PDA

View Full Version : Pitting in Baja

NTAPHSE
10-02-2006, 10:58 AM
I just got word that a friend and I will be helping pit at this year's Baja 1000. They have asked me to haul 3 tires (35", 37", 39") and possibly some gas. Right now my truck has Kings up front and stock suspension in the rear with Trxus MT 285/75/16 tires. I was going to buy some used Deaver 7 leafs, but now I am starting to second guess the capacity of these springs. I don't want to be driving hundreds of miles through Baja with the ass dragging the ground. I am also considering running 63" Chevy's and leaving the 4th leaf for this trip. The problem is I never, ever haul anything so I don't want this stiff rear setup after the trip, so if I go with the Chevy's I can pull the 4th leaf when I get back. Any suggestions?
Kaistie
10-02-2006, 11:08 AM
Sounds like you have it all figured out. You can come by my place and take a look at my Chevy's. I am running the 2wd setup and man are they nice. Not sure about adding all that weight though. I would definately use the 4wd leafs and then pull one when you are back. So, when are we leaving for this trip...I assume I am invited :D
Tweeter
10-02-2006, 11:17 AM
PM YotRacer he's got some 8 leafs for sale...
miguelitro
10-02-2006, 11:27 AM
I have 9 leafs and could not be happier, but i haul a lot. go with the 8's i think they are the most versatile. also where will you be pitting, it might be only feet off pavement in which case it really wont be as necesary to have the rear travel...
NTAPHSE
10-02-2006, 11:54 AM
Nate- I actually was looking for someone else to roll with us, first for safety in numbers, and second to help carry some of the weight. If you are serious let me make sure I can invite another truck and that we will have room in hotels/campsites/etc. We are leaving Tuesday night and returning on Saturday.
Tweeter
10-02-2006, 11:58 AM
Who's Nate? :confused:
NTAPHSE
10-02-2006, 12:04 PM
Who's Nate? :confused:


Kaistie=Nate

What, you don't personally know every member? What's wrong with you? ;)
Tweeter
10-02-2006, 12:06 PM
Oh I thought their name was KATSIE (like a girl's name)...I'm dyslexic so I usually don't read things right the first time ;)

And to answer your question, if you get another truck to share the load, 7's might work as well. But I think 8's would be an all around best bet. Who are you chasing for?
NTAPHSE
10-02-2006, 12:13 PM
Just called Deaver and they recommended 9 leafs. Problem is it will cost me more to rebuild the 7's into 9's than I paid for the 7's. Chevy 63's are looking better and better.
NTAPHSE
10-02-2006, 12:16 PM
Oh I thought their name was KATSIE (like a girl's name)...I'm dyslexic so I usually don't read things right the first time ;)

And to answer your question, if you get another truck to share the load, 7's might work as well. But I think 8's would be an all around best bet. Who are you chasing for?

I guess were helping with 4 different vehicles, I know one of them is the guy that owns Mastercraft. I'll have to check with my buddy he knows the details.
NTAPHSE
10-02-2006, 12:28 PM
I have 9 leafs and could not be happier, but i haul a lot. go with the 8's i think they are the most versatile. also where will you be pitting, it might be only feet off pavement in which case it really wont be as necesary to have the rear travel...

We're meeting up with the race team at Ensenada, then driving to Gonzaga Bay where we will be pitting. Do you know the best way to Ensanada from Phoenix? Any idea what time the border closes? We were going to leave Phoenix at 5pm and drive straight there, so we'll be getting to the border in the middle of the night.
TimF
10-02-2006, 12:28 PM
I guess were helping with 4 different vehicles, I know one of them is the guy that owns Mastercraft. I'll have to check with my buddy he knows the details.

That would explain the range in tire sizes.

I had 7 leafs, rode great but I would be on the bumps with come coolers and a 33 spare. I now have 9 leafs and love them! I don't think they ride too stiff unloaded and with gear for a weekend they dont' sag super low and ride and flex great.

Good luck down there. I was going to go but it's not going to happen this year.

Tim
miguelitro
10-02-2006, 12:35 PM
We're meeting up with the race team at Ensenada, then driving to Gonzaga Bay where we will be pitting. Do you know the best way to Ensanada from Phoenix? Any idea what time the border closes? We were going to leave Phoenix at 5pm and drive straight there, so we'll be getting to the border in the middle of the night.

cross at Mexicali, proceed to wards san felipe and take the 3 over to Ensenada.

Be very careful driving at night, There ARE very large cows and crazy truck drivers. Take it slow and get there alive, i cant stress enough how bad it is dealing with gnarly accidents in Baja, been there done that.

it sucks you have to meet them in ensenada because it is a real nice and easy off road trip from SF to gonzaga...
Have fun Be safe!!!
Mike
miguelitro
10-02-2006, 12:36 PM
I believe that Mexicali is open 24 hours but not positive...if anyhting it closes around 12.
Mike
NTAPHSE
10-02-2006, 12:39 PM
Thanks for the help.
ryguy
10-02-2006, 01:27 PM
cross at Mexicali, proceed to wards san felipe and take the 3 over to Ensenada.

Be very careful driving at night, There ARE very large cows and crazy truck drivers. Take it slow and get there alive, i cant stress enough how bad it is dealing with gnarly accidents in Baja, been there done that.

it sucks you have to meet them in ensenada because it is a real nice and easy off road trip from SF to gonzaga...
Have fun Be safe!!!
Mike

Dont forget the MEXICAN BOOBY TRAPS!!
Baja Belk
10-02-2006, 01:40 PM
We're meeting up with the race team at Ensenada, then driving to Gonzaga Bay where we will be pitting. Do you know the best way to Ensanada from Phoenix? Any idea what time the border closes? We were going to leave Phoenix at 5pm and drive straight there, so we'll be getting to the border in the middle of the night.

I would take the 8 past Calexico to Jacume and cross in Tecate. Really easy crossing, and a much shorter drive to Ensenada. Not sure about what time the border closes though, I think midnight. (At least coming back in from Mexico, I don't know if it's the same time crossing into Mexico).
TimF
10-02-2006, 01:58 PM
I would take the 8 past Calexico to Jacume and cross in Tecate. Really easy crossing, and a much shorter drive to Ensenada. Not sure about what time the border closes though, I think midnight. (At least coming back in from Mexico, I don't know if it's the same time crossing into Mexico).

That is what I take to Ensenada if I don't have to go to SD first. Look into what time the border closes. I think it's 5 am to 11 or 12 pm.
Kaistie
10-02-2006, 02:15 PM
Damn Kieth, sounds like fun, but I don't think I can get that kind of time off. I used up all my vacation days for the rest of the year. Shit, that sucks. Thanks for the offer though.
NTAPHSE
10-02-2006, 02:24 PM
Damn Kieth, sounds like fun, but I don't think I can get that kind of time off. I used up all my vacation days for the rest of the year. Shit, that sucks. Thanks for the offer though.


Maybe next year... Looks like we will be rolling by ourselves until we get to Ensanada, then we'll be with a bunch of people. I might need to come take a look at your Chevy's soon.
Kaistie
10-02-2006, 02:53 PM
Give me a call. Man are they nice. I can push up and down on the bumper and the whole truck is squishy like a Cadi...and the droop is awsome. I can see if I put 300+lbs in the bed it would really squat. Go 4wd and take the other leaf out.
NTAPHSE
10-02-2006, 04:16 PM
Do any of you desert guys have any input on running the Chevy 63's in Baja?
Baja Belk
10-02-2006, 09:07 PM
Do any of you desert guys have any input on running the Chevy 63's in Baja?

Don't know, I run 62" Deavers, but they handle great. Do you know yet who you're pitting for?
miguelitro
10-03-2006, 10:38 AM
tkt closes early and is not worth the extra 2 lane road driving Mike...I stand by what I said before...
Mike
arrowpilot
10-03-2006, 10:54 AM
We went across the border down here in Texas and they told us that soon....we will all have to have passports to cross into Mexico.

Mite be sumthin ya mite wanna look into.

Be safe!
miguelitro
10-03-2006, 11:29 AM
that is in 2008 i believe. you know, passports are a pretty good thing to have while in a foreign country anyways...just a thought! technically if you are going past ensenada you need the 25$ tourist visa which you can only get with a passport...so technically unless you are a lame ass who stays at Hussongs and call it baja you need a passport to go to baja.
viter
10-03-2006, 01:40 PM
latest I saw on the news, the passports will be required for everybody crossing the border begining on January 8, 2007


I don't have anywhere as much experience as Miguelitro traveling to Baja, but I can tell you that I've been down to San Felipe on a 5 day trip without a passport. I've been stopped at the military checkpoints and passed without a problem. But then again, I am not even a US citizen (just a resident and still a gringo) and I was traveling with a mexican companion. I believe technically mexican government requires US tourists to have a passport and tourist visa if their travel time exceeds 3 days (how far you drive from the border does not matter).

some potentially usefull info for tourists from the mexican government - http://www.tijuana.gob.mx/Turismo/TouristGuide/English/index.asp
AllJumpStyle
10-03-2006, 02:11 PM
From what I have heard, chevy springs work best for more flex due to their extra length. Meaning they're best suited for rock crawling, look it up on pirate4x4. They can't compare to Deavers because they aren't designed with a progressive spring rate. If the Chevy springs are that soft with only 3 leafs I imagine there is quite a bit of axle wrap, especially if you're still spring-over.
miguelitro
10-03-2006, 02:36 PM
the easiest place to get the tourist visa is right at the the border, there is an immigration office at all of them...
if you dont go past guerrero negro you most likely wont be asked for them...the police and the militares dont ask for them just the immigration authorites who are mostly, as i said, at the crossing into baja sur in guerrero negro and in baja sur at popular tourist destinations(I've seen them at Scorpian bay)

Last time I went to Baja sur, my friend forgot his passport so couldnt get a visa in TJ, the office in Guerrero Negro was closed so he was an illegal immigrant in Mexico(I love the irony:D) on the way back through GN he was asked for it we told the story and he paid the 25$ and we went on our way...no biggie.

IMO race times are a boon for cops $$$ so try to be as legit as poossible.
Mike
Baja Belk
10-03-2006, 07:18 PM
tkt closes early and is not worth the extra 2 lane road driving Mike...I stand by what I said before...
Mike

I dunno, I've only come from Mexicali to Ensenada once and I prefer the Tecate way which I've done a bunch of times. To each his own. Careful though, wheels on brand-new trucks like to fall off at inopportune times....

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h43/belkster2000/DSC01322.jpg

I only bring a passport when I fly (usually into Loreto). I've never needed it otherwise but it's not a bad idea to bring down. And yes starting January next year everyone coming back from Mexico will need a passport to get back across the border. Biggest thing around race time is DON'T SPEED. There's usually way more speed traps during race weekend, especially around Ensenada area. And according to Sal Fish at the Baja 500 drivers meeting, cops are going to start impounding cars and arresting chase crews/gringos who are speeding excessively. It's been a problem in the past, there's been way more casualties involving chase crews then with actual race vehicles. And last but not least, if you're listening to weatherman, PLEASE disconnect your mic, if your mic sticks there's gonna be alot of people looking to rearrange your face.
miguelitro
10-04-2006, 10:43 AM
good advice mike! but he wont make tkt anyways so screw it!:D
NTAPHSE
10-05-2006, 12:19 PM
Don't know, I run 62" Deavers, but they handle great. Do you know yet who you're pitting for?

All I know is that one of the guys owns Mastercraft seats.
NTAPHSE
10-05-2006, 12:20 PM
good advice mike! but he wont make tkt anyways so screw it!:D

Maybe I missed something, whats tkt? And why won't I make it?
NTAPHSE
10-05-2006, 12:50 PM
All I know is that one of the guys owns Mastercraft seats.

John Cooley
Jesse James
Travis Pastrana
Robby Gordon
miguelitro
10-05-2006, 12:58 PM
Tecate=TKT, border crossing east of san diego that closes early...you wont make it there from phoenix.
Mike
NTAPHSE
10-05-2006, 02:30 PM
Tecate=TKT, border crossing east of san diego that closes early...you wont make it there from phoenix.
Mike


According to the AAA map I got the Tecate crossing closes at 12:00 midnight. I don't understand why you're saying I won't make it there...
miguelitro
10-05-2006, 02:42 PM
I guess you might make it there, but if you didnt you would be wasting about 2 hours of drivng time to get to tkt and then have to 2 lane it down to otay or san ysidro. Go for it if you feel its worth it, again i would probly just cross at mexicali, or shit just shoot down to SD, cross and its only an hour and a half to Ens...
cabo john
10-05-2006, 03:10 PM
I wouldnt worry about the tourist visa.
Make sure you buy MEXICAN AUTO INSURANCE!
NTAPHSE
10-05-2006, 03:14 PM
I guess you might make it there, but if you didnt you would be wasting about 2 hours of drivng time to get to tkt and then have to 2 lane it down to otay or san ysidro. Go for it if you feel its worth it, again i would probly just cross at mexicali, or shit just shoot down to SD, cross and its only an hour and a half to Ens...

Yeah we were thinking about just driving to SD, then crossing at TJ. It might be safer to drive on the US side as much as possible. I don't know how far out of the way that is though.

One more thing- Do you guys think I should install some driving lights before we go? I have HID's already, but I hear its pretty dark out there. i might have to start a new thread about prepping my truck for the trip.
Baja Belk
10-05-2006, 03:33 PM
John Cooley
Jesse James
Travis Pastrana
Robby Gordon

? - All those guys are racing seperate vehicles - are you pitting for all of them? I could see maybe Gordon and Pastrana being on the same team since they're both sponsored by Red Bull....but James and Cooley? Cooley owns Alumicraft, not Mastercraft....sorry, I'm just confused...
Tweeter
10-05-2006, 03:53 PM
I dunno, I've only come from Mexicali to Ensenada once and I prefer the Tecate way which I've done a bunch of times. To each his own. Careful though, wheels on brand-new trucks like to fall off at inopportune times....


:rolleyes: :lmao: sorry... :lmao:
NTAPHSE
10-05-2006, 04:29 PM
? - All those guys are racing seperate vehicles - are you pitting for all of them? I could see maybe Gordon and Pastrana being on the same team since they're both sponsored by Red Bull....but James and Cooley? Cooley owns Alumicraft, not Mastercraft....sorry, I'm just confused...


I was just kidding about the last 3. Cooley is driving one of the four vehicles we are helping out with. From my understanding, we are helping with 1 trophy truck, 1 class 10, and two buggies (don't know the class). I don't think the 4 vehicles are related through a team, just friends. I'm just as confused as you are. This is my first time out, and I'm getting to go through a friend of a friend. I'll know a lot more about it when I get back. :)
Baja Belk
10-05-2006, 04:35 PM
I was just kidding about the last 3. Cooley is driving one of the four vehicles we are helping out with. From my understanding, we are helping with 1 trophy truck, 1 class 10, and two buggies (don't know the class). I don't think the 4 vehicles are related through a team, just friends. I'm just as confused as you are. This is my first time out, and I'm getting to go through a friend of a friend. I'll know a lot more about it when I get back. :)

Ha, ok, makes way more sense now. Cooley drives class 10, and he's fast too. If the other two buggies are SCORE Lites, I may have to stop giving you advice ;) I've pitted for Jesse James before, the guy was a total drama queen. But then again, that was his first time in the dirt, I think he's got a little better idea of the whole scene now.

As for Robby, I wouldn't pit for him if they paid me...
TimF
10-05-2006, 04:54 PM
As for Robby, I wouldn't pit for him if they paid me...

:lmao:

That's not the first time I have heard that. Didn't his whole team quit before or during Dakar last year?

I chased for 1022 at V2R this year, man was that an experience, it took us 21.5 hours to finish and I was up for almost 30 before I got a quick nap in after the race. Have fun in Baja I wish I could make it this year but it's not going to happen.
NTAPHSE
10-05-2006, 05:29 PM
Ha, ok, makes way more sense now. Cooley drives class 10, and he's fast too. If the other two buggies are SCORE Lites, I may have to stop giving you advice ;) I've pitted for Jesse James before, the guy was a total drama queen. But then again, that was his first time in the dirt, I think he's got a little better idea of the whole scene now.

As for Robby, I wouldn't pit for him if they paid me...


Yeah Gordon seems pretty demanding from what I've seen on TV. What's your involvement with SCORE Lite buggies? That's pretty cool you pitted for Jesse James, I'm hoping to see him out there.
Half Baked Taco
10-06-2006, 10:35 AM
What truck is James racing? Is his new truck done?
Baja Belk
10-06-2006, 11:09 AM
Yeah Gordon seems pretty demanding from what I've seen on TV. What's your involvement with SCORE Lite buggies? That's pretty cool you pitted for Jesse James, I'm hoping to see him out there.

I'm the driver of record for 1210. I'll be hopping in at Loreto and finishing the race.
Baja Belk
10-06-2006, 11:09 AM
What truck is James racing? Is his new truck done?

Yah he had Porter build him a truck, I'm assuming it's done cuz I know he's not racing the Monster Garage truck.
NTAPHSE
10-06-2006, 03:55 PM
I'll look for you out there. I'll be in a silver '01 Ext. cab with black steel wheels.
NTAPHSE
10-10-2006, 07:23 PM
Ok, I'm working on getting my truck setup for the trip. Here's some of what I'm doing/bringing:

63" Chevy's in the rear with overload and possibly 4th leaf for the trip.
(2) 6 gallon water cans
(2) 6 gallon gas cans (empty)
(2) spares for my truck
spare fluids for my truck
fire extinguisher
first aid kit
camping gear
tools (will expand on this later)

I'm considering buying Hunsaker suspension seats before the trip. Do you guys think it would be helpful for the long days of driving? I want to buy them eventually, but if it's worth it, I may just get them before the trip.