New guy looking to beef up my Taco

Hello everyone. I've actually never joined a forum before so I guess I'm just introducing myself here. I'm getting set to drastically change my '06 Taco. I'm going to lift it, put new wheels and tires on it and a cat-back. Also, I'm going to get a diff lock (probably from a junk yard - I didn't get that option with my non-TRD and it's waaaay too much $ at the dealer). Also, I added a cold air intake. The purpose for all of this, of course, is to take it off road. So with that in mind, does anyone know where I can get some good advice where to start, places to get parts, etc.? I wanted Mickey Thompson Classic Lock wheels, a Skyjacker 3" suspension lift, Flowmaster Series 50 cat back, BF Goodrich KM2s and lots of other things. If anyone has info on why any of these may not be a good idea or if there are better alternatives, manufacturers, etc. Please, let me know. I'm new to all of this and this Taco is my first new truck. I've always had cars. But I'm in love with Tacoma now and want to get the most out of it. But I'm kinda ignorant to alot of the ins and outs with suspension, tires, wheels, exhause, etc.

 

Welcome to TW

KM2s are great
Flowmaster will decrease HP
Skyjacker isn't the best look into Bilistine 5100s or OME 3 inch lift


Also its interesting what you are going to swap your diff with I always wanted to as well

 

While those are a definite step up, there are people who would say don't bother with those either, so it's all relative.

OP, a budget for all this would really help before we can give you any solid advice.

 

No budget. I've got the dough. Just need the advice on which direction to go as far as parts, manufacturers, etc. I've also heard of ToyTec's coil over suspension lift. Not sure which one, though. I checked out the web site but it's vague or it's not something that I understand.

 

KTMRider

Why would a flowmaster decrease hp? They claim it will increase by 24. The one I was looking at was the American Thunder 50-series dual. By the way, nice looking Taco.

 

Thanks Man, I have not dyno tested it myself or anything of that nature, but they are supposedly one of the most restrictive mufflers around

Check out these threads
this is on exhaust in general
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/19967-how-air-goes-thru-your-engine-basic.html
and this is on flowmaster
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/77679-flowmaster-muffler-good-power-increase.html

 

Also, don't Bilstein shocks come with the TRD? Is it the 5100s? I didn't buy the TRD but now it seems as though that would have been a good starting point to modify the truck the way I want. How tough is it to take a standard access cab 4X4 and make it badass? I'm going to get the diff lock and I've decided on Mickey T's 17X9 classic lock wheels (285/70R-17) and BFG KM2 tires. Together they have the look I want and the off-road capability. The only thing is that the wheels are 17X9 and the the tires may bulge too far and be more susceptible to puncture on the sidewall. But it's not a huge concern. As far as the lift, I'm at a total loss. Don't know where to go with that. HELP!

 

Welcome to Tacoma world. The toytec lift and ome lift are both great lifts. I would go with those in Lou of the skyjacker. I have the flowmaster 50 series and I like it. I didn't notice any power loss. I'm thinking of going with arb locker on my prerunner in the far future. You may want to look into those if you can't find one at a at a local junk yard.

 

Just read an interesting thread on the truck world site regarding dyno specs on catbacks. the link is http://truckworld.tenmagazines.com/ew/topic.asp?id=13501
check it out.

 

Gracias Senor. Which Toytec or OEM 3" suspension lift would you recommend? Considering that my Taco is going to be driven on the street as well as off-road. Can you give me some links to follow? Thanks again.

 

Then you want something like the Remote Reservoir Icon/TC package listed here, and a pair of their rear remote resi shocks: Along with some new Alcan leaf packs: And then wheels and tires. New wheels are not strictly necessary, but the backspacing on the stock wheels will cause tires larger than 265/75/16 or 265/70/17 to rub. Some minor trimming and a chop to the body mount can fix this. Trimming will likely be necessary even with new wheels. Also, don't forget extended brake lines.

If you have this installed for you, expect to pay for that as well, obviously.