3rd Gen DCORSB for Passes in the San Juans/Alpine Loop?

I'm taking a trip to Southwestern CO and I've got a bone stock DCORSB 4x4. Has anybody here done these passes [Ophir, Imogene, Black Bear, Engineer, California etc] in your 3rd gen yet?

I know the turning radius is a bit wide (no more than a JKU), but anything to watch for?

I'm fairly confident that it could make it stock except for the tires. I'm think I'll go with BFGKO2 or Duratrac and an air compressor. Do you think skidplates/sliders are necessary?

I've got a bone stock 200 series Land Cruiser as an alternative. It could probably out wheel my Taco, but it would definitely need sliders and tires.

 

I'm doing all those trails in August during a week stay in Ouray. Would love to hear about how it goes!

I also have a 3rd gen stock TRD Offroad with BFGKO2 (C-rated) 265/70 17s. I also have HeftyFabs Rocksliders. This past weekend I did Red Cone Pass, Webster Pass (Handcart Pass was still blocked by a giant snow drift), Sante Fe Peak, Chihuahua Gulch, Saints John, Deer Creek Pass. It was glorious. We were going to do Radical Hill, but ran out of time.

I've heard plenty of people say that the stock Kevlar Wranglers that come stock are capable and have had great luck. My main concern was getting punctured with those tires, hence why I upgraded to KO2s. These trails and the Ouray/Telluride/Lake City ones you're talking about doing are quite rocky. I did air down a little bit as well.

I would definitely invest in rock sliders. I smacked them a few times this weekend. I found the stock skid plates more than sufficient for the difficulty level of the trails I did. They also got hit a few times too (I'm a newbie to 4 wheeling).

Last thing I would mention is the realization that our Tacomas are quite capable vehicles stock. I was continually surprised by it. Sure the turn radius is not quite what JKU's have, but I had no problem with some of these really tight switchbacks on these trails. I found several posts on other forums and on youtube of Suburbans, F150s, full size Dodge Rams (long bed) doing Black Bear Pass with no issues except several point turns and the necessary balls of steel. Take your time, get a spotter, and don't freak out. You'll get a great sense of the capability of your vehicle. After doing these trails in Breck/Silverthrone/Montezuma area, I'm fully confident in the Tacoma to tackle those trails down in Ouray.

Cheers!

 

Thanks for the input--it really helps. I rode the SJ passes in '13 and again in '15 on my motorcycle. Last time I went I felt like I had to bring my family next time (I may skip BBP). Because my previous experience is from a motorcycle perspective it's hard to know exactly how to prepare. I think I'll def go with sliders and better tires.

That last photo is incredible. Good choice on the MGM w/ the TRD wheels.

 

Thanks man, I'm really happy with the tires and wheels. I had done Longwater Gulch with the Colorado Four Wheeling group a month back and got a gash on the inside of the sidewall of one of the Kevlar Wrangler tires. It made me real nervous, so I switched. Happy as can be with the tire and wheel combo.

Yeah we're having to make some adjustments with Black Bear because some of the riders can't handle the heights. Can't blame you for not doing Black Bear with the family. Of those trails down in SJ, what are your favorites or ones you highly suggest doing? There's so many down in that area.

 

You're right about the heights. It's the sensation of doom on BBP that gets you; it's not all that technical. Funny that we will drive 65 mph all day long on undivided two-lane highways with 4' feet of separation from the distracted drivers going in the other direction without a care, but put us on a trail going 5 mph 4' away from a cliff and we start shaking. My motorcycle was geared a little too high for BBP and I rode it with all my camping gear/luggage--major pucker factor.

I'm not as well traveled as some, but I really enjoyed Imogene, Ophir, Animas Fork, Engineer, California and Cinnamon. BBP has to be on the list too. If you end up in Lake City get the pork shanks at the Packer Saloon.

ETA: Off topic @BertMacklin, but what kind of mudflaps are you running?

 

Yeah no kidding. Thanks for the input!

OEM. I had to take them off the front because of rubbing when doing large obstacles. I thought about replacing with those more flimsy 4x4 ones, but haven't committed.

 

I have done Imogene and engineer passes in bone stock 05 Tacoma back in the day. Imogene you can do in your sleep. There are a couple Creek crossings than can be pretty nasty if it rains. My only worries with your rig will be that damn front bumper. I ripped my trailer 7 pin off on a crossing. You may do the same with the bumper. I was raised up in that area. A few trails are nasty. Many will cause scratches and scraps. Just enjoy yourself and have patience for the inexperienced tourists in their rent a jeep.

 

Just was there last weekend and would recommend skids (bottom armor), we had one guy with skids and stock size tires (upgraded to DuraTracs but still same size) and he "hit" numerous times. Ophir pass is by far the easiest trail if no 2 way traffic, it has long stretch of shelf road with zero pull outs. Think he made Imogene ok, but there are a few rocks areas to be careful on, highly recommend this pass- 2nd highest in Colorado and views are unreal.

Oh, we all are 2nd Gens so take that into consideration.