Wheeling a stock 06'?

[chicago]

Hey all,
Im Chicago (Keith).
I have a stock 06 Tacoma SR5 with some 265x75xR16 in wrangler AT tires. Doing a run into Death Valley at the end of next month. Ive never wheeled THIS rig. Its my DD and its still pretty. Frankly, Id like to keep it that way.

What Id like to hear from you guyz is what should I do in preparation for this run? Ive wheeled DV numerous times in my cruiser, so Im familiar with the terrain, but Ive never done it in THIS. All ive done ON this truck has been PM stuff.

Anything I should look at?
Any weaknesses you all have found?
Anything I should do before hand?
Anything that I should watch out for?
Any spare parts I should plan on?
How do these rigs do off road?

The most tech. driving I foresee would be up South Park canyon. However, the route that concerns me MOST is the washboard into Sailine Valley and Race track. How do they hold up on the washboard stuff? Anything prone to coming loose?

Thanks for any and all help on this!

Keith

 

[chicago]

Seriously!?

No one has anything?

 

[Jukelemon]

I would chime in BUT I dont know the terrain nor do I wheel my truck minus back woods camping etc.

I gather from looking in this forum (I just got my truck) that there are not many who wheel the new Tacos.

I would suggest going to TTORA which seems to me to be a wheeling forum more so than here.

I have not read about any particular weak points on our Tacos-none that are any different than any other IFS truck set up. You are stock so...really nothing to worry about other than clearance and damage to underbody and panels.

I would remove your spare tire and secure it/strap it in the bed.

 

[chicago]

I would chime in BUT I dont know the terrain nor do I wheel my truck minus back woods camping etc.

I gather from looking in this forum (I just got my truck) that there are not many who wheel the new Tacos.

I would suggest going to TTORA which seems to me to be a wheeling forum more so than here.

I have not read about any particular weak points on our Tacos-none that are any different than any other IFS truck set up. You are stock so...really nothing to worry about other than clearance and damage to underbody and panels.

I would remove your spare tire and secure it/strap it in the bed.

Thanks for posting up!
Out of curiosity, why would you say to move the spare into the bed?

Thanks,

K

 

[Jukelemon]

You move the spare so you dont ruin the spare wheel/tire with rocks/logs or whatever you run over.

Essentially, you get more clearance. Not to mention, if you blow a side wall on a trail, you dont want to be trying to get to your spare on the bottom of your truck ( :

 

[hoch]

As long as you're not doing extreme stuff, you'll be fine. Stock Taco's are plenty capable. Not sure if you'll be going over any rocks, but cheap insurance might be sliders, at least. I know you said you want to keep it stock, but nobody likes a crumpled rocker panel.

Should be a very solid rig, though.

 

[yukon]

Should be fine. Just wheel it like it's a DD. There is no shame using cheater trails in a DD.

 

[Jacket]

I don't know the terrain either, but the worst you mention is washboard roads? If that's the most technical part of the terrain you'll be driving, it'll be just fine. In fact, I'd argue you might be more comfortable driving washboard in an IFS than you would in a SFA truck.

There are plenty of guys taking these Tacomas off road, and they do very well. Just watch the long wheelbase, keep your front tires on the highest lines, and drive the rear. The truck is long - both wheelbase and rear bumper are vulnerable if not kept in check.

 

[chicago]

I don't know the terrain either, but the worst you mention is washboard roads? If that's the most technical part of the terrain you'll be driving, it'll be just fine. In fact, I'd argue you might be more comfortable driving washboard in an IFS than you would in a SFA truck.

There are plenty of guys taking these Tacomas off road, and they do very well. Just watch the long wheelbase, keep your front tires on the highest lines, and drive the rear. The truck is long - both wheelbase and rear bumper are vulnerable if not kept in check.

That's what I was looking for! Thanks for posting up!
Death Valley washboard is NASTY and LOOOONG. Is there anything that is prone to coming loose that anyone has noticed?
I would agree that the IFS will be better than my SFA on that type of terrain. I was just more concerned that there might be some weaker components that may suffer in the IFS system, especially in STOCK form.
Not MUCH in the way of rocks. Some, but not much.
That WB Is VEEEERY long, so I will be sure to keep a close eye on it.

Thanks for the input!

 

[chicago]

As long as you're not doing extreme stuff, you'll be fine. Stock Taco's are plenty capable. Not sure if you'll be going over any rocks, but cheap insurance might be sliders, at least. I know you said you want to keep it stock, but nobody likes a crumpled rocker panel.

Should be a very solid rig, though.

Sliders would be great! However, I think Im running out of time to get those.
Anyone make a decent bolt on slider for these?
Ive seen a few, but theyre $ for the ones that Ive seen.

 

[hoch]

What do you mean running out of time? I believe Demello makes bolt-on's, but they are spendy. I just had a local guy fab me up some for cheap.

 

[chicago]

What do you mean running out of time? I believe Demello makes bolt-on's, but they are spendy. I just had a local guy fab me up some for cheap.

Leaving for a run in 2 weeks. I wouldnt normally be wheeling this rig, but my primary wheeler is being built right now, so Im driving this one instead.

Lets see pics of em on the rig my friend.

 

[Jacket]

I've got Demello bolt-on's - great product! Sounds like you won't really need them on this run though.

As far as loosening parts, the only thing I've run into is the bolts on the 3rd member and front diff loosened a bit over the life of my truck. I had a couple of instances of 90w seeping out of the diff, and when I checked I was able to retorque the bolts. Just check them when you come home.

Toyota recommends checking/re-torqueing your body mount bolts and drive shaft bolts, but I've never had any issues.

 

[chicago]

I've got Demello bolt-on's - great product! Sounds like you won't really need them on this run though.

As far as loosening parts, the only thing I've run into is the bolts on the 3rd member and front diff loosened a bit over the life of my truck. I had a couple of instances of 90w seeping out of the diff, and when I checked I was able to retorque the bolts. Just check them when you come home.

Toyota recommends checking/re-torqueing your body mount bolts and drive shaft bolts, but I've never had any issues.

Right on!
Thanks for the experience tip! Ill actually go over those before I leave too.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[chicago]

FYI to those who are interested...
Just got back from my run in Death Valley, and the rig did AWESOME!
Impressed as can be with how it did.
I added the 2in leveler block in the front end, but besides that its STOCK! The biggest attribute to it is the gearing. you plunk that sucker in low and low and youre crawling nicely. Great on the washboard, stable, and nimble!

Very pleased with this rig off road!

I REALLY had my doubts but it SQUASHED them.

 

[larsdennert]

Saline valley is passable in a passenger car but air down the tires and you are good to go. 60 mph if you are brave.

South park and pleasant should be ok to but 4lo. A compressor and a plug kit should be all you need. It is Toyota after all.

Barker ranch has burned down.

 

[larsdennert]

http://67.122.16.97/lars/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=2006-02-11_Saline-Valley

http://67.122.16.97/lars/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album66