Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park, WA
Hello All
About 6 months ago I purchased this 2002 Tacoma 4x4 w/ 2.7l 4cyl with a 3rd pedal off of Craigslist in the Bay Area. All while I was on my way back from McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Before I left for work I was starting the conversion of my '96 Dodge 3500 but soon realized the unknown cost and design that were required to build a well rounded overlanding vehicle. So when I stumbled on the ad I really appreciated the creative thought and design of the truck. (I may add we had no internet for 5 weeks, let alone downtime to surf the net) Luckily my Father being a car nut as well, he was able to look at the truck and sent a short 20 second video. From that pixelated clip I was sold, the truck was at the house the next week waiting for me to return home. About a month later I finally got to drive the truck, what a difference going from a Dodge 3500 to a SC Tacoma mainly being able to park in SF again. I was so excited to hit the road that I went up to Washington State to see some friends with no second thoughts about the truck. From SF to Port Angeles in 15 hours, only stopping for gas the Taco Box worked great just as a Tacoma should.
Upgrades when purchased:
Six Pac aluminum contractor shell - Modified with RV vent/fan, side windows, and foam insulation
National Luna Portable Batter System
ARB Fridge
Raised Bed Platform with storage compartments
Icon 2.5 Coil Overs / 2.0 Emulsion Shocks
ARB Front Bumper w/ Winch
Light Force Lights
Chinese Rigid D2's
Rock Lights
Marlin Crawler Clutch Kit
255/85/16 BFG Mud Terrains
All Pro Xfer Case Armor
4.10 Gears F/R
Snorkel Kit
Before I left for the trip I purchased an ARB Awning and just mounted it with some angle iron brackets.
Modifications I have done:
American Racing Baja's - 16x8
General Grabbers - 285/75/16
100w Solar Panel
ARB Awning
New Marlin Crawler Clutch
Alcan Springs - Custom 1.5" Lift w/ +300 lbs payload
SS Steel brake lines
Camburg Upper Control Arms
Garmin - Montana 610t
Spidertrax Wheel Spacers
100 watt flexible solar panel from Amazon and a solar controller. I think both with cables were $120? I have it trickle charging the rear batter so the fridge doesn't drain it after 4 days.
I picked up the Garmin on my way back from Washington, relatively pricey but compared to the Lowrance and Magellan units this fit more uses for me. I did have to buy another map package, but its great for hiking and traveling. I used it up in Greenland while exploring.
And of course being in California there is beach camping and surfing. Here my buddy and I spent a few days in SoCal soaking up the sun and having some brews. *Note - I keep all my cooking and misc camping gear in that green foot locker.
Thanks for reading!
Glad to join a big community of like minded people.
-Loren
