BajaNomad - Road Work to Gonzaga continues

Road Work to Gonzaga continues

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TMW - 4-14-2011 at 08:04 AM

This from a resident in San Felipe this morning:

Well after all our speculation about the ongoing highway construction for the new paved road south, I'll throw another log on the fire. A convoy of five low boy's loaded with big ripper Cat's and other heavy construction equipment just passed my casa heading south. FWIW

bajaponderosa - 4-15-2011 at 07:53 PM

They sure did. Saw the same convoy heading south. I live at KM 43 South Campos. Last week truck loads of concrete colverts heading south also.

I'm going to miss the old "Road" to Laguna Chapala

Ken Cooke - 4-15-2011 at 10:46 PM

mondo - 4-23-2011 at 07:10 PM

My wife and i have a trailer at the Rio Hardy. We went to Gonzaga Bay last May. Paved just south of Puertocitos. How is the paved / dirt road from there to Gonazaga Bay or even to Coco's corner? Be that way over the last week in May. thanks first post

David K - 4-23-2011 at 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mondo
My wife and i have a trailer at the Rio Hardy. We went to Gonzaga Bay last May. Paved just south of Puertocitos. How is the paved / dirt road from there to Gonazaga Bay or even to Coco's corner? Be that way over the last week in May. thanks first post

Welcome to Nomad...

There are other posts on highway progress south from Puertecitos that are newer than this one...

Last I recall was pavement now 26 miles south of Puertecitos, several more newly graded with just a dozen or so rough miles to Gonzaga Bay.

mondo - 4-23-2011 at 08:09 PM

Thanks for the info David. I'm new to posting on Nomads I hope this is the right place?

Bob H - 4-23-2011 at 09:45 PM

What is the target date for completion of the road to Gonzaga? Like, anybody knows. Hahahahaa.

David K - 4-24-2011 at 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
What is the target date for completion of the road to Gonzaga? Like, anybody knows. Hahahahaa.

YES: Mañana :light:

Phil S - 4-24-2011 at 04:30 PM

Well, Wendy & I want to go this way in mid October in our Sienna. Hope it will be far enough along that we'll have no "tire" problems. Whose driven this way recently and how was the road. Still got those razor edge ruts that cuts tires???

TMW - 4-24-2011 at 05:25 PM

It's funny how we talk about bad the road is or was and we often take a second spare etc. I've driven that road since 1987 and never had a flat. Well I did have a flat about 3 years ago within a mile or so of hwy 1 at Chapala.

Phil S - 4-24-2011 at 06:57 PM

I cut two ten ply Toyo's on that road maybe 12 years ago, driving to Hwy 1 from San Felipe. Beautiful drive. Looking forward to making that my regular rt from now on. (or from whenever it gets done. Are they also paving from Hwy 1 east???

TMW - 4-25-2011 at 08:55 AM

There has not been any report that I know of on paving eastward.

David K - 4-25-2011 at 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
There has not been any report that I know of on paving eastward.

TMW - 4-25-2011 at 11:03 AM

It's in reference to paving from hwy 1.

David K - 4-25-2011 at 11:45 AM

Okay... right... I just think of Hwy. 5 as a north-south road... so I wasn't sure what you meant by 'east'.

So far it looks like just a south-bound progression.

When Hwy. 1 was built, it was a north and south-bound dual effort of two crews. The north-bound team coming up from La Paz were far more advanced then the south bound crew from Ensenada!

PAVING OF HWY. 1:
1966: south to near Colonet, north about 100 miles from La Paz... then 10 miles south from La Paz, with new roadbed to almost Los Barriles.
1970: south to Camalu, north to Costitucion, and south to Cabo San Lucas!
1972: south to Colonia Guerrero, north to Santa Rosalia.
Early 1973: south to San Quintin, north past San Ignacio.
Mid 1973: south to Mision San Fernando rd., north to Villa Jesus Maria with sections paved past Punta Prieta!
New Roadbed to near Agua Dulce southbound, to Laguna Chapala northbound.

Construction crews met at San Ignacito (south of Santa Ynez/Cataviña) where a monument was erected in September and pavement was completed in November, 1973.

Opening ceremonies at the new Eagle Monument at the state/ territory border on Dec. 1, 1973. Baja California Sur became a state in 1974.

TMW - 4-25-2011 at 05:54 PM

["Construction crews met at San Ignacito (south of Santa Ynez/Cataviña) where a monument was erected in September and pavement was completed in November, 1973."]

Is it still there?

bajalou - 4-25-2011 at 05:56 PM

I'll look for it---

rts551 - 4-25-2011 at 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
["Construction crews met at San Ignacito (south of Santa Ynez/Cataviña) where a monument was erected in September and pavement was completed in November, 1973."]

Is it still there?

Yes it is. Across from the abandoned "gringo approved" restaurant. don't blink or you will miss it

David K - 4-25-2011 at 09:54 PM

What is a "gringo approved" restaurant? I only saw Mexican truckers parked in front and never stopped there myself (as it is so close to Santa Ynez where I regularly stop).

David K - 4-25-2011 at 09:57 PM

Quote:

Small white monument holding plaque. West side of highway, across from former cafe of San Ignacito.

rts551 - 4-26-2011 at 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
What is a "gringo approved" restaurant? I only saw Mexican truckers parked in front and never stopped there myself (as it is so close to Santa Ynez where I regularly stop).

I put it in quotes because that is what their sign said.

Never stopped their either only because I would never stop at a place that advertized like that

[Edited on 4-26-2011 by rts551]

David K - 4-26-2011 at 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551

Quote:

I put it in quotes because that is what their sign said.

Never stopped their either only because I would never stop at a place that advertized like that

[Edited on 4-26-2011 by rts551]

Oh, that is funny! Any photos of the sign?

ddawson - 4-28-2011 at 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Small white monument holding plaque. West side of highway, across from former cafe of San Ignacito.

Is this it?

i dunno Bob but i hope it

capt. mike - 4-29-2011 at 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
What is the target date for completion of the road to Gonzaga? Like, anybody knows. Hahahahaa.

brings some improvements to the area, for instance i'd like to see a Sonic go in for one thing. :lol:

David K - 4-29-2011 at 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ddawson

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Small white monument holding plaque. West side of highway, across from former cafe of San Ignacito.

Is this it?

Looks like it... good job!

Thanks and maybe see you on the road someday!

Okay guys, shutting down for the Lost Mission Expedition... see you in 3 days... maybe! :lol:

Ken Cooke - 5-1-2011 at 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
What is the target date for completion of the road to Gonzaga? Like, anybody knows. Hahahahaa.

The road crew did some work to my Jeep last week, and they told me that they would pave all the way to Gonzaga Bay within 2 months. They are now at Hwy 5 - KM 317. They also told me that after the crew builds to Gonzaga Bay, they will move all of their operations to Laguna Chapala, and they will begin paving north to Gonzaga Bay.

You heard it here first!

rts551 - 5-1-2011 at 11:20 AM

It appears that someone removed (stole) the Plaque out of its foundation last week! Jerks

Gonzaga Bay within 2 months

mcfez - 5-4-2011 at 08:06 AM

That makes it for July.

I post info here months ago saying this would happen, from the information I got from the engineers I talked to.

So much for the replies I got on that topic, saying it wouldnt happen.

Thanks for the update. You made my day!

bajalou - 5-4-2011 at 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
That makes it for July.

I post info here months ago saying this would happen, from the information I got from the engineers I talked to.

So much for the replies I got on that topic, saying it wouldnt happen.

Thanks for the update. You made my day!

They are working great on a few miles and might even be able to open part of that by July, but there are quit a few miles they haven't started on. If they keep at it, maybe the end of the year? (my observations from last week)

redhilltown - 5-8-2011 at 12:02 AM

I guess I am one of those who wished it WOULDN'T happen but I certainly understand that for many it is a good thing. As it finishes, there will not be a shore fish swimming larger than a hand sized trigger along this entire stretch...that is until the last corvina is gone.

As I have witnessed first hand, the Mexicali locals will come down with the easy access and drain it dry. Which is not an insult or slight to them as it happens in every country where progress takes its toll and there is money/food to be found.

At least the coast is clear from Calamajue down to L.A. Bay...for now.

BAJACAT - 5-8-2011 at 03:15 PM

I will be in that rd by the end of this month, I will report progress on the rd...
Gonzaga will not bee tha same, get ready for some major change... :no:

BajaWarrior - 5-8-2011 at 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BAJACAT
I will be in that rd by the end of this month, I will report progress on the rd...
Gonzaga will not bee tha same, get ready for some major change... :no:

If your traveling Memorial Day Weekend stop on by Jose...

BAJACAT - 5-8-2011 at 07:30 PM

Sounds good Chuck, I will stop and say hi, are you guys staying in SF for Memorial day. I will be taking some family members to Gonzaga the plan is to camp at Punta Final, and maybe i will do a run to La Turquesa and maybe coco's cornner.......

Ken Cooke - 5-8-2011 at 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BAJACAT
Sounds good Chuck, I will stop and say hi, are you guys staying in SF for Memorial day. I will be taking some family members to Gonzaga the plan is to camp at Punta Final, and maybe i will do a run to La Turquesa and maybe coco's cornner.......

That sounds like a fun trip, Jose. Have a great time. :bounce:

BajaWarrior - 5-8-2011 at 08:47 PM

Quote:

Yes, we will be a the Beach House, stop on by with Family.

Drove the road yesterday

beercan - 5-8-2011 at 08:56 PM

It ends 25 miles south of Puertecitos--- abruptly , just one little sign and if you miss it , you WILL REGRET IT !

cj5orion - 5-9-2011 at 07:44 AM

Quote:

when it doesnt happen.......
your gonna owe me that beer n taco ! :lol:

El Camote - 5-9-2011 at 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by beercan
It ends 25 miles south of Puertecitos--- abruptly , just one little sign and if you miss it , you WILL REGRET IT !

I've got to go with Lou on this one.
I drove it last June and it ended 18 miles south of Puertecitos. That's 7 miles in 11 months or approx. 1.6 miles/month. If they really step up and double their efforts (in the hot Baja summer sun) to 3 miles/month, they could reach Gonzaga for Christmas!!

That's a little later than July. :lol:

Ken Cooke - 5-9-2011 at 04:38 PM

You have to realize that I was speaking with the Construction crew and not the Engineers of the road project.

NO WAY

freediverbrian - 5-9-2011 at 05:21 PM

The work on the road is in its FOURTH year they finished- FOUR six mile/ ten k projects- and in TWO MONTHS they are going to finish THREE six mile projects NO WAY . I know the mountains are behind them but they still have three big river beds to cross it will take at least 2 more years to finish to Gonzaga and an other 2 or 3 to hwy 1. Do not listen to the rumors they know not what they speak.

[Edited on 5-10-2011 by freediverbrian]

[Edited on 5-10-2011 by freediverbrian]

Desertbull - 5-9-2011 at 07:51 PM

I came north on the dirt road from Chapala Hwy 1 turn off to Mexicali...YESTERDAY...and they have numerous bridges to build before it can ever reach Gonzaga...it is IMPOSSIBLE for it to be done in July...unless of course the bring in Delta Force Team 6 and then anything is POSSIBLE...

100 cases of Pacifico that its not completed by the MEXICAN construction crews by July...lemme know if their are any takers.

on another note...

we left the Guerro Negro Malarrimo Hotel at 6:36 am and arrived to Rosita's on the San Felipe Malecon at 11:22 am :biggrin:

[Edited on 5-10-2011 by Desertbull]

El Camote - 5-9-2011 at 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Desertbull

on another note...

we left the Guerro Negro Malarrimo Hotel at 6:36 am and arrived to Rosita's on the San Felipe Malecon at 11:22 am :biggrin:

[Edited on 5-10-2011 by Desertbull]

Holy horsepower, batman! Have you mounted a jato rocket to the desert tank?

That's practically time-travel by Baja road standards.

whazzup, tim?

[Edited on 5-10-2011 by El Camote]

Roberto - 5-9-2011 at 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Desertbull
we left the Guerro Negro Malarrimo Hotel at 6:36 am and arrived to Rosita's on the San Felipe Malecon at 11:22 am :biggrin:

[Edited on 5-10-2011 by Desertbull]

Had a couple of beers at Alfonsina's, huh? :cool:

Desertbull - 5-9-2011 at 09:04 PM

nah actually I just cruised, but the key is I only stopped at Gonzaga to pick something up for Brandi at her place and that was a 5 minute stop, but I travel at 50 mph on those dirt roads in the same old 1999 Dodge Cummins 4WD truck...over 300,000 miles now, my speedo stopped working, but my GPS is hardmounted and is way better anyway...

I only use that truck for Baja (approx. 20,000 miles per year in Baja) so in between trips its baby-ed and prepped and taken care of. Good solid suspension (and you know suspension has come a long way - you can drink a soda of your choice while cruising at 50 on that crappy road )

This was on the way home from a 2775-mile round trip in the dirt to Cabo and back...and the two weeks prior I did to La Paz and back prerunning for the adventure ride we did...but I've prepped the hell out of that truck for these trips...

On my way home from Cabo it was like this....

Left Cabo ME Resort at 7:15 am with Starbucks Coffee in hand

Breakfast at Cerritos Surf Point at 8:45 am - shot 300 images of overhead high south swell rad surf...ate breakfast and lounged....for 1.5 hours

Pitted Mark McMillin in the old McMillin Racing MACADU Car at NORRA 1000 Las Pocitas Pit...watched Bob Gordon, WalkerEvans, Gaughan and McMillin battle for an hour.

Shot Video and 250 images of NORRA race

Chatted on the phone to Rancho Tony, Cameron Steele, Turbo Tom, Jimmy Lee Cook...

Headed to Scorpion Bay and shot 400 images of ankle breakers but perfectly shaped girls surfing...not such a bad thing..1.5 hours

Toured my friend and trip partner in my truck, Kelly Courie throughout Scorpion Bay showing him the sights...

Visited Steve Nelson at Scorpion Bay and FIXED his iPad...drank 2 Pacificos that were DELICIOUS.

Cruised 110- miles of Dirt Road and stopped at El Datil and visited my Mexican kids again..,love those kids!!!

Arrived to San Ignacio Rice n Beans for dinner.

Drove to Vizcaino and fueled for the first time since Cabo...Kelly cleaned the windshield and we HID'd the world to Guerro Negro...

Arrived to Guerro Negro to the Malarrimo Hotel Room 5...my favorite.
________________________

Day 2 at the Malarrimo Hotel up at 6am - Massive HUGE cup of Coffee and Directions to Surfers to Scorpion Bay via the North Road.

Departed at 6:36 am and went via Chapala, Coco's, Gonzaga, Puertecitos and San Felipe lunch at Rosita's and photo session with Mr. Martin Romo for Charity Sponsorship.

San Felipe, Rumurosa, Tecate, fueled for cheap diesel before crossing to the good old USA...then Temecula and Orange...

Just another easy run north....30 minute border wait on Mother's Day at Tecate in the afternoon...better remember that!

Let's go...don't think about it, let's do it!
:biggrin:

Spearo - 5-10-2011 at 02:34 PM

Hey Desertbull

Love to hear about long-living CTDs, I bought an '05 recently and love the mileage while towing (18+ in Baja with pop-up camper and boat trailer). I put Bilstein 5100's on it but was wondering about other suspension upgrades. Any thoughts?

Desertbull - 5-10-2011 at 08:15 PM

Carli Suspension with 3.0 FOX Racing Shox (front) Carli Rear Spring pack by Deaver for Carli, 3.0 FOX Racing Shox Reservoir Shocks ( both front and rear shocks are tunable and rebuildable)

http://www.thecarlisuspension.com/index.html

Santiago - 5-11-2011 at 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Desertbull
my speedo stopped working,

Maybe you should switch to tighty-whities??

Desertbull - 5-12-2011 at 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Santiago

Quote:

Originally posted by Desertbull
my speedo stopped working,

Maybe you should switch to tighty-whities??

This is a sure sign that you are getting WAAAYYYYY OLD Santiago! :lol:

Paulina - 5-12-2011 at 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Desertbull

Quote:

Originally posted by Santiago

Quote:

Originally posted by Desertbull
my speedo stopped working,

Maybe you should switch to tighty-whities??

This is a sure sign that you are getting WAAAYYYYY OLD Santiago! :lol:

You boyz just made my day! :lol:

Skipjack Joe - 5-12-2011 at 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by redhilltown
I guess I am one of those who wished it WOULDN'T happen but I certainly understand that for many it is a good thing. As it finishes, there will not be a shore fish swimming larger than a hand sized trigger along this entire stretch...that is until the last corvina is gone.

As I have witnessed first hand, the Mexicali locals will come down with the easy access and drain it dry. Which is not an insult or slight to them as it happens in every country where progress takes its toll and there is money/food to be found.

Yep. The Enchanted Islands won't be so enchanting in a couple of years.

HWY 5 construction

rdo4evr - 5-15-2011 at 03:34 AM

Just returned to Gonzaga Bay last Thursday, 12 May 2011. From the airport turn off in San Felipe there is 75 miles of pavement south. Then 7.4 miles of good newly graded dirt road. That leaves 15 miles of the old and bad road to Gonzaga. Lots of construction.

David K - 5-15-2011 at 11:36 AM

Thank you for the report... the end of Paradise nears!

It would be nice if they get the San Felipe-Puertecitos new expressway done before they pave on south of Gonzaga to Highway 1... Otherwise, the Oh Sh*# Dips along the current SF-Puertecitos pavement is going to eat a lot of rigs!

redhilltown - 5-16-2011 at 12:07 AM

That is for sure DK! All it will take will be one good hurricane and suddenly there will be a really good, well built road in the middle of nowhere.

Wasn't THAT long ago the road south of San Felipe was a pot holed, torn up mess and the work done to repair it is nothing near the engineering of the new work south of Puertecitos.

All we know for sure is that whatever happens will be interesting, challenging, and completely devoid of logic! Oh...and really fun.

David K - 5-16-2011 at 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by redhilltown
That is for sure DK! All it will take will be one good hurricane and suddenly there will be a really good, well built road in the middle of nowhere.

Wasn't THAT long ago the road south of San Felipe was a pot holed, torn up mess and the work done to repair it is nothing near the engineering of the new work south of Puertecitos.

All we know for sure is that whatever happens will be interesting, challenging, and completely devoid of logic! Oh...and really fun.

10-4 that! :lol:

After "Easy Street" is completed, I won't have these problems again

Ken Cooke - 5-16-2011 at 08:25 PM

After adjusting my rear shocks from 'soft' to 'firm', the shock load transferred to the shock pin, and KER-POW!

If Touristas like me don't keep slowing these guys down, "Easy Street" will reach Laguna Chapala by July! :!:

redhilltown - 5-17-2011 at 08:45 AM

Is the lesson here that had you stopped for a beer break instead of a shock adjusting break this never would have happened?

David K - 5-17-2011 at 12:45 PM

"After adjusting my rear shocks from 'soft' to 'firm', the shock load transferred to the shock pin, and KER-POW!"

:rolleyes:

is this where I "It's a Jeep thing"?

Well, at least you use your Jeep off road, and accept that stuff will break on it... So many never leave the pavement!

Ken Cooke - 5-17-2011 at 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by redhilltown
Is the lesson here that had you stopped for a beer break instead of a shock adjusting break this never would have happened?

Next time, I will slow way down...crawl, if necessary.

David K - 5-17-2011 at 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by redhilltown
Is the lesson here that had you stopped for a beer break instead of a shock adjusting break this never would have happened?

Next time, I will slow way down...crawl, if necessary.

Or, get a Toyota and drive like Ivan Stewart :lol:

Ken Cooke - 5-17-2011 at 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by redhilltown
Is the lesson here that had you stopped for a beer break instead of a shock adjusting break this never would have happened?

Next time, I will slow way down...crawl, if necessary.

Or, get a Toyota and drive like Ivan Stewart :lol:

Do you realize his TT probably had .05% Toyota parts on it!?!

David K - 5-17-2011 at 07:17 PM

Ivan's input is what lead to TRD Off Road Tacomas... why they are made so well and just don't break down in Baja.

Just having fun with you Ken... I just want you to not stop going to Baja because of troubles with your rig! More Baja, more fun!

Ken Cooke - 5-17-2011 at 07:40 PM

The only thing that prevents multiple trips to Baja is the house note. The Jeep needs a little TLC with regard to the gasket between the engine and the water pump and the maybe the shock pin. The current shock pen is made of forged steel, so it probably isn't an issue at this time, though.

CortezBlue - 5-17-2011 at 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
After adjusting my rear shocks from 'soft' to 'firm', the shock load transferred to the shock pin, and KER-POW!

If Touristas like me don't keep slowing these guys down, "Easy Street" will reach Laguna Chapala by July! :!:

Ok, so it looks like one to many tacos and maybe a few to many cervezas :tumble:

redhilltown - 5-17-2011 at 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Ivan's input is what lead to TRD Off Road Tacomas... why they are made so well and just don't break down in Baja.

Just having fun with you Ken... I just want you to not stop going to Baja because of troubles with your rig! More Baja, more fun!

I happen to be a 30+ year Toyota guy too but I certainly understand the Jeep thang and what comes with it. Many a time in the Inyo or Panamint mountains I have wished for something just a TAD smaller

2wd (buick?) station wagon rescues blinged out jeep

mtgoat666 - 5-17-2011 at 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
After adjusting my rear shocks from 'soft' to 'firm', the shock load transferred to the shock pin, and KER-POW!

from the picture it looks like your 4wd was rescued by a very low clearance 2wd station wagon :lol:

[Edited on 5-18-2011 by mtgoat666]

David K - 5-17-2011 at 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by redhilltown

Quote:

I happen to be a 30+ year Toyota guy too but I certainly understand the Jeep thang and what comes with it. Many a time in the Inyo or Panamint mountains I have wished for something just a TAD smaller

Agree! A CJ-5 is sure the ultimate bobcat 4WD... The Wrangler TJ Rubicon (like Ken's) is also good (when it is running)... The new JK big Wranglers, I am not so sure of... and the 4 door JK is just as big as a Hummer H3... Heck, I would like to have an old Willys-Overland CJ-3A. M-38, MB or CJ-2A to really get around tight spots... That would be fun!

redhilltown - 5-19-2011 at 12:18 AM

I think we all agree that no matter what you drive, getting out there is the main thing!

What never fails to amaze me is that in the desert southwest and Baja so many of the isolated roads are old mining roads...to this day I can't believe what the lure of gold and silver did to these men! To stand before an old mine and think that horses and burros dragged most of the equipment up to the places is beyond belief! Even after trucks did the work there was no Kragen or parts suppliers nearby. These guys were mad and every time I drive their roads I salute their madness.

TMW - 5-19-2011 at 07:33 AM

They had a dream and lived it.

David K - 5-19-2011 at 07:51 AM

Dick Daggett and Arturo Grosso are both responsible for many roads in that area of Baja. Grosso built the first road between his ranch (Laguna Chapala) and San Felipe... (the sulfur mine)... mid 1950's.

2wd Mercury Tracer Wagon repaired before my Jeep in picture

Ken Cooke - 5-19-2011 at 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

from the picture it looks like your 4wd was rescued by a very low clearance 2wd station wagon :lol:

[Edited on 5-18-2011 by mtgoat666]

Running to the machine shop to drill improvised shock pin. :bounce:

Roberto - 5-19-2011 at 08:38 PM

Is there any possibility that the quality of the aftermarket parts you choose is part of the problem. I mean, it seems that every time you take a trip to Baja something breaks, and usually more than one thing.

What happened on the road to San Francisquito last time you went down there. I'm not competing with you or anything, but that road is not that bad for a properly prepped off-road vehicle. We drive that around 60+ mph, and we're drivin' Fords and Dodges.

Just askin'?

Our Jeeps were okay. It must have been the Subaru.

Ken Cooke - 5-19-2011 at 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
Is there any possibility that the quality of the aftermarket parts you choose is part of the problem. I mean, it seems that every time you take a trip to Baja something breaks, and usually more than one thing.

What happened on the road to San Francisquito last time you went down there. I'm not competing with you or anything, but that road is not that bad for a properly prepped off-road vehicle. We drive that around 60+ mph, and we're drivin' Fords and Dodges.

Just askin'?

Our group drove to San Francisquito at night, in the dark.

No problems, breakdowns, nada.

We did stumble upon a downed aircraft in San Francisquito.

We did come upon this Subaru with throttle problems. Must have been dust in the intake?

Ken Cooke - 5-19-2011 at 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
Is there any possibility that the quality of the aftermarket parts you choose is part of the problem.

The parts for the shock absorber were standard, OEM design parts. If I were to upgrade to a heavy duty bar pin elimator, the problem should be gone, since the bottom shock mounts are welded in place, not redesigned shock-shifters.

Roberto - 5-19-2011 at 09:09 PM

Guess I was wrong. Thought I remembered a post from you after the trip re: shocks and that rear carrier you have on the back of the jeep having to be replaced/rewelded or something like that.

Ken Cooke - 5-19-2011 at 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
Guess I was wrong. Thought I remembered a post from you after the trip re: shocks and that rear carrier you have on the back of the jeep having to be replaced/rewelded or something like that.

The aftermarket (not stock) rear tire carrier had to be rewelded at its' frame mounts because it was breaking along those frame mounts.

The Pro-Comp MX-6 shocks caused the shock pin to break due to the force caused on that weak link.

The Garvin Wilderness Carrier with all of the options on my Jeep retails at $1400.00 A single Pro-Comp MX-6 shock retails at $100. These are not cheap aftermarket parts. They are considered to be the best Jeep products available for the TJ Wrangler platform.

Desertbull - 5-19-2011 at 10:22 PM

Yo, boss, those Pro Comp $100 emulsion shocks are DONE after 50-miles on any washboard in the world. They heat up the oil so quickly they turn to mush. They are good in the Jeep - Moab world for bouncing around the red rocks, but not even close for the real dirt, you go down that washboard south and then into Calamajue Wash and that oil is cooked and you might as well have water in those shocks.

Just sayin...you need servicable shocks that are tunable, can replace the oil, adjust with compression and rebound tubes, etc..etc..if you're really going to do it right.

Just friendly debating that's all...

I haven't seen many Jeeps that can withstand a 3500-mile Baja trip following me and Roberto to places even the King of Baja has never been...those Jeeps can drive up some steep stuff..but well you know...just sayin!

DB

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

[Edited on 5-20-2011 by Desertbull]

Ken Cooke - 5-20-2011 at 05:47 PM

I've heard this opinion over and over about Pro-Comp shocks, but their valving has stayed the same and they're not MUSH like I have been warned about over and over on-line. Take a ride in my Jeep, and see for yourself.

David K - 5-20-2011 at 06:45 PM

Ken, Desert Bull is very closely connected with the off road racing industry... and his HEAVY Dodge truck flys over the Gonzaga Washboard like greased lightning. I would say his opinion of shock technology was actually fact.

Bilstein, Fox, and King are the shocks of competition used by Professionals... not so much 'ProComp' which is a house brand of Four Wheel Parts stores, made by (?).

Remember my step-son Josh works for Craig Stewart (Ivan's son)... in fact he is working 7 days this week getting race trucks ready for the Baja 500... You don't see any ProComp stuff going on those vehicles. Just something to consider... why spend money twice when you can buy something better just once?

Have a great weekend...

Ken Cooke - 5-20-2011 at 06:50 PM

If I had $400/shock, I would run King shocks on all 4 corners. $Bling$ $Bling$

David K - 5-20-2011 at 08:01 PM

That's pocket change for a world traveler like you, Ken! This is for your baby, the one you love, your Jeep!

Ken Cooke - 5-20-2011 at 08:08 PM

There's guys that can't make it on the runs, because they sunk the last amount of $money$ they had into their Jeeps for modifications. Not good planning, IMO.

There are also the guys who spent $100,000.00 on their Rubicons (including the price of the vehicle) who are now, "bored" with the sport and want to try something new.

Desertbull - 5-20-2011 at 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
I've heard this opinion over and over about Pro-Comp shocks, but their valving has stayed the same and they're not MUSH like I have been warned about over and over on-line. Take a ride in my Jeep, and see for yourself.

I hear ya'...and whatever works for you is what counts! I had taken a good look at the top of that shock mount etc...and seen it all to often etc.

Travel safe and have FUN!

DB :cool:

Roberto - 5-20-2011 at 08:20 PM

Fox 2.0. Nowhere near that price. And bulletproof. Baja tested on a four ton vehicle (my diesel F350). Remote reservoir, handles anything you throw at it. Not up to the gucci standard set by DB with Fox 3.0, but ample for your jeep.

Again, just sayin'. Seems like almost every trip report you post, you have some fairly major failure on some component on at least one Jeep in your group. I haven't driven a Jeep, but it does not compute for me when I have taken trip after trip on the worst roads Baja can throw at me with no failures. For year. Go figure.

An example would be a fairly recent stay in Bahia de Los Angeles. One morning I decided that I should show my wife San Francisquito. Now please note, my wife is definitely NOT an offroad-friendly person. We left Bahia about 9:00 AM. Drove down, not racing mind you, crusing about 60, stopped in San Rafael, spent about 1/2 hour there, got to SF, had lunch, hung out for a couple hours, and started back. Got back to Bahia by 6:00. Photo stops included. No complaints from my wife re: being beaten to death on the road.

Did the shocks get hot? Yes. Did they have any failures? No. Continued the next day to La Paz via San Ignacio and San Juanico via the beach road. Setup? dual Fox 2.0 in the front, singles in the back. 8200 lb vehicle. And this is basically routine performance. I cant tell you how many times I have been passed on that road like I was parked and at a standstill by simple prerunners. So I don't get the multiple failures on what I would think should be routine trips in an off-road vehicle. Santa Maria is certainly difficult terrain, but should not be a strain on shocks, anyway.

Hope you don't take offense. If I were in your shoes, I would be quite unhappy with the performance of my vehicle.

Once again, just sayin'.

Ken Cooke - 5-20-2011 at 08:26 PM

Roberto,

The problem wasn't the shock overheating, foaming over, etc. The problem was when I adjusted the shock from 'soft' to 'firm', it caused the upper shock pin to taco in half. The shock is still in 1 piece, providing dampening like before. But, there is a forged crowbar that was hacksawed with two bushings and looped wire holding everything in place.

The problem was the standard shock pin, not the shock.

Curt63 - 5-21-2011 at 11:25 AM

Ive got the Donahoe Racing (now Icon) coil over shocks on the front of my Tundra as part of the Ivan Stewart Edition package. I've got Bilsteins on the rear.

All of my recent Baja driving has been trailering 2 or more quads so very slow on the washboards.

This year I have no trailer, so I'll be going a lot faster hopefully.

What is the proven reputation on these shocks? Bull?

dizzyspots - 5-22-2011 at 08:04 AM

all five of my trips were made with a heavily loaded (15 gal , 10 gal water, camping gear, even a 12 ft aluminum boat on top...pulling a off road camper...doing the washboard part at 40-45 San Felipe top Gonzaga Bay in about 3 hrs.....stock suspension on BFG AT stock 07 FJ Cruiser just my 2 cents...l

PS the 1st 3 trips were on the OLD Gonzaga Road...one of which was to San Ignacio Lagoon and back

[Edited on 5-22-2011 by dizzyspots]

BajaWarrior - 5-22-2011 at 09:24 AM

We do that run to Gonzaga in either of our Full Time Baja Dead Stock Toyotas ('88 4x4 P.U. or '93 4x4 4Runner) and do just fine. Hang on, I have to go adjust my shocks and tuck in my shirt.

Ok back, gotta couple extra rattles in the doors but that's about it.

David K - 5-22-2011 at 10:07 AM

Oh what a feeling!

It is a shame really... because the first Toyota 4x4 was a 'copy' of the U.S. invented Jeep (as was the Land Rover and all others)... Now, if only the 'new' Jeeps could be made as good as Toyota using some quality parts or construction techniques that don't break under 'normal' off highway use.

As a former Jeep owner, I had nearly everything (it seemed) fail on a brand new Jeep in 1975-77, this poor quality goes back to the AMC days before Chrysler took over. My next car was a Subaru 4WD wagon, and it was amazing that a inexpensive Japanese vehicle could be built so well, with such high quality... I was able to travel all over Baja with that and not fear breaking down... I had 3 of them over the next 20 years all with over 100,000 miles on them.

Come on Jeep, you can do better!!!

bajalou - 5-22-2011 at 10:10 AM

Non coilover 2" - reservoir - $189 to $270 depending on length at ORW
http://offroadwarehouse.com/products/manufacturerID/2/sfID1/...

Coil over - 2" reservoit - $261 to $342 depending on llength.

http://offroadwarehouse.com/products/manufacturerID/2/sfID1/...

Plus spring Eibach $53 to $77.

David K - 5-22-2011 at 10:16 AM

Just one level up from stock (well stock on a Tacoma TRD that is), are the Bilstein 5100's if you aren't racing Baja and they are under $100! I had them on my last Tacoma and loved the ride.

[Edited on 5-22-2011 by David K]

Marc - 5-24-2011 at 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phil S
I cut two ten ply Toyo's on that road maybe 12 years ago, driving to Hwy 1 from San Felipe. Beautiful drive. Looking forward to making that my regular rt from now on. (or from whenever it gets done. Are they also paving from Hwy 1 east???

I blew the side of a Toyo Bridgstone Dueler there in '07. I always have two spares aboard.

Roberto - 5-24-2011 at 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
I'd love to put some of those Fox 2.5 Coilover's on our ride....lets see...$2000 worth of shocks on a $40 Isuzu......doesn't make much sense but if it would keep it from shaking it apart for another 120,000 miles then maybe it does.
Boy, I bet that'd ride awesome.

Soulpatch, cost isn't in the shocks (2.0 would be more than fine). It's in the install. These are not "out of the box" components we're talking about. They need to be tuned, or you are wasting your money. Cost is in: finding the right place to do it and tune your setup, which may include spring tuning. Takes time, and, by definition, money. It's a black art.

[Edited on 5-25-2011 by Roberto]

nagyarpad - 5-31-2011 at 10:52 PM

hello,
Question for those that know the road conditions between the stretch south between San Felipe to Gonzaga to southwest to Hwy 1. Is this road drivable in a newer minivan, not 4x4, with 5-6 people in it? If so, what is the expected speed and how many hours does it take to cover this stretch? Much appreciated.

dtbushpilot - 6-1-2011 at 07:06 AM

Is it driveable?....yes
is it advisable?.....no
How long?....depends on how many things you break...
Seriously, people drive it every day in passenger cars and make it to their destination. I would be concerned about the van being overloaded with that many people and all their stuff. Tires on a minivan aren't typically designed for the type of abuse that they would be taking. Plan 6 hours fron SF to hwy 1 if you don't break anything.....dt

rts551 - 6-1-2011 at 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by redhilltown

Quote:

I happen to be a 30+ year Toyota guy too but I certainly understand the Jeep thang and what comes with it. Many a time in the Inyo or Panamint mountains I have wished for something just a TAD smaller

Like the one I leave in Abreojos.

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David K - 6-1-2011 at 08:13 AM

Awsome... what year CJ-3A is it?

rts551 - 6-1-2011 at 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Awsome... what year CJ-3A is it?

52. owned it since 1968. Son drives it most of the time now.

Skipped right on down to Gonzaga and across to 1, while the truck broke two shocks.

Ken Cooke - 6-1-2011 at 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nagyarpad
hello,
Question for those that know the road conditions between the stretch south between San Felipe to Gonzaga to southwest to Hwy 1. Is this road drivable in a newer minivan, not 4x4, with 5-6 people in it? If so, what is the expected speed and how many hours does it take to cover this stretch? Much appreciated.

I would strongly advise against this, because of the possibility of blowing out tires, and also because of the placement of your oil pan, transmission, and the possibility of damaging these vital components.

Roberto - 6-1-2011 at 07:32 PM

It's absolutely doable. As long as you go slow to Gonzaga at least. I mean 15mph slow. Sometimes slower.

After Gonzaga you should be able to speed up a little, but don't let the stretches of sand base lure you into 35+ mph speed, or you will regret it when you those stretches of hard rock base. Last section (after Coco's when the road winds it's way to Mex 1) is the best of all, usually.

The only thing I would really advise against are heavily worn tires.

Let's not forget that Mexicans do this road every day as a matter of course, and very few of them are driving Trophy Trucks. :lol:

BAJACAT - 6-1-2011 at 09:51 PM

11 miles north on Gonzaga is in bad shape,it's doable, but take it easy...I just did this road last Saturday..
you don't need 4x4..

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