Off roading in my 1997 Toyota RAV4 at Five Mile Pass in Utah

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0:00 intro
0:21 first hill climb
2:35 second area
4:07 driving around
5:45 suspension
6:05 steep jump thing
7:53 berms
12:47 donuts
13:20 conclusion

[@NickAlexander_is_Awesome]

Gen 1 Rav, going where no modern crossover dares go. Nice video. I've definitely noticed how the rav's smaller width helps it go where usually only dirt bikes fit. It also helped me squeeze through a gap in a fence when I got locked in a parking lot once. Wouldn't have been able to get out with anything bigger.

[@LabCoatPaul]

The RAV4 is pretty great. You're right. I wouldn't dare take my Hyundai Tucson out there. It would get stuck and broken immediately.

[@miguemigue127]

I love your RAV4 videos Paul. More off road content in the Ravi boi plz.

[@peppitachips1764]

This car is better at off roading then a lot of new cross overs Ford anyone 😂

What a great video and great videos overall with the rav. Hats off to you for everything you did from the lift to the engine "refresh". First video I found from you was months ago on the 1st vs 2nd gen rav. I probably can't do any mods as independently as you do and the availability of used and new parts isn't great, but tomorrow I'm going to check out a rav 4 gen1 that I found listed locally with an automatic transmission. That's the only one that's in the budget for a fun car, especially with europe gas prices. Thanks for making these vids and explaining everything in the process, and also showing a bit of the fun and what the end results looks.

[@marchartkopf870]

Hello, that looks like a lot of fun. I am so jealous because here in good old Germany such a ride is not possible. Everything that is fun is forbidden here. Best regards Marc

[@AFFMotorsport]

Good work Paul, these 3 door's go well. My 99 3 Door AWD Manual goes to more places then it should, the OME kit makes a big difference, actually handles better then when it rolled off the production line. Have a little vid on my profile of when I installed the OME and took it around the front paddock.

[@4WLEX]

Yes I really was waiting for this video! Thanks for sharing the post on fb, it worked 👍🤣

[@tamarindodogs]

While the manual is more fun the automatic excels at slowly crawling up steep hills

[@LabCoatPaul]

I agree. I think technically an automatic would be better off road.

[@51cathedral51]

Great filming and editing Paul!!!!

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks!

[@JonathanWhoever]

Still working on my kids 96. Right now replacing drivers door latch and all key assembles. After that its got a hard brake pedal until they get hot. Booster passes all test. New pads and shoes. Probably the master.

[@Sciencegum5]

First! lets goooo!!!!!! always love to see the og rav4

[@jonathancarrasco1859]

I have the second gen, its the best ! great video.

[@JHamsher98]

Off road beast!!!!!!

[@26fb384]

great video.

[@300blkaac]

Hey I really enjoy the build, did you notice a difference in mpg or power before and after the lift and tires?

[@sigma_799]

mind you the rav 4 isn't really meant for serious off road trails. a full time 4x4 system will be better suited than a awd light suv. still a great little car

[@johnshue8082]

nice vid. how is sourcing parts for any repairs you've had to do? i'm eyeballing some same and wanting to mod it up like yours.

[@Kloud5280]

We have a 4 door 2000 rav4L and go off-road here in colorado

[@montanahelp2169]

Nice work Paul. Your suspension is so quiet compared the the rattletrap RAV4 that I own. Do you have the torsion limited slip rear differential? If not have you considered putting one on?

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! All my suspension is new, so it should be pretty good. Yes, I have a torsen limited slip differential. It's in my living room. I plan on installing it soon. I don't know if it will make much of a difference though - the RAV4 did just fine with the open rear differential.

[@yallgonemadd3786]

Well Im jealous !! Just had ball joints and sway bar bushing put on... I want to replace the drive shaft and carrier..found the parts on eBay.. I dont know a thing about repairs !! Toyota is killing me with there labor costs!! its rusted on the undercarriage but if I replace all the parts it should last forever ! only had 89,0000 miles when I bought it last year...old lady owned it she was the original owner..but its been in Illinois all its life! It was kept in a garage so the body is nice !! just dont have the funds to do all right now !! love the rav4 vids !! thanks ! btw..mine is a 97 too !

[@BudgetBuildBureau]

this looks like a blast! ill have to take my 3sgte swapped rav4.1 i just got going out there soon, maybe ill see ya around slc!

[@LabCoatPaul]

You have a 3SGTE RAV4? Awesome! And you're in SLC? I kinda want to do that swap some day too. I have so many questions!

[@BudgetBuildBureau]

@@LabCoatPaul yeah I just got it going but it’s been on daily duty now for a couple weeks! I should have a video on it on my channel pretty soon. Down to answer any questions you have! I’d say it’s well worth it but it also costs a fair amount

[@LabCoatPaul]

@@BudgetBuildBureau OK, so did you recently complete your 3SGTE swap? What transmission did you use? Also, if you're in town, can I look at your RAV4? You can e-mail me at [e-mail]

[@truealchiemist]

You're using your brakes too much. Stay in a low gear and use engine braking. Don't be afraid of high revs, the 3sfe is designed for it. For steep hills with pits, ruts, and rocks put your diff lock on and keep it in 1st, go slow. Always always always drive with your lights on when off road, even in the daylight. You never know what's around the corner and another driver may see them before you see them. Air down your tires by about 10 psi for rocky terrain. The 1st gen can handle a lot more than people give it credit for. Especially on dirt or rocky paths.

[@truealchiemist]

I forgot to say, good video though. Nice trails out there to explore.

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks for the tips! I had the center diff lock on while off roading. Going slow didn't work up steep hills because the engine would just stall. Engine braking doesn't do a whole lot on the super steep downhill parts either. The camera never shows just how steep things are. Five mile pass is awesome. I only explored a small part of it in the video.

[@robdude1969]

Fun seeing you play with the Rav! There was this one time I was in Hollister, CA at an off road park and I got one front and one rear both in the air. They both spun and I couldn't get out. Would have been nice to have 4 wheel lockers. Pretty sure we both have the same model. 2 door manual, 4x4.... it's the 4x4 part I just don't understand since that happened.

[@LabCoatPaul]

That's what happens with open differentials. With the center diff lock on, you're sending power to the front and rear, but all it takes is one front wheel and one rear wheel in the air to stop the car. There is an optional torsen limited slip rear differential that came on a few RAV4's. It behaves the same as an open differential when you have a wheel in the air, but is supposed to increase traction in snow or wet conditions. There is a chinese company that makes a rear locking differential for the RAV4 that can be locked with a switch.

[@robdude1969]

@@LabCoatPaul if you can think of who makes it…. 🤗

[@ttinnovations3310]

Sweet !!!

[@mariobacher7745]

very interesting to see the RAV4 OffRoad. did you have the center differential locked during the steep sections?

[@LabCoatPaul]

Yes.

[@PoMaH_P.]

Привет из россии с любовью))) У нас на дальнем востоке их очень много ( спасибо японии) их очень любят. Я своей жене купил такого. На работу ездить. А по выходным сам беру покататься.... Рыбалка, туризм. За грибами)))))

[@kobaltvol]

для умеренного бездорожья отличный аппарат)

[@v-vthe3602]

У меня их 2 штуки в семье, ездим каждый день. Универсальный автомобиль на все случаи и сезоны года.

[@henrywalts4338]

Put the 3sgte in there and then it will be a super hoot!

[@bradl29]

Do it Paul !!

[@shadowdance4666]

It looks like it’s got more clearance than my 4 door 98 rav4. Does it have a lift kit installed

[@tipsandtricks3635]

Nice video Needs a 3sgte or 3sge swap and it will fly 😁 About the gear ratio ( use a caldina E150F transmission it fits perfectly and it has better ratios) I recommend 4gen 3sgte with E150F transmission

[@LabCoatPaul]

3SGTE is a good idea, but a lot of work! The E150F doesn't have as low of a gear ratio as the E250F that's currently in my RAV4. The E250F actually has the lowest final drive and the lowest first gear out of any Toyota transmission that will fit the RAV4. When people do the 3SGTE swap, they change the transmission because the E250F can't handle the power, but they end up with faster gear ratios too.

[@tipsandtricks3635]

@@LabCoatPaul yes exactly I had a 97 rav4 before with 3sgte and a stock 250f transmission and it was a fast accelerating beast but I’ve always hated the 5th gear in the rav4s

[@147andreluiz]

If the hill is steep and long the Rav wont make it. If it's steep but short (50m ~ 100m) on the right pace you'll make it. Take it to the mud next. Good video.👍

[@philiptaylor2567]

Paul, you should get a 1st gen tacoma single cab and make videos wrenching on and modifying it. It's still a tiny toyota, but with so much more capabilities than the little rav.

[@LabCoatPaul]

That's a great idea. A pickup truck would be pretty useful too.

[@ovehauknes5477]

It looks like fun! Nice video. Will u make a how to detail after offroading in sand video? I guess compressed air would do the trick. Did u finnaly get a tinder date to fit in the rav? Good job👌

[@ovehauknes5477]

I have a rav4 2nd gen and i love it, but i also just got a subaru forester with low gear so i can go offroading in the woods. The rav4 is too nice to destroy it😍

[@LabCoatPaul]

Haha you know me so well. Yes, the RAV4 has stiffer springs so the tinder dates are ok now. I ran my tires at 26psi, which is the recommended pressure on the door sill. I don't think my car has enough power to be fun on sand dunes though.

[@ovehauknes5477]

@@LabCoatPaul yes, i have seen most of your videos and i like them alot! Thx for reply

[@HazardMEG]

by how much did you deflate the tyres?

[@tiacalilo106]

This is literally all I look forward to on KZbin. Do an engine upgrade! I heard you can take the turbo from an mr2 and slap it on the ravioli

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! It would be nice to get a bit more power in this car. Maybe next year I'll start looking at that.

[@risingstar1811]

@@LabCoatPaul do a 5th or 4th gen 3sgte swap or a caldina swap you can do the 4wd version or the 2wd im currently doin mine seems like ill have it running soon!

[@CarlosContreras-gk9gp]

❤

[@Moto74]

Hello! Did you replace front rubber support from rear differential?

[@LabCoatPaul]

Not yet. I'm planning on doing a video about the rear differential soon. I had my differential out in my suspension restoration video kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWLKmmyepKije6s I inspected the support but did not replace it.

[@NeillWylie]

The start where you mention the range wasn't low enough. That is exactly what I found in my work. You had to go a little bit too fast for my liking.

[@germanik892]

Where do you have 12 inches lift? Under the protection of engine and back reductor? Or at the sides?

[@LabCoatPaul]

I measured from the ground to the gas tank.

[@MajorSpam]

I hope 3-door off-roader become a thing again, maybe with EVs becoming more popular and nobody having to worry about emission we'll see a rise again. I really miss cars like the Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin, the new Suzuki Jimny also got discontinued in few countries because of emission ratings.

[@LabCoatPaul]

I would love to see some small SUVs, but in the US it seems all the vehicles are big so you can pile all your kids and your stuff in there. People just don't buy the smaller vehicles because they're not as useful.

[@cooperdobell548]

Hey man, just wondering what kind of fuel consumption your getting with the larger tyres compared to the original size

[@LabCoatPaul]

My RAV4 gets 21 mpg

[@cooperdobell548]

@@LabCoatPaul wow mine is still completely original and only gets 18mpg

[@autoequation4329]

Have you ever tried off-road crossing axles and can you pass it?

[@LabCoatPaul]

I wanted to get some video of the RAV4 struggling to get traction up a hill to demonstrate the center locking differential, but my car didn't have enough torque to get up any steep hills. The engine would just stall out. I'm planning on installing a Toyota torsen limited slip differential (it was available as a factory option in the RAV4), but I'll have to find some ice on flat ground to demonstrate it working. I would like to try a locking rear diff at some point, but I'll have to test that on flat ground or only a small incline, due to the lack of torque from the RAV4 drivetrain. Because the RAV4 doesn't have a low range transfer case, I had to maintain over 10mph up hills and just bounce over rocks. At that speed a locking differential is not relevant because I have momentum to keep the car going.

[@teleskoptv1797]

Great ! Wich tyres ? Lift ? Tell me please all the modifications you did !

[@angelmaldonado5587]

I'm going to have to send you my paper regarding how to install a turbo kit on the 3SFE engine.

[@LabCoatPaul]

Do you think that's better than a 3SGTE swap?

[@angelmaldonado5587]

@@LabCoatPaul Well, the 3SGTE IS a performance engine. If you want to swamp one, you will have to buy it. IF you are lucky, and an old lady had this engine for her Sunday drive, you are fine. But these engines are for performance and to buy a used one is a box of chocolate, you never know what you are going to get. (FG). I did the 3SFE engine and it runs very well. I also wrote a paper, and I've been selling it for 10, updates are free. I'm going thru my 10 edition. You will find all my mods, another paper on the transaxle, and a How-To ground specifically for the RAV4.1. A lot of DIY mods. While you are at it, if you buy my paper, please make reference to it on your channel when you read it. In the paper, I also place ALL of your RAV4.1 links.

[@aaronerickson8878]

you should find a way to add a low range transfer case

[@LabCoatPaul]

It would be very hard to add one because the front CV axles come directly out of the transmission. I've thought about adding an electric motor to help turn the driveshaft. Perhaps install a suzuki sidekick transfer case somewhere in the middle of the car and add a motor? It would be very complicated. Another idea is swap the engine to the 1mz-fe 3.0 liter v6 out of a Camry. It's about 200hp, 200lb-ft of torque. I bet the v6 will do better up hills. That swap has been done before by a few RAV4 owners, so it would definitely work.

[@javiergarciafiestas1253]

tengo un Toyota Rav4 del año 1995 modelo 5 puertas, lo consegui hace 2 años por casi 3mil dolares y no lo cambiaria por otro, muy versatil, fuerte, economico y la certeza que no quedaras botado a un lado de la carretera, he viajado de punta a punta del Peru en mi carro y no ha quedado mal. me gusta mi Rav4 1era generacion, es un machote!!

[@mariobuhic4970]

Hello, what is the size and brand of the tires

[@Warbeaver]

K02 - bfg - 235/75/r16 think

[@LabCoatPaul]

BF Goodrich T/A K02 in the LT225/75R16 size. I have a video about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHqVdpWIj5V9esU

[@user-hy5ee8jj1u]

👍👍👍✌️👍👍👍👍

[@bontosz]

I haven't been on this channel for a while. And you still haven't done the paint job on your Rav4! Please this is like the last thing you need to do to make your car super amazing!

[@LabCoatPaul]

Some day, I want to fix the paint. The car still needs a few more mechanical repairs first.

[@Muggrug]

If only these came with a little turbo diesel!

[@briank6804]

A woman siting! Bro did you get a girlfriend? I hope this doesn't clutter up your assembly...er, living room with furniture.

[@LabCoatPaul]

I would never let a woman compromise my car situation. Also, I have no idea why they don't stick around for more than a couple dates....

[@briank6804]

@@LabCoatPaul That sounds like a super power. Thanks for all the vids. Couldn't have done it without you.

[@jatampk9436]