At Ride, we’re not just building suspension systems—we’re out here putting them through hell. Every valving tweak and hardware change gets tested on real trails before it ever ends up under your rig. So when the crew needed to dial in new tuning for our Tacoma suspension kits and Toyota 4Runner suspension systems, we pointed the compass south. This wasn’t a promo shoot. It was a brutal Baja run—dust, ruts, rocks, and soft sand. Just the way we like it.
Friday Morning Launch – Fiesta Island to Baja Dirt
We rolled out early from Fiesta Island in San Diego. Six rigs. Full gear. All different builds, all running gear that needed to earn its keep.
Test Fleet Highlights:
- 2nd Gen Toyota Tacoma – Ride Shocks test mule, built simple.
- 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma – Heavier test mule with Ride Shocks, built for overland camping adventures.
- 1st Gen Ford Raptor – Fox 3.0 IBP front, Fox 2.5 bypass with Deaver Stage 1 rear.
- 6th Gen Ford Bronco – Ford bronco lift kit from Falcon shocks.
- 2nd Gen Toyota Tundra – Sporting King Shocks tuned by AccuTune Offroad with Dirt King UCAs.
Fuel in Santo Tomas – Dirt Begins
We topped off the tanks in Santo Tomas, then eased onto the trail toward Colonet. That stretch had taken a beating from the recent Baja 500—ruts carved deep, rock shelves sharp enough to catch anything loose, and whoops for miles. The kind of terrain that doesn’t care what brand you’re running.This is where weak setups fall apart.
Ride Shocks held steady.—staying cool, stable, and precise. That’s what real-world off-road shocks need to do, especially when you’re 50 miles deep with no signal and no backup. Whether you’re running a full suspension upgrade or dialing in new shocks for your Toyota Tacoma, this is the kind of terrain that proves if your gear is worth it.
We topped off the tanks in Santo Tomas, then eased onto the trail toward Colonet. That stretch had taken a beating from the recent Baja 500—ruts carved deep, rock shelves sharp enough to catch anything loose, and whoops for miles. The kind of terrain that doesn’t care what brand you’re running.
Ride Shocks held steady. No fade, no drama—just smooth, planted control. That’s the kind of response you want when you’re way out there, far from pavement and signal. Whether you’re building out a full suspension setup or just starting with new shocks, this is the kind of trail that tells the truth.
Coastal Clarity – First Look at the Pacific
We stopped when we hit the coast. That view—blue water, no one around, just rigs and road—is why we run these trails. Colonet was our lunch stop. Nothing fancy, just good tacos and cold drinks. A quick reset before the trail got weird again.
To the Wreck – A Baja Landmark
Everyone just calls it Shipwreck. South of Colonet, where the desert slides into the sea, there’s a rusted-out hull that’s been slowly giving in to salt and time. No signs, no fences—just part of Baja lore. We’ve been coming here for over a decade, and every trip there’s a little less left. That slow decline’s become part of the ritual. You stop, take it in, remember what it used to look like. It’s one of those markers that ties off-roaders together—everyone’s got a Shipwreck story.
River Rock to Sand Blaster – Trail Variety at Its Best
Past the wreck, the beach turns into a river rock playground. One trip it’s packed, next time it’s like driving on bowling balls. Our Toyota Tacoma suspension system handled it with confidence—predictable, even over the looseness.
Then it opens up. Fine, soft sand for miles. Wide enough to push 60+ if your shocks are dialed. Natural jump lines out there too. Not the place for worn-out shocks. Ride Shocks didn’t flinch. Tuned setups meant full speed, full send.
Dinner at San Quintin – Eucalipto and Recovery
We pulled into San Quintin at golden hour. Dinner at Eucalipto by the Old Mill is a tradition now. We stayed at Hotel Misión Santa María. Clean beds, strong showers, quiet rest.
Return Loop – Same Trail, Different Eyes
Saturday, we ran the route in reverse. Dustier. Maybe a bit faster, too. We hit Estero Beach by sunset. Pool time, then tacos at El Poblano.
Sunday – Crossing Back North
By Sunday morning we were crossing the border. Rigs looked like they’d been through something—because they had. But nothing broke. Nothing rattled. That’s how we know the tuning’s right.
Final Word – Ride Shocks = Trail-Earned Confidence
We don’t just tune in a lab. We tune out here, where it counts. If you’re looking for a Tacoma suspension kit that doesn’t fade, a suspension lift for your Toyota 4Runner that actually handles load, or Tacoma upper control arms that keep geometry on point—we built Ride for you.