Budget trail rig

Hey guys been reading the forum a long time and finally decided to become a member. I've got a 99 Tacoma 240k miles 2.7 5 SPD. I have a small lift and 31x10.50s (used to have 33's but it caused alot of stress on the front end because of the lift we used and the ball joints broke lol) anyways my truck is completely original with the exception of a new Moog front end and I'm considering making a trail rig out of it and I was hoping for suggestions as to what the best mods are for starting out. I don't want to spend alot in the beginning I'm waiting for tax season to start a sas and possible 4 link in the rear but for now what are my best options? Thanks!

 

Don't do anything suspension-wise if you plan on SAS in the near future. It'll be a waste imo.

You could get some cheap armor maybe? Sliders, bumpers, etc. definitely not too cheap though.

Maybe a camper shell? Wheels and Tires?

Save up gas money?

 

I just put a set of Chevy wagon wheels in my buddy's shop to be sandblasted and painted, to give a better offset than the factory wheels, I was considering the deck plate mod but wondered if it would give any benefit in low end power, I'm very low geared (hooked a chain to a 2012 Chevy 1500 with the 5.3 and out pulled him in 3rd gear 4 low last night)

 

Most things I've read about the deck plate mod is that it doesn't do anything. But you're more than willing to try, it's simple and cheap.

 

You could relocate the rear differential breather? That's simple and cheap also. Supposedly helps a lot.

 

I also am highly considering an exo cage before the suspension work, but am unsure as to what diameter tubing would be best. I make decent money so I'm not worried about the cost as long as material stays under 500 I have my own welders and pipe benders

 

I like that idea, do you know of a link for it?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/differential-breather-mod-for-dummies-pics.15686/

Here's a good link. Nice and simply explained with pictures.

 

Are there any good trails down in TN dust storm? I'm in Kentucky but I go to Nashville to see family pretty often

 

I moved from California to here about a year ago, and it's actually been quite a bummer trail-wise. There are off-road parks but you have to pay to get in. Virtually no free spots. Land Between Lakes is one, and there's another park somewhere by Knoxville but I can't remember what it's called.

 

We have tons of trails here several parks over 1000 acres 10 bucks gets you in for 24 hours, I'm trying to get my truck Rubicon ready for a cross country trip lol, im jealous of all the people I see in California riding their trails!

 

Definitely miss the miles and miles of free riding in California.