3rd Gen 4Runner on Rubicon

[Mr. Leary]

In case you guys weren't tired yet of my questions, I will ask another: :sombrero:

Should I attempt the Rubicon in my truck as it sits? The question is phrased "should" not "can", I know it "can" but you "can" also get to England in a row boat, but it would be miserable and dangerous. So, about my junk...

I have a 99' 4Runner with a rear locker and its well armored. 255/85/R16 tires and stock gears. It is definitely not a rock srawler, but I have done some relatively difficult stuff with it before (slowly).

Ideally, I would like to have better gearing and a front locker as well, but that is further down the timeline then my opportunity this year to drive the Rubicon.

 

[Cackalak Han]

If you do, take lots of pics and vids!

 

[shawkins]

Mr. Leary, go do it! I'm planning on running the 'con in my 4Runner this summer when I go on my 21'er road trip down to Vegas.

Although I've never been to the "con", from everything I've gathered, your rig will make it through no problem! A rear locker should be all you need.

Go run it and post some pics! I love seeing 3rd gens conquering the 'con!

 

[BajaRunner]

Never done it myself, but have always wanted to. I would like to see how it goes for you. Should be OK as long as you have a good spotter and go slow

 

[Applejack]

Are you going to be okay with damaging your vehicle? Of course this does not mean you *will* but that it how is how it was put to me when my wife and I were going to do it in a nicely built cherokee we had. We opted to ride along with a buddy in his flat fender willys instead.

You've got to think about caved body panels and broken axles, assume it will happen and then decide yes or no.
Again maybe you will go unscathed but maybe not.

It was the most extreme wheeling I've ever been a part of and I've heard that it's even worse, now some 6 or seven years later.

 

[shawkins]

Are you going to be okay with damaging your vehicle? Of course this does not mean you *will* but that it how is how it was put to me when my wife and I were going to do it in a nicely built cherokee we had. We opted to ride along with a buddy in his flat fender willys instead.

You've got to think about caved body panels and broken axles, assume it will happen and then decide yes or no.
Again maybe you will go unscathed but maybe not.

It was the most extreme wheeling I've ever been a part of and I've heard that it's even worse, now some 6 or seven years later.

With all the armor he has on his rig, I would like to think he would be fine. Front, side and rear protection. I wish I had it all on my runner already, but thats what Im shooting for this summer.

 

[Applejack]

I know it's nicely built but I also know what the 'Con does to vehicles. It's claimed many body panels and if he's not okay with that, than he shouldn't do it, if he is, than he should take as much video as possible:sombrero:. If you are wise than you have to consider what is possible not just what is probable. Which I think is the reason why he is asking, I think.

 

[AndrewP]

I lead the wagon run during Rubithon every year, and have a perspective on this.

You can do it, but with out a front locker it won't be pretty. You will need to be prepared to completely rebuild your front end on the trail as well. If you have spares, and can wrench on your truck, it's doable. Go in a small group of friends, so that when you are moving slowly and conservatively they won't get tired of stacking rocks, hauling winch cables and the like.

No matter what anyone says, the c/v half shafts are not that strong, and not nearly as strong as a mini-truck solid axle, so just accept that you might break, and that you need to be conservative. Be willing to winch or strap early and often. To me this is the most common error that first timers make. They bring a nice winch, that can save them a ton of pain, and then they don't want to use it.

I can almost promise you that you will have some body damage. If that would ruin your day, don't go. A long time Rubicon veteran told me my first trip to expect 1 new good dent each trip through. That's about right, and if your truck slips around more than average because of no front locker, you can expect more dents. I've been though there about 20 times, and my FJ40 has the dents to prove it, especially from the early years.

True story...We went through one time with one of our guys who had a 4 runner like yours. Rear locker, moderate lift, moderate tires, generally driven well. We were all patient and careful. At the end the only straight body panel was the hood, and the truck went home on a trailer due to some major suspension damage to the IFS-It wouldn't drive right on the road even though it was mobile.

Another true story...The Colorado club came for Rubithon 2 years ago and one of their guys (he posts here too) had an IFS truck. He did quite well and really didn't have major problems. I think just a rear spring broke. Again, he drove well and conservatively. DOn't know if he has a front locker. There is an element of luck to all of this, and not all breakage can be predicted.

Another...I've seen a bunch of FJCs do well at Rubithon and they have a similar suspension to yours. I've also seen several with spectacular breakage and damage. One poor soul last year was dragged into Rubicon SPrings and had broken both front half shafts. I do not have a clue how he got up Cadillac Hill after that, especially since I don't think he had parts with him.

Anyway, good luck. One thing I can predict....If you do Rubicon, you will come home plotting a SAS. That's normal/expected.

When do you plan on doing it?

Send me a PM if you want to talk specifically about it.

 

[Applejack]

Nicely put.

 

[Cambo]

Even with AndrewP's sound (a little scary) advice, I say go for it! As long as you have a couple of other rigs with you, spare parts and a winch and drive careful you should be able to make it realatively unscathed. The difficulty aside, you may not have another chance to drive the Rubicon and that is what you will be kicking yourself for later!! Dents and axles can be fixed!!

 

[zidaro]

I lead the wagon run during Rubithon every year, and have a perspective on this.

You can do it, but with out a front locker it won't be pretty. You will need to be prepared to completely rebuild your front end on the trail as well. If you have spares, and can wrench on your truck, it's doable. Go in a small group of friends, so that when you are moving slowly and conservatively they won't get tired of stacking rocks, hauling winch cables and the like.

No matter what anyone says, the c/v half shafts are not that strong, and not nearly as strong as a mini-truck solid axle, so just accept that you might break, and that you need to be conservative. Be willing to winch or strap early and often. To me this is the most common error that first timers make. They bring a nice winch, that can save them a ton of pain, and then they don't want to use it.

I can almost promise you that you will have some body damage. If that would ruin your day, don't go. A long time Rubicon veteran told me my first trip to expect 1 new good dent each trip through. That's about right, and if your truck slips around more than average because of no front locker, you can expect more dents. I've been though there about 20 times, and my FJ40 has the dents to prove it, especially from the early years.

True story...We went through one time with one of our guys who had a 4 runner like yours. Rear locker, moderate lift, moderate tires, generally driven well. We were all patient and careful. At the end the only straight body panel was the hood, and the truck went home on a trailer due to some major suspension damage to the IFS-It wouldn't drive right on the road even though it was mobile.

Another true story...The Colorado club came for Rubithon 2 years ago and one of their guys (he posts here too) had an IFS truck. He did quite well and really didn't have major problems. I think just a rear spring broke. Again, he drove well and conservatively. DOn't know if he has a front locker. There is an element of luck to all of this, and not all breakage can be predicted.

Another...I've seen a bunch of FJCs do well at Rubithon and they have a similar suspension to yours. I've also seen several with spectacular breakage and damage. One poor soul last year was dragged into Rubicon SPrings and had broken both front half shafts. I do not have a clue how he got up Cadillac Hill after that, especially since I don't think he had parts with him.

Anyway, good luck. One thing I can predict....If you do Rubicon, you will come home plotting a SAS. That's normal/expected.

When do you plan on doing it?

Send me a PM if you want to talk specifically about it.

All sound advice, esp. coming from one who has to lead big groups of inexperienced wheelers. I would put that all with a grain-o-salt though. Worst case scenarios should be prepared for.

Leary- I flipped thru your build info/shots. Do you have a winch?? thats a big one for a rig like yours- you will need it or suffer said damage/certain breakage. As above, know when to fold- use the winch.

I've run the Rubi. and other trails much harder many times with a decent rig and have been out on trails with guys that have much milder rigs and breakage is seldom if you are cautious and slow. The Rubi. is a very challenging trail for some, others consider it a walk in the park. Your experience only you know. I saw the shots on your build- i will tell you that the EASY sections of the Rubi. are harder than anything you have posted. Not trying to diss you, just keep it real.
I have seen stock rigs can run the Rubi. greatest i ever saw was a GEO Tracker in stock form(100%). He suffered no breakage but massive body damage.
YOu will use your sliders, rear/front bumper, and under skids bigtime - i noticed your gastank and rear lower control arms---unprotected. they will suffer and could cause probs. Rear bumper and rear corners/behind rear fender are also big hit areas- guard it or expect it.

Use the most conservative lines, go slow as you can, use a good spotter(out of the rig)- It'll be the best trip you ever had!!!!

some basic Rubi. shots with VERY normal trail challenge--

If you see this guy-- BE NICE!

JUST DO IT!! but be prepared

 

[SOAZ]

In case you guys weren't tired yet of my questions, I will ask another: :sombrero:

Should I attempt the Rubicon in my truck as it sits? The question is phrased "should" not "can", I know it "can" but you "can" also get to England in a row boat, but it would be miserable and dangerous. So, about my junk...

I have a 99' 4Runner with a rear locker and its well armored. 255/85/R16 tires and stock gears. It is definitely not a rock srawler, but I have done some relatively difficult stuff with it before (slowly).

Ideally, I would like to have better gearing and a front locker as well, but that is further down the timeline then my opportunity this year to drive the Rubicon.

I can tell you that I have a friend who did it alone in a 4x4 tacoma with 33x10.50x15 BFG all terrains and the factory rear locker. No sliders and nothing else. No body damage too. Just take your time and be careful. That being said... I wouldn't try it alone or without the knowledge that "stuff" happens and I better be okay with body damage and repair bills. Maybe big ones! :victory:

 

[Cackalak Han]

All sound advice, esp. coming from one who has to lead big groups of inexperienced wheelers. I would put that all with a grain-o-salt though. Worst case scenarios should be prepared for.

Leary- I flipped thru your build info/shots. Do you have a winch?? thats a big one for a rig like yours- you will need it or suffer said damage/certain breakage. As above, know when to fold- use the winch.

I've run the Rubi. and other trails much harder many times with a decent rig and have been out on trails with guys that have much milder rigs and breakage is seldom if you are cautious and slow. The Rubi. is a very challenging trail for some, others consider it a walk in the park. Your experience only you know. I saw the shots on your build- i will tell you that the EASY sections of the Rubi. are harder than anything you have posted. Not trying to diss you, just keep it real.
I have seen stock rigs can run the Rubi. greatest i ever saw was a GEO Tracker in stock form(100%). He suffered no breakage but massive body damage.
YOu will use your sliders, rear/front bumper, and under skids bigtime - i noticed your gastank and rear lower control arms---unprotected. they will suffer and could cause probs. Rear bumper and rear corners/behind rear fender are also big hit areas- guard it or expect it.

Use the most conservative lines, go slow as you can, use a good spotter(out of the rig)- It'll be the best trip you ever had!!!!

some basic Rubi. shots with VERY normal trail challenge--

Nice pictures! Do you have a build thread?

 

[Mr. Leary]

I have a Warn 9000 winch and all related support gear. If I attempt this, I already plan on investing in some bridging ladders and was contemplating some pucks for extra lift (So I can disconnect both sway bars and have a bit less rubbing). I knew this trail was nasty, and have done a bit of hiking in the area(s).

The largest concern I have at this point after the feedback (Thanks all) is the driveability afterwards. You can do a lot to limp out of a nasty hole, but... I live in Texas. You do the math.

So I think consensus has established that it would be fun, doable, and I would have some dents to show for it.

May I now ask for some recommendations as far as mods that I need (Other than winch and rear locker) to make this a more pleasant experience if/when I go (Its definitely on the list, and I go to Cali every year):

What mods / gear?

 

[AndrewP]

There is some truth to the idea that it gets easier each time. You know the lines and the approach so you can focus more on what you are doing and less on route finding and worry about what's next.

With the "run" group which is 15-20 trucks we take the MOST conservative lines at every chance, to minimize breakage and down time. We spot each of the known hard spots. Plus, most of the wagons tend to be 80s which seem to rarely break. Last year we had a bunch of FJ60s on the run and they did very well too. Even taking the most conservative lines, we still managed to break 1 axle shaft, some leaf springs, lost a diff plug and most trucks got a dent or two. Not bad for a big group in 4 days on the Rubicon. I ran it both ways and didn't get a single dent, for I think the first time ever.

One common feature though, is that everyone on our run had a solid front axle. The steering linkage with the IFS looks light duty, I think I would worry the most about that. I don't know my generations of 4Runners, but does 3rd generation mean rack and pinion steering?

With all that said, for the OP, if you have one chance to do the Rubicon, and this year is your chance, then heck yes you should do it. It really is a great experience and one you will never forget. There are harder trails, and longer trails, but few that have the hour by hour challenge of the Rubicon. or the sense of "mission accomplished" at the end. It's 3 days to go 12 miles more or less. That alone should tell you something.