We have showcased a great deal of unique vehicles in OFF-ROAD Magazine. Street-legal VW Thing prerunners, Dodge Ram Runners with quadralink suspensions, and now we present you with Jon Kennedy’s Tacoma. At first glance, Jon’s ’06 Taco seems just like any you would see traveling down the highway heading for dirt. Larger tires, fiberglass fenders, bumpers, and even a nice bedcage are common among prerunners running around SoCal. What makes this truck unique is what’s tucked underneath and inside. If the center-mounted front A-arms and lack of a rear solid axle don’t give you a clue, then the LS-1 that’s pushed back for better weight distribution should make it clear that this truck is no ordinary Tacoma. Jon has been racing the deserts of SoCal and silt beds of Baja longer than the average reader of this magazine has been alive. 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 two-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 providing 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.Jon’s wife insisted that the next prerunner Jon built had real doors, a windshield and wor 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 5.7L 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.You were probably wondering where the name of this truck came from? Under the hood is a ti 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.See something missing? That’s right, the motor isn’t where it should be. As we already men The rear bed space was built for 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. Here you can also spot dual Red Top Optima batteries.The rear bed space was built for form and function. Remembering this truck is built to pre Well that’s definitely not standard-issue 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 and 4.10 ratio gears.Well that’s definitely not standard-issue Tacoma! Baja Shop built the rear half using long 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. Found are 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.Jon’s son, L.J. Kennedy runs a shop called The Body Guys and built the dash for the truck. A Howe steering system keeps the front end in line and Pro Am brakes both front and rear make sure Jon stops in time for anything nasty ahead.A Howe steering system keeps the front end in line and Pro Am brakes both front and rear m Below the transmission cooler is a Jegs 32-gallon fuel cell. Tilting the chase rack allows Jon access to his storage compartment. Knowing how rough the racecourse can yet; Jon had The Baja Shop build plenty of underbody protection.Knowing how rough the racecourse can yet; Jon had The Baja Shop build plenty of underbody We questioned Jon’s choice to run smaller 2.0 shocks on his truck but he assured us they are plenty. In the rear we find Fox 2.0 bypass and coilover shocks.We questioned Jon’s choice to run smaller 2.0 shocks on his truck but he assured us they a Burly steering knuckles using uniballs and Heim joints are found connecting the suspension together.Burly steering knuckles using uniballs and Heim joints are found connecting the suspension By Jordan May Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
