Reader
1998 Toyota Tacoma
Driver: Jeff Putnik
Co-driver: John Pike
Our lone Toyota pickup was owned and driven by longtime reader and four-wheeler Jeff Putnik and maintained by his co-driver, John Pike. The two traveled from South Haven, Michigan, and put on quite a show for us out on the trail. Jeff took the hardest lines on the toughest obstacles, sometimes creating a new route up and over the worst of them. If something broke, John was always Johnny-on-the-spot, quickly making any and all repairs.

Drivetrain

• Engine: 3RZ 4-cylinder
• Transmission: Stock 304F
• Transfer Case: Tacoma transfer case mated to a Toyota top-loader transfer case
• Front Axle: Ford Dana 60, 35-spline axleshafts, 5.13 gears, Powertrax Lock-Right Locker
• Rear Axle: Dodge Dana 70, Moser 35-spline axleshafts, 5.13 gears, Detroit Locker

Suspension

• Front: 3-link Rock Equipment coilovers
• Rear: 4-link, RaceRunner air shocks
• Tires & Wheels: 40x13.50R17 Goodyear MT/Rs on 17x9 Walker Evans beadlocks

Other Stuff
Winch & Bumpers: Warn 9.0Rc winch, custom front tube bumper
The Rest: Custom rollcage and tube work