BajaNomad

Modifications and upgrades to your vehicle for Baja

Ken Cooke - 3-15-2015 at 10:36 AM

Has anyone made a big improvement to their vehicle before driving into Baja? I have made several. Share yours!

  1. Viair Extreme dual compressor system
  2. 35" BfGoodrich KM2 Tires
  3. K&N FIPK Intake with AEM Synflow conical air filter
  4. MileMarker 9000# Winch
  5. KC 150w lights
  6. Smittybilt SRC 'Baja-style' bumper
  7. Currie Currectlync steering system
  8. Synergy ball joints
  9. Rancho 7000MT steering stabilizer
  10. All J Products Interior rack
  11. Garvin Wilderness rear bumper with dual gerry can and Coleman cooler mounts
  12. Metal Cloak double-adjustable upper and lower control arms


'Before' to 'Baja-ready'

Tomb Raider Jeep.jpg - 62kB Jeep in NM.jpg - 59kB

David K - 3-15-2015 at 10:59 AM

Thanks to the A-TRAC (and the rest of the Off Road TRD package Toyota puts on the 4WD Tacoma), there really is not much needed to make it Baja worthy.

However, as I have said, Toyota is not perfect (just close) and one MOD needed if you ever cross deep water is what we call the Rear Differential Breather Mod. There is a vent on top of the rear diff (not a true breather) and what we do is remove that, put in a insert adapter for a hose, and run a hose up to a high point to locate a real breather. The front diff and ADD have real breathers, up high.

The breather breaks any vacuum that could happen when dropping a hot diff into cool water and contamination the gear oil in the diff. This happened on my 6 month old Tacoma in the bog going to Mission Santa Maria (water was 2 feet + deep). After the trip, I checked the diff oil and it was milky, a sign of water contamination.

I have since performed the mod (easy to do) and never again worry about deep water. Here is my How To for you Tacoma owners: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/111954-my-di...

If you will never cross 2 feet deep water, than no worries!

I also added additional off road lights for dark Baja night and run one size taller tire than stock (no lift needed) for an extra 1/2" of ground clearance. I am at 9 3/4" min. now.

Barry A. - 3-15-2015 at 03:54 PM

Nissan X-Terra 2007 OFF ROAD model-----------

CALMINI add-a-leafs in back (gives about 2" lift) which cancels out any bottoming-out of the rear suspension when loaded (common problem) and augments the factory "off road" suspension package which is weak.

Also, added "load-levelers" in front which added about 2" of lift to the front.

These add-ons do stiffen the ride somewhat, but when loaded up for a trip it is about right.

The "X" comes with an elec. factory locker in the rear diff.. and tough Bilstein shocks all around, as well as BFG AT 265X16's Load Range E .

I have been happy with it in this configuration, but it is no real rock-crawler like Ken's Rubicon----too big and heavy and stiff framed. Goes everywhere I want to go, however.

Barry

Tioloco - 3-15-2015 at 06:55 PM

1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass
- Factory red with a slight fade. (Racing color)
- Factory limited slip (Similar to A Trac)
- Elevated rear differential breather into trunk (for deep water crossings)
- Spray foamed inside of trunk to use as large ice chest.
- Removed roof with torch to save weight and improve visibility on the Widowmaker. (Mission Santa Maria trail)
- Valve stem remover to aid in lowering tire pressure when accessing the incredibly remote beaches like Shell Island.
-Hood mounted spare tire. (Safari style)
-Mexican blankets to cover seat springs.
-All four tires were replaced within 5 years of each other. (Like new)
-Toyota Tacoma sticker on front fender to let everyone know just how unstoppable she really is.


She is ready for just about anything now! :)

willardguy - 3-15-2015 at 07:40 PM

3rd generation 4runner with aftermarket A-TRAC. all I have to do is input lat/lon for dirt island, press a button, seat tilts back to snooze position and A-TRAC alerts me when I arrive at paradise! ;)

Tioloco - 3-15-2015 at 07:49 PM

Wow, Willard. Sounds like I really need to upgrade the old Cutlass....
How many pounds of air do you reckon would be appropriate for paradise island? :/)

Tioloco - 3-15-2015 at 08:00 PM

Sorry Ken...
Didn't want to hijack your thread, just couldn't resist the temptation.
By the way, nice Jeep. Looks perfect for remote exploration.

Baja Modifications

J.P. - 3-15-2015 at 09:56 PM

Pretty soon I an going to have to do some mods on my trusty 91 Wrangler the front tires are getting a little smooth. its still just like it rolled off the assembly line Bone Stock and has never failed to take me anywhere I want to go. :cool::cool:

mtgoat666 - 3-15-2015 at 10:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke  
Has anyone made a big improvement to their vehicle before driving into Baja? I have made several. Share yours!

  1. Viair Extreme dual compressor system
  2. 35" BfGoodrich KM2 Tires
  3. K&N FIPK Intake with AEM Synflow conical air filter
  4. MileMarker 9000# Winch
  5. KC 150w lights
  6. Smittybilt SRC 'Baja-style' bumper
  7. Currie Currectlync steering system
  8. Synergy ball joints
  9. Rancho 7000MT steering stabilizer
  10. All J Products Interior rack
  11. Garvin Wilderness rear bumper with dual gerry can and Coleman cooler mounts
  12. Metal Cloak double-adjustable upper and lower control arms


'Before' to 'Baja-ready'



No need for improvements, I bought a toyota.

Also, my toyota rarely needs repair, quite the opposite of jeep, eh?

David K - 3-15-2015 at 10:19 PM

Now goat, don't be sounding like me.... and start watching Fox News, too!!!

:biggrin:

Tioloco - 3-15-2015 at 10:22 PM

Goat-
Your Toyota came with a winch and compressor and....... From the factory? Wow, what model is that?
Oh..... Just another mall crawler, eh?
Figures.

Cisco - 3-15-2015 at 10:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco  
1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass
- Factory red with a slight fade. (Racing color)
- Factory limited slip (Similar to A Trac)
- Elevated rear differential breather into trunk (for deep water crossings)
- Spray foamed inside of trunk to use as large ice chest.
- Removed roof with torch to save weight and improve visibility on the Widowmaker. (Mission Santa Maria trail)
- Valve stem remover to aid in lowering tire pressure when accessing the incredibly remote beaches like Shell Island.
-Hood mounted spare tire. (Safari style)
-Mexican blankets to cover seat springs.
-All four tires were replaced within 5 years of each other. (Like new)
-Toyota Tacoma sticker on front fender to let everyone know just how unstoppable she really is.


She is ready for just about anything now! :)


Great mod I saw in Asuncion would look good on the Cutlass. Mount in the center of the spare perhaps.

One gallon plastic jug half full of gas with a tube snaking under the hood.

Takes care of any fuel pump failures I guess.

willardguy - 3-15-2015 at 10:59 PM

well it may as well be me.......


and number one on the top ten list of modifications and upgrades is......(drum roll)................

:lol: yup! simple as a custom made chrome decal!

[Edited on 3-16-2015 by willardguy]

Tioloco - 3-15-2015 at 11:06 PM

It does make a guy laugh! :)

Willard- do you think ATRAC would be necessary to reach the restaurant at Papa Fernandez? It's at least a mile off the asphalt.....
Jaja

David K - 3-15-2015 at 11:16 PM

Makes me happy anytime I can use it... and it is a STOCK system that comes standard on all Off Road TRD 4WD Tacomas (since 2009).

It only works in Low Range, as it is a crawler, traction system... used in the same places those with lockers would use them. It just makes getting to Mission Santa Maria (and places like that) much easier and safer... no spinning tires and wrecking roads.

BooJumMan - 3-16-2015 at 12:02 AM

Id take the Cutlass!

My mods:
1997 Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 40th Anniversary Edition
Front+Rear Factory lockers
4" Old Man Emu suspension Lift
315/75r16 Toyo MT Open Country Tires
Metal Tech tube bumper with 10,000lb ENGO winch, Syn rope
Rear custom bumper with dual swing outs (20gal gas, spare and hi-lift)
Boatside sliders
Custom double cardan drive shafts
Slee control arms front and rear
Snorkel
Cobra CB

Crap I can't remember what else. Drive like a Cadillac though.

[Edited on 3-16-2015 by BooJumMan]

SFandH - 3-16-2015 at 02:05 AM

F-250

New tires about 6 years ago.

Mex blanket for rear seat for old dawg to sleep on.

Extra beer can, er, I mean, cup holder.

New oil and filter. I change it myself every 2000 miles or so. Big believer in clean oil.

Nada mas.

ehall - 3-16-2015 at 05:13 AM

Cutlass for the win! The trunk ice chest is intriguing. Drink all the beer and it could double as a bathtub or fresh water swimming pool for the kids. Leave the lid closed all day--- hot tub for you and the lady.

ehall - 3-16-2015 at 05:14 AM

Sorry ken. My rubicon has all the normal stuff thrown at it. Long arm, 35's, winch etc.

PaulW - 3-16-2015 at 07:19 AM

One tidbit
Something we off roaders have learned over the years is that in the sand washes to lower your tire pressure and watch your Automatic Temps. Extra things are required for these important items.
* A tire deflater tool and a way to pump up when you get to the highway.
* Automatic temps monitor requires an aftermarket temp gauge with a sender mounted in the transmission pan. Then after a few trips you discover the extreme temps and an extra cooler is added next. Of course with a gauge you will quickly discover temps can be reduced by running in low range.
PW

BooJumMan - 3-16-2015 at 10:04 AM

I love my ultragauge! Its cheap and monitors everything you want. I have MPG, volts, trans temp, water temp, oil pressure, etc showing.

SFandH - 3-16-2015 at 10:20 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BooJumMan  
I love my ultragauge! Its cheap and monitors everything you want. I have MPG, volts, trans temp, water temp, oil pressure, etc showing.


Cool, I didn't know those existed. I'm going to get one.

http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/



[Edited on 3-16-2015 by SFandH]

Gonzo - 3-16-2015 at 11:50 AM

2008 Toyota Sienna FWD LE

Added Highlander front struts with hillbilly engineered lift blocks
to accept taller tires.

Added 3" inch taller, 20% stiffer rear coil springs with home built shock
extensions on new Monroe shocks (painted to look like Bilsteins)

Added P225/75 Hankook Dyanpro ATM's

Added offroad style front bumper/bush guard. Also gave a hard point for a tow rope where the was none before.

Now have 10.5in of clearance in the front and 14.4in in the rear.

It took a little effort to get it properly aligned but once done it drives clean. With low tire pressure and the FWD it's a pretty decent 2WD offroader. It handled the soft sand in a couple of arroyos really well.




IMG_0846.jpeg - 83kB

[Edited on 3-16-2015 by Gonzo]

TMW - 3-16-2015 at 12:20 PM

2004 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

I bought it used in 2010 with 60,000 miles on it. It came with a spray in bed liner.

OME 881 coil springs with Bilstein 5100 shocks for a 2.5 inch lift up front.
Wheeler 5 leaf spring pack modified to 7 leafs without OL spring gives 3inch lift.
Wheeler Greasable shackles.
Bilsten 5100 rear shocks and Wheeler 4.5 inch bump stop in rear.
Positraction rear differential.
Transmission oil cooler.
Skid Row 3/16 inch steel skid plates under the engine, tranny, and transfer case.
Custom front bumper guard attached to bumper and frame with hitch receiver.
Two PIAA 6 inch driving lights mounted to the bumper guard.
LT265/75R16 tires all around.
Leer camper shell.
Power cable front and rear for portable winch that fits receiver front and rear.
In addition I carry under the rear seats, radiator and heater hoses and fan belts.
Also basic tools and a multi-meter and service manual.
A portable air compressor is in the vehicle at all times.
I have done the differential air mod.


willardguy - 3-16-2015 at 03:39 PM

sweet! whats the differential air mod?

Kgryfon - 3-16-2015 at 04:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco  
1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass
- Factory red with a slight fade. (Racing color)
- Factory limited slip (Similar to A Trac)
- Elevated rear differential breather into trunk (for deep water crossings)
- Spray foamed inside of trunk to use as large ice chest.
- Removed roof with torch to save weight and improve visibility on the Widowmaker. (Mission Santa Maria trail)
- Valve stem remover to aid in lowering tire pressure when accessing the incredibly remote beaches like Shell Island.
-Hood mounted spare tire. (Safari style)
-Mexican blankets to cover seat springs.
-All four tires were replaced within 5 years of each other. (Like new)
-Toyota Tacoma sticker on front fender to let everyone know just how unstoppable she really is.


She is ready for just about anything now! :)


Ha ha!!:tumble::tumble:

freediverbrian - 3-16-2015 at 04:50 PM

Rancho is a over priced and under preforming addition, go billstien for the big bucks or go cheap, monroe and replace very other trip

David K - 3-16-2015 at 04:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  
sweet! whats the differential air mod?


It is probably the BREATHER MOD I described, to prevent a vacuum inside the diff during cool water crossings over a foot or two deep. No vacuum, no induction of muddy water.

chippy - 3-16-2015 at 06:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Gonzo  
2008 Toyota Sienna FWD LE

Added Highlander front struts with hillbilly engineered lift blocks
to accept taller tires.

Added 3" inch taller, 20% stiffer rear coil springs with home built shock
extensions on new Monroe shocks (painted to look like Bilsteins)

Added P225/75 Hankook Dyanpro ATM's

Added offroad style front bumper/bush guard. Also gave a hard point for a tow rope where the was none before.

Now have 10.5in of clearance in the front and 14.4in in the rear.

It took a little effort to get it properly aligned but once done it drives clean. With low tire pressure and the FWD it's a pretty decent 2WD offroader. It handled the soft sand in a couple of arroyos really well.

Thinking outside of the box. Well done!






[Edited on 3-16-2015 by Gonzo]

Tioloco - 3-16-2015 at 07:13 PM

Looks like we have at least two pretty sweet baja rigs here-
Lifted minivan and a Cutlass.
I am liking it! Jaja

AndyP - 3-16-2015 at 07:46 PM

I like that minivan!

For me the best way to modify a car for Baja is to make sure a kayak is somehow attached.