BajaNomad - Baja nearly destroyed my Jeep!

Baja nearly destroyed my Jeep!

Ken Cooke - 3-9-2007 at 10:33 PM

Since the Baja Grande November event, here is a list of the parts that have needed replacement due to the hardcore nature that the roads and trails can place on a vehicle:

* 1 Steering Stabilizer - ProComp unit replaced with Rancho unit with lifetime warranty.
* 2 new lower shock absorber mounts welded to axle tube. Mission Impossible destroyed the stock unit, but the MX-6 shocks didn't help...
* 2 new ProComp MX6 adjustable shocks (valved for a hardtop application) - the 30,000 mile MX6 shocks were puking oil at the end of that run.
* New Inner and outer tie rod w/tie rod ends - replaced tie rod with Chromoly Tie Rod by Rubicon Express. [note: tie rod damage occured on Pole Line Road]

Roberto - 3-9-2007 at 10:42 PM

My experience is that Procomp = junk (albeit in a full-size truck). This is stuff made to look "good", not perform. It would seem your experience mirrors mine. I don't think Rancho is much better. I stick with King/Fox/Bilstein.

Ken Cooke - 3-9-2007 at 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
I stick with King/Fox/Bilstein.

Now taking donations for new Fox bypass shocks on all 4 corners!

Sharksbaja - 3-10-2007 at 01:18 AM

What about yer dog? Did he get a new set too?

Bob and Susan - 3-10-2007 at 06:22 AM

when you play you pay :lol:

Ken Cooke - 3-10-2007 at 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja
What about yer dog? Did he get a new set too?

TJ is still walking around on her OEM set. They should last her another couple of years, and then it will be time for that upgrade she's been thinking about.

dean miller - 3-10-2007 at 07:39 AM

Ken,

I do not know if you are bragging or complaining...

Your repairs and replacements are the price of admission for enjoyment.

I used a 4X4 1942 Dodge WW11 ambulance from 1957 into 1960s to explore the then unexplored nothern Baja. Yes, I had some problems also and limped home on several occasions--but dang It was fun!

So keep on Jeep'en!

SDM

Diver - 3-10-2007 at 08:18 AM

I didn't think Ken was bragging or complaining.
He was giving us the facts.
And a chance to chuckle at him a bit ! :lol:

Thanks Ken !

Roberto - 3-10-2007 at 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
I stick with King/Fox/Bilstein.

Now taking donations for new Fox bypass shocks on all 4 corners!

I hear ya! But, there are a lot of very good options before getting to King bypass shocks. I'm not sure they would be appropriate for your application anyhow. For example, Fox 2.0 reservoir shocks should work nicely.

Reeljob - 3-10-2007 at 09:33 AM

SLOW DOWN!

TacoFeliz - 3-10-2007 at 10:34 AM

Time for a Toyota product

:lol:

David K - 3-10-2007 at 10:44 AM

I am sure glad YOU said it, and not me!!! :light:

Ken Cooke - 3-10-2007 at 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Reeljob
SLOW DOWN!

I forgot to mention my new Fabtech Rocker Guards to cover up some Basketball Hill damage my Jeep also sustained in December during a night run. ouch!

This damage happened at below 1 m.p.h. :?:

Gadget - 3-10-2007 at 12:46 PM

Thats not damage! It's called standard prep for the next run.

Fox is the way to go Ken. I run 6 - 2" remotes on the front and 4 - 2.5 remotes in the rear on the GSB Bronco. They get rebuilt when they start leaking or squeaking and otherwise get the heck worked out of them. My 6000 lb. bull dog weighs way more than your Jeep and spends allot of time off the ground at speed. I would think the investment would allow you to forget about shocks on your rig forever, pretty much. It cost $50 for a full seal and valve rebuild at ORW per unit and they wire wheel them all pretty again for you also.

Desertbull - 3-12-2007 at 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken CookeNow taking donations for new Fox bypass shocks on all 4 corners!

I could probably help you out with that my friend...

my company represents the FOX Racing Shox brand at off road events nationwide and I'm more than willing to donate a few bucks to a good cause for you! Here's a couple photos of Dodge trucks in our fleet.

[Edited on 3-13-2007 by Desertbull]

[Edited on 3-13-2007 by Desertbull]

dually01.jpg - 49kB

Ken's CoilOver Fund :)

Desertbull - 3-12-2007 at 10:34 PM

We could have enough donations for you to have these on in the next couple weeks Ken! :cool:

We were in Glamis a few days before the Baja race shooting a commercial...for a Toyota client!!! :spingrin:

[Edited on 3-13-2007 by Desertbull]

glamisfox.jpg - 49kB

FJ40Mark - 3-13-2007 at 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I am sure glad YOU said it, and not me!!! :light:

Amen...

Time to get a real offroad rig.. :cool:

Baja never breaks vehicles!

thebajarunner - 3-13-2007 at 08:19 AM

Drivers break vehicles.
Back in the NORRA days I used to say that I could run the family sedan down the course, just not at the same speed as the pickup.

Ken Cooke - 3-13-2007 at 08:56 PM

Thanks guys, but I'm not too serious about a new set of Fox shocks on the Rubicon. I'm just going to be happy to play the slots on Revoluccion in the near future... :no:

David K - 3-13-2007 at 11:18 PM

Tim (Desert Bull), what is available for my '05 double cab TRD Tacoma... the rear suspension is too soft... bottoms out easily.

I am not looking for a lift or stiff, racing set up.

I have been getting many suggestions... adjustable air bags, add a leaf, etc.

My previous ('01 xtra cab Tacoma TRD) was perfect... but the '05 Tacomas are the larger style, plus I went up to 4 door... even heavier. It seems they used the same suspension as before, which is not adequit for the bigger truck... at least in the rear.
Thank you...

Desertbull - 3-14-2007 at 09:06 AM

I would suggest a new spring by Deaver Springs.

Wild Bill and I helped Baja Xplorer put on new Deaver's on his Tacoma because he runs with all that "safety" equipment in the back of his truck...something about the two coolers of icy cold beer and two spare cases of Pacifico was considered "safety" equipment is what he said...LOL

But seriously, it's not a shock issue that would help you out-it's a new spring to match your "loaded" weight. And yes when you're not loaded you're ride will be "stiffer" than when loaded.

Air bags are okay but a short term solution to a problem that will always exist as long as you continue to go south with a load.

David K - 3-14-2007 at 04:26 PM

Who do you recommend to obtain/ install Deavers?

San Diego North County ... limited $$ also, Thanks!

Ken Cooke - 3-14-2007 at 07:30 PM

Don't forget that when you lift the rear, you will need to lift the front as well. My vote is for a simple add a leaf to firm things up...

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Who do you recommend to obtain/ install Deavers?

San Diego North County ... limited $$ also, Thanks!

Gadget - 3-15-2007 at 09:52 PM

David,
Go to Chaosfab@sbcglobal.net and get in contact with Nicole. She's one of the LM crew and her and Matt are Yota experts. They can fix you up with just what you need and no guess work as to whether it will work or not. There are a bunch of Toyotas on the Locos Mocos crew from mild to wild, and they all work, and they've all gotten their stuff from them. Tell Nic I reffered you and she'll charge you double.

David K - 3-15-2007 at 11:03 PM

Thanks, does Nic call you Gadget, too?

Gadget - 3-16-2007 at 09:26 PM

Yes, it would probably take her a minute or two to know me by anything else unless you mentioned the LM crew, then she would recognize Will. If you end up doing business with her you will understand why we all love her so much. She is the only other gal in the crew other than my wife. She is a Baja energizer bunny!

Desertbull - 3-18-2007 at 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
Tim,did you get my u2? I need some technical advice.

No messages that I can see...email me at tim@dirtnewz.com with your info.

Thx

Paulina - 3-18-2007 at 01:40 PM

Hey DB,

What kind of a deal can you get me on two Fox 3.5 x 18 5 Tube bypasses? Could you send them along with the t-shirts we talked about..... :yes:

?

Lovin' ya,
P.<*)))><

roverdude - 3-19-2007 at 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
* 2 new ProComp MX6 adjustable shocks (valved for a hardtop application) - the 30,000 mile MX6 shocks were puking oil at the end of that run.

I hate to say I told you so. To quote an earlier thread..."Not to put any brands down, but all brands mentioned are sub-par to the Fox. Yes, you'll spend a bit more but worth every cent. Depending on budget and what you do while you're driving will dictate which model of Fox. Otherwise, get the Old Man Emu. It's a brand out of Australia and catching on. It's similar in price to the nicer brands mentioned and in my opinion a better product. Plus, they build suspensions for most off-road worthy trucks and SUVs. Now, if you're rich don't even think about it.... Kings."
LINK TO THREAD

Ken Cooke - 3-19-2007 at 05:11 PM

I drove all over TJ/Rosarito this weekend, and while the MX-6 shocks were slightly stiff in my unloaded Jeep, I fear that the Old Man Emu shocks would not control my Jeep when loaded down? Not sure, but just a concern. I have driven a Rubicon with OME shocks with an Nth Degree long-arm suspension, and the difference was astounding...

roverdude - 3-19-2007 at 07:49 PM

Go with the Fox res. or Bilstein 7100