Baja Tested 4Runner

[boodabill]

Toyota should get me to do a testimonial for the 2104 Trail Edition. I bought it in January 2014 and did a "walkabout" for 3 months from Big Sur, Death Valley through upstate Nevada up to Yellowstone, Wyoming.

Then I crossed the border to Baja and never turned back. I lived for 4 years traveling a totally degraded dirt roads, pot holes from hell, dodging cows, and had nails in all for OM tires. Got some Toyo mud tires for the rubber quality. Never had a problem.

In fact, I have never had a problem with any part of the car. Not a click, not a buzz. Its hard to believe.

My dual battery system was not installed correctly by Dirty Parts auto (beware of them), I fixed that and a mechanic soldered a new platform for the second battery.

Recently had to replace the bushings at about 50K miles. But that's because I was just pounding it for 4 years. Also occasionally the sound system crashes and has to reboot, then is fine for months. But that's it.

I have literally driven during hurricanes, mudslides, through3 foot muddy arroyos, up and down mountains that have been completely washed out. Road repair doesn't come soon if at all in some parts of mexico.

Thank god for my 4Runner.

:trophy:

 

[natehack5]

Now we just need an epic photo spread of all your adventures!!

 

[[email protected]]

What you drove through... that is what Toyota designed the 4Runner to stand up against.

 

[Heavy_GD]

I came here for the pics ....

 

[young]

pictures and videos please.

do you record gps? if so, care to share with us here?

 

[OppoTaco]

OP, sounds like an adventure! Share more details and photos if you can.

Also, thanks for the heads up about Dirty Parts. Is that the shop in Culver City?

 

[boodabill]

OP, sounds like an adventure! Share more details and photos if you can.

Also, thanks for the heads up about Dirty Parts. Is that the shop in Culver City?

Yes that's the place. I have fotos from the walkabout in Big Sur here.

Here are some more Baja photos (the top photo we were building the road as we went). On a San Diego Natural History Expedition, they hired me mostly because I had the Trail Edition 4Runner.

 

[boodabill]

Ok here's a typical road after the rains, and a mudflat. I did get stuck in it, the tow truck didn't want to rescue me, haha, but 3 amigos came by, we jacked up each tire and shoveled in sand. I have gotten stuck in deep sand but I deflate the tires with my hand ARB EZ-deflator and I'm out of there. The mud is like quick sand.

Enjoy the photos, caballeros.

 

[boodabill]

Typical Baja flooded arroyo

I've gone through stuff like this (too busy to film).

 

[mike5]

Which bushings needed replacing?

 

[JSparky]

Right on. My old man lives in Todos, he’s been really happy with his 4Runner as well. PM me if you’re ever down there and want someone to chat 4x4’s with.

 

[boodabill]

Which bushings needed replacing?

All four. I was driving hard. Toyo mid tires make you feel indestructible.

 

[boodabill]

Right on. My old man lives in Todos, he’s been really happy with his 4Runner as well. PM me if you’re ever down there and want someone to chat 4x4’s with.

I live in Todos Santos now. Will message you still looking for a good mechanic.

 

[dot_tom]

Which bushings needed replacing?

All four. I was driving hard. Toyo mid tires make you feel indestructible.

My guess would be all 4 LCA bushings?

 

[boodabill]

My guess would be all 4 LCA bushings?

I'm not an expert but yes ,the front LCA bushings and the rear bushings.

Also I'm now thinking that the early bushing wear was partly (or largely?) due the Toyo mud and snow tires. Now that I have the BFG ATs it feels a bit smoother.

 

[mike5]

Thank you. I looked at a parts diagram and only bushings they have listed are for the LCA. The top one requires an entirely new UCA.