Desert Build Questions/Openions

Okay I have a few questions that I'd like some various openions on. With the openions please give a reason why you have that. Then I can take on your openion, or dismiss it like the wind. Nah, but seriously...

I'm going to start building a desert runner truck that will eventually be raceable and what I'd like to get your openions on are...

1) What year Tacoma would you start with?

I hear a lot of talk about the first gen tacomas having stronger frames and that is a huge advantage if it's significantly stronger than 2nd gens. What other reasons are there for or against any specific or genral year/gens?

2) What would you look for in a used truck that was intended for this?

I'm leaning towards finding one that has the type of front long travel I want. Don't care about the rear because the combo I'm looking for probably won't be out there. Fully caged would be nice, with or without any long travel. Lots of work would already be done.

3) Auto or Manual?

This is one of my biggest up in the airs I think. At first I was dead set on a manual, but the more I look at videos and others builds, and just think about it, a beefed up auto might be clutch.

4) What else am I missing?

I just did the big things that are in my head, anyone else have suggestions of things to look for?

 

first gens are lighter and have been around longer so it may be easier to buy parts for them.
what i would look for is low miles and you may be able to find something used that already has some work done to it.
you cant find a first gen double cab in manual, but a double cab is also heavier. you can give a few different people like level 10 upgrades a call and they can help you build an automatic tranny. and one of the lt guys will chime in here sooner or later to help you out with anything else.

Also you spelt opinion wrong ha ha.

 

If your looking for a race able rig then I would say 1st gen. Not from performance aspect but more financial. With the money saved by going first gen more can go into the after market parts. Yes something could be more likely to go on an older vehicle but if you have the skill to fab such a ride then I'm sure you can handle it.

Also if you can find one that's already built or somewhat built then you will definitely save some more dough but obviously make sure it's built properly and no shortcuts were taken.

 

Do you have 20 to 40 grand to spend on prep and repairs once the truck is built? Because if you don't then your wasting your time even buying a race truck in the first place.

Rule number one is things will break. Lots of things. Lots of expensive things. I don't know of any of us LT guys who haven't broken something in the course of recreational offroading. Racing is an enormous jump up from that.

 

years of experience IN the desert or short course racing scene...

try to get as much experience as a chase truck before you jump in a race truck...

if you don't know how to build it, you won't know hot to fix it, and likely shouldn't be racing it...

and as stated above, its serious money... a recreational LT truck will cost you $10,000 in basic suspension plus the truck... tack on an additional $7,000 for a chase truck... then figure another $15,000 for something race-ish... then figure to keep $10,000 in reserve for repairs, maintenance, and spare parts...

oh, and don't forget the budget for tools, tow vehicle, trailer, and race suits/safety gear...

then marketing budget for race entry fees (upwards of $3,000 per race)

and unless you got some really reliable, loyal buddies with chase trucks, you will need to invest on a dedicated chase truck... so figure one more truck with about $15,000 to $17,000 dropped into it...

 

I'm fully prepared for the cost of this. I'm not expecting to come into it with 15 or 20gs into one truck and expect to not spend anymore money. I've got a ton to learn and am more than willing to do so. Also I'm expecting to just jump straight into a racing scene and get some. I understand if some people read my post and think, "fuck, another person jumping on the band wagon who doesn't know shit." I've thought that about many persons in various jobs, sports, interests that I'm heavily into. I'm not one like that.Long term is what I'm thinking. I'd like to start off building a truck the right way though. First building, as you all have stated, a chase truck for two reasons. First is to get used to the difference in the type of driving/racing I've done before. Second, to have just that, a chase truck.When I get back to the states I'm expecting to know much more than I know now, but overal to know nothing. And thus I'd like to use these forums to meet up with those persons who are into this sport and "tag" along and help with what knowledge I do have, and in return learn from what knowledge you all have.My intention for this topic was to get a general idea on what people are using and what a good place to start is. Cost wise I am looking at a first gen for sure. Overall, everyones got to start somewhere, so here I am.

 

in that case, definitely look into a 1st gen xcab prerunner... with a TRD locker would be an added bonus, but you likely won't need the locker... its still nice to have...

for the front LT, there are a lot of options out there... just a matter of shopping around for which one you want...

 

Just as something to consider, the Total Chaos reg cab had a 4.0 swap into it and it's a little beast. Short wheel base, lighter, just badass. Throw a TRD or better yet URD supercharger with a Mark III kit and tuned up with full front/rear LT... that'd be freak'n sick and pretty rare. Parts for second gens are a bit more expensive, but the second gens are overall nicer if you're planning to DD it at all too. Just a combo to contemplate, overall 1st gen is probably the wisest choice.

As for stick vs auto... for flat out racing in the desert I'd go manual all the way. For the slow speed rock/crawling/climbing ect... auto's better in my book as you have easier control without worring about stalling on slow speeds. Balls to the wall... just have a good clutch, short shifter, and enjoy the hell out of it. My $0.02.

 

i dont think race trucks can have forced induction unless its the all out classes, i think most of them have to be naturally aspirated. maybe mikesdoublecab can clear that up if im wrong?

 

I think that entirely depends on what class and specific rules/regs per class. It is a valid point though to check into the regs before you build for the classes you want to compete in.

 

A stock 4WD Off Road TRD Tacoma can go anywhere that any other stock or even many modified vehicles can go... I prefer an automatic tranny, less slipping, easier to negotiate crawl trails, easier in the sand. The A-TRAC provides the traction of front and rear lockers, so no need for after-market, expensive lockers. If you find a road that the Tacoma cannot drive, then I would be surprised if any other street legal 4WD could.