UY Mojave Road Expedition 2013

[Seanz0rz]

UltimateYota Mojave Road Expedition 2013 Trip Report

Our journey started many months ago, with some meticious planning on my part. (http://www.ultimateyota.com/showthread.php?10250-2nd-Annual-Mojave-Road-Expedition-Mar-22-24-2013-planning-thread) That planning always pays off!

At the end of this post, the .KMZ of our trip is attached in a .ZIP format. This is nearly the exact route we took, and represents some major changes from the original files posted in the planning thread above.

The following is a chronological tale of our adventure. For the sake of this report, I will be using the VERY nice pictures provided by Daniel Martz. His equipment and skill far exceed mine! Here are all the pictures: http://s955.photobucket.com/user/hamiltonfabrication/library/MRE13?page=1

The official start of the trail, as we ran it, is in the very tip of Nevada, along Needles Highway. Since fuel is approximately $0.20 cheaper in Arizona, we crossed the river and fueled up there. Once our tanks were full, we crossed back into California, and drove on to our campsite in Nevada. The camps is one I have been to before, and is absolutely beautiful!

http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8231_zpsa22c73ca.jpg
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8236_zpsf8c58adf.jpg

After a restless night of sleep, we packed up camp, met up with Kevin and Neashell, and set on our way.

The first interesting thing we saw was on an unplanned stop. Neashell spotted an abandoned "church" and wanted to visit. I am not even sure how to describe what we saw. I am not even sure pictures will convey the weirdness. In hindsight, this may have had a no trespassing sign, although if it did, it was so badly faded that it could not be read. For all we know, it said "Come On In!"

http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8245_zpsd6e3d08d.jpg
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8246_zpsfb9e0924.jpg

Maybe a movie set? I am as confused as you are!

From there, it was a rocky and generally miserable drive to Fort Piute. Fort Piute was a military outpost to protect travelers. Through Piute gorge, you can hike the original path of the Mojave Road before an easier bypass was constructed to the south. Being in the midst of one hell of a head and chest cold, I was in no condition to hike. Next time for sure!

The remains of Fort Piute:
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8256_zpsa8d5d930.jpg

2 Green 4Runners, a Red Taco, and the road we just traveled. Good times, bad roads, and great friends!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8261_zps69bfea50.jpg

After visiting Fort Piute, we returned to the power line road and continued south to the designated mountain pass. This road is fairly easy, and has some amazing views. Sadly, neither Dan nor I got pictures. Shame. After passing through the mountains, we headed north up to Piute Gorge. This area is directly west of Fort Piute, and has some amazing scenery in the canyon.

The sights made this a great place for lunch!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8267_zps17633274.jpg

Future exploration needs to concentrate on this area, I feel it has much more hiding than what we have found.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8268_zps0a1f5fb5.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

After traveling back south, I missed a turn westward. I only realized this after traveling a few miles. Thanks to GPS, I was able to find an alternate way back to the Mojave Road. This brings me to an interesting point. When planning the trip, I used bright green to make my tracks in Google Earth. This color shows up well against the dark green and tans of the desert floor. However, lime green does not show up very well on white background topo maps, especially when a lime green line is laid over a dark line on a white background. This oversight proved to be the most challenging aspect of navigation for the next three days!

Once back on track, we visited the school bus. The car that had previously been touching the right side of the bus had somehow been moved a few yards away.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8272_zps1af96649.jpg

I think Dan found a new job!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8270_zpsefce8fac.jpg

After breaking the news to Dan that he probably couldn't drive the bus due to it lacking a complete engine, we went on our way towards a site I had been led to my first trip out here.

Indian Wells is a peculiar site indeed. The rocks feature Petroglyphs from some native peoples. At the base of this mountain of rocks lies a well cut into the rock. Some say it has been there since the natives inhabited this place hundreds or thousands of years ago. One account places the digging of this well within the last 100 years. Both could be true, with the latter being an improvement. In either case, this area has always captured my attention, and I am glad I rediscovered it during my planning.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8275_zpse0d8ef44.jpg

After finding our way back to the Mojave Road, we found the Penny Can Tree and deposited our tribute to the Mojave Road Gods.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8280_zps519b30bb.jpg

From here, camp was not far off. We continued down the road and dropped down into Watson Wash. This is, by far, the most technical section of the trail, but proved to be no contest to our unstoppable Toyotas.

Our camp was to be either across the wash from Rock Springs, or up on the plateau above Rock Springs. Since we were unable to find an existing fire ring or any other evidence of previous camping in the wash, we moved to spot B.

Although spot B was a decent size for everyone, as only Kevin and Neashell had a tent, This spot turned out to be a truly miserable place to camp.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8288_zps8bd02805.jpg

The wind was relentless from the time we started making dinner until just after the sun went down. JD joined his for a late dinner, and we enjoyed sitting around the camp fire. Shortly after everyone retired for the night, the wind picked up again. This howling wind lasted well into the next day, and made camping miserable.

After packing up, and pulling a couple of slightly singed chairs out of what was left of the camp fire, we backtracked a bit to visit Rock Spring. At this point, Mark and Linda had joined us. Since Dan was the only one who had not previously explored Rock Spring, I showed him around while the others went to go play on the descent into Watson Wash.

It appears someone has done some excavation at the bottom of the springs:
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8292_zps6f9bb013.jpg

This place, along with the Bert G. Smith cabin above always amazes me, no matter how many times I see it!

Once the kids returned from playing on the hill, we made a pass by Government Holes. The windmill was not pumping on this particular day.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8295_zpsb5d39243.jpg

On the way to the next destination, Neashell decided she really hated this Cholla Cactus on the side of the road and decided to run it over. The tire was lucky and was not punctured. We did keep an eye on it for the rest of the trip, as the needles have a habit of taking out a tire.

[Seanz0rz]

To keep this area safe, I will refer to it as "The Owl". This may seem silly, but I hope it serves to protect this place from further damage and ultimately a 12' high fence! If you really want to know what and where, some simple searching will answer your questions, or you can just ask!

The Owl:
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8335_zpsc1468044.jpg

Apparently, Neashell was able to get him (or her) to look up by hooting. Now I know she speaks owl!

The owl wasn't the only attraction!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8321_zps87233ce4.jpg

http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8338_zpsc1f7b845.jpg

The house was pretty nice too!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8315_zps8dad12da.jpg

I think the rabbit poop needs to be cleaned up though...


After leaving everything as we found it, we headed up the Mojave Cross:
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8346_zpsb854fa27.jpg

I am not a religious person, actually pretty far from it. I feel rather drawn to this place though. The cross was erected at Sunrise Rock in 1934 to honor the soldiers who lost their lives in World War One, and in all wars past. This area eventually was included as part of the Mojave Preserve, and was now on Federal Land. Eventually, someone sued (separation of church and state, which I happen to agree with) and the cross was ordered covered up. It was stolen, returned, stolen, recovered, etc, etc. Finally, the Supreme Court came up with a novel way to keep the cross. Since the cross was a war memorial being confused as a religious symbol, and that confusion would never cease, they granted the acre of land Sunrise Rock occupies to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Now the cross can stand to honor all of those who have given their lives in defense of their country.

Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8353_zps4103ae4d.jpg
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8352_zps06dae6fd.jpg


On our trip down the highway to return to the Mojave Road, we were buzzed by a red helicopter. I never saw where he came from or went, and he was going FAST!

We returned to the Road, and experience the endless undulations in the desert floor. It is the only time I have made myself carsick!

http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8358_zpsd3e0c105.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

I had discovered on a map some promising prospects I wanted to explore. I know more than not, these are gated and not much to see. These prospects proved to be in the majority. Regardless, this made for a great lunch spot!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8359_zps2a083e12.jpg

Some artifacts left behind, but generally not worth the drive up.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8361_zps4ab4867c.jpg

We returned to the undulations with a full stomach and eventually arrived at Marl Springs:
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8368_zpsb44b1c66.jpg

The Mail Box was next, and we discovered the sticker we put on the pole back in '08!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8374_zps7224dc14.jpg

Frog Shrine, where our froggie is still missing!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8372_zpsa92f1516.jpg

After leaving the Mail Box, and crossing over the local highpoint, the cinder cones and lava beds come into view.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8375_zps358cefc4.jpg

Our next goal was to visit the lava tubes, but a large group of vehicles cross our path as we were turning onto Aiken Mine Road and were heading for the same destination, so we decided to forge ahead and check out something really interesting!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8376_zpsf663a9af.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

Aiken Mine:
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8377_zpsf9205053.jpg

Aiken Mine was abruptly shud down in 1990 and the operators walked away, leaving most of their equipment behind.

The area is truly bizarre, and can only be described as "Martian". It is a must visit! On the way in, we got lucky and the road that was not suppose to be there was, and the road that was suppose to be there, the one that represented several more miles of travel, did not exist. Driving on the cinders is a bizarre experience!

I will shut up now, and let you enjoy Dan's photography:
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8378_zps3f25cc3c.jpg
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8380_zpsf459b096.jpg
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8382_zpsecfbf7ff.jpg
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8384_zps9a98a34c.jpgre
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8386_zpsc730a5b8.jpg
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http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8398_zpsf5cf610c.jpg

Even looking at the pictures, they do not do this place justice!

[Seanz0rz]

After the excitement of the cinder mine, we returned to the lava tubes. Unfortunately, we were a bit too late to have the magical beams of light coming through the skylights, but it was pretty neat nonetheless.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8413_zpsf799389a.jpg
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8416_zps2676476b.jpg

From there, we went in search of Saturday's camp. Due to the imperfections in my GPS track for the area, the unfortunate color of my track, as well as me being tired and honestly stupid, we missed the turn to the camp. JD called me on it and I dismissed him, and Neashell was quietly announcing to herself and Kevin that I am crazy. After making it to the highway and admitting I was hopelessly lost, Neashell guided us back to the turn off and on to the camp site. Thanks again Neashell!

We camped in the same location as last year, and this year was even better with nearly no wind. This made up for the previous night's miserable conditions.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8418_zps0f75096a.jpg

http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8430_zps461d0165.jpg

The sunset was pretty awesome as well!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8441_zpsbc896308.jpg

Sunday morning saw the departure of Mark and Linda from the group. We missed you on Sunday! The group feels incomplete without the white 4th Gen!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8449_zps3b528875.jpg

Once we hit the edge of the lake, we encountered the only mechanical difficulty of the entire trip. Kevin left his truck on too long charging his devices, and it had a hard time starting up in the morning. The quick jaunt to the lake was not enough to replenish the battery, and it would not start. A quick jump from a friend ;) and we were back on the road!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8458_zps0f8f182a.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

We deposited our rocks at Traveler's Monument, reflected on the plaque nestled inside, and continued on.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8462_zps787feef9.jpg

I think the best word for the Mojave Road is "alien". Every local presents something different, something unfamiliar, and something we would expect on another heavenly body. Soda Lake is no different:
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8463_zps729dab7e.jpg

Enjoying the shade of a rail bridge for lunch:
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8471_zps13270590.jpg

One of the more interesting features I have been looking for is the buried rail cars at the beginning of Afton Canyon. In times past, when a train derailed, the cars were often just buried on the side of the track, as it was cheaper and easier to buy new cars than recover the damaged ones. I suspect this one was likely a victim of the 1938 floods that wiped out much of Southern California, but I would have to do more research to confirm that. Fortunately for us, they buried the car in a riverbed, and it occasionally peaks through the sand.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8472_zpsf2256cc0.jpg

Afton Canyon needs no introduction.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8478_zps8df25255.jpg

Formed when a prehistoric earthquake caused a lake to drain extremely quickly, the eroded mud walls are spectacular!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8477_zpsd22e0272.jpg

There was a considerable amount of water all along the canyon floor. The water crossings were not too bad, just enough to clean the tires momentarily!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8485_zps1c2f93bd.jpg

That crossing has been filled in recently, and is very manageable.

Typically, Afton Canyon Campground is the end of the line for the Mojave Road. There is a section that heads west and south from Afton Canyon Campground, and we decided to explore it.

It was so terrible, there is one picture of it, not even worth putting in!

I would ultimately consider this section a waste of time. I managed to miss the one thing to see (the Triangles). The sand was super soft and it was very slow going through the entire stretch. The scenery was merely pretty, and not spectacular. I think the miles and time are better spent finding other things to see.

At the end of the road, we needed to cross under a rail bridge. I barely fit underneath, only after removing my antennas!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8489_zps90382852.jpg

We aired up, got back on the pavement, and took some detours to avoid Vegas traffic. Once we filled up in Barstow, we went our separate ways.

I have to give a huge thank you to Daniel for letting me use his pictures in this writeup! My PnS finally bit the dust (quite literally actually) and my smartphone was pulling GPS duties all weekend.

A big thanks to Dan, JD, Kevin and Neashell, and Mark and Linda for being great companions while traveling the desert! You are always welcome on my trips. You refrain from being stupid, still have a great time, and don't razz me too hard for missing a turn or driving too slow! Thanks again for making this trip a great one!

Until next time,
Happy trails and keep the rubber off the cactus!

[troyboy162]

Awesome write up! well worth the wait!

[paddlenbike]

Excellent trip report and photos, thanks very much for taking the time to write that up. I saw the pics on lamebook, but the stories behind it here on UY makes it way better.

I may have to borrow your gpx track some day. Or better yet, let you be my guide. :)

Dan, you cover some ground! Pretty awesome that you drive half way across the U.S. for trips!

Ken

[Seanz0rz]

Thanks guys!

I would be very happy to lead you onto the desert Ken. Getting out might cost you the supercharger!

[paddlenbike]

Thanks guys!

Getting out might cost you the supercharger!

If you can catch me. :)

Mojave Road is high on my list.

[4x4mike]

Great write up Sean and great pictures Dan. By the sounds of it you guys covered some ground. Good to see you had fun and made it home safe.

[DHC6twinotter]

Huge thanks to Sean for putting this trip together. The long hours of planning made for an awesome experience out there. I think Aiken Mine, "The Owl", and the school bus were, for me, the highlights of the trip. It was great to see Mark and Linda, Kevin and Neashell, and also great to finally meet JD. Great group to wheel with.



Dan, you cover some ground! Pretty awesome that you drive half way across the U.S. for trips!
Ken

Yup, I like to drive. I've been in the socal area for several month now though, so the drive to Mojave Road wasn't super far. :D Hopefully I'll be around for the next trip.

[DHC6twinotter]

Sean did a great job covering the trip, but I thought I'd add a few more pictures:

Sean and I got to camp Thursday evening:
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8237_zps75adc483.jpg

Some flowery plants next to the camp:
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8240_zps6b65ab77.jpg

Keven and Neashell joined us the next morning, and we headed over to "The Owl":
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8340_zps24a88a24.jpg

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8338_zps0d05bd5c.jpg

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8304_zpsc374ca60.jpg

And we stopped by this late 40's school bus:
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8271_zpsa88bfb17.jpg

Sunset on day 2. JD, Mark, and Linda joined us at this camp:
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8291_zps2c0c337c.jpg

We stopped at the flagpole and signed the guest book:
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8373_zps4195ca81.jpg

Aiken Mine, which I thought was coolest point on the whole trip:
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8388_zps4c04264d.jpg

Kevin:
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8396_zpse988fa94.jpg

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8404_zpsaa238646.jpg

Camp on day 3:
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8419_zps2a500e23.jpg

On the way to the lake bed:
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8448_zpsc7af7f84.jpg

Heading out to the lake bed:
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8457_zps25653b70.jpg

Lunch break under the rail bridge:
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/avro200/Mojave%20Road%202013/IMG_8468_zps3192da56.jpg

What an awesome trip! Thanks again, Sean!

[Good Times]

great write up! thanks for sharing guys! :)

[Jaydee914]

Great time again, guys! Thanks once more for doing the planning Sean - I'd follow you anywhere!

[Seanz0rz]

Thanks JD! That's what I like to hear! I am really looking forward to the next one!

[troyboy162]

how far did the rebar ladder go? That looks to be in good shape.

[Seanz0rz]

I believe the ladder went into the water that had flooded the shaft. The other shaft had been filled in and fenced off.

[Crinale]

I believe the ladder went into the water that had flooded the shaft. The other shaft had been filled in and fenced off.

This is correct... I mentioned that if I had waders or stuff I didn't care about getting wet and a respirator (there was a warning sign about gasses) I would have gone down past the Owl... but alas, I stayed up.

Great report Sean, and sweet pictures Dan. I still have to find my camera as we are slowly getting everything cleaned and put away, but I'll find it soon and post my pictures and a few videos I took. I wish I had pictures or video of the jump I hit at around 40mph, where I learned the hard way that the cheap coilovers I have on the front have zero rebound dampening! My front end pogo-sticked upon landing until I was able to come to a stop

Side note, I think this may have been the last trip for the Tacoma. Both Neashell and I had a hard time staying comfortable in the cramped regular cab, especially on the trip home when we were sore from spending the whole weekend cramped up in it. I probably won't be going back to a 4runner because I would miss the open bed, but a larger truck is definitely on the want list (the short list basically consists of a 97-98 5vz 4wd Xtra Cab T100). The Whole Bernardino trip will probably not happen this year, as I will be trying to replace my truck.

[Seanz0rz]

bummer about the truck Kevin! I think I would stay away from the T100 though. There is just no aftermarket for them! What about an 05 access cab? I think you should be able to find a decent deal on one, and it is quite a bit bigger. or at least an extended cab 95-04.

Or cut the back bulkhead out and extend it 16 inches like one of the expo guys did on his Ranger.

[Crinale]

Sean - I don't really care about a lack of aftermarket, they actually have a pretty good amount of stuff you can buy if you search around. They share parts with several other Toyotas (You just have to research which parts interchange). Also no on Tundras, I don't want something that big (t100 is slightly smaller), and there is zero availability of 4wd v6 models and I don't want v8 gas mileage. Also, my long travel from my 4runner that I haven't had any luck selling will bolt right on ;) then a good set of leafs (already know which ones will bolt on) and go. Thanks for the concern though.

[troyboy162]

wont the long travel be standard travel on the t100? Also the frame is too far under the body to support sliders. I think you should just pack better and keep the tacoma. Stop reading expo forum too, those guys enjoy spending money to fix non-existent problems. :)

[CJM]

T100's worth it, try very hard to find one with the 4.30 gears axle code a11a I recall. Sadly I think it only comes in the automatic so if you want stick your sol there. Also with the 4.30s your rpms will be high at 70mph (Im at 2600) but its so low I can crawl sooo easily. FYI tho the rear axle shafts can and do bend-1st gen tundra shafts fit tho. 95-98 had the 5vz, 97-98 had buckets but 95 and 96 has a 40/20 bench. Otherwise despite all my issue I still love mine. 1st gen 4wd 5vz tundras can be found, literally the same size too-but they are pretty rare.

As for leafs, not sure what tire ya wanna run but I can stuff 33's no problem on the rear even before I added an extra leaf. Im running 265s on 16x8 4.25 back space (I think) now with only barely rubbing at full lock on the mud flaps on hills and stuff, I could run 33s easily with maybe some lift and trimming of the fender or maybe even 35's

Id run BJ spacers, your not gonna be able to bolt on the long travel I think. Good news is if you wanna do SFA a waggy axle fits great. As for sliders, never tried but the frame isnt anymore in than a mini truck Id say.

[Seanz0rz]

The first post had been updated with the latest .KMZ file. This file represents nearly our exact route, and includes some major revisions over the last files, especially around the lava fields and in the Mojave River. I hope that helps future visitors! I know it will help me in future planning!

[Crinale]

wont the long travel be standard travel on the t100? Also the frame is too far under the body to support sliders. I think you should just pack better and keep the tacoma. Stop reading expo forum too, those guys enjoy spending money to fix non-existent problems. :)

Troy the t100 has a wider frame, and uses the exact same suspension arms as the mini truck and 1st/2nd gen 4runner. Meaning my kit WILL bolt up, don't worry I have plans for that part ;). also, Troy, it wasn't packing that was the problem, I had PLENTY of room for all our stuff in the Taco this year, it was the sheer lack of leg room and upright seating position because of the single cab. The more I have been thinking about it, the more a T100 would fit my uses better than my Tacoma would.

CJM - Thanks for the added wisdom, I think because of your issues one of the first things I would do is weld on an axle truss to stiffen everything up before I do something similar. Also, leafs would not be to stuff bigger tires, but to get more travel, I'd set it up as an all round, mild rock crawler (Troy - if guys can do it in new double cabs, I know a t100 built right can too), and some speed, basically the same goal as I had on my 4Runner. But I would probably run minimum of 33s, probably more like 35s, I don't care about stock gearing because I'll be swapping in lockers and lower gears anyway.