BigMike’s Big Journey: New 2016 Tacoma

July 13, 2017 (continued): TLCA's Annual Rubithon Event -- The Tacoma's first baby steps on the Rubicon!

With the limited visibility of the Tacoma I knew I'd want a Co-pilot so I invited our newest sales employee Trevor with me who had never been on the Rubicon nor in my Tacoma. So it was extra extra special for us all!

Here we are getting gas!



Getting more gas and a sunset!



Getting last minute supplies in Pollock Pines, CA



At 11pm we finally made it to Loon Lake and connected with our group who was fast asleep!

 

July 14, 2017: TLCA's Annual Rubithon Event -- The Tacoma's first baby steps on the Rubicon!

Airing down next to the World Famous Crawler Truck about to hit the World Famous Rubicon Trail in my NEW and EXCITING DUAL CASE TACOMA!!!!!!



I will be leading a group of seven built and experienced Toyotas on our annual Marlin Crawler "Sweep Run", where our group is the last group to enter the Rubicon during each Toyota Land Cruiser Association's Rubithon event (http://rubithon.com) with the responsibility of repairing and helping any broken down or struggling rigs on the trail between Loon Lake and the main Springs Campground.

Helping others and giving back to the community has always been the Marlin Crawler way and we always look forward to this event. In fact, since the event started in 1988, we have only missed two. The unique and fun aspect about our Sweep Run is that we never know what to expect: We might come across 10+ broken rigs so it is my job as trail leader to maintain a brisk pace to complete the majority of the Rubicon trail in one shot & get everyone safely to camp that night.

First actual serious trail for the Tacoma: CHECK
First time as Trail Leader in the Tacoma: CHECK
Less than 24 hours on a new suspension system: CHECK
Less than 24 hours on new-to-me 37" tires: CHECK
Have a Marlin Crawler Dual Ultimate TacoBox: CHECK!!! Let's do this!

 

Ugh, I'd love to run a dual transfer case in my '17 2.7 5speed

If you need any testers.... hah

 

This truck is so rad!

 

Damn, now you have me thinking about a TacoBox for my 2003 Double Cab. Also, the current 10% off sale makes things interesting... and 50% off shipping on web orders over $334...

And I don't even care to go rock crawling! I just like being out deep away from people in the mountains and in Nevada/Utah...

 

Ohh man time for a Crawler!! We've got many 3RZ-FE & 2TR-FE 2.7-liter Dual Case (as well as Triple Case) setups running around--I don't believe a 3rd gen yet--but what we're looking for is a 6cyl with Crawl Control. We put the call-out for this about 6 months ago but haven't pushed it yet, however we will be releasing many new Install Guides this winter/spring and will definitely need a rig when that time comes around.

There are many reasons other than Rock Crawling to get a TacoBox:

• Massively reduced risk of anything breaking in 4WD.
• Greatly increased control on all terrains including snow and sand.
  • Far surpasses so-called "Crawl Control"
• Less bouncing = Longer suspension life, Cargo don't get jarred around.
• Greatly magnified engine compression braking = Longer brake component life.
• Less tire slip and zero chance of tire burn-out = Longer lasting tires.
• More gentle on all surface types (The ultimate in Treadlightly!)
• Greatly increased torque at any engine RPM = Reduced throttle usage = Much quieter vehicle operation (Deer hunters LOVE this benefit).
• Increases reaction time which greatly helps prevent accidents and injury regardless of application.

Perhaps the best part is that it's only needed when you need it: When the TacoBox is in High Range, your truck returns to it's 100% stock operation in all 2WD & 4WD modes. Same city & highway MPG, and the same stock low range that you're used to.

Moving this thread forward, I need to figure out how to handle trip reports. I sorted out my Rubithon pictures and have over 100 of just the Tacoma. That's way too many for a build thread.... I might start a dedicated Trip Reports thread and then reference to that whenever there are event photos/reports to share.

I'm gonna try to find some time this week to really get this thread updated. More to come soon-

 

Wait, you guys were looking for a v6 with crawl control and no one jumped on that!? I'd take the week off and drive down and fly back if you wanted a test rat lol.

 

I have a 2016. With crawl control and a v6. And 37’s. And I live close to marlin.

 

Are the R155F and R156F transmissions the same with the exception of the lower first/second gear and triple synchro first gear? I believe those are the only changes but who knows

 

@BigMike, I sent you a PM.

I gots questions...

 

I'm disappointed you went with those baby 37's.

 

Shhh...I beat you too it...sleep...only dreams now.

 

Awesome build and documentation. Thoroughly enjoyed reading through it! Looking forward to more updates

 

Why is that?

 

New vehicle bloat.

 

Yeah, I'm just surprised about the ground clearance.

 

Yeah, that's a huge difference. But I'd much rather daily a new tacoma and have a hilux as a trail rig.

 

Is Marlin Crawler going to start selling 3rd gen accessories? By the way, I do have a 3rd gen with crawl control not too far from you guys (in fact I explored around Tumey Hills in Fresno County yesterday) but it’s probably going to stay mechanically stock. But if you need to poke around and take measurements etc ...

 

How's tumey hills these days? When I left they had just put in the pavilion/parking area, used to be a great place to shoot long distance.