Black Bear Pass in a Stock-ish 3rd Gen?

Wanted to see what locals thought about going about BBP in a Tacoma SR 4x4, main mods include:

-Eaton TrueTrac LSD Rear
-Toyo A/T III Tires
-TRD Pro Skid Plate
-ARB Front Recovery Point

I like to think I'm halfway decent with trailing but do you feel a lift and larger tires are necessary (or much safer) for a Tacoma to tackle this pass?

Thanks!

 

I have never done it but from what I have seen the real challenging section is the steps and the switch backs. The question would be how confident are you with the pucker factor and are you running (C) or (E) load rated tires then what PSI are you comfortable airing down to? Then find someone to go with that has done it before. You probably be fine with (C) load rated tires but figure out that PSI? And be very aware of the weather forecast. I have seen videos of Subarus and other small SUV's do it. As well as a Dodge Ram P/U, that is what I would avoid.

 

I have done some 11,000 ft. climbs in CA with pretty gnarly dropoffs so I believe I will be okay there.

I run C-rated tires, usually around 15 psi for most trails.

Having a (good) spotter seems to be key from the videos I've watched.

 

C rated tires are fine (ran it multiple times with them) I usually go 20 with full camping gear.
No need for lift or larger tires.
The difficulty/stigma comes from exposure and switchbacks. It's doable, but patience and extra eyes are a must.
My clutch knee was worn out at the first real switchback.

 

You will be fine

 

Thanks all!

 

I followed a bone stock regular cab down back in 2018. I thought he might roll his truck and die several times, but he made it.






Just ran this again last week and the optional ledge at the top that was kind of a fun obstacle has been completely filled in this year. Kinda a disappointment since there was already a bypass and it was the only uphill obstacle on the way up. Coming down, there are at least two spots that are downhill, off camber, with front driver dipping hard and where rolling is a legitimate fear. Keep yourself level through there and I think the rest is no big deal.

Once you get down to the point you can see the the town of telluride, and the airport, it's not too bad, IMO. It scary there till the switchbacks because you want to look around, but it's narrow and off camber and if you roll you go down forever. Go slow, appply careful, steady brakes, and dont slam on them. Back up ten times if you need to in the turns.

 

so you're saying there is a chance!

 

"Coming down, there are at least two spots that are downhill, off camber, with front driver dipping hard and where rolling is a legitimate fear."

Littles, is this a justified fear, or do the dips just make you feel uncomfortable?

 

You've never done it and are giving advice on it? Lol

Did it on load C 31's 20psi
Found the switchbacks to be easy and everything else leading up to it tricky
2" F 0" R at the time, put a few dings in it and came down on a steel rear bumper
4th gen T4R on 3" lift 35's behind me didn't think it was possible

Not about to waste time slowing down 1 trail in a loop with multiple getting out to spot on a trail that isn't hard enough to need one

"from the videos I've watched" Lol

 

Legtimate. Justified. Real...whatever you want to call it. It makes my butthole pucker and yes I'm uncomfortable coming down those sorts of things. YMMV.

We had a truck in my group float his rear passenger tire coming down that section this year, and I remember watching that regular cab years ago was teetering going down one of the two spots i am referring to. Its not a technical trail but the bottom line is that it's possible to make a mistake in line choice and have serious consequences. I have no problem getting out and stopping to spot as many times as is necessary to get me and my group down safely.