DMZ 2006 Tacoma Long Travel Suspension Build

FYI: For 2nd Generation Tacoma owners considering a Long-Travel Build/Conversion

I spent close to a year researching every build and equipment permutation for a front and rear Long-Travel (LT) Conversion of my 2006 Tacoma Double-Cab 4x4. Yes, I spent many hours on the internet, and investigated, contacted or visited virtually every manufacturer and fabricator in Southern California that offered and/or installed LT suspension systems for my Tacoma. Why all the effort? Because I imposed several key constraints/requirements on the build, and was also concerned that I might be underwhelmed or even disappointed by the performance of the LT conversion after spending so much time and money. I have considerable experience driving and riding off-road. One could say, I appreciate a balanced and effective suspension system, not only for speed, but for safety and control. The choices are more complicated than they first appear.

I finally pulled the trigger in early summer and have tested the truck on a variety of off-road trips since then. The details of the build can be referenced on my TacomaWorld profile - Username: Single6

The considerable fabrication work for the front and rear LT build was performed by Tim Duncan at DMZ in Norco, CA. using primarily a Total Chaos front suspension package, King shocks, and a DMZ custom perimeter bedcage with a spring-under conversion. Tim (owner) spent hours patiently answering my questions, which covered much more than just suspension, and offered invaluable recommendations and advice on trade-offs, as did the people at Total Chaos, King, Deaver, OMF and VisionX. But Tim really pulled-it together. During the build, Tim creatively solved several problems we confronted, and executed the work as if it was his own vehicle.

The results far exceeded my expectations in terms of design, build quality, and both on and off-road performance. I attended a King shock tunng session in Barstow to properly adjust the valving on the bypass shocks soon after the build's completion. A few adjustments from Iribe, the shock tuning specialist, produced marked improvement in ride, speed and control. The bottom line is my Tacoma, after the suspension work and reinforcements, is a vehicle capable of off-road speeds not prudent without a full racing cage. Off-road, the ride improves as the speed increases. Notwithstanding, the ride is equally improved on very rocky, slow patches, for example narrow, old, very rutted mining roads where one has no choice but to go slow in low range. On-highway performance and around town ride is also substantially better - my wife even noticed an improvement.

The reason I drafted this thread was primarily to reward good, knowledgable, and helpful people in the industry who are designing, fabricating, and installing quality equipment. Among those people are primarily Tim at DMZ Fabrication & Race Prep, Pat at Total Chaos Suspension, Brian & Iribe at King Shock Technology, Jeff at Deaver Spring, Tim & Bones at OMF Beadlock Wheel Conversions, Joe & Rick at VisionX Off Road Lighting, and the folks at GlassWorks and Allied Wheel. In addition, this may help some Tacoma owners that may be considering Long Travel suspension conversions.

Regards,

Chris
Single6

 

You California guys get to have all the (offroad) fun. Sounds like a great set up. If you have any pictures, it would be great to see.

 

I'll try to post some images when I get a moment free.

Chris

 

Tease. I was expecting pictures

 

Here are a few images:

 

Cool, Full truck pics please

 

^^what he said

 

that skid thats covering the rear bypassed are fucking sic.... thats what would always worry me... if ya loading up some shit in the truck.... and u hit a bypass... that would realllyyy suck haha but yea full pics of the truck please !!!

 

for OP do u have a locker and is it still useable..???

 

yah dmz is a great shop!! i had tim reinforce my cam tabs and he was totally chill with great customer service! pretty soon im gonna have him add a shock hoop and 2.0 bypass for me and hopefully later lt my rear

 

were these pictures taken with a film camera? lol nice rig though, we need more pics! film or otherwise

 

dont tease us like this!!!! we demand pics!!

 

Truck looks amazing. I spoke with Tim this week about a brake issue and he told me about your truck.

DMZ consistently puts out the best work on any build I have ever seen.

For those of you on the W.Coast who look to save a few pennies by going with other shops look at the quality and see what your missing!

 

Sorry, no spare locker.

Chris

 

What makes you think they were taken with film?

 

i love the bed light mod. Pics of the entire truck please, looks sick from what i can see

 

wow....sick job on the suspension, especially the rear bed cage. More full pics!

 

Damn I want the know how to do this. But then again there is really no where I could go jump my truck.

 

KINGS SUSPENSION & TOTAL CHAOS. . . . .


NUFF SEDDD. No need for further pics..Already BAD ASS!
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