Barlowrs 06 Taco Expo Build Thread

Educate me please. I see why on a Hummer a high snorkel makes sense. They are diesel and other than when first starting them, they require no electrical for running the engine. Therefore, as long as the intake stays out of the water, they can run through very deep water. But with a gas engine which requires the electrical to fire every time, wouldn't things start shorting out once water reached the spark plug or alternator level? Just curious.

Awesome truck btw.

 

Well first and foremost, snorkels are actually designed for dust, not water.Originated in Australia and used on convoys going through the desert. The higher intake gets air above the larger dust particles. This is a benefit on ANY engine.

Water crossings are a byproduct, however you are correct, gasoline engines do not like water, which is why I will drive miles in either direction to avoidvery deep crossings. That being said I have been in situations where there was no other way, and I am prepared for these situations. The snorkel is just one piece of many to make my truck more LIKELY to make it if I need to, but never a guarantee, hence why I avoid deep water. In addition to the snorkel, I have relocated and sealed my ECU, all electrical connections (well critical ones) are doused in di-electric paste. Breathers (gas, tranny, xsfer case, front diff, actuator,and rear dif) are all extended and routed into the snorkel. Also have a way to tie off my fan (until I get an electric fan swap).

As far as gasoline engines needing the spark, the plugs are sealed quite well, so for short crossings, its unlikely water will get in and stop your engine from firing. Also with a proper bow wave, you can keep quite a bit of water out of your engine even if water the level is technically above your engine. If you stop on the middle of the water, your in some trouble though…always keep going.

 

After that last reply, I wonder what you consider to be "deep?"

 

Anything deep enough to hit any of the vital areas that have not been worked on. If you have not extended your rear breather, deep would be to your pumpkin. If you have not extended your other breathers, deep would be to those points, intake, etc. If you start going past the level of your body, and have not sealed your cab vents, thats too deep. Personally, I have been in a situation where the standing water level (keep in mind I had a nice bow wave going when I drove it) was up to my chest when I walked it. Thats right at my side mirrors. This was due to a nasty flash flood scenario, that I had to get through (water level increased VERY quickly). If I didnt have to get back quickly, I would normally have just camped and waited it out rather than risk it. at the end of the day, its dangerous and can cause a lot of harm to you truck if you dont know how to handle it (how to restart after hydrolocking, etc).

 

great looking truck

 

Great build just read through the whole thing. Looking forward to updates.

 

I would like to see the light writeup. On the paint, do you prime before?

 

Which light writeup? Paint on my armor? If so, I would prime with regular rustolium primer, but on all my touch-ups since, I never re-prime, just paint over the dents and scrapes.

 

sweet lookin rig dude!! i am trying to do the roofrack for the access cab too. i was thinking about finding one for a jeep and just trimming it and see how that works out. but love the truck. look forward to seeing that roofrack

 

I love your truck

 

wow great truck......can you build me the same septum for the aux fuze box lol, well done man...

 

sub'd for tires

 

Nice build buddy very clean

 

CHECK OUT THE MARCH/APRIL ISSUE OF 4WD TOYOTA OWNERS MAG....I MADE IT!!! WOOO HOOOOOO

A few pics from the original photo shoot (form original post made on TTORA and Expo):

Anyway, their photographer, Joel Moranton (www.Moranton.com) was cool enough to jump in my rig for a day of wheeling and pictures. I must say, this guy is talented! the pics speak for themselves, my truck really isn’t this pretty, it’s all his photography skills! He is a great guy too.


I am not sure if I will actually be in the mag yet, that has to be determined later once they examine the other 2nd gen competition, but the opportunity was cool enough for me. anyway, here are some pics:

 

^Nice pics and congrats on the magazine!!!

 

Truck looks amazing, tire gate is my favorite part, good work

 

hell yea! well deserved magazine spot!

 

x2, very well deserved. One of my favorites on here.

 

Reading the mag right now. Well deserved!! And of course.. Such a great build thread.

 

That was just up Cleghorn trail ou there in So Cal. Not very technical at all, but the photographer was good at making the trail look more dificult than it was.