BajaNomad - Baja-ready Jeep upgrades

Baja-ready Jeep upgrades

Ken Cooke - 5-20-2016 at 08:52 PM

4.88 gears/axle shafts:

2016 got off to a challenging start. Barely able to sit up, Martin from Mobile Gears stopped by my house and picked up my Jeep for a 4.88 regear job. I had been running 4.10 Gears with 35" tires and had gotten tired of the mismatched tire and gear ratio. About 6 hours later, my Jeep drove more like a deep geared off road monster!

Solid steel track bar:

After returning from my annual Joshua Tree 4wd run with WranglerForum and JustRuns, I noticed that my front-end had a shimmy that made it feel unsafe at speeds above 50 mph. I traced this to the track bar and the tiny bolt that failed to seat properly against the mounting plate. After researching the best off road products for Jeep Wranglers, I decided on the Metalcloak track bar which required that I drilled a larger hole to secure the track bar. Now, bumps that sent my Jeep for a wild ride only register as bumps and nothing more. In addition to the track bar made of solid steel (as opposed to hollow like the Rubicon Express unit), The hardware tightened more securely, making for a more reassuring driving experience.

Steering shaft brace:

You can't go wrong when the Falken Jeep also runs the same steering brace. And for $72 shipped, sign my Baja Jeep up! I first tried using different hardware to attach to the brace plate, but that only resulted in steering fluid all over my garage floor! Back to the Allen bolts and a dab of Loc-Tite.

Next up: photos

Ken Cooke - 5-20-2016 at 08:57 PM

Gears getting refreshening synthetic oil change.

Before:

After:

Ken Cooke - 5-20-2016 at 09:01 PM

The FOX 2.0 steering dampener controls kickback from the wheels and tires without pulling constantly to the left like the heavy duty Rancho unit does. Plus it looks a lot better - but, for roughly double the price.

Ken Cooke - 5-20-2016 at 09:05 PM

Metalcloak makes one monster of a track bar. Placed next to the Rubicon Express RE1600, you can see the updated design, improved bends, and higher quality hardware - for roughly equal the price!

Two Baja Jeeps causing traffic delays

Ken Cooke - 5-20-2016 at 09:11 PM

My 6" body and suspension lifted Jeep is considered by some as being on the tall side. But, not when parked next to Alphonso's monster Rubicon!

Here's a look at his front suspension! Wow!

ehall - 5-21-2016 at 06:01 AM

Nice upgrade. What rpm you turning at 60 mph now?

bajatrailrider - 5-21-2016 at 07:08 AM

Great Jeep upgrades Ken. One more thing you should do on Fox shocks. Use rubber boots on chrome shafts. The chrome shafts get rock pits,then blow seals. I learned after blowing seals.

mtgoat666 - 5-21-2016 at 07:35 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Baja-ready Jeep upgrades

And the best upgrade: buy a Toyota!

BigBearRider - 5-21-2016 at 08:10 AM

Nice stuff!

Ken Cooke - 5-21-2016 at 08:40 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ehall

Nice upgrade. What rpm you turning at 60 mph now?

At 67 mph, rpm is right at 2,500.

I already beat you to it!

Ken Cooke - 5-21-2016 at 08:44 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Baja-ready Jeep upgrades

And the best upgrade: buy a Toyota!

I have a Honda Pilot as a daily driver. 2wd, heated leather seats, and new Bridgestone street tires! :bounce:

BTW - What trail-ready modifications are on your Toyota? To run 35" tires on a Tacoma with IFS front suspension would be an expensive undertaking. Maintenance would be a nightmare. Jeeps and other straight axle vehicles are the best way to go - coming from experience, not just opinion.

[Edited on 5-21-2016 by Ken Cooke]

Ken Cooke - 5-21-2016 at 08:53 AM

To control the heavy 35" BFGs, I now am running TIMKEN unit bearings - recently installed. This should control shimmy when hitting potholes on Hwy 1.

BigBearRider: The FOX 2.0 steering stabilizer doesn't come with a shock boot. I'll keep that in mind once I install my Pro-Comp MX-6 rear shocks.

Barry A. - 5-21-2016 at 09:52 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote: Originally posted by ehall

Nice upgrade. What rpm you turning at 60 mph now?

At 67 mph, rpm is right at 2,500.

Interesting, Ken. My '97 Toyota Camry XLE v-6 comes in at exactly the same (at 67 mph turns 2500 rpm) and produces 30 mpg at that speed. I think that is excellent considering everything you say. You nailed-it on those new gears, I am thinking.

David K - 5-21-2016 at 09:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Baja-ready Jeep upgrades

And the best upgrade: buy a Toyota!

TMW - 5-21-2016 at 10:03 AM

Nice job Ken on the upgrades. I agree with you, putting 35 inch tires on a Toyota is best done with a solid axle in the front. A lot of stress on an IFS. I think 33s would be the biggest I would go on an IFS Tacoma. Maybe get away with a taller tire if it's narrow.

willardguy - 5-21-2016 at 10:03 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Baja-ready Jeep upgrades

And the best upgrade: buy a Toyota!

just out of curiosity, how many aftermarket parts on Harald's mercedes, Harald?

TMW - 5-21-2016 at 10:06 AM

I'm pretty sure Harald and Karl have lockers front and rear. I think Harald runs an LT295 tire. Not sure about Karl but maybe the same.

David K - 5-21-2016 at 10:16 AM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW

I'm pretty sure Harald and Karl have lockers front and rear. I think Harald runs an LT295 tire. Not sure about Karl but maybe the same.

They also use low tire pressure to improve traction. Something a lot of 4x4 owners don't like to do... or at least as low as they run pressure at. It works!

4x4abc - 5-21-2016 at 11:40 AM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

just out of curiosity, how many aftermarket parts on Harald's mercedes, Harald?

the most important aftermarket parts Karl and I carry are the Pacificos in the fridge.
Oh, I forgot satellite radio.

All the other vitals from heated seats, heated windshield, heated steering wheel are standard.

Gears and lockers?
Well, if you don't have that from the start, you picked the wrong truck.

Looking at the Jeep steering geometry makes me puke. In any decent vehicle drag link and Panhard bar (track bar) are horizontal. Period. Otherwise your vehicle will drive like a Jeep (like caca).

Shimmy? Bearings? All caused by the inferior steering geometry.
However, there are upgrade kits for the Jeeps available (high steer) to make them perform like Toyota and Mercedes.

willardguy - 5-21-2016 at 12:49 PM

well if nothing else Jeep is keeping the aftermarket industry solvent! :coolup:

4x4abc - 5-21-2016 at 01:45 PM

shop owners love Jeep owners.

Did a research project some years ago. What is most prone to break on various 4x4's in harsh conditions. Toyota, Ford, Mercedes, Jeep, Suzuki etc etc.
And they all have certain weak areas. Their owners know exactly what.

It was hard to pinpoint on the Jeeps. So I asked shop owners in addition to the owners. What breaks?
One shop owner put it in a short sentence - "Everything but the wiper blades"

Ken Cooke - 5-21-2016 at 03:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

shop owners love Jeep owners.

One shop owner put it in a short sentence - "Everything but the wiper blades"

I have done most of my own work. The rear shock hanger is cracked and needs to be welded. The shock hanger is an aftermarket one. I have a favorite welding shop where the owner is a, " Fired-up Donald Trump supporter". I get my Jeep welded and entertained all at the same time! :yes:

David K - 5-21-2016 at 06:04 PM

As a former (recovering?) Jeep owner, that is a true phrase!
The wiper blades did not fail... just every else (it seemed).
There was more, but this is what I still remember...

This was a brand new Jeep, as well... I owned from 1975 to 1977... In two years, and not a lot of miles (I was a student at a local high school and college during the time):
Rear window motor weld connection fail (never was properly fixed under warranty)
Side window crank handle snapped
The rest all just after the 12,000-mile warranty:
Water pump leak
Radiator leak
Automatic transmission (GMC Turbo 400) fail $$$
Low Range selector fail

1975-1/2 model Jeep Cherokee Chief (with Quadra Trac)

TMW - 5-21-2016 at 07:15 PM

In the late 70s, 80s and early 90s when I worked in San Diego the company had three standard 4x4 Jeep Cherokees with the I-6 engine. They saw very little dirt. Used to go to mountain sites on paved roads and parts runs. I don't recall having any problems with them.

David K - 5-21-2016 at 07:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW

In the late 70s, 80s and early 90s when I worked in San Diego the company had three standard 4x4 Jeep Cherokees with the I-6 engine. They saw very little dirt. Used to go to mountain sites on paved roads and parts runs. I don't recall having any problems with them.

When the Cherokee got smaller in 1984, they became super popular and maybe were built better? Mine was the larger Wagoneer size, and the Chief Package used J-10 Jeep Truck axles, so it was wider and had larger wheel wells than the standard Cherokee. Mine had the 401 V-8 with the automatic and full-time 4WD.

ehall - 5-21-2016 at 08:22 PM

[Edited on 5-22-2016 by ehall]

4x4abc - 5-22-2016 at 07:22 AM

well, we need to give Jeep some credit
with the 1998 Wrangler the quality improved dramatically
and when Mercedes bought Chrysler, the Wrangler even got lockers (Rubicon version)
I had 3 Wranglers for the Rubicon Trail and loved their performance, most failing parts were aftermarket items

I still have 3 Grand Cherokee in my fleet and I am quite pleased
they cost almost nothing used and hold up quite well

Ken Cooke - 5-22-2016 at 02:19 PM

Martin's business card for his mobile regearing business.

David K - 5-22-2016 at 05:05 PM

Jeep began the 4WD fun and family car craze and the term SUV was born with the 1974 introduction of the new Jeep Cherokee that year. However, the Jeepster Commando and CJ-5 was all fun too!
After WWII the Jeep was the most recognized vehicle and brand name in the world. Willys-Overland, Kaiser, AMC, and now Chrysler have made Jeeps.

AKgringo - 5-22-2016 at 06:23 PM

And now Fiat is making a Jeep! How about it folks, is anyone on this board driving a Renegade?

I know it is a bit early for reliability reports, but how about a report on it's performance, and/or fun factor?

About the only things that intrigue me about it is that it has a low range capability, and should be fairly fuel efficient.

David K - 5-22-2016 at 06:41 PM

There are several of them around here. My concern is that they are so low and have such small tires. I think a Subaru has more ground clearance than a Renegade now has?

Steering upgrades that didn't work!

Ken Cooke - 7-9-2016 at 04:40 PM

In May, I purchased a new trackbar from MetalCloak. Made of SOLID Chromoly steel, the thing is a beast. I ditched my Rancho monotube MT7000 steering stabilizer which tightened my steering, but caused my Jeep to pull slightly to the left. I also changed out the wheel bearing unit to quality Timken unit bearings for better steering response.

THE PROBLEM? :?:

My steering geometry (as pointed out by 4x4ABC) is a complete mess. Steep angles due to stacked lift kits have made my steering response twitchy, the handling of my Jeep squirrely (thanks to an effectively shorter wheelbase/higher lift height).

THE SOLUTION? :light:

As a birthday present to myself, I decided to Just Empty Every Pocket and have the entire suspension replaced. With a budget of just under $6,000.00 the Jeep should perform the way I had intended when I purchased it back in 2003.

Rubicon Owners of California club member Jason L. had his first Rubicon set up (in 2004) similar to the way my Jeep will be set up (in 2016). David K took us to Mano Canyon where Jason was able to flex his stuff on this large rock/small boulder.

After the work is complete, these steering angles will not be quite so steep. I can't wait. Please stay tuned!! :bounce:

[Edited on 7-9-2016 by Ken Cooke]

fishbuck - 7-9-2016 at 05:36 PM

A little off topic. What causes "Death Wobble" in 4 x 4s?

Ken Cooke - 7-9-2016 at 06:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck

A little off topic. What causes "Death Wobble" in 4 x 4s?

On a vehicle with coil springs and a straight axle, worn and/or loose components cause death wobble. Its a common theme with Jeeps, Ford Super Duty trucks, and Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. It is a shimmy that causes the driver to lose control/steering input of vehicle - typically from 45 - 65 mph.

fishbuck - 7-9-2016 at 06:56 PM

I have a 2008 F-350 and it's starting to get it a little. I felt it some but my girl came home really scared from it. Hit a patch across the freeway like an expansion joint and almost ripped the wheel out of her hands.

Ken Cooke - 7-9-2016 at 07:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck

I have a 2008 F-350 and it's starting to get it a little. I felt it some but my girl came home really scared from it. Hit a patch across the freeway like an expansion joint and almost ripped the wheel out of her hands.

That's Death Wobble. Your lower track bar mount/bolt might just be loose. That has been my problem before buying my MetalCloak track bar. Worn u-joints, bent wheels, out of balance tires, blown shocks - but mainly loose components.

ehall - 7-9-2016 at 08:59 PM

My front end works pretty well

Ken Cooke - 7-9-2016 at 09:21 PM

That crossover steering system has great angles!

4x4abc - 7-9-2016 at 10:32 PM

many Jeep owners have death wobble, but have no clue why

bear with me

wheels of all cars have an invisible line go through them vertically
from king pin bearing to king pin bearing (ball joints)
the angle is about the same as the angle of the fork of a bicycle or motorcycle
engineers call it caster angle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caster_angle

once you install a lift (most Jeep owners do) the caster angle moves towards zero
caster moves forward to zero because the taller springs will make the control arms move downward around the pivot point at the frame

you all know this from those little caster wheels on the supermarket shopping cart - once a tad out of alignment, they shake like crazy
now imagine a Jeep at 65mph on the freeway experiencing this. Not funny. very dangerous.

To maintain a proper caster angle, the entire axle would need to be cut apart, realigned and welded back together. If you simply rotate the axle back, your driveline angle at the diff would increase and cause vibration there.

If done right, your Jeep will drive better than factory.
But why would Jeep owners care.

Ken Cooke - 7-9-2016 at 11:03 PM

My control arms are double adjustable and within factory specifications. The caster angle is roughly 5deg.(I think)

Going from a 15" to a 36" control arm should help with this. Running a 35" tire on a Jeep has been more complicated than I thought it would be.

Udo - 7-10-2016 at 08:41 AM

Way back when...

I was a staunch Jeep owner, and also spent many big $$$ in upgrades to make it to places that my friends driving Toyota Landcruisers (FJ40) would make it almost stock and that the largest modification was a big Chevy engine.

Ken Cooke - 7-10-2016 at 12:20 PM

For that reason, I would likely buy a Ram Power Wagon over a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited as my next 4wd. I plan on keeping my TJ RUBICON, however.

Udo - 7-11-2016 at 08:25 AM

ehall - 7-11-2016 at 10:31 AM

I may have to buy me a Toyota someday to find out what the hype is all about. They sure have a big fan club around here.

willardguy - 7-11-2016 at 11:03 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ehall

I may have to buy me a Toyota someday to find out what the hype is all about. They sure have a big fan club around here.

we do love our toyota's but if I were in the market....I'd take a long hard look at one of Harald's Mercedes'!

4x4abc - 7-11-2016 at 01:18 PM

I am not ready for a club

David K - 7-12-2016 at 07:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ehall

I may have to buy me a Toyota someday to find out what the hype is all about. They sure have a big fan club around here.

As a former Jeep owner, and now a three Tacoma (and two Corollas for the wife) owner, I can tell you it is: RELIABILITY.

I do not worry about breaking down or getting stuck in my truck. The Tacoma is just so well made and put together, random things don't break or fail (as was the case with my Jeep... and most other Jeeps... and many American brands).

I can go off roading in Baja solo, without fear... Now, I know it is possible to break down, even in a Toyota, but my odds are so much better in it that I don't stress a bit.

Your Jeep, Ed, is full of great mods and it is a super looking rig! If I got a Jeep again, it would be a Rubicon and I would copy what you have done! The difference for me is that I didn't need to modify the TRD Off Road model Tacoma to do the runs to Mission Santa María or Pole Line Road. From the showroom to Baja, it is ready. Because of the length, I have snagged the rear bumper a couple times and a few dents on the underside that a lifted or shorter 4x4 would not get... but, it is a 4 door truck and my only vehicle, so it needs to be my work and fun truck... and at that, it is perfect for me.

Nothing is 100%, and things do fail or need to be replaced, but for reliability and not paying over $35,000 new, it is hard to beat the Tacoma in Baja!

We just returned from 5 days in Baja, 804 miles, not a thing failed, not even a flat! My truck is a 2010 with 87,000 miles on it.

Udo - 7-12-2016 at 07:33 AM

:bounce:

bajatrailrider - 7-12-2016 at 05:55 PM

I will have to agree with David All the Toyota's I owned super reliable. One Exception my last 2012 Toy pre runner . Is a lemon year many recalls.Mine never fixed right sold it. Still from 1975 till 2004 My experience good trucks,but my lemon.

Ken Cooke - 8-11-2016 at 08:38 PM

For my birthday, my wife gave me permission to give my Jeep a long arm system, including better exhaust and trussed front and rear differentials! Now, this is the Rubicon of my dreams!! :bounce:

Built for Baja!!

Ken Cooke - 8-11-2016 at 08:43 PM

My Jeep has Baja fever!!

Ken Cooke - 8-28-2016 at 09:52 AM

David K - 8-28-2016 at 09:54 AM

No car wrecking yard in Mexico has a chance, now! :light:

When is your next Baja trip Ken?

ehall - 8-28-2016 at 10:01 AM

Looks good ken. What brand frame side front tracbar mount is that?

Ken Cooke - 8-28-2016 at 10:05 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

No car wrecking yard in Mexico has a chance, now! :light:

When is your next Baja trip Ken?

Does Tijuana count? Azul the cat needs to visit the Vet this Saturday.

Ken Cooke - 8-28-2016 at 10:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ehall

Looks good ken. What brand frame side front tracbar mount is that?

Rubicon Express -- my long-running steering problems have now been resolved with this new setup, and I'm really happy with my Jeeps performance now.

Lee - 8-28-2016 at 11:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

It was hard to pinpoint on the Jeeps. So I asked shop owners in addition to the owners. What breaks?
One shop owner put it in a short sentence - "Everything but the wiper blades"

Every time I think of buying a Jeep and fixing it up for Baja, I get stuck at all the negative reviews about costs in repairing them. I've never read a review that didn't say they aren't reliable.

Maybe if I was a mechanic, fixed the problem parts, it would survive long term.

Hey Ken, is that true?

Ken Cooke - 8-28-2016 at 12:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

It was hard to pinpoint on the Jeeps. So I asked shop owners in addition to the owners. What breaks?
One shop owner put it in a short sentence - "Everything but the wiper blades"

If you buy a late model Jeep, it would be best to not modify it, or take it across challenging terrain. But, any vehicle you buy will require lots of maintenance if it gets used and abused long term.

David K - 8-28-2016 at 12:33 PM

Ummm, I could start a talk about failures and repairs on Baja trips, but then I wouldn't have anyting to say about the last three Baja vehicles I have had.

I love Jeeps, but for Baja, Toyota is #1!

Ken Cooke - 8-28-2016 at 01:28 PM

"Parked it for about a month and a half(I have a free work truck I drive mostly) and went to drive it yesterday in the woods and the 4wd was nowhere to be found."
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/no-4wd-need-help-with-tr...

" I just bought a TR4 SR5 Premium. I've been on TW for 10 months. Not a lot of time, but long enough to realize that Toyota has a lot of work ahead of them to set the 3rd Gen Tacoma's right."

"Just sell me your third gen then

. if its as big as pos you claim it to be I'll buy it at salvage price ."

"
usafwx is right, 4Runners are still made in Japan. It's sad, but the build quality is much higher there. I lived in Oregon in the early 90's, that's when I started driving Toyotas. They all came in through the Port of Portland. My LX 570 was built in Japan, very solid truck."

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/curious-about-4runner-pr...

David K - 8-28-2016 at 02:10 PM

Yep, the new 3rd Gen Taco has had some issues! Avoid the first year of a new model! A Tacoma is no Jeep Wrangler, but a very different vehicle and can't do the sharp trails because of the longer overhang in the back... at least without some damage! I can carry 4 people and lots of gear easily, thanks to the 5 ft. bed. Looking forward to the new Jeep truck!

willardguy - 8-28-2016 at 03:56 PM

I don't think any of them are worth a chit if you can't jump an entire ghost town! who caught bryce menzies today?

http://www.redbull.com/us/en/motorsports/offroad/stories/133...

chuckie - 8-28-2016 at 04:23 PM

Why did he do that? That was a road right through it

Ken Cooke - 8-28-2016 at 04:30 PM

I wasn't a big fan of these tires, but reports coming in from KO2 owners is that the tread compound is quite a bit harder, resulting in more chipping than before.

With 23,000 miles, these KM2's have held up respectfully well over the past 2 years.

[Edited on 8-28-2016 by Ken Cooke]

willardguy - 8-28-2016 at 04:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

Why did he do that? That was a road right through it

...you know these PRO2 guys, no balz no glory! 380 effin' feet!

Ken Cooke - 8-28-2016 at 04:46 PM

The KO got me through some muddy sections of the Rio Salada not far from the Laguna Salada, but the KM2's really responded to serious mud work back in January when a full-size Chevy died in a mud pond.

Rio Salada

Mud Terrain!

Full day of Off Road testing

Ken Cooke - 10-1-2016 at 11:21 AM

The Jeep did great on its' first full day of off road use. The only area that bothered me was the front coils dangled in their coil buckets throughout the day. Limiting straps or a better coil would be the remedy for this.

The Rubicon Express suspension performance was stellar. :bounce:

The only breakage was a CB radio antenna mount. :!:

Happy day on the trail - Its ready for Baja! :bounce:

ehall - 10-1-2016 at 05:14 PM

Nothing g funnier than some ones coil spring rolling down the trail. As long as it is not you. Lol my bumps tops hold mine from falling out.

Ken Cooke - 10-1-2016 at 05:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ehall

Nothing g funnier than some ones coil spring rolling down the trail. As long as it is not you. Lol my bumps tops hold mine from falling out.

The sound of those coil springs banging in and out of their buckets is unnerving!