Timberline is Surprisingly Capable

[NevadaGeo]

I remember when the Expedition first came out in the mid 90s, I used it to do offroad geologic work in the mountains of Nevada. As an off-road vehicle, it is perfectly weighted and balanced, with a perfect turn radius. My 2017 Limited was used for offroad geologic work and went on many mountain roads/streams and even bushwacking through sagebrush and scrub with the vehicle. It performed perfectly. Our credo is it may be easy to get in, but it is usually harder to get out of rough terrain. Yes, it can get scratched up (we call them Nevada racing stripes) but it can get you in as well as out. Adventure!

For those who think the expedition is made for only on road grocery shopping, go outside and smell the mountains. The expedition was made to replace the venerable Bronco, a well-known offroad vehicle. Get out and enjoy life with your 4x4 expy!!

 

[LazSlate]

A guy out here in AZ takes his standard expy rock crawling and all sorts of extreme terrain. He said when the Timberline came out it has all the stuff he wishes his standard did. Rear locker, selectable transfer case, trail assist, skid plates, hp.

 

[Pinetop]

If you are only getting groceries, then you are missing out on a lot of fun. Show me another vehicle that does better at taking 6 adults to the middle of nowhere to have a picnic lunch with no one else around while you look out over the canyons.

View attachment 81826

By the way, nice three-wheel shot, that's a winner.

I have historically had Landcruisers and bought a Timberline since Toyota stopped bringing the LC to the US. I have to say, I have been surprised what I have got away with.

 

[tominwi]

If you are only getting groceries, then you are missing out on a lot of fun.

Here in Wisconsin virtually every grocery store also sells beer, wine, and liquor, which can make for a fun drive too (before indulging, of course).

 

[Fastcar]

No, if I break it I can afford to fix it.

Yup, if your gonna play, you have to expect to pay.

 

[5280tunage]

I realize there are always lemons out there, but it's funny to see the pseudo rock crawling and everything's working fine. A friend of mine just tried to go camping with his 24' timby and within 20 minutes of hauling on I70, the rear end completely blew apart. had it towed, went home and got his Yukon with the 3.0L duramax to start all over. the expy's been in the shop for 3 weeks now.

Guess what I'm saying is to cut corners, costs, increase profitability, I'm personally not confident that any of the drivetrain is designed to take that kind of torque over and over.

But those are some pretty cool pics. I'm so nervous to do anything with this thing, to be honest. I don't have 4 cars to fall back on if it dies, and it's been in the shop probably 2.5x the number of times any car I've ever had, and probably for 5x longer. I need it to last 2-3 more years (after this upcoming trip for new phasers again).

 

[DieselMonk]

I have historically had Landcruisers and bought a Timberline since Toyota stopped bringing the LC to the US. I have to say, I have been surprised what I have got away with.View attachment 85815

Looking good! My SPP has most of the goodies the timberline has, less the skid plates and the trail assist stuff. However, I do have the same transfer case, HD trailer tow with 3.73, eLSD and the HO motor. I am pleasantly surprised on what my SPP went driving through. I am not a stranger to full size trucks and SUV’s driving into places a car does not, but the Expy does deliver if properly equipped. I have to change tires and take the lower piece off the front bumper off to transform it into more off-road worthy instead asphalt queen.