Do I need a lift for forest roads?

I bought my 1st gen Tacoma 4x4 to get to trail heads that require a high clearance vehicle. Since I will only be driving my tuck on forest roads in, Arizona, do I need a lift? I would rather spend money on preventable maintenance and would rather not spend top dollar on a lift that I don't need. What are your thoughts?

 

So you're NOT going to be driving on the trails that require high clearance?

 

@EatSleepTacos Sorry, I will be driving on forest roads that require high clearance.

 

Ahh, gotcha. Well it's hard to say without actually seeing the roads. If you're going to frequent them, then I would probably invest in a lift. Do YOU think you need a lift for these roads? Have you actually been on them before?

 

So, didn't you just answer your own question?

 

@EatSleepTacos Well I just moved to Arizona and have taken my Honda civic down Fish Creek road to get to the Reavis Ranch trail head, and it was sketchy. I want to hike up from Rogers Trough Trail head to Reavis Ranch but I heard that you can't make it there in a sedan. I guess I answered my own question. I'll just get out there and see what happens. Haha.

 

@medic2230 Haha, yes I did, sorry I'm new to this.

 

Just take it out there and go slow. I doubt you'll need any lift at all, the Tacoma already has pretty high clearance.

 

I'd just start driving it and if you need to, just turn around. You'd be surprised at how capable our little trucks are stock.

 

Thanks guys. I'm going to replace my ball joints and get out there!

 

i had my truck at stock height an did many many trails, as long as you pay attention an take good lines you will be fine

 

Yup, High Clearance Roads are typically dirt/gravel ROADS that don't get much maintenance and have ruts/rocks/bumps that normal cars and many of the lower crossover type vehicles either can't make it without hitting/dragging or getting stuck or would be very slow and tough.

A stock 4x4 (or Prerunner) Tacoma has enough clearance for almost any of those. Of course there are probably some out there that have been heavily eroded in rain storms and haven't been fixed that a stock truck can't make. But any somewhat normally used hiking trail probably has enough Intel to know road conditions and not be surprised.

I would think about tires though. For sure need a spare in good condition and a jack and tools to change without fighting your way thru it. Then, if you have the budget, a nicer tougher set (including matching spare most likely) will survive more miles with less worries off the beaten path.

 

I ran my stock 2008 Tacoma for years without a lift on forest roads. Most obstacles on a state forest road can be overcome with proper tire placement. Also my 2nd gens stock clearance was less than a 1st gen's, if I'm not mistaken. OP, just run her as is but go easy and see how she does. If you run into difficulty, then lift it.

 

@RPS1030 Thanks for the info. Thanks for info. I just bought some BF Goodrich All Terrain tires with a matching spare. I always carry tools in my car and a jack. I also have some climbing rope, a shovel, a chainsaw, recovery straps and 3 days worth of food and water. The only thing I want to get is a small air compressor and a winch of some sort.

 

I think youre setting yourself up quite nicely for what you want to do. like others said, just take it easy and don't try anything that you don't think you can get yourself out of. "better safe than sorry" when youre out alone.

 

For a small air compressor, I recommend the

$98 viair 88p portable compressor kit (12V, 120 psi, forup to 33" tires)

viair 88p. Its only $60 on Amazon and it fills up my tires quickly after wheeling!

 

Just picked me up one of those and it works well for airing up without breaking the bank. It's good cheap insurance.

 

Sounds like you are on the right track for sure. Going prepared and getting out for adventures.

Hang around TW enough, and the downward spiral of truck mods will commence. Be patient, stay within your budget, and try to not do to many partial steps.

I've been very pleased with the Viair 400PA setup I found on craigslist. Glad they have an option for that market.

 

@EatSleepTacos Thanks, I'll check that air compressor out. Can you mount it in your engine bay? I have tons of space on the right.

 

Look at the TJM compressor from Sierra expeditions its like 125$ an 2-3 year warrenty I've had mine for a long time, I know the other one is 60 but just another option to look into