Expedition Vehicles

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HenryJ
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Expedition Vehicles

Post by HenryJ »


"Speed doesn't kill, suddenly becoming stationary does." - Richard Hammond
"Speed is just a matter of Money - How fast do YOU want to go?"-Mechanic from Mad Max-
If at first you don't succeed - Don't take up Skydiving!
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Post by a2b »

a taco makes a great expedition vehicle. BUT, honestly if i were to make one, i might make one out of a k-5. chevy parts are freaking everywhere and if you break down, some one can help. also, getting rid of all the ecu's and stuff and going carbed is a good idea. the only thing about the k-5 is gas mileage. you would like to have a better gas mileage but then again, a mini truck with little lift and loaded still only gets 14 mpg.
[size=75] -HOBIE

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Post by border man »

The taco from expeditions west lives right around the corner from me. I have always seen the truck parked in the driveway and wondered what they were all about. Very cool looking truck, they also have a lifted Montero I believe. Small world. :shock:
[size=75]I didn't do it, it was already like that when I got it.[/size]
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Post by expeditionswest »

Hello all! I noticed a few hits coming from this site and checked it out. Then I see that Border Man is a neighbor!

Border Man,

Stop on by anytime... I know a few trails in CG that you might enjoy.
Scott Brady
www.expeditionswest.com
2004 Toyota Tacoma
1998 Isuzu Trooper
1994 Jeep Wrangler
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Post by adrenalnjunky »

Welcome to the site Scott!
[size=75]Thanks, CHRIS
2000 S10 Blazer 4x4 4Dr. -- 2" PA BodyLift, Daystar Shackles, TB Crank, 1.75" Rear wheel spacers, Yakima roofrack, 30" BFG AT's.
1969 VW Bug -- airbagged and in pieces.
1962 VW Karmann ghia -- rusting over in the corner. "That's not a tool--that's a damn brick!"[/size]
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Post by HenryJ »

expeditionswest wrote:Hello all! I noticed a few hits coming from this site and checked it out...
:wave: Thanks for taking the time to join us :mrgreen: Welcome!

"Speed doesn't kill, suddenly becoming stationary does." - Richard Hammond
"Speed is just a matter of Money - How fast do YOU want to go?"-Mechanic from Mad Max-
If at first you don't succeed - Don't take up Skydiving!
- ThunderII KE7CSK
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Post by jeff024 »

Welcome Scott :wave:
[size=75]2004 S-10 CREW CAB {TRADED IN}
........ 2006 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeff024/]PICS OF THE CREW CAB[/url][/size]
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Post by expeditionswest »

Thanks for the kind welcomes :D

I seriously considered the Canyon in the double cab configuration before buying my Tacoma. The double cabs make for such great utility IMO.

So do any of you use the s-10 for extended OHV travel, like into Mexico, or on some of the longer tracks in the west (White Rim, El Camino Del Diablo, etc.)?
Scott Brady
www.expeditionswest.com
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1998 Isuzu Trooper
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Post by border man »

Not yet :cry:
Unfortunately my truck sits about as high as my wifes taurus.
[size=75]I didn't do it, it was already like that when I got it.[/size]
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Post by kf6kmx »

border man wrote:Not yet :cry:
Unfortunately my truck sits about as high as my wifes taurus.
Tall Taurus.. :wink:
I know the feeling though, my only 'lift' at this point is the (slightly) taller tires..
[size=75]-Scott-----'03 CrewCab S10 - Pewter
[url]http://www.kf6kmx.net/s10tracker.asp[/url]<-- Follow this link to find my trucks current actual location! Updated whenever the ignition is on. (tracker radio is currently intermittant) Pioneer XM, MagnaFlow, Garmin GPS,Tornado AMS , APRS Tracker, 2m/440 Ham Radio, Vista Camper Shell (from SoCalDave) , JottoDesk laptop mount, Rancho 5000's, Revo 235 75R15 on stock rims[/size]
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Post by adrenalnjunky »

expeditionswest wrote:Thanks for the kind welcomes :D

I seriously considered the Canyon in the double cab configuration before buying my Tacoma. The double cabs make for such great utility IMO.

So do any of you use the s-10 for extended OHV travel, like into Mexico, or on some of the longer tracks in the west (White Rim, El Camino Del Diablo, etc.)?
I think that HenryJ might be one of the more expedition-rigged crews on the site - He'd have to fill you in more on what types of terrains he deals with, but I know he apparently has a lot of desert-like terrain he drives.

It's amazing that just in the last 12 months that the aftermarket has developed 2 different 6" lifts for a truck that essentially is now out of production. Before that there was the 5" trailmaster, and some pieces of junk sold by Truckin' Industtries.

The s-series has a few faults, including a front diff that really is stretched for off-road use on 33's, and stock gearing of either 3.42 or 3.73.

Oh and the fact that the front wheel wells can barely stuff a 31" tire without cutting.

Despite all of this, we persevere around here. I found your site a few months back while trying to get ideas on mods that might be do-able for building a "Get out there, and back again" kind of rig, without busting the bank account.

I find myself really interested in your Isuzu - drive-train and suspension wise you can have less than a grand in the suspension, and are running a 33" tire - did you have to re-gear the vehicle, and if so , how hard was it to find parts for it? For an IFS rig it seems to be very capable for a minimum of modification.
[size=75]Thanks, CHRIS
2000 S10 Blazer 4x4 4Dr. -- 2" PA BodyLift, Daystar Shackles, TB Crank, 1.75" Rear wheel spacers, Yakima roofrack, 30" BFG AT's.
1969 VW Bug -- airbagged and in pieces.
1962 VW Karmann ghia -- rusting over in the corner. "That's not a tool--that's a damn brick!"[/size]
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Post by barch97 »

expeditionswest wrote:So do any of you use the s-10 for extended OHV travel, like into Mexico, or on some of the longer tracks in the west (White Rim, El Camino Del Diablo, etc.)?
I risk life and limb to travel a forty mile stretch of the infamous garden state parkway five days a week. Does that count? :lol:


and welcome aboard
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Post by expeditionswest »

border man wrote:Not yet :cry:
Unfortunately my truck sits about as high as my wifes taurus.
Border Man,

Seriously, stop by the house. I work from home (most of the time), and would love an excuse to get out. I know several trails within 15 minutes of us that are a ton of fun for a stocker. I have been working like crazy lately, and would love an excuse to get out...

Just send me an email: guide@expeditionswest.com
Scott Brady
www.expeditionswest.com
2004 Toyota Tacoma
1998 Isuzu Trooper
1994 Jeep Wrangler
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Post by expeditionswest »

adrenalnjunky wrote:
I think that HenryJ might be one of the more expedition-rigged crews on the site...

...I find myself really interested in your Isuzu - drive-train and suspension wise you can have less than a grand in the suspension, and are running a 33" tire - did you have to re-gear the vehicle, and if so , how hard was it to find parts for it? For an IFS rig it seems to be very capable for a minimum of modification.
I know Henry (from another board). Good guy, and spends time on his modifications, looking for the best solution.

Regarding the Trooper: They are the ultimate sleeper vehicle. Tons of rear wheel travel, and a stout drivetrain (9 7/8" rear diff). You can purchase them reasonably, and fit a 33" tire with NO LIFT... I probably have about $450 into the suspension as you see it. It has been a great truck and 100% reliable. I havent even changed the brakes, and it has 94,000 miles on it :shock:

I did not regear the vehicle. It has 4.47 axle gearing from the factory and a very tight limited slip diff.
Scott Brady
www.expeditionswest.com
2004 Toyota Tacoma
1998 Isuzu Trooper
1994 Jeep Wrangler
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Post by HenryJ »

adrenalnjunky wrote:...I think that HenryJ might be one of the more expedition-rigged crews on the site - He'd have to fill you in more on what types of terrains he deals with, but I know he apparently has a lot of desert-like terrain he drives...
I'd like to call mine an expedition vehicle, but it is not quite there. Maybe they never are ;)

Image

I thought it was interesting...I weighed mine loaded for a four day dry camp. All gear , full on fuel three passengers, ok ... 2 1/2 :D
It weighs 5800 lbs :shock: I was pleased to find out that it is very well balanced though. I had exactly 2900 lbs on the front axle and 2900 lbs on the rear :D Mileage was acceptable. The best was 19.26 mpg , and the worst was 16.43 mpg. Lots of wind and hills were not helping matters on the latest trip.

I spend the majority of my time in the Owyhee desert. This is high mountian desert. Lots of sand, clay, broken basalt, shale, and volcanic rock. Altitude runs from 2000-8000 ft there are some areas a little higher, but most of our time is spent below 5000 ft.

"Speed doesn't kill, suddenly becoming stationary does." - Richard Hammond
"Speed is just a matter of Money - How fast do YOU want to go?"-Mechanic from Mad Max-
If at first you don't succeed - Don't take up Skydiving!
- ThunderII KE7CSK
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Post by expeditionswest »

HenryJ wrote:
I'd like to call mine an expedition vehicle, but it is not quite there. Maybe they never are ;) .
You truck is awesome, yet more importantly, you use it!

IMHO, any vehicle becomes an expedition rig, as soon as you embark on the journey. I am of the stringent opinion that money is much better spent on fuel going somewhere than a modification that takes gas money and time off...
HenryJ wrote:I spend the majority of my time in the Owyhee desert...
That brings back some GREAT memories :D
Scott Brady
www.expeditionswest.com
2004 Toyota Tacoma
1998 Isuzu Trooper
1994 Jeep Wrangler
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Post by gocntry »

HenryJ wrote:It weighs 5800 lbs. I had exactly 2900 lbs on the front axle and 2900 lbs on the rear
Ok Sticker On My Truck Says GVWR 5150 W/ Front @ 2800 & Rear @ 2700
So...

Does That Make You 650 lbs Over? 5800 - 5150

Or

Does That Make You 300 lbs Over? 2900 + 2900=5800 - 2800 + 2700=5500

OR

Am I Still Lost And Confused :?:
The Crew Is Gone, Now I Have A Hoe
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Post by adrenalnjunky »

sounds like some creative math there on GM's part.

last time I checked: 2800+2700 doesn't equal 5150 (No telling where GM gets these numbers)
[size=75]Thanks, CHRIS
2000 S10 Blazer 4x4 4Dr. -- 2" PA BodyLift, Daystar Shackles, TB Crank, 1.75" Rear wheel spacers, Yakima roofrack, 30" BFG AT's.
1969 VW Bug -- airbagged and in pieces.
1962 VW Karmann ghia -- rusting over in the corner. "That's not a tool--that's a damn brick!"[/size]
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Post by HenryJ »

gocntry wrote: Does That Make You 650 lbs Over? 5800 - 5150...Or... 300 lbs Over? 2900 + 2900=5800 - 2800 + 2700=5500
Good catch! :D
Yes it doe make it over, however I have upgraded the tires, widened the track, upgraded the shocks and beefed up the rear springs.

It feels good and handles the weight well, so I am going to call it good. This was loaded heavier than the usual trip, since I was planning on a 4 day dry camp.

Thanks for bringing it up though :thumb: I am going to skip a few meals , and try to shave some weight as I can.

"Speed doesn't kill, suddenly becoming stationary does." - Richard Hammond
"Speed is just a matter of Money - How fast do YOU want to go?"-Mechanic from Mad Max-
If at first you don't succeed - Don't take up Skydiving!
- ThunderII KE7CSK
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Re: Expedition Vehicles

Post by border man »

HJ's new mod got me thinking of expedition vehicles and how I really want one. Recently (1-2 years) my bosses (somewhere in D.C.) have begun listening to the troops and acquiring us more purpose suited vehicles for the job. I'm talking about 4X4 transport vans, versus the 2 wheel drive ones we've had for ever. The 2 wheel drive ones were a real pain in the ass unless you needed transport right on a paved or graded dirt road (these don't exist on the reservation). Well anyways we've been slowly building up our fleet of Quigley modified 4X4 E-350 Ford vans and man-o-man these are sweet. It's like driving a lifted F-250. You get the solid axles and beefy suspension. I'd love to have one of these for myself. So much room. Image
[size=75]I didn't do it, it was already like that when I got it.[/size]
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Re: Expedition Vehicles

Post by HenryJ »

What an awesome platform! Add a RTT, winch bike rack and fridge. All set to go! Boy if those start showing up on the GSA sales watch out!

"Speed doesn't kill, suddenly becoming stationary does." - Richard Hammond
"Speed is just a matter of Money - How fast do YOU want to go?"-Mechanic from Mad Max-
If at first you don't succeed - Don't take up Skydiving!
- ThunderII KE7CSK
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Re: Expedition Vehicles

Post by adrenalnjunky »

The quigley-converted vans are what Sportsmobile has been building their setups on. I'd love to get one of these.

Image
[size=75]Thanks, CHRIS
2000 S10 Blazer 4x4 4Dr. -- 2" PA BodyLift, Daystar Shackles, TB Crank, 1.75" Rear wheel spacers, Yakima roofrack, 30" BFG AT's.
1969 VW Bug -- airbagged and in pieces.
1962 VW Karmann ghia -- rusting over in the corner. "That's not a tool--that's a damn brick!"[/size]
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Re: Expedition Vehicles

Post by adrenalnjunky »

nevermind - appears Sportsmobile West has started doing thier own 4x4 conversions too.

http://www.sportsmobile.com/sections/4x ... x4cost.pdf
[size=75]Thanks, CHRIS
2000 S10 Blazer 4x4 4Dr. -- 2" PA BodyLift, Daystar Shackles, TB Crank, 1.75" Rear wheel spacers, Yakima roofrack, 30" BFG AT's.
1969 VW Bug -- airbagged and in pieces.
1962 VW Karmann ghia -- rusting over in the corner. "That's not a tool--that's a damn brick!"[/size]