Posted: 1/5/2008 11:12:55 PM EDT
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Howdy! First, I have to say; this is the most enjoyable and helpful portion of arfcom IMHO. People are civil, and the is a massive amount of knowledge available here for those so interested. I’ve been on the site for a year or so – lurked for a bit prior to joining. I don’t care about post count and I don’t do the +1 or “tag” thing, so you’ll only see me when I actually have something to contribute or ask a question. I’m retired Air Force, spent my career as a C130 crew chief and then flight engineer. I’ve had the required SERE training and bi-annual refreshers, got to play the SAR or E&E crew on some exercises over the years, hiking, camping etc... – a bit of knowledge and practical experience but by no means an expert. I’ll pass on what I can, and continue to absorb knowledge from the group here. I’ve always tried to be prepared for emergencies and such, but have been getting more concerned about the state of affairs this last decade or so. The last seven years have been interesting to say the least. Had some curveballs tossed at me and had to deal with recovering from those. I’m back at the point where my financial house is mostly in order, and I am starting to work on increasing my other preps and replacing old (smelly) worn-out gear. Plans for this year include doubling food stocks, increasing first aid/ medical supplies and knowledge, getting at least my Tech license, and getting my Tacoma set up to function better as a BOV. Speaking of BOVs, is there anyone else out there running a Tacoma PreRunner as a BOV? Mine is a ’02 regular cab (2.7L 4 cyl engine and auto trans). Really wanting a 4x4 (double-cab Taco or an Xterra), but don’t want the payments as this truck is paid off. So far, it hasn’t been a problem but I generally don’t go off-highway when the weather gets too bad and I tend to do some route study to make sure I don’t end up some place where I can’t get back out. I’m looking at possible upgrades to this truck that will increase it's capabilities. I do a lot of exploring in the local area, and most of it is off-highway. I currently have BFG ATs, and am looking at springs and shocks next as the ass-end is starting to droop. Also kicking over the idea of a locking diff (air locker?) and winch installation. Not sure where the break-over point is with regards to putting the money into a new(er) vehicle instead. The Tacoma is paid for, I know how it has been treated and maintained, and the fuel economy isn’t too bad. I’ve been lurking over at the Expedition Portal as well, but I don’t recall seeing anyone with the same type of truck. Anyone here running a vehicle similar to mine? If so, what (if anything) have you done to increase capabilities? |
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http://www.expeditionswest.com/ http://www.yotatech.com/ Both of the above websites will give you plentiful and thorough info about upgrades and mods for your Taco. You have an excellent platform from which to work to build an excellent BOV. Of couse, I'm a bit biased and an admitted Toyota aficianado. Your 4-cyl may seem a little under powered but the engine is tough as nails and ultra reliable with plenty of low-end torque. Your preRunner already has a limited slip rear differential and will give you some excellent off road capabilities in it's stock configuration. There are mega options for upgrading, including locking differentials, lifts, and body armor and those sites will keep you busy for many weeks dreaming up possibilities and arranging priorities. Ed |
Just something that bothers me a little! Bill |
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Welcome JAFFE, Check to see if you already have a locker in the rear. Seems to me a Pre-Runner would. If not then a locker will make a night and day improvement off road. Then as you mentioned I would get a winch, but for a BOV I would consider a receiver mounted one. Get some welding cable and run power out the back as well as a hitch on the front. Most times I have been stuck I want to pull myself out the way I came in. Another advantage is if you ever rolled over you could pull the battery and anchor the winch to the side. I have rolled a few truck off road and have gotten them up right with just a come-a-long. Speaking of winches I just picked this one up for my tree gear, but would also work well in many, many situations and places. It's built like a tank. Look for the "More Power Puller" |
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Thanks for the welcome guys. I'll pass info along when I can. The survival related forums do appear to be pretty thorough already. Thanks for the links. Haven't been to yotatech yet, but will check it out. I do like the truck, and really do not want to get rid of it. Yes, the 2.7L is a pretty stout engine for a 4-banger. I could lay down a list of upgrades and drop 10k on the truck pretty easy, but I don't want to go overboard either. IIRC Toyota did not even offer the e-locker on the 4cyl - I know mine does not have one. I need to talk to an ARB dealer and see if the Air Locker will fit (ARB website says not for 2wd, but the prerunner has the same suspension and rear drive as the 4wd). I agree on the receiver hitch winch mounting - more possibilities for recovery that way. That "More Power Puller" could be useful. I need to look at sand anchors as well, as a lot of the area I run is desert or a transitional zone. |
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Another option for a locker would be to find an axle from a TRD prerunner or 4x4 that has the electric locker. Check junkyards, etc. You can then hook up the electric actuator, or there are some kits that make it cable actuated. Either way, it should bolt right up! Also, TTORA.com is a big tacoma forum, and some guys there have prerunners. |
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Low cost go anywhere solution, Chains, Hi-Lift jack, and a portable winch like the one for $150 in previous link. the electric with the frount or back options is far more desireable for the 50+ offroaders  My experience is you can't beat a set of good chains to go far beyond any normal 4 wheeling situation. I used to cut fire wood in the national forest with a 2 wheel drive truck and a fifth wheel and would chain up and skid out the logs to be cut. can't remember ever getting stuck. A good mod might to make 4 points on each corner of your truck with box tubeing that you could use the high lift to get that sunk wheel up to chock it up and get out of a rut. a problem with most newer trucks is getting the jack to stay put while you fill in under the wheel, rounded body styles and plastic makes near imposiable not to scrap or dent something. A good welder/fab man could make them darn near invisable. I would take this aproach as the lowest cost working option, not as convienent as hiting the air-locker switch but about 1-3K cheaper. |
Not quite 50, but it's coming up fast! I'm leaning more towards an electric winch for this reason as well. Got chains already, but sure how well they would work in mud (Z chains). Looking at ways to get good jack points, I'll keep this in mind as well. Thanks! |