BajaNomad

4th of July Q & A with Icon Vehicle Dynamics guy

Ken Cooke - 7-4-2012 at 11:00 PM

Tonight, I met a guy who does R&;D/Testing for ICON, here in Riverside. I told him about my Pro-Comp 4" suspension being SACKED OUT after 9 years of BAJA ABUSE.

He told me, "We have Jeep guys lined out the door wanting to test our suspensions."

So, I told him how I break shock bar pins, blow out monotube shocks, bend wheels - all in Baja!

Not really impressed. :no:

They still produce trick gear for all of the new platforms, though.:yes:

TMW - 7-5-2012 at 07:30 PM

Ken you need to upgrade to a reservoir type shock with beafed up mounts and steel wheels. Do you carry U bolts for your drag link in case it breaks.

BooJumMan - 7-5-2012 at 08:34 PM

I run Icon coilovers in my Toyota, they are pretty nice for a stock length replacement.

edm1 - 7-5-2012 at 08:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TW
Ken you need to upgrade to a reservoir type shock with beafed up mounts and steel wheels. Do you carry U bolts for your drag link in case it breaks.


Can't imagine a drag link breaking, bending maybe? And if it breaks in two, how would you use a u-bolt? Overlapping it, the toe-in would be too much.

.???

Ken Cooke - 7-5-2012 at 09:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by edm1
Quote:
Originally posted by TW
Ken you need to upgrade to a reservoir type shock with beafed up mounts and steel wheels. Do you carry U bolts for your drag link in case it breaks.


Can't imagine a drag link breaking, bending maybe? And if it breaks in two, how would you use a u-bolt? Overlapping it, the toe-in would be too much.

.???


Good point. However, I do need to carry more spare parts - given my breakdown near Gonzaga Bay last year due to a broken shock (upper) bar pin.

TMW - 7-6-2012 at 08:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by edm1
Quote:
Originally posted by TW
Ken you need to upgrade to a reservoir type shock with beafed up mounts and steel wheels. Do you carry U bolts for your drag link in case it breaks.


Can't imagine a drag link breaking, bending maybe? And if it breaks in two, how would you use a u-bolt? Overlapping it, the toe-in would be too much.

.???


Read my trip report on Death Valley.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=59173&pag...

The ideal on the U bolts is to use a piece of angle iron and clamp it on the drag link with the U bolts. For those that do a lot of back country trails get a pair of welding glasses so you can use your battery for a welder, two batteries are better. Carry rods.

edm1 - 7-6-2012 at 09:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TW
Quote:
Originally posted by edm1
Quote:
Originally posted by TW
Ken you need to upgrade to a reservoir type shock with beafed up mounts and steel wheels. Do you carry U bolts for your drag link in case it breaks.


Can't imagine a drag link breaking, bending maybe? And if it breaks in two, how would you use a u-bolt? Overlapping it, the toe-in would be too much.

.???


Read my trip report on Death Valley.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=59173&pag...

The ideal on the U bolts is to use a piece of angle iron and clamp it on the drag link with the U bolts. For those that do a lot of back country trails get a pair of welding glasses so you can use your battery for a welder, two batteries are better. Carry rods.


Got it, quite innovative. The angle iron is the missing link. However, when going to a serious trail ride, I'd tote my 30# DC/AC TIG welder behind the generator compartment, along with the small 55cf argon bottle.

TMW - 7-6-2012 at 04:54 PM

That's even better, carrying your own welder. The drag ling that broke was not a solid piece of rod. It was hollow with a pin inside. Where it broke you could see rust as if it had cracked. None of us had any angle iron or U bolts to fit so we had to get a flatbed truck to come get him. I had welding rods and offered to try the field weld but I didn't have any welding glasses so they opted for the flat bed and later to get a new drag link.

Ken Cooke - 7-6-2012 at 06:14 PM

A detached steering stabilizer mount nearly ended my friend Mike's fun on Mission Impossible (Nov 2007). With the help of Ralph Shoemaker, Mike's brand-new Rubicon JK was in driveable condition for a return down Mission Impossible, out to Hwy 1 the next day, and he was able to run past Coco's Corner, up Turquesa Canyon and past San Felipe back to SoCal.



David K - 7-6-2012 at 06:23 PM

You see, that is what I am talking about Ken... Why is a new Jeep Rubicon breaking on that road (granted it is the 'toughest road' in Baja)? I have taken all of my Tacomas on it, and only get underbody or bumper damage from the severe rocks and inclines... but the trucks have never hesitated. Old, high mileage, way overloaded rigs... like Neal Johns' Tacoma have an excuse to break down... not such a pretty Jeep as the one pictured above, however.

My Tacoma Laundry List...(Got T.P.??)

Ken Cooke - 7-6-2012 at 06:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
You see, that is what I am talking about Ken... Why is a new Jeep Rubicon breaking on that road (granted it is the 'toughest road' in Baja)? I have taken all of my Tacomas on it, and only get underbody or bumper damage from the severe rocks and inclines... but the trucks have never hesitated. Old, high mileage, way overloaded rigs... like Neal Johns' Tacoma have an excuse to break down... not such a pretty Jeep as the one pictured above, however.


Quote:
Originally posted by hbmurphy
Steve -

I look forward to another 'BajaTripper' trip soon!

Well, I now know why my rear locker and ATRAC wouldn't work! - The connector to the '4 wheel lo indicator' switch went bad - Nothing a little solder and jb weld won't cure!!! ;)
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaCactus
Neal is waiting in El Rosario for his Tacoma to be repaired... our staff at BajaCactus directed Neal to a local mechanic, who after inspecting the vehicle found damage to the main gear and some other internal parts inside the rear differential... Also both the tie rod ends have to be replaced.

Our staff looked for the parts in El Rosario and the San Quintín area but they could only found one tie rod (and very expensive by the way)... so they called me earlier today (June 2nd) to request I look for the parts here in Tijuana.

I already bought the two tie rod ends and have them with me here in Tijuana.

The rear differential is another whole story... I thought it could be faster to just find a used differential, but after spending the whole day looking and looking and looking, I was unable to find one with the same characteristics as Neal's... so after some calls, I found a place in Tijuana that sells rebuilt differentials and transmissions (a lot cheaper than a used one by the way, and with more guarantee).

Anyhow, I finally ordered one for Neal and they should have it ready tomorrow afternoon... if everything goes well, I should be shipping everything to El Rosario in a day or so.

In the middle of all these, when I was coming and going and making calls; I made one call to Neal, explaining all these and telling him not to worry and that everything was going to be resolve soon... then, as if he had some kind of "Jedi" power to feel over long distances, he very calmly, with a sooth and relaxed voice said to me: "Antonio, do not stress yourself my friend... there is no hurry, I am well, I have supplies for a couple of weeks and I am in Baja... do not worry, just relax and take your time young boy".

Wow!!!... what a guy... he was calming me!!!.... he really thought me a lesson in life today... thanks my friend..

So, as you can see, Neal is well, happy and just relaxing... waiting for his vehicle to be repaired... and he should be out of there soon... yes I know... relax, there is no rush, everything will happen when it happens... :)

Enjoy Baja my friends...!!!

BajaCactus

[Edited on 6-5-2010 by BajaCactus]

Ken Cooke - 7-6-2012 at 06:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
You see, that is what I am talking about Ken... Why is a new Jeep Rubicon breaking on that road (granted it is the 'toughest road' in Baja)? I have taken all of my Tacomas on it, and only get underbody or bumper damage from the severe rocks and inclines... but the trucks have never hesitated. Old, high mileage, way overloaded rigs... like Neal Johns' Tacoma have an excuse to break down... not such a pretty Jeep as the one pictured above, however.


WHAT IS THIS???


David K - 7-6-2012 at 06:41 PM

See my comment about Neal's (and my truck) above your reply...

Selective reading? Body damage on all 3 of my Tacomas from THAT road... NO BREAKDOWNS... ;)

[Edited on 7-7-2012 by David K]

MORE TO FOLLOW...

Ken Cooke - 7-6-2012 at 06:42 PM

David K - 7-6-2012 at 06:42 PM

Helloooo, Earth to Ken, come in Ken!??

Ken Cooke - 7-6-2012 at 06:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
See my comment about Neal's (and my truck) above your reply...

Selective reading? Body damage on all 3 of my Tacomas from THAT road... NO BREAKDOWNS... ;)

[Edited on 7-7-2012 by David K]


Mike's steering stabilizer came into contact with a boulder on Mission Impossible. The weight of the vehicle vs. the size of the steering stabilizer came into conflict. Guess which one was the victor? We had to remove the steering stabilizer and the bracket holding it in place in order that Mike could regain his steering. He drove home **unaided** and purchased a Rancho upgrade kit for right around $100 dollars at 4WParts.

David K - 7-6-2012 at 06:47 PM

Okay, I give... you're right Ken! My bad... Lo Siento amigo...

Ken Cooke - 7-6-2012 at 06:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
You see, that is what I am talking about Ken... Why is a new Jeep Rubicon breaking on that road (granted it is the 'toughest road' in Baja)? I have taken all of my Tacomas on it, and only get underbody or bumper damage from the severe rocks and inclines... but the trucks have never hesitated. Old, high mileage, way overloaded rigs... like Neal Johns' Tacoma have an excuse to break down... not such a pretty Jeep as the one pictured above, however.


The New Jeep traveled under its own power to Ralph's house after discovering the problem near the end of the Mission Sta. Maria road (near the pools). Mike did not have to walk out.

Broken Steering Stabilizer and Stabilizer bracket - no engine or transmission troubles - big difference.:yes:

Why did Neal's Toyota have a reason to break down? Was it old and high-mileage? I thought Tacoma's got better with age?? :P

At least your bumper is made of SOLID STEEL and not ABS PLASTIC like the FJ Cruiser.:yes:

David K - 7-6-2012 at 06:53 PM

It is chrome, just for looks... I have replaced it recently, but with another I got from someone on Tacoma World who knew of my need (he got one I would have liked to have got... solid steel off road bumper).

Neal's truck differential was not stock, I don't think... plus he had a ton on the back with that heavy pop up camper... It was amazing that Art and CG could pull him up the mountain from the mission... amazing.

Ken Cooke - 7-6-2012 at 08:57 PM

In all honesty, the heavier the bumpers, the greater it adds to your rolling resistance, decreasing your overall mileage. I removed my hardtop and my Jeep immediately lost 140 pounds. I also love having a strong front bumper, but I could easily shave 100 pounds by removing it, lessening the chance of axle breakage in the Baja wilderness.

But, plastic bumpers are not where it is at. I have a co-worker with an FJ Cruiser who swapped out his stock bumper for an All-Pro winch bumper. This caused problems with the sensors attached to the stock bumper, but this was remedied eventually.

I believe Neal told me once that he has an ARB locking differential installed in his Toyota - maybe in his front differential housing? Is that a TRD unit that grenaded? It is easy to overload a pickup truck while in Baja - I have done it in the past, and now I know to pack lightly (if possible).

David K - 7-7-2012 at 09:20 AM

Yup... go light, save room for the ice boxes and beer (and cold water)!