Ole Red - 1999 Toyota Tacoma Xtra Cab 2.7L 3RZ-FE 4x4 SR5 All Manual Build

For the price, its hard to beat. They are obviously made China/ Taiwan but they were simple to install and they are functioning well. If it were a newer/ cleaner tacoma, I probably would have gotten something a little nicer but for the age of the truck and for my purposes, these are just fine. I would recommend for quick and cheap replacement. I like the way they look. Especially compared to the old fogged ones. I am glad I didn't waste my time cleaning the old ones.

 

Another thing to mention, have you checked to see what gear ratio you have in the differentials?

I have the 3.58's, 2.7L, and 32's and it's a dog. 5th gear is hardly usable on the highway so I cruise around in 4th most the time. This isn't a big deal but I have a 5th gear for a reason. I don't rock crawl or anything so I'm hoping to find some stock 4.10's or 4.30's in a TRD (e-locker) axle and do a rear end swap.

 

I appreciate the consideration and completely agree with how heavy the tires will be. I am hoping it isn't too terrible.

I wanted to do a 32" x 9 or 10" (if they offer that in a 15" or 16" wheel) or a 33" x 10" but I got these 4 new BGF Mud Terrain T/A KM2 32 x 11.50 R15's for nearly half price on Craigslist. That really freaking hard to beat with the stickers still on them.... but I considered reselling them and use profit to help pay for a narrower size but I doubt I could make enough profit to make up for the deal I got these for... I would "pay" more for the skinnier tires at this point.

 

Tires. Help me out... Poll in progress. Click the link:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tire-size-help-bfg-mud-terrain-t-a-km2-decisions.438329/

 

I guess I am a sucker for Tacomas. Especially identical year, color, engine, and all... Got a deal on another one as a parts truck that actually runs. I couldn't pass it up considering...

I plan to use some parts from Tacoma #2 to replace broken or worn parts on my Tacoma #1 and as I get aftermarket or new replacements I'll throw my good used parts on Tacoma #2.

 

I honestly don't think weight and width are nearly as much of a factor as height. The further the surface area of the tire from the center of the wheel, the harder your truck is having to work to turn them. I guess it looks like you have maybe 31's already (but worn-ish) but it's like trying to tighten or loosen a bolt with a short wrench.

But maybe you got better gearing in your truck. I might have just gotten screwed compared to other Taco owners.

And a good deal is a good deal. No reasonable man can pass one up.

 

We thank you for the business!!
-Parker

 

Hope to get my new lift installed in a couple weeks. I am sticking with the 32 x 11.50 BFG KM2's for now.

The wife and I are looking at an Appalachian Mountain tour from North Georgia to Northern West Virginia. We will be taking mostly National Forest Fire/ Service roads and any other backroads we can take off the interstate or highways. Check out these guys who have generated some maps to follow.

http://www.mountainstateoverland.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBYFheDKMsA&list=PLhWTMM556Wi1l6XS_54BnBWfRXTns7VwU&index=5

I am currently debating on what to attack next. I am actively looking for 15" wheels but am considering other more important mods. Here is a little list, let me know what would be most important before hitting some potentially difficult trails. Let me know other items I should consider as well.

- Front Bumper and Winch
- Sliders
- New Seats
- Skids

 

I would say seats goes along with wheels, not really going to improve your trucks ability to navigate difficult terrain. Unless they really are terrible and don't hold you in place

Will you be taking this trip alone or with a group? Because if you're in a group, I think recovery stuff like a winch isn't as important. If you're going to be alone in the middle of no where, it would be nice to free your truck if you get hung up.

 

We will be alone... so winch is sounding pretty necessary. I am also going to look into sliders. I rather not bang up the body of the truck... I DO NOT want to have to bondo and/ or repaint.

I have found some seats on CL and hope they are much more comfortable than mine that are worn out. I wanted to do aftermarket but they are really expensive and fitting and mounting might be more than I want to fool with right now... unless there is a simple option out there?

 

I found that 01-02 4runner seats are comfortable. And they are bolt ins.

 

I found some cloth 4Runner seats on CL locally. I would prefer leather if I could find them but "beggars can't be choosers".

The seller sent me pictures with dimensions and everything looks to be the same.

My old 60/40 seat driver seat is about worn out. I thought about getting it reupholstered but I don't think the cost is justifiable...

 

I have never done a seat swap in anything but my brother has a buddy who's always changing seats in his yota. It seems like there should be a thread of which seats will swap into what for hilux, 4runner, tacoma, tundra, etc.

I think that guy always swaps in something from another toyota but I don't know what models and what not.

 

So, I picked up the cloth ones today. They were in a 1997 4Runner. From What I can tell, 1996 through 2002 4runners have some interchangeable parts with the 1996 through 2000 Tacomas. I am not sure about the 2001 through 2004 Tacomas...

These 4runnner seats look a lot more comfortable. I'll get them in a post soon.

 

96-02 4runners and 96-04 tacomas are all interchangeable

 

Agreed... maybe some leathers will pop up on CL soon.

 

Went ahead and bought some new upper plates for the new assembly of OME coils and shocks. Found them here:

http://parts.olathetoyota.com/toyot...-cat/front-suspension-scat/?part_name=support

Price was a little better than local dealership and they were able to confirm fitment by my VIN.

 

Went ahead and bought all new hardware for installing the lift. For the best place to buy oem toyota parts, Toyota of Dallas parts department (John) was extremely helpful when it came to identifying smaller parts and pieces that are not necessarily shown on the website diagrams. Talk to John, he is one of the best in my experiences thus far. They will check the VIN, stock of the items, and confirm part numbers to be sure you have what you need. Relatively good shipping.

( http://parts.toyotaofdallas.com/auto-parts/1999/toyota/tacoma/sr5-trim/2-7l-l4-gas-engine )

 

Here are some pictures after all was installed. Immediately went on a 1500 mile vacation through the back roads of NC, TN, VA, KY, WV, MA, PA

 

looks so good with the cap!