Hello from San Francisco! Just acquired this 2011 Toyota Tacoma and am new to overlanding. Looking forward to learning more!
Whose from the Bay Area? Post a pic
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Hiya from San Francisco Dogpatch/Potrero Hill. 2020 Subaru outback touring.
2020: added roofnest falcon tent, eezi-awn awning, fabricated diy "pull kitchen" drawer system (see papadaves post here)
2021 summer: dealer-installed LP Aventure 2" lift, skid plates, BFGoodrich tires, nashfabco ladder
currently trying to find excellent local mechanics who focus on overland mods, fabrication, and work on subarus. There's a couple custom ideas I want to get some help with, and we urgently need to replace our left axle because we somehow destroyed it with our exhaust tube (!? see below). But Serramonte has been giving us a bit of a runaround...
Looking for suggestions and references to Bay Area overland mechanics and subaru outback modders... let me know.
Currently I'm getting good vibes from the community about @stellarbuilt and @shaffersoffroad, both are fairly close. Let me know if you've worked with them! (maybe other local subie overlanders can offer tips? @Low594 @whoisned @edspecR @jgall64)
Nice to be a part of the local overland scene! thanks for your advice :)
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2021 fall complications:
I posted a bunch of photos on instagram about the diy pull kitchen project
2020: added roofnest falcon tent, eezi-awn awning, fabricated diy "pull kitchen" drawer system (see papadaves post here)
2021 summer: dealer-installed LP Aventure 2" lift, skid plates, BFGoodrich tires, nashfabco ladder
currently trying to find excellent local mechanics who focus on overland mods, fabrication, and work on subarus. There's a couple custom ideas I want to get some help with, and we urgently need to replace our left axle because we somehow destroyed it with our exhaust tube (!? see below). But Serramonte has been giving us a bit of a runaround...
Looking for suggestions and references to Bay Area overland mechanics and subaru outback modders... let me know.
Currently I'm getting good vibes from the community about @stellarbuilt and @shaffersoffroad, both are fairly close. Let me know if you've worked with them! (maybe other local subie overlanders can offer tips? @Low594 @whoisned @edspecR @jgall64)
Nice to be a part of the local overland scene! thanks for your advice :)
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2021 fall complications:
- cross-country trip MI->SF;
- arrive to find exhaust tube has somehow become wedged against left-axle CV joint and rear driveshaft,
- destroyed CV & left axle, scratched shaft... WTF exhaust hangers!?
\
- Serramonte quotes $8000 in repairs and denies warranty b/c they claim lift kit was installed "improperly". MI dealer whom we bought the car from and whom installed the kit disagrees.
- ... Serramonte and an independent mechanic they refer me to both claim the lift kit was installed in such a way as to pull the exhaust upwards against the the left axle...
- ... then I discover that with a good yank the entire exhaust assembly rotates about 170 degrees down and around the hangers and hooks the hangers are hanging from under the car.
- ... Serramonte and an independent mechanic they refer me to both claim the lift kit was installed in such a way as to pull the exhaust upwards against the the left axle...
- somehow we hit something (a big stick?) that dented the exhaust and then it swung up and got stuck against the CV joint and driveshaft
- still trying to figure out if this happened because installer forgot one of the hangers, or the stock hanger design is poorly constrained, or what...
- need to get the left axle replaced ASAP
- and need some stiffer shocks - we're saggy in the back and too heavy
- dang those Flatout Suspension GR40 springs look awesome! But probably overkill...
- still trying to figure out if this happened because installer forgot one of the hangers, or the stock hanger design is poorly constrained, or what...
I posted a bunch of photos on instagram about the diy pull kitchen project
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Just found this thread! I live in SF, holler if you see me around!
LockedRunner
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San Jose. Planning on attending Overland Expo in Bend, Oregon next July. 
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I am down in South Bay, Hollister - A stones throw from Hollister Hills OHV.
HuffyWK
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HuffyWK
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We were in Yosemite over the weekend and google routed us by LaGrange Off-road park? Anyone been out there? We checked it out and it looked like complete mayhem that somehow worked.
www.stancountyparks.com
Stanislaus County Parks
Stanislaus County Department of Parks and Recreation acquires, develops, and maintains recreation areas serving every segment of society, including the disabled and the economically disadvantaged, in ways that will provide the best possible experience for people to enjoy the outdoors at the most...
www.stancountyparks.com
FirenzeForza4x4
Rank III
Enthusiast III
Hey all. New member here from Napa Valley. Intro’d myself on the other pages. Looking forward to some weekend warrior stuff and some bigger adventures. My dreams are bigger than my fuel budget.
cheers!
cheers!
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LockedRunner
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