Author Topic: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log  (Read 37278 times)

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BigMike

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BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« on: Jan 23, 2018, 12:18:06 PM »
BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
The truck that took 8 dealerships 261 days to get!
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Build Thread: BigMike's Big Journey: A 2016 Tacoma Build Thread




Welcome to my Tacoma's Four Wheel'n and Trip Log!               


I've been wheel'n the new Tacoma for a year and a half and now that I've begun tackling bigger trails I've realized a separate Trip Report thread is long overdue!

The main reason to start this thread is that trip reports have begun exceeding 50 pictures per event which is cluttering up my build thread. Because I'm only just now creating this Trip thread 21-months after my build thread, there will be duplicate info here until I get caught up to the build thread (which is currently at Sept 2017). :thumbs:

Trip #, Date, Description. Click each image-group to view each trip.

2016
Trip 1: April 18-24: Picked up from Texas after waiting 261 days


Trip 2: April 26: Tacoma meets Hilux!


Trip 3: April 30: Toyota Land Cruiser Association (TLCA) Bakersfield Land Cruiser Rally (booth event #1)


Trip 4: May 3-8: TLCA Cruise Moab (http://cruisemoab.com) -- Chicken Corners & Booth Event #2


Trip 5: June 3: First Bald Mtn Day Run


Trip 6: Dec 3: Valley Children's Hospital Toy Drive



2017
Trip 7: May 4: TLCA Cruise Moab (http://cruisemoab.com) -- Fins & Things & Booth Event #3


Trip 8: May 5: TLCA Cruise Moab (http://cruisemoab.com) -- Flat Iron Mesa


Trip 9: June 24: 31st Annual Moonlight Madness -- Bald Mountain Trail


Trip 10: July 14: 29th Annual TLCA Rubithon (http://rubithon.com) -- Rubicon Trail


Trip 11: July 20: FJ Summit XI (https://www.fjsummit.org) -- Black Bear Pass, Ouray/Telluride, Colorado
Reply #80

Trip 12: July 21: FJ Summit XI (https://www.fjsummit.org) -- Poughkeepsie Gulch, Ouray/Telluride, Colorado
Reply #87

Trip 13: July 22: FJ Summit XI (https://www.fjsummit.org) -- Imogene Pass, Ouray/Telluride, Colorado
Reply #96

Trip 14: Aug 7: Private Bald Mountain Video Trip -- Bald Mountain Trail
Reply #105

Trip 15: Sept 14-17: 1st Annual BigMike's TacoBox Run at MCR16 -- Rubicon Trail
Reply #107

Trip 16: Sept 30-Oct 1: Pomona Expo

2018
Trip 17: Feb 5-9: KOH

Trip 18: Apr 27: Cheapo Saddle 40" tires and MarRack Shakedown Run

Trip 19: May 1-8: Texas Toyota Jamboree
--> Live! trip report on TacomaWorld

Trip 20: May 16: Moab: Hole In The Rock

Trip 21: May 18: Moab: Top Of The World

Trip 22: June 1: Bald Mtn Video Trip -- Bald Mtn Trail

Trip 23: June 21: 30th annual TLCA Rubithon -- Rubicon Trail

Trip 24: July 19: FJ Summit XII - Imogene Pass -- Ouray/Telluride, CO
--> Live! trip report on TacomaWorld

Trip 25: July 20: FJ Summit XII - Poughkeepsie Gulch -- Ouray/Telluride, CO

Trip 26: July 21: FJ Summit XII - Black Bear Pass -- Ouray/Telluride, CO

Trip 27: Sept 12: BigMike's 2nd Annual TacoBox Run at the 17th Annual Marlin Crawler Round Up / MCR17 -- Rubicon Trail

2019
Trip 28:

« Last Edit: Apr 10, 2019, 03:15:47 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #1 on: Jan 23, 2018, 12:18:15 PM »
post saved
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #2 on: Jan 23, 2018, 12:19:16 PM »
Trip #1 - Getting the truck! (April 18-24, 2016)

To kick off the thread here is a map of my Journey to purchase this elusive truck



Excellent in-flight reading material



After waiting 261 days for 8 dealerships to produce this truck, it truly was love at first sight!





Only 3 miles old!



Marlin, Texas!

« Last Edit: Jan 24, 2018, 07:31:33 AM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #3 on: Jan 23, 2018, 12:19:51 PM »
Outside the San Antonio Toyota Factory where the truck was built only eleven days prior!



« Last Edit: Jan 23, 2018, 02:43:11 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #4 on: Jan 23, 2018, 12:20:36 PM »
Various pics from the drive back to Cali











« Last Edit: Jan 23, 2018, 02:43:16 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #5 on: Jan 23, 2018, 01:05:25 PM »
After traveling about 5,500 total miles I arrived safely back home!

« Last Edit: Jan 23, 2018, 02:43:00 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #6 on: Jan 23, 2018, 01:18:42 PM »
Trip #2 - Tacoma meets Hilux (April 26, 2016)

Location: Millerton Lake, CA

The next week I introduced the Tacoma to my 1981 511:1 Triple Transfer Case Hilux Rock Crawler and took the two to a local lake for a quick photo shoot. Nothing too special to discuss. It was neat having my two trucks together. The Tacoma got a good look at what it's near future is gonna be like :D





Basic specs for my 1981 shortbed Hilux are:
Purchased and built back in 2004 (build thread)
World's first 2.7-liter 3RZ-FE Tacoma 4cyl swap into a 1st gen Hilux
Marlin Crawler W56-A-HD manual transmission
Marlin Crawler Heavy Duty Clutch Kit
Marlin Crawler Triple Ultimate (MC08 + MC08-R10 w/4.70C) 6-speed Transfer Case System
--511:1 Final Drive ratio featuring 30-forward gears & 6-reverse gears
Marlin Crawler 5" USA-made Betts Leaf Springs F&R
Marlin Crawler USA DOM-steel full body armor
66.5" Front Diamond Axle (64.5" + 1" wheel spacers) with FJ80 High Pinion 5.29:1 + Toyota E-Locker
Original Longfield 27-spline Chromoly Axles (not the 2014 and newer junk Chinese-made Longfields)
63" 1st gen Tacoma rear axle (60" + 1.5" wheel spacers) with 5.29:1 + Toyota E-Locker
37" x 12.5" x 15" Interco IROK tires on 15" x 8" Allied Beadlocks
Truck makes 20 MPG @ 70 MPH and since I've owned it, it has never been trailered: I drive it to-and-from every trail



« Last Edit: Jan 24, 2018, 02:25:46 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #7 on: Jan 23, 2018, 01:19:03 PM »
Sweet pic



Found a ditch for some flex action



Comparison



Little hill climb on 7th day of ownership



And lastly I topped off both gas tanks (20 gal for Hilux, 21.1 gal for Tacoma) and weighed them back-to-back

Fully-built 1981 1st gen Hilux Rock Crawler: 3,780 pounds
100% Bone-stock 6cyl AccessCab manual transmission 3rd gen Tacoma: 4,420 lbs

Wow! The Tacoma is only just a baby boy and is already more than a quarter ton heavier than a fully built Rock Crawling elder haha



And that's it for when the Tacoma met the Hilux!

« Last Edit: Jan 24, 2018, 02:13:52 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #8 on: Jan 23, 2018, 01:19:20 PM »
Trip #3 - TLCA's Bakersfield Land Cruiser Rally (April 30, 2016)

Next trip was having my Tacoma at our booth to support the introduction of our newest "TacoBox" Dual Case Crawl Box for 1995 and newer Tacoma/4Runner/FJ Cruiser/Tundra/Sequoia/T100!





Here's the Tacoma with only our second time seeing family friend Kay Spector after the passing of her beloved and iconic Land Cruiser industry husband

« Last Edit: Jan 24, 2018, 02:16:31 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #9 on: Jan 23, 2018, 01:19:44 PM »
Trip #4 - Moab! (May 3-8, 2016): The Tacoma does it's first trail

Event: TLCA Cruise Moab (http://cruisemoab.com)
Approximate miles driven: 1,750
Trail name: Chicken Corners
Location: Moab, Utah

This trip was discussed on pages 7 and 8 of my build thread, so I'll copy much from that here.

Traveling alongside the most wheeled Toyota truck in the entire world!





Arrived to Land Cruiser heaven!

« Last Edit: Jan 24, 2018, 02:16:41 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #10 on: Jan 23, 2018, 01:20:04 PM »
From main camp I headed south-west and finally made it to the trail. The guide book wasn't kidding: It was easy. A Subaru could make it through most of it. Nevertheless it provided some good fun and good pictures :D

My first time airing down! Having these fancy tire pressure sensors will be interesting once beadlocks go on



There were many by-passes that looked like this...



...so of course I had to try them all. :D



Already dragging the rear tow hitch LOL



Backing down I incurred my first "trail damage"



So off came the front valance! Goooooood riddance

« Last Edit: Jan 24, 2018, 02:12:45 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #11 on: Jan 23, 2018, 01:20:19 PM »
Some misc pics





« Last Edit: Jan 24, 2018, 02:12:32 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #12 on: Jan 23, 2018, 02:35:27 PM »
Following the Colorado River





Didn't even find large enough ledges to break traction.



« Last Edit: Jan 24, 2018, 02:12:20 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #13 on: Jan 23, 2018, 02:56:26 PM »
I can see this sat nav is going to be much fun







Got the tires to chirp a little here





« Last Edit: Jan 24, 2018, 02:12:08 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #14 on: Jan 24, 2018, 02:11:16 PM »




Nice vistas out here-





That is a sharp drop-off to the left



Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #15 on: Jan 24, 2018, 02:11:31 PM »
Random pic from the driver's seat. That fake hood scoop takes up precious viewing real estate.



Finally got the Taco dirty



Back at camp the Tacoma was in it's second trade show booth in only 2 weeks of ownership



The Taco photo bombing a busy pic of Marlin explaining the new TacoBox



The drive back west was a bit slippery



Maintenance Required only after owning the truck for two weeks? Something must be wrong :D

Averaging nearly 325 miles per day for half a month

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #16 on: Jan 24, 2018, 06:11:00 PM »
Trip #5 - Bald Mountain (June 3, 2016)

Trail name: Bald Mountain
Location: Shaver Lake, Central California

This trip was discussed from reply #229 of my build thread, so I'll copy much from that here.

A few weeks after Moab I slipped away and did a quick run up to our local Bald Mountain trail with "TURBO" Tim. Bald Mtn is a proper trail that provides a great overview of our popular High Sierra Nevada wheel'n: Large exposed granite, tight tree squeezes, steep and sharp climbs and descents, loose rocky sections, and a few high speed sections. It is our only trail (out of a twelve trail network) that is traditionally open year-round and also the only trail without any lakes.

One caveat with this trail is that it lacks gatekeepers from either entrance and all major obstacles may be bypassed. For these reasons it is common to find vehicles that we don't normally see on other trails, such as Bronco-IIs, Blazers, Rangers, Frontiers, and so on. It also means we see a few Tacomas with lightbars, smoked tail lights, and much chrome so it's a good place to do some proving of the new Tacoma :D

Here I am next to our newly updated Trail Condition Bulletin Board (Google Street view of location):



Bald Mtn trail head



Stopped to air down



I'm love'n this live tire pressure monitor. "The future"

« Last Edit: Jan 24, 2018, 07:08:56 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #17 on: Jan 24, 2018, 06:13:54 PM »
Starting out strong with some mad flex



Our beautiful central California granite



The visibility out of this thing is horrendous



My first trail glamor shot!



Made it up a descent crossed-up section without the "Auto-LSD" engaging but with a lottttttt of clutch slipping.

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #18 on: Jan 24, 2018, 06:14:52 PM »
At this point I had encountered my first two annoying characteristic of the new Tacoma.

Old School Rock Crawler's Off-road Impressions I

  • The V6 flywheel must weigh a full metric ton. If you try jam'n through the gears in low range the RPMs don't fall at nearly a quick enough rate. I have no doubt this was done for better fuel economy as well as less apparent mistakes to novice gear jammers. I already have a simple solution for this in my mind.

  • The Hill-Start Assist is a major pain in the butt off-road as it prevents the ability to rock the vehicle back and forth in search of traction or a line adjustment. This is important especially on snow runs. If you're unfamiliar with it (like I was), the truck will hold the brakes for about 2 full seconds while you make a gear shift from a stop. The reasoning is to allow time to engage a gear and begin disengaging the clutch before the truck has a chance to roll down a hill. I can see this being a helpful feature for all the Tacoma owners who use the truck to take their cats to the pet groomer every Wednesday before picking up their kids from soccer practice. But come awn man people want to drive stick shift for the love of toe-and-heal clutch work. Afternoon cat food delivery Tacoma trucks have automatics by definition. With a manual trans Tacoma, they should at least provide a way to defeat this. It's not that hard: I'll just simply remove the clutch engagement switch from the system whenever in low range (insert relay, done). Now the ECU won't know when I'm using the clutch. Problem solved.
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #19 on: Jan 24, 2018, 06:15:04 PM »


I've always wanted an XtraCab, aka Access Cab. The stock ground clearance is pretty sad...



...especially the horrendous design of the exhaust crossover. What was Toyota thinking here? The exhaust pipe is lower than the cross-member. It will, at least however, not be in the way of our Dual Case products which is nice but definitely I'll have to improve this.



At the base of Hollywood Hill



Up the approach to Hollywood Hill



High-centered again

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #20 on: Jan 24, 2018, 06:15:20 PM »
I took the cheater-line off to the left





It gets steeper and steeper



Shot from the cab

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #21 on: Jan 24, 2018, 06:15:31 PM »
Old School Rock Crawler's Off-road Impressions II

  • The Tacoma Transfer Case has a 2.566:1 low range gear ratio. This is 12.69% lower than the Hilux's 2.277:1 low range. But don't be fooled: Unloaded and with small stock tires this low range is usable until you get into any sort of a climb or descent. You cannot start the truck in gear; You have to constantly slip the clutch; You have to ride your brakes down the backside of every obstacle. It's okay for now, after all this is why the Marlin Crawler exists. In due time my beloved Tacoma!

  • I am very pleased to discover the new 2GR-FKS lugs down very well. This is absolutely critical for non-Triple case Marlin Crawler owners in those situations when you're in a real pickle and need to go as slow as possible. Of course I was stalling it -- it doesn't have a Marlin Crawler yet -- but I can clearly see this engine is going to be a winner once combined with some actual Crawling gear ratios. It fights hard to stay alive at sub-idle RPMs.
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #22 on: Jan 24, 2018, 06:15:37 PM »
Stopped on the upper side of Hollywood Hill





Fun for everyone except the clutch :D

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #23 on: Jan 24, 2018, 06:15:48 PM »
Old School Rock Crawler's Off-road Impressions III

  • Holy crap this seat belt auto-latching mechanism is crazy sensitive! It is so bad that after having parked on a hill, I could not buckle back up! If you unbuckle while on any steep grade then the seat belt becomes unusable. I had to continue up the rest of Hollywood Hill without a seat belt on. :o Any 1995 and older truck I've been in would allow you you pull the belt out so long as you pulled it slowly. Not so on the Tacoma no matter how slow I pulled. This I do not like.


Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #24 on: Jan 24, 2018, 06:16:00 PM »
Great weather for some wheel'n!



Elevation here is about 6,500 feet.



Continuing up towards Bald Mountain





Finally at the top! Elevation 7,838 ft.



Overlooking Shaver Lake, CA

Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #25 on: Jan 24, 2018, 06:16:13 PM »
Misc pics from the Top











Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #26 on: Jan 24, 2018, 06:16:24 PM »




The northern end of the trail is pretty dang easy and we skipped all the optional stuff the stock Taco couldn't do and bugged out. One last pic after airing back up and ready to return home.



We took some misc videos which I turned into a quick & dirty compilation with no music. It's nothing special. I remember my first time wheeling my 1981 Hilux (took it up Claw Hammer) and being crazy nervous to not even get a single scratch. I was overly cautious here too haha Hope you enjoy!


At the 4:03 min mark I wanted to try out the truck's "Auto LSD" feature so I got the Taco intentionally crossed-up and learned a very bad thing about the Auto-LSD. I discussed this in a rather long rant at reply reply #238 of my build thread. To sum it up here, Toyota's system requires the driver to apply increasingly large amounts of throttle the moment forward momentum is lost which is precisely the direct OPPOSITE of what you should ever do. Therefore, Toyota's Auto LSD system is teaching the next generation of off-roaders a horrible habit that adds stress to and increases the chance of breaking parts and damaging the environment (I.E. the same bad things that a Marlin Crawler TacoBox remedies).

And that was it for my first time with the Taco at Bald Mtn!
« Last Edit: Mar 24, 2018, 07:36:46 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #27 on: Jan 24, 2018, 06:17:46 PM »
The rest of 2016

At this point I have to share the sad news that before I knew it the summer had taken off and got away from me. Looking back it's understandable how this happened as Toyota promised and then shorted me 7 months of ownership & build progress before the wheeling season got going.

In addition, after the Bald Mountain trip my wife and I celebrated our 10 yr anniversary in Hawaii, we returned to southern Japan to visit relatives for the first time since the largest earthquake disaster in recorded Kyuushuu history, I upgraded the entire content management system (backend) of our Marlin Crawler website (replacing the prior system that had been in use for 8 years), restructured both our sales and warehouse crews, and my wife and I started the process of purchasing our first house.

For the remainder of the year Marlin Crawler sponsored and attended 40 additional 4WD events, Forest Service CPR/chainsaw classes/trail work parties, and led three Adopt-A-Highway clean-ups (HWY168/CenCal). Members of 11 different 4WD clubs, it's no secret as to how serious we consider community involvement and it takes time to get things setup/prepared. This is a core, fundamental difference that separates Marlin Crawler from other companies in that when Marlin invented Rock Crawling it was first a hobby that then grew into a company; Supporting the community is where our heart is.

Combined with the new Tacoma, 2016 was one of my most productive years. Other than the Moab trip I posted earlier, I only went to one other event: Our 15th annual Marlin Crawler Round-Up at the Rubicon... in my 1981 Hilux... where we eclipsed the $100,000 dollar mark in total donations to the Rubicon Trail.

I went from a "3rd Gen Tacoma forum pro-lurcher" to a complete off-line ghost. But at least I made our Round-Up, which since 2004 my Hilux has never missed. After I got home I remember telling the truck how this will be her last Rubicon trip for a while.



I actually almost missed this one because I didn't get my internal/company work done until Saturday morning the day of the event. I drove my Hilux straight up to Rubicon, wheeled in solo, made it to the Springs Campground in time to oversee the dinner & raffle, and returned home the next day. Six-hundred highway miles and the Rubicon Trail in about 40 hours total!

Check out this 35-year old Toyota Rock Crawler with 19 times more torque than a 2016 V10 Dodge Viper at full throttle and still get'n it done overloaded up Cadillac Hill in the partial wet. :D
"I Love What You Do For Me, Marlin Crawler!" ;)



edit:

Trip #6 - Valley Children's Hospital Toy Drive (Dec 3, 2016)

Hey guys!! I completely forgot about the 2016 Children's Toy Drive!! About five years ago, two of our customers got together to invite 4WD club members from various clubs in the area to get together and donate toys to the Valley Children's Hospital, the largest Children's Hospital this side of the Mississippi. It has since turned into a big event drawing close to 200 people from 4WD Clubs up and down the Central California Valley, a stretch of nearly 300 miles.

The event was covered by a local TV network as well as picked up in multiple valley Newspapers. Most of my pictures were of the actual event itself, which can be viewed on our website here https://www.marlincrawler.com/gallery/2016/dec/2016-childrens-toy-drive, but here come a few pics of the Taco participating!











« Last Edit: Nov 30, 2018, 09:29:10 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #28 on: Jan 25, 2018, 08:42:44 AM »
edit: Here come the remainder of my missing Toy Drive photos!









« Last Edit: Mar 24, 2018, 04:48:18 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

BigMike [OP]

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Re: BigMike's 2016 Tacoma Trip & Trail Log
« Reply #29 on: Jan 25, 2018, 08:47:50 AM »
Trip #7 - Fins & Things (May 4, 2017)

Now the world's first Dual Case'd 2016+ Tacoma!


Event: Cruise Moab
Trail name: Fins & Things - Rating: 4/10
Location: Moab, UT
Special note 1: First trip for the new Marlin Crawler Dual Case setup! (28-speeds, 235:1 Crawl Ratio)
Special note 2: ARB Air Lockers installed F&R but not plumbed in yet. Truck is still open-open.

Cruise Moab is the largest annual Toyota-based Moab event, gathering over 200 in attendance, and is hosted by the Rising Sun 4WD Club. We have attended off-and-on since it's inception 20 yrs ago. It is an official TLCA event that is incredibly well ran by the Rising Sun 4WD Club of Colorado. If you've been wanting to run trails at Moab with extremely friendly and knowledgeable group of Toyota gearheads, then this is the event to attend.

This trip was discussed from reply #336 of my build thread, so I'll copy much from that here.

Knowing that my truck is still open-open with no (working) lockers, I signed up for some easier trails I've never done before. First day we did Fins & Things which has a difficulty rating by the Rising Sun 4WD club as a 4 out of 10. The first pic comes from about 6 hours into the road trip, stopping for lunch in Vegas



Brand new Marlin Crawler TacoBox Dual Case Unit looking great!



Arrived safely back in Moab!



« Last Edit: Mar 24, 2018, 04:43:42 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

 
 
 
 
 

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