Rock vs. Lower Control Arm

It appears that, at least in this case, the new improved lower control arm had adequate strength to compensate for my inadequacies.

We did 100 miles of off-road this weekend in and around Death Valley and Owens Valley and this section of trail near the Reward Mine is the only time we bothered to shoot external action. We just happened to catch the only time I really nailed something.

Clearly this was avoidable in so many ways. Feel free to point and go "Ha-ha" if you feel the urge. You won't hurt my feelings.

I had already been up this section with no significant problems. Keep in mind trails always look easier on video.

Some ways this could have been avoided:
1. Walking the trail
2. Reminding my buddy that he could stop filming to mention I was going to crunch a rock.
3. If Toyota didn't design such a tall hood
4. If I had better memory to remember my path through the obstacle (which is a long time due to how much trail gets blocked by the hood)
5. If my Son hadn't distracted me right at the moment I needed to turn to avoid the rock (I have in-car footage)

Ultimately it was my responsibility and luckily no real damage was done. I present video here for amusement purposes:

 

Damn thing came out of nowhere.

 

I know. WTF? Rocks on the trail. I demand a refund.

 

LCA is one of the strongest parts on the whole truck, it's fine and can take some more
Have fun with your new truck!

 

I was surprised at how beefy the LCA's are on this truck. They DO look like they could take a pounding. The "skid plates" under the radiator and engine? Not so much.

 

Lol I like the added slow motion. Nice touch.

 

Time for some control arm skids.

 

I know, right?! Haha.

Good post and video, glad you are enjoying your new truck. Also glad to see a post that doesn't contain someone bitching about how bad their new Taco sucks while it sits in their driveway...

 

Awesome post!
My turn. Here... hold my beer!

 

And already rusted! Would ya look at that!

 

At least at that speed you shouldn't get the "howl" from them un-plugged holes in the LCA...!! Good vid my man..!

 

Thanks for the comments. I have to admit that I'm somewhat shocked that I haven't received more hassle about my screw up. 3rd Gen forum? It's like I hardly know you.

I've been going through the footage from this trip and it's pretty good for flailing amateur such as myself. I used the heck out of the GoPro mount along with my handheld camera. I think once it's edited down it will be nice little travelogue.

 

I enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing.