Assistance with trip planning Mojave Road and Gen 3 Specific

[Offroadmuch]

I would like to do a trip on the Mojave Road with my Gen 3. Like this: http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...w-Years-Mojave-Road-Trip-You-re-Invited/page4

I do not have a lift. It sounds like it is just about do-able but I am not sure. There is some water at the Afton canyon that may be too deep but again I am not sure. I think the water crossing looks about like this right now:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9xwkuGuGe4

Can any of you who know this area give me your opinion on whether a 100% stock Montero gen 3 can do this route? I know that no one can predict my success and I could screw up all on my own.

Thank you!

 

[Inyo_man]

You'll be fine in a stock Gen. III.

Although, if you have P rated tires, I'd watch your driving closely.
Additionally, the latest reports from that area have the "dry lake bed" not very dry.
Be very cautious about crossing that area if there is any standing water (there is an alternate route).

Have fun!

 

[Offroadmuch]

You'll be fine in a stock Gen. III.

Although, if you have P rated tires, I'd watch your driving closely.
Additionally, the latest reports from that area have the "dry lake bed" not very dry.
Be very cautious about crossing that area if there is any standing water (there is an alternate route).

Have fun!

Much appreciated. As far as water crossing, any vehicle modifications needed for 15-30" deep? Honestly, I would probably go directly to the alternative route.

 

[MagicMtnDan]

You'll be fine in your stock rig.

The only concerns, as noted, are the stock tires and the wet terrain. As you know we've been getting good amounts of rain lately so the terrain across Soda Lake could be iffy. You already know about the water crossing at Afton Canyon which you can avoid.

Have a great time!

 

[nwoods]

The trick to water crossing is very simple: gentle steady throttle pressure. You want to go slow, but fast enough to maintain headway. What you want is a bow wave, pushing ahead of the vehicle, but NOT up over the hood.

 

[nwoods]

Also, the portion of trail just east of Afton Canyon is soft sand. You'll want to air down to increase floatation, which means you'll need the ability to air back up again when you hit pavement.

Your stock Gen 3 will do great on the Mojave Trail. It was literally made for it.

 

[Offroadmuch]

The trick to water crossing is very simple: gentle steady throttle pressure. You want to go slow, but fast enough to maintain headway. What you want is a bow wave, pushing ahead of the vehicle, but NOT up over the hood.

Thanks for the advice. I saw a picture of an FJ going through Afton Canyon with a big splash so I started to wonder about a snorkel but I am not going to install one, I will go around if necessary.

 

[nwoods]

Don't go around. Afton water crossing is one of the rare opportunities in SoCak to experience a water crossing and it should be embraced, not feared. It's simple, it's the basic rule of off roading:

Go as slow as possible, but as fast as necessary. In this case, you just need to watch the bow wave and adjust throttle as necessary. You don't want speed, just enough power to push all the water ahead of you and to maintain steady forward motion. I have led many, many MT trips comprised of vehicles of all kinds of types, and NONE have had an issue.

 

[Offroadmuch]

Thanks to all for the advice. Trying to get some things done with my truck and gear and then I will hit this on a 3 or 4 day weekend.

 

[mojavephonebooth]

Don't go around the water crossing its the best part. I have done it numerous times in my stock Jeep JKU, my 2010 Tacoma, and my f150 FX4. on all of these the air filter intake height was fine. The deepest I have ever seen the crossing was 30". The main deal is you do not want water to enter your transmission, transfer case, or axles. On my Tacoma I raised the rear axle breather tube to the top of my bed, and added 6" to the front breather tube. On my Jeep I raised each axle tube 12", took about 10 minutes, On my F150 I raised everything, took about an hour. I used 5/16 brass splicers, and all SS hose clamps. On all of these vehicles the factory hoses were just pushed on so I added an all SS hose clamp the each one. If you don't know what I'm talking about, get under your vehicle and look at each axle, the trans and transfer case. Now look for a soft tube that looks like a fuel line, follow it to the end most will have a little cap, white or silver this is a little breather/dust cap. Now make sure its at least 36" high from the ground. Easy peasy! Also note what side your air intake is on and measure how high the lowest air intake point is it might be inside the fender as on my Tacoma. Write that down, I used a sharpie and wrote it on the inside of my windshield, that way if in doubt walk it out and measure the water crossing. Good luck, and go slow.

 

[Offroadmuch]

Don't go around the water crossing its the best part. I have done it numerous times in my stock Jeep JKU, my 2010 Tacoma, and my f150 FX4. on all of these the air filter intake height was fine. The deepest I have ever seen the crossing was 30". The main deal is you do not want water to enter your transmission, transfer case, or axles. On my Tacoma I raised the rear axle breather tube to the top of my bed, and added 6" to the front breather tube. On my Jeep I raised each axle tube 12", took about 10 minutes, On my F150 I raised everything, took about an hour. I used 5/16 brass splicers, and all SS hose clamps. On all of these vehicles the factory hoses were just pushed on so I added an all SS hose clamp the each one. If you don't know what I'm talking about, get under your vehicle and look at each axle, the trans and transfer case. Now look for a soft tube that looks like a fuel line, follow it to the end most will have a little cap, white or silver this is a little breather/dust cap. Now make sure its at least 36" high from the ground. Easy peasy! Also note what side your air intake is on and measure how high the lowest air intake point is it might be inside the fender as on my Tacoma. Write that down, I used a sharpie and wrote it on the inside of my windshield, that way if in doubt walk it out and measure the water crossing. Good luck, and go slow.

Breathers and air intake was my biggest concern. I will check out breather height and see how it looks. Thanks