Joey's 2009 DD/Trail/Work Taco

Hello again TW!

Updated: 1/3/17

Current picture:


Specs:
2009 Black Tacoma Access Cab
TRD Sport
V6, 6MT
112,000mi

Tires:
255/75/17 BFG MT KM1

Mods:
Leer 100R cap
Rhino-rack on tracks
Modular subwoofer installed by PO
Janky in-bed sleeping/cargo platform
Driver with questionable decision making skills

Plans:
(near future)
2" front 1.5" rear lift
Ditch lights
Roof basket

(eventually)
UCA's
Bumpers
Coils

This is my first Tacoma, I bought it in April of 2016. There was quite a lot of shopping that went into buying this truck. I think I shopped for about 6 months before I could find one in Colorado's expensive market that was worth purchasing. Knowing that I needed some form of TRD, a manual transmission, a V6, and a 6' bed; not any Tacoma would do. Finding this one in Colorado Springs for a decent price, along with a cap for work (property management/repair & maintenance contractor) to keep all my tools organized and dry, and small subwoofer for when I want to feel 16 again I contacted my local credit union and bought the truck within 30 minutes of first laying eyes on it. Within the first month of owning this vehicle, it had been across the country and back, through the desert backcountry, up and down mountains, and in a couple shady situations involving high-country mines. All of this on 265/70/17 BFG Long Trail T/A Tour highway tires It was pretty amazing how much those tires took without a problem.


Utah Desert


With my buddy Derek's silver 2013 DCSB TRD Sport on 265 Duratracs


Colorado Mountains


Montana


Wyoming


Eventually, I got fed up with the horrid (yet expected) traction and surprising amounts of road noise from the Long Trails and set out to find a good deal on some capable tires. After much research on sizes, brands, and classifications of tires I hopped on Craigslist and found a BRAND NEW set of 255/75/17 BFGoodrich MT KM's for $250 It turns out that all the Jeep guys in Colorado take these off their new Rubicon's as soon as they are bought, in favor for a 35" KM2. Good news for us Tacoma owners!

Having unimaginable amounts of traction, strength, and peace of mind compared to running the 265's has been beautiful. I've made sure to get out and use them as much as possible as well.


Almost flexing in Breckenridge, CO


Stuffed on Bald Mountain, CO


Rocky CO trails


Reviving my 1978 Toyota Hilux Chinook Camper before selling it

(Having this Hilux and realizing the simplicity and durability behind it, I have become obsessed with finding another late 70's, early 80's Pickup or 4Runner worth playing with)


Eventually, I realized the need of a rack for ladders and lumber greater than 6ft in length, in addition to storing my skis/mountain bike/other equipment for when I am camping in the cap, on the road. One brand that really stood out in it's ability to be used for commercial level hauling was Rhino-rack. I got their quick release HD track rack kit with 59" aluminum bars for about $260 and couldn't be happier.

Out playing in the first snow of the year in the CO High-Country

Again with my buddy Derek who isn't on the forums for whatever reason.

That's all for now! Hopefully there will be some more progress soon, but being in school is really putting a hold on my cash flow to vehicles lately. I appreciate you taking the time to read my journal!

-Joey

 

Can't help you on lift input, sorry I am not lifted. I do have a question about your tires, do you have any rubbing running the 255/75/17's? I am ready to ditch the street tires my Taco came with and go a little bigger but want to stay stock suspension.

How do you like the 255/75's?

 

I love them! Compared to my 265's: a bit more height, a bit less width, they are much cheaper than other size tires for our trucks, and I've gained a bit of gas mileage out of them even though they are a much more aggressive and stronger tire. I highly doubt anyone with 265's would notice the half inch less width on the 255's in any situation. Definitely worth purchasing, in my opinion.

 

Oh, and I've only had minor rubbing because of a deformed wheel well liner. If everything is where it should be, they fit perfect.

 

This is good to know, I am going to watch CL as see if I can find a take off set.

Thanks for the input

 

First post updated.

 

Been a little while, TW! Not much is different, but put the Taco to work not too long ago.