ToyoVette

Jon has been racing the deserts of SoCal and silt beds of Baja longer than most. Spinning dirt for the first time in 1972, gives Jon a credibility and experience level not commonly found. Having owned and raced such a great number of vehicles, Jon’s answer to our question of what he has previously owned was, “You name it and I have run it!” If you happen to see a 2-door bright yellow Tacoma running around, be sure to take a glance underneath.

Jon’s wife insisted that the next prerunner Jon built had real doors, a windshield and working air conditioning. Starting the build with the cab from a ’06 Tacoma provided just what he (she) needed. The majority of this build was completed by AJ at The Baja Shop located in Corona, California. The new fiberglass hood, fenders and rear bedsides were designed by Glassworks Unlimited and painted Bright Yellow by Speed Shop Painting in Corona, California. Mounted to the front bumper are a pair of Kragen HID lights.

This vehicle was featured in Off-Road Magazine.

See something missing? That’s right, the motor isn’t where it should be. As we already mentioned, from the outside, this looks like a Tacoma, but from underneath, it’s a completely different beast. Baja Shop built a vehicle more resembling buggy characteristics and slapped a truck body on top. Center mounted 4130 chromoly control arms provide over 20-inches of wheel travel. Jon chose to go with 2.0 Fox shocks all around.

You were probably wondering where the name of this truck came from? Under the hood is a tightly tucked Chevy LS-1 pumping out more than 400 horsepower. The same 5.7-liter engine found in the Corvette. A Ron Davis radiator is also found under the bonnet as well as a UMP Air Filter System, Mike Leach custom headers and Fox reservoirs mounted high for easy access.

The rear bed space was built out of form and function. Remembering this truck is built to prerun as well as chase on occasion, an aluminum storage compartment was built to house equipment and a removable chase rack was added on top to hold larger items.

Well that’s definitely not a Tacoma! Baja Shop built the rear half using long 4130 chromoly trailing arms to provide 20-inches of wheel travel. Stuffed into the rear differential is a limited slip locker and 4.10 ratio gears.

Jon’s son, L.J. Kennedy runs a shop called The Body Guys and built the dash for the truck. The aluminum dash is powder coated black and holds all of the proper components. Auto Meter gauges, Racer X communications, Lowrance GPS, Sparco steering wheel, and a Vertex radio. Beard provided the seats using Crow belts and Dirt Bagz made custom equipment bags that are mounted throughout the cabin.

Moab Grand Cherokee Run

During the 2005 Moab Easter Jeep Safari, I decided to head out and run Golden Spike with a group of Grand Cherokee's. This turned out to be one of the longest days I've ever had off road. 18 hours of shenanigans, break downs and finding people lost in the desert. Good times!