
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[*] posted on 5-22-2005 at 04:57 PM


go with the ford. you only need to look around Baja and see how many old ford trucks are on the road and how much Jap junk is littering up Baja.



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[*] posted on 5-22-2005 at 11:24 PM


Yeah, don't forget the "brand new SUV" tax in Baja, either! They'll take one look at the shiny thing with California plates and charge you double for everything.
Happened to me a few times when I took a rented Dodge Durango.

You know Mike, you should consider buying an older restored 4X4. Anything from Jeep to a Toyota pickup, or even a Land Cruiser will be perfectly suited for Baja, and cost between $3000-$10,000, if you want to start spending money.
And don't forget the part about the computer freaking out the shade-tree mechanics in Mexico. The older 4X4's just have simpler mechanics, which is well appreciated under stressful situations, and of course, these vehicles are more easily overlooked by car theives that want to ge their hands and something new and shiny to sell in Mexicali.
If you want something you can sleep in, a Land Cruiser is perfect, or perhaps a 4X4 pickup truck. Although the 4X4 may not even be neccesary, it nice to have some of the things that come along with it(like skid plates)
I've seen 4X4 VW Vanagons ready to off road, with a poptop sleeping area, stove, fridge and all. You could probably pick up a used one for under $4000. I've seen a very old International pickup converted into a camper- the owner said he'd never had anything better for camping. Trucks like that last decades and can take you all over the place, without as much of a "white man tax" as a round and shiny Toyota Sequoias.
There probably isn't a need to go spending $15,000 on this...when the money could be better spent on gas or other goodies like tires, roof racks, shocks, GPS, air compressors, tow straps, K&N air filters, used army surplus gear, beer, etc...unless that money's just burning in your pocket.
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[*] posted on 5-22-2005 at 11:52 PM


Diesel pick up in Baja is theft proof. Only diesel vehicles over 10,000 GVWR can be legally registered in Mex. We leave the keys in our rig when we camp on the beaches of Concepcion.

;)




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[*] posted on 5-23-2005 at 07:16 AM


The last few posts have been really great. I've always been concerned about age in a vehicle. I shouldn't be as my -82 ex Army CJ5 is the most reliable vehicle i have. Now a land cruiser would be fab, but what sort of age are you guys talking about? And what the max milage i should consider? I like the idear of something I can sleep in and is theft proof.

Mike




Cheers,

Mike Stevens
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[*] posted on 5-23-2005 at 08:53 AM
To Land Rover owners


We have been traveling with Land Rovers for years. The ride is smooth. Spacious interior with large windows makes a difference. Adaptability of gear and racks is legendary. Power to spare. We take to the back roads with ease; the grades are a piece of cake.
Just don?t break down! Parts you will not find. Tires you will. If you plan on buying a Land Rover for deep travels, they are great IF you carry all the spare belts, filters, tools, ect. I haven?t had a complaint yet about ours?except it?s a gas hog.




What control freaks there are here. Don\'t believe that post you just read!
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[*] posted on 5-23-2005 at 10:07 AM
An ex-student of mine......


.......is a mechanic at the local Land Rover dealer. He brought one by one day and we went off road. I had to admit it was the smoothest offroad ride I had ever experienced. The suspension just sucked up most anything.

Then I asked him about the notorious Land Rover reputation on reliability. He said everything you've heard it true......the things are constantly in and out of the shop, even brand new. The Discovery were particularly bad.

Just don't break down? I dont think thats an option.

Land Rovers depreciate pretty quickly because so many people just want to get OUT of owning one.

You know what they say......why don't the Bristish build computers?..............because they cant figure out how to make them leak oil.

I know, they're really not Briitsh anymore but you get the idea.

If creature comforts are not an issue, go with a Toyota Tundra or Tacoma or 4 Runner. If you need to tow and want a comfort level above basic, go with an American mfgr.

The Titans are still to new to consider; they did have some initial problems.

[Edited on 5-23-2005 by Hook]
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