Winter 2019

The Toyota Land Cruiser was first produced in South Africa in 1972, after a few batches had been imported prior to that. This early FJ 45 was a slow donkey of a machine, with a 3.8L motor, 3-speed gear box and a body of heavy steel that made just lifting the hood a challenge. Toyota later gave the Cruiser a bit more zip by adding a 4-speed box in 1973 and then a 4.2L 2F engine in 1975. These trucks were strong performers under load, but when the transmission was overworked, the weak link proved to be the transfer case. Fine bits of steel would break off the splines inside, mixing around in the oil. Eventually the housing would crack open, splashing oil on the sand below like an egg being cracked into a bowl of pancake mix. Disgruntled drivers walked many miles for help all across South Africa, their otherwise trusty vehicles left maimed at the mercy of flood, tide, or even fire. Many a sorry soul was grieved with a sad story of loss at the hands of nature, stories which are still told only late in the night by white-bearded men with watery eyes staring into empty whisky mugs.

This Tacoma build started with the decision to sell my 2008 4Runner, which I had been building up over the past 10 years. After committing to part ways with it, I began building out the Tacoma in my mind. What I had to work with was already a highly capable truck: 2017 TRD Pro Tacoma–minus the tires since Toyota put some real tires on this truck. I wanted it to be lightweight. In fact that, was the biggest objective with this build. I opted to go with as much aluminum as I could. One reason I chose to go with a Tacoma vs 5th gen 4Runner is I wanted to have more space and just something a little different than the previous build. Another reason is because I wanted a camper setup.

Part Two of the Toyota teams from the 2018 Rebelle Rally is focused on the final four teams—Teams #171, #179, #182, and #184. Following all the Rebelle Toyota teams was an experience that I still sometimes have trouble describing. 

While seated around the campfire, my daughter, Lilly, asked: “Can you please plug in my IPhone?” “Don’t forget to grab me a sparkling water.” My wife, Louise, added. These are just two examples of the importance electronics and power play in any overland vehicle build. Yes, at times, I wish the world was simpler and comprised of fewer electronics. Trust me. Every time I sit in my Land Cruiser 200 Series and see all the buttons (some of which I have never touched), I wish we could rely less on electronics. But, that’s not the case; and electronics are here to stay. It’s the present and the future.