BajaNomad - So that Ken Cooke knows we Toyota drivers care about him:

So that Ken Cooke knows we Toyota drivers care about him:

David K - 9-21-2011 at 04:26 PM

TRD become JRD when wheeling with Jeeps!

(posted on Tacoma World today)

[Edited on 9-21-2011 by David K]

Curt63 - 9-21-2011 at 06:48 PM

Thats classic. I want one

wessongroup - 9-21-2011 at 06:59 PM

Your bad...

Can your TOYOTA do this???

Ken Cooke - 9-21-2011 at 07:18 PM

ANSWER: OF COURSE!

Cisco - 9-21-2011 at 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
ANSWER: OF COURSE!

As a newbi here I have to ask if I need to do that often?

Or, is it a just every now and then kind of thing?

wessongroup - 9-22-2011 at 04:25 AM

:lol:

David K - 9-22-2011 at 08:36 AM

Driving over other cars is a 'Jeep Thing' :lol:

Ken Cooke - 9-22-2011 at 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Driving over other cars is a 'Jeep Thing' :lol:

My Rubicon has pulled and/or winched out - Jeep Wrangler X, Honda Element, Toyota SR5 (TW's), Jeep Wrangler Sahara, a 2wd DODGE RAM, you name it!

BAJACAT - 9-22-2011 at 08:58 PM

Ken, why did you have to go with the RAM name,,you should have said full size truck...

PS. TW is going to have your hide...

TMW - 9-23-2011 at 06:19 AM

I do have to own up that Ken did save my hide. I wrecked my 93 Toyota 4x4 on the south side of Mexicali in 2007 and I wound up pushing Ken's Jeep with a stiff tow strap. The whole thing was an adventure.

rts551 - 9-23-2011 at 09:29 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwR0aC9BSG0&feature=share

Ken Cooke - 9-23-2011 at 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
I do have to own up that Ken did save my hide. I wrecked my 93 Toyota 4x4 on the south side of Mexicali in 2007 and I wound up pushing Ken's Jeep with a stiff tow strap. The whole thing was an adventure.

TW - That is the good stuff that Baja memories are made of. At the time, I was super-stressed, but now that I look back
at this experience, and I can do is laugh about the good times
and the camping we shared in Baja.

Laguna Salada

The Pole Line Road - passing near "The Summit"

BooJumMan - 9-24-2011 at 08:58 AM

Yes they are heavily modified ...

I think Toyota's have better stock drivetrain. All Toyota parts are extremely well built. I have respect for Jeeps because they are capable, but straight from the factory they aren't as impressive or capable as a Toyota from the factory... (IN MY OPINION... HA)

Toyots have better stock drivetrain??? Boojum Man take note --

Ken Cooke - 9-24-2011 at 12:40 PM

My Rubicon in 2003 came STANDARD with locking front and rear differentials with a TIGHT limited slip that chrips the tires on tight/low-speed turns on pavement.

I also have a standard Straight axle front suspension - not an Independent Front Suspension with flimsy CV joints. Notice the photos of the Toyotas you posted BooJoom Man??

Can anyone with an IFS Toyota run 35+" tires RELIABLY??? :?:

My stock Rubicon can.

Your 2.72 Transfer case is not as low as my STANDARD 4:1 Transfer case gears.

Bushwacker fender flares and Hella lighting came STANDARD on my Jeep Rubicon.

All of this swayed me to the Jeep Rubicon when my Ford Ranger was ready for the scrapyard.

[Insert Cliche]

I'm Just Sayin'... :lol:

Cypress - 9-24-2011 at 12:57 PM

Heck! All you off road junkies would be better off with a mule. :biggrin:

David K - 10-24-2011 at 04:46 PM

Toyotas can not only pull broken Jeeps, but also other Toyotas... in this case, a 2WD Tacoma that got almost all the way up the Diablo Drop Off at Anza Borrego...

That is my Tacoma using A-TRAC and the rear locker (standard equip. on the Off Road 4WD Tacomas) pulling the 2WD double cab Taco out of the sand and up the dropoff...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m1u1pba4Ps&feature=playe...

[Edited on 10-25-2011 by David K]

Curt63 - 10-24-2011 at 04:54 PM

Nice recovery David!

Barry A. - 10-24-2011 at 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Driving over other cars is a 'Jeep Thing' :lol:

My Rubicon has pulled and/or winched out - Jeep Wrangler X, Honda Element, Toyota SR5 (TW's), Jeep Wrangler Sahara, a 2wd DODGE RAM, you name it!

I do not see any X-Terra's on your list-----naturally. X's are not only not in need of "recovery", but seldom can be caught up with when in the bush. (or "shrub" as the Goat would say).

barry

Ken Cooke - 10-24-2011 at 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Driving over other cars is a 'Jeep Thing' :lol:

My Rubicon has pulled and/or winched out - Jeep Wrangler X, Honda Element, Toyota SR5 (TW's), Jeep Wrangler Sahara, a 2wd DODGE RAM, you name it!

I do not see any X-Terra's on your list-----naturally. X's are not only not in need of "recovery", but seldom can be caught up with when in the bush. (or "shrub" as the Goat would say).

barry

I don't see X-Terra's on 4WD trips very often.

Barry A. - 10-24-2011 at 05:32 PM

Ken----------You don't see X-Terra's on your adventures because normally they are out ahead scouting routes that would be suitable for jeeps, and such.

Actually, with the factory E-locker, factory bilstein shocks, Warn 9500i winch (front and back usable), special suspension springs by Calmini, and a helpful 2 inch suspension lift all around with 285 X 16 BFG AT's, it really is a quite capable vehicle with lots of interior room. I can even sleep in it.

Might see you on the trail someday, and call me on my 2-way if you ever need my help getting out. :tumble:

Barry

akshadow - 10-24-2011 at 07:27 PM

I thought the jeeps just had poor brakes and could not stop behind the other vehicles

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Driving over other cars is a 'Jeep Thing' :lol:

Ken Cooke - 10-25-2011 at 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by akshadow
I thought the jeeps just had poor brakes and could not stop behind the other vehicles

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Driving over other cars is a 'Jeep Thing' :lol:

My '03 came standard with front/rear discs. No problem stopping here.

David K - 10-25-2011 at 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Curt63
Nice recovery David!

Thanks Curt!

A group of Jeepers was watching... one said to be before I pulled that truck... "You going to pull him with your truck???" as if that would be impossible... :lol:

It was a 'piece of cake'... Another one of the Jeep guys came over after I pulled the truck to the top and wanted to check out my Tacoma and hear about A-TRAC. I think I sold another Tacoma that day!

[Edited on 10-25-2011 by David K]

WHY did he do it?

Ken Cooke - 10-25-2011 at 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Curt63
Nice recovery David!

Thanks Curt!

A group of Jeepers was watching... one said to be before I pulled that truck... "You going to pull him with your truck???" as if that would be impossible... :lol:

It was a 'piece of cake'... Another one of the Jeep guys came over after I pulled the truck to the top and wanted to check out my Tacoma and hear about A-TRAC. I think I sold another Tacoma that day!

[Edited on 10-25-2011 by David K]

David - Why did the pickup driver request you pull him up the hill? You never answered my question.

David K - 10-25-2011 at 10:31 PM

Umm... (again), he (with a 2WD & no locker) couldn't get any further up the Diablo Dropoff that that point, plus as he backed up to try another run, he went right into a sand pile. So, he was stuck there... The video shows me pulling him out of the sand, then up the cliff to the top.

Barry A. - 10-26-2011 at 10:54 AM

David----------other than the fact that you and your compadres are going the wrong way on a one-way road :rolleyes:

(Diablo crossover between Arroyo Seco de Diablo & Fish Creek), that is an incredible feat you pulled off there. That is a very steep gravelly dropoff, which is not clear in the video. That certainly shows the strengths of the A-Trac "system" in your Toyota.

Meredith and I have gone "down" that 'dropoff' maybe 12 times over the years and each time we are somewhat dismayed at how chewed up it is getting, almost to the point that a normal 4x4 will have problems (I bashed my rocker panel badly on my Isuzu Trooper a few years ago) and most of the trail damage appears to be happening by abuse from people driving the wrong way and spinning their tires. The Park Service has threatened to close that road for years, and if this abuse continues I believe they will actually do it----------we will see. It IS a vital link between the two drainages, and saves dozens of miles when 'crossing over' between them.

My Dad & his brother looked for a feasible route between those two drainages back in 1934, '35, and '36, but was never able to find one. I don't really know who actually & eventually pioneered that route thru, but it sure has been a boon to travellers over the many years.

Barry

Small Toyota Syndrome

Ken Cooke - 10-26-2011 at 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Toyotas can not only pull broken Jeeps, but also other Toyotas... in this case, a 2WD Tacoma that got almost all the way up the Diablo Drop Off at Anza Borrego...

That is my Tacoma using A-TRAC and the rear locker (standard equip. on the Off Road 4WD Tacomas) pulling the 2WD double cab Taco out of the sand and up the dropoff...

[Edited on 10-25-2011 by David K]

How about Jeeps pulling Toyotas? And, Jeeps pulling Jeeps? And, Jeeps pulling Dodge Rams? And, Jeeps pulling Honda Elements? And, Jeeps winching Toyotas and Jeeps? I have done it, but I never brag about it.

David K - 10-26-2011 at 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
David----------other than the fact that you and your compadres are going the wrong way on a one-way road :rolleyes:

Hi Barry,

Both this time and a previous trip last year (where we did the Dropoff downhill), there where people (Jeeps) going up hill. The old maps did say one way, but the newer ones have removed that. Also, there is no signage indicating one way... In fact, last year there was a big sign at the entrance to Broken Shaft Gulch facing drivers heading up...

I drove through this last year and no damage or problems... same thing 2 weeks ago, the other direction... even the 2WD Tacos had no problem here.

Going down is too easy, going up in 4WD was also easy, but a bit more to it... In 2WD is more of an effort (in a Tacoma).

The one way road that leads from S-2 to Split Mtn., via Hahapa Flat/ Split Rock/ Pinion Mtn. Rd/ The Squeeze, is still shown one way on the current map... I have NOT been on it. I have been to Split Roack via Fish Creek, however.

Love Anza Borrego... great place!

David K - 10-26-2011 at 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

[Edited on 10-25-2011 by David K]

Hey, I was showing a Tacoma pulling a Tacoma... nothing negative towards Jeeps. Again, I remind you that I used to own a Jeep and that is why I am so cautious and concerned about others with Jeeps. They are the worlds first SUV, and the all the great history... dating back to 1940... But those vehicles made by Bantam, Willys-Overland and Ford are a far cry from the stuff made by AMC and Chrysler today.

I love Jeeps, I just wouldn't own one for Baja travel... I need reliability... a vehicle that I can go hard four wheeling in, then take it to work the next day... without needing to fix things that break while four wheeling.

I do look for the Gladiator (new Jeep pickup) to come out and see how it does! :light:

Barry A. - 10-26-2011 at 06:05 PM

Oooops!!! David, that is good to hear. I was not aware that 'those people' had removed the "one way" designation. Please forgive me for my snide and incorrect comment----------

Yes, Anza-Borrego is a wonderful place. Thanks for straightening me out. That "other" road, that is still one-way, is a killer-----been to both the top of the "slide", and the bottom of the "slide" (or close to it) but never tried the actual "slide", nor tried to get thru "the squeeze". I do remember many years ago that the "squeeze" was not that difficult-----it has washed out considerably since then, tho.

Barry

Ken Cooke - 10-26-2011 at 07:26 PM

Barry - It is seldom that I drive past a vehicle that is in trouble/stranded. But, on my way to work last month, I did observe an XTerra that was stuck in loose dirt with 4 people and 2 pickups nearby watching its front tires spin in the loose dirt.

I drove right past him - on my way to work. I didn't want to be late, but had this been after work, I would have stopped and given him a tow. He was literally 10-20 yards from asphalt. So, it was likely that someone had a tow strap. I always carry all of my recovery gear, because you never know when you will really need it.

Barry A. - 10-26-2011 at 08:54 PM

------the X-terra you saw-------- it must not have been an OFF-ROAD model, like mine. Or, possibly it was being driven by a flatlander that did not have a clue how to use the incredible equipment he was in. Hard to say-------------

---but thanks for thinking of him as you drove on to work........ :lol:

barry

Ken Cooke - 10-26-2011 at 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.

barry

The driver had his door open, front tires churning dirt, and XTerra stationary AND high-centered. I was amazed. But, when driving to work, I won't let anything slow me down. For that reason, I didn't stop to educate the gentleman on how to properly drive a 4WD vehicle.

Ateo - 10-27-2011 at 07:12 AM

That is a pretty bad ass you tube video.

David K - 10-27-2011 at 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ateo
That is a pretty bad burro you tube video.

The Tacoma is a pretty bad burro truck! :yes:

This photo was just posted by a Tacoma owner in Utah... It isn't even an Off Road Tacoma (it's a Sport so no locker or A-TRAC)... and no, the photo is not doctored. He got back into the truck through the sliding rear window! I know Ken likes these kinds of photos, so when I saw it, I thought he would be impressed...

Ken Cooke - 10-27-2011 at 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

What would it cost this driver to bring his truck up to a TRD-level with A-TRAC and a locking rear differential? Would it be worth it, or are these casual 4WD dirt road drivers? It sure looks like he is having fun with his truck and might enjoy more capabilities. Do the 2WD Tacoma drivers plan on adding transfer cases and front drivetrains to their vehicles?

norte - 10-27-2011 at 05:03 PM

guess you don't need TRD

David K - 10-27-2011 at 05:12 PM

The truck in the photo is a TRD... but a Sport TRD... it has no special traction aid other than the TRAC system that all Toyotas now have (electric/ brake limited slip in 2WD and 4WD high). The Sport TRD is a 'looks' package... hood scoop, color matched mirrors and bumpers... Bilstein shocks however.

The only way to get the factory locker and A-TRAC is getting a 4WD Off Road TRD 2009 or newer Tacoma, or other years in the FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, etc.

As for adding... anyone can add a locker (ARB is popular)... but looking at nearly $2,000 per axle unless you can do the work. The A-TRAC cannot be added.. it is intregal to the Off Road TRD, and even has a hydraulic brake booster over the vacuum booster of all other Tacomas.

The 2WD Tacos probably don't think they need 4WD or could afford it... Maybe later in life? With a locker and good tires the 2WDs do pretty good.

edm1 - 10-31-2011 at 11:58 AM

Awesome pulling David. Were your tires aired down?

David K - 10-31-2011 at 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by edm1
Awesome pulling David. Were your tires aired down?

Thank you Art.

Nope... at 38 psi, my normal street pressure for these tires (32" Hankook Dynapro ATM, 44 psi max tires). If traction or ride quality was an issue, I would lower... I had my rápido air pump with me!

Ken Cooke - 10-31-2011 at 04:29 PM

Running 38 p.s.i. must feel like rocks under your back. Try airing your tires down and you'll lessen the jolts AND provide a softer ride to your other occupant. :yes:

David K - 10-31-2011 at 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Running 38 p.s.i. must feel like rocks under your back. Try airing your tires down and you'll lessen the jolts AND provide a softer ride to your other occupant. :yes:

Umm, no... it's a Tacoma not a Wrangler... it is comfortable as it is with tires at their normal street pressure. But thanks, we were not loaded down, just an ice chest, so the suspension wasn't compressed.

Ken Cooke - 10-31-2011 at 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Running 38 p.s.i. must feel like rocks under your back. Try airing your tires down and you'll lessen the jolts AND provide a softer ride to your other occupant. :yes:

So, on a trail like the Pole Line Road, you would feel comfortable running in the neighborhood of 40 p.s.i. along Cañon Jaquegel? You don't worry about damaging your hubs, transferring shock to Birfield Joints, damaging tire sidewalls, etc.??

David K - 10-31-2011 at 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Running 38 p.s.i. must feel like rocks under your back. Try airing your tires down and you'll lessen the jolts AND provide a softer ride to your other occupant. :yes:

No, it's a Toyota. :light:

Ken Cooke - 10-31-2011 at 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Running 38 p.s.i. must feel like rocks under your back. Try airing your tires down and you'll lessen the jolts AND provide a softer ride to your other occupant. :yes:

No, it's a Toyota. :light:

You're wrong, I'm right, case closed. :lol:

David K - 10-31-2011 at 05:08 PM

Really I don't worry about things breaking when I go off roading... it is why those of us who went from Jeep to Toyota, never went back to Jeep. There is something real pleasurable about having a rig that will go anywhere and take you home, then can take you to work... and not be down for repairs.

QUALITY in materials and workmenship are what I have forund with Japanese brands (Toyota, Subaru, Mitsubishi). CRAPPY quality and wormanship, repeated failures are what I have experienced with the two times I tried an American brand ('93 Plymouth, '75 AMC Jeep).

My dad did have good luck with his '65 Kaiser Jeep and '73 Ford wagon, but bad luck with his '70 AMC Jeep and '71? Chevy 4WD Suburban.

Ken Cooke - 10-31-2011 at 05:13 PM

You also run a stock vehicle down dirt roads (exclusively). That has lots to do with why your pickup has never "broken" on a trail, before.

Try keeping up with our Jeeps down in Baja! :spingrin:

B/C You know it ain't gonna happen! :lol:

David K - 10-31-2011 at 05:21 PM

Yes Ken... it is true... I do drive on 'roads' (and beaches) and don't go cross-country just for giggles. But, the roads I drive on have been known to break a Jeep or two!

[Edited on 11-1-2011 by David K]

JEEP PICKUP 2012 ???

David K - 11-3-2011 at 02:18 PM

First time I seen a 4 door version of the Gladiator concept... Pretty cool, huh Ken?

Ken Cooke - 11-3-2011 at 05:09 PM

It looks to be the length of a full-size pickup (or more). I wouldn't want one. The breakover angle looks very poor, and the price tag looks high-dollar.

TMW - 11-5-2011 at 12:12 PM

Who needs a Jeep anyway, Ford rules.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHvXi_HejnI&feature=playe...

BAJACAT - 11-7-2011 at 02:02 PM

Ken,here in The mile of cars by my House, they already have the 2 door model, it's already lift it, it looks cool.. I want one(4 door)..

Frank - 11-7-2011 at 02:57 PM

The new Nissan looks pretty good :lol:

http://youtu.be/6zC7t-lA7gA

Barry A. - 11-7-2011 at 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Frank
The new Nissan looks pretty good :lol:

http://youtu.be/6zC7t-lA7gA

Yep, basically the same vehicle as my X-Terra OFf ROAD model.

Go Nissan!!!

Barry

Ken Cooke - 11-7-2011 at 08:04 PM

In this economy (pay-reductions, furloughs), I am perfectly content with my '03 Rubicon. It is within a few months of being paid off (finally), and I plan on keeping it since you can't match the good feeling of a vehicle that is paid off. You guys can argue about Nissans and Toyotas all you want. Mine has 4:1 gear reduction, air lockers (that work), a solid front axle, winch, on-board air, and it gets me in and out of Baja without any issues.

Barry A. - 11-7-2011 at 09:13 PM

I probably should not admit this, Ken, but we just like giving you a bad time over your jeep. A Rubicon is a sensational vehicle for really serious 4-wheeling, and we all know it, but our various 4x4's have other attributes that appeal to us---------so we bought em.

Mine is payed for too, and yes it love it.

Barry

David K - 11-7-2011 at 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
I probably should not admit this, Ken, but we just like giving you a bad time over your jeep. A Rubicon is a sensational vehicle for really serious 4-wheeling, and we all know it, but our various 4x4's have other attributes that appeal to us---------so we bought em.

Mine is payed for too, and yes it love it.

Barry

Ditto... I too, love your Jeep Ken! :cool:

Ken Cooke - 11-7-2011 at 10:04 PM

When these photos were taken, I did not know if or how long I could hold onto my Jeep. My divorce cost six figures, and I thought every trip to Baja would be my last (for financial reasons). This was 4 1/2 years ago, and with the Jeep nearly paid off, I feel like it has been a slight miracle. Maybe, Andrew's ghost is looking over my Jeep.

These photos were taken in the rock quarry near Tecate, BCN, Mexico with a few friends who helped me through this difficult time I was going through.

David K - 11-8-2011 at 07:14 PM

Just posted this on Tacoma World... one includes your Jeep:

So many in various terrains, to pick from... Here a collection of most of my 2010 Tacoma in Off Road scenes: