God Bless the Rains

Jesus people, one can only assume that many of you are first time Tacoma owners based on a few of the unintelligent and uneducated responses in here.

1. Every generation of Tacoma and 4Runner has had it's fair share of problems. The 2nd Gens had major problems when they first came out. The issues with the 3rd gens are minor and will be resolved. How do I know? My 2016 is my 6th Toyota truck since 1993. There's a reason Toyota vehicles are popular all over the world in places with rugged and rough terrain.

2. @raftsecurity, you're spot on with your build plans. As far as lighting goes, I wouldn't recommend spending a shit ton on lighting. Hit Amazon and you'll be fine. There are plenty of people on here that will tell you that Rigid or Baja designs are the only lights that are trustworthy. I have run Arsenal OffRoad's lights on 3 of my rigs and never had an issue with them. They affordable to replace if one of them fails, but I've never had to replace one.

3. Personally, I would forego the ARB bumper and have the guys at C4 build your front bumper as it doesn't require cutting your stock plastics.

4. Tires - You can't go wrong with Duratracs. Great tire and not stupid expensive. @FourBanger99 was spot on with his review and recommendation. With your 2.5" of lift, you will see some sag once the armor is put on. Stick with 265/75R16's and you should'nt have to do any other cutting unless you absolutely want to do a CMC.

5. @tacoflavoredkisses1 - The CPS is a simple fix and $160 if not on the recall list will resolve it.

You are going to get to live in one of the most off-roadable countries in the world, explore it. I have friends from Botswana that go back every year for a month to wheel their LC that they left at his family's home there. We will expect a photo log of your travels on TW.

 

In terms of OpSec do you not think this will make you a target for looters being in a vehicle that new? I could be wrong, just a thought I had.

 

I would take the old badbitch 4R to blend in better OP, you will stick out oddly nuff as soon as your feet touch ground there, no need to advertise any further, and I'd also leave the clothing home and buy local clothes too lol!

An old 4Runner or Landcruiser has been tried and proven all over the world and unless that is the purpose of the trip for the Taco, I'd leave it covered in the garage or storage back at home.
But if you insist on the Taco, steel wheels vs alloy is first order of business as they can be hammered back into shape after a severe blow, second would be the biggest tires you can fit (tires are everything) recovering gear, and a spare cps for sure and you'll be just fine.

I'll be watching you too
Cheers!

 

You'd be surprised just how many new vehicles are in Africa. I went for the first time last year to Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Ehiopia, and S. Africa and I was surprised at the amount of new Hilux and Land Cruisers there.

 

Parts availability would be a major concern. Your Tacoma is a North American market truck. That Tacoma's engine is built in Alabama specifically for North America.

There complaints on V6's especially when it comes to the CPS failing. Africa is a hot continent and there are quite a few CPS failures are due to heat soak. I would recommend you carry at least 2 spares if you are there 2-3 years since shipping parts there can take awhile.

 

I would look at Mobtown Offroad's Skid and Sliders. They are sturdiest I've seen and very reasonable price minus powdercoating (their flat rate coating cost seems excessive.)

 

Nice truck but I would suggest you buy something that is common to the market you will be in. That will probably be a Hilux, Forerunner (Fortuner), or Landcruiser. I suspect that the African market will likely be more diesel oriented. I also suspect that the common tire size over there will be along the lines of 255/85/16 or in the old money 7.50 x 16.

Good luck

 

Curious, how much does it cost to ship a vehicle to Africa and back home again?

 

good thing this and the diff affected less than 1% of tacomas, the recall was large just to be sure

 

Thank you everyone for your comments. This is exactly the kind of discussion that I was looking for when I decided to create this thread.

First to address some of the overarching concerns:

Taco vs. 4Runner - While the 4Runner is a great rig, especially for over-landing style adventures, we prefer the Tacoma.

CPS / Spare parts for a NA truck - Sounds like I should being a spare CPS and CV Axles. Added to the list. Additionally, I can get anything via mail that you can get in the U.S. just with a little bit of a longer lead time.

@Doozy4212 - Any specific reason for the aluminum bumpers besides weight?

@Trident904 Thanks for your kind words and advice. You can bet I will track all the happenings here. I've seen the C4 Front bumper but they seem to have a fair bit of lead time. What is there reputation for delivering a product without issues?

 

I'm not sure personally but I know a guy that has it and loves it. Proline4wd in Miami is also a good bumper. I have it on mine and love it. Lead time was 3 weeks from start to finish with powdercoat. Fernando at proline is a good dude and will cut you a deal if you mention tacomaworld.

 

Not really, the ARB bumper is superb but its also heavy as hell! the aluminum will still provide plenty of strength and if your not going to be bashing through fields of boulders it will be more than enough. most aluminum bumpers only weight 20-30 pounds more than you stock bumper as opposed to the ARB which will be 80+ more.

 

When I bummed around western Africa the primary off-road vehicle of choice was an 70's Peugeot wagon. Surprising where one of those can go when weighed down with a dozen people in three rows of seats and their goats and bushels of peanuts on the roof. Would consider what is driven locally for ease of repairs.

 

Check out the "ute" bed conversion kits for a true african safari rig up, also for winches you cant go wrong with the warn zeon platinum s, but as a cheap alternative the smittybilt x2o comp series 10k winch is fully waterproof/submersible. And a fraction of the price.

 

He said OpSec

Is this a military operation now?

 

because it just clicked...

 

Yeah. Read the thread title, song now stuck in head.

Ugh. And it hurts. I met a Brit girl in Africa and it was our song. But it hurts so good. Firing up the spank bank.

 

I happen to be an operator of Meal Team 6 thank you very much.

 

I've done some work in W. Africa, and most Americans use a pretty stock Hilux. The Taco will do just fine. Have you considered a soft topper? I see a bunch of those over there. That's what I would choose for the versatility. I do see more steel wheels than aluminum. Gas can occasionally be scarce, so some jerri cans might be a good investment.
Which part of Africa are you going to?

 

Nice