My 1996 Regular cab 3rz/5speed build

A couple of weeks ago I picked up a 1996 regular cab with 177k on the clock. Beautiful truck in my opinion though it does have some not so great paint spots I think it adds character. Healthy 3rz and 5 speed. The former owner built it up and parked it.



last owner added:
-total chaos UCAs
- toytec boss coilers
-method racing wheels(not sure what model)
-mickey thompson 34s
-rear add-a-leafs and boss shocks

I come from owning a 2nd gen so this should be a fun build.



First thing I ordered new plugs, wires and distributor cap/rotor.



The rear frame has some surface rust spots so I'll be doing some removal and hitting it with some steel-it. Also purchased some of these frame plates for the rear.

 

Not too sure what end plans will be for this one but the next order of business will be losing the rear add-a-leafs since they ride like total death. I had chevy 63s on my 2nd gen but I won't be doing those this time due to the length. I'm strongly leaning toward either all-pro standards or trail-gear leafs.

If anyone on here has AP standards I'd love some feedback.

 

Sweet reg cab! I like that set up. 3rz motors are fun to work on.

 

Thanks! Been fun to work on so far. Everything is super accessible.

 

That’s awesome. That looks like a quality rig to just drive, the start of an epic build, or anything in between. Enjoy and keep us posted!

 

Single cabs unite!

 

Saw that there is a set of Dakar leafs specific for 95-97 Tacoma’s that doesn’t require relocating hangers. May be getting those instead if all my questions are answered soon.

 

Thanks will do!

Thanks!

It’s my first. Adjusting to the lesser space but I like it all so far.

 

Regular Cab Power!

 

AP and TG springs are the same now. I run their 5” pickup springs on my Tacoma and they work great after I pulled 3 leaves out since I’m super light.

 

Nice I figure if i'm gonna go ahead and cut brackets may as well do the TGs but earlier i found there was a dakar and a deaver option that uses a '96s stock brackets so looking into that. Only thing after that would be mounting some shocks that actually use all the travel in the spring

 

Early springs are shorter than the later springs so that's a blessing and a curse. Less travel and more spring wrap but better packaging and less work with brackets. If you hunt around, there are some cheap Monroe shocks for 90's F250's that travel 12" and are like $30 a shock.

 

Stock mini-truck springs are 46", 96-97 springs are 51", 98+ springs are 55" and TG/AP mini truck rear springs are 56"

 

Great info thank you. So basically if I want the travel I’m gonna have to cut brackets off regardless. TG/AP May just be the way to go then. I really just don’t wanna do Chevies like on the last truck.

 

I was in the same place when I had to replace my OG Downey springs. Loved the price on 63’s but hated the packaging. I don’t regret the work and expense to do AP’s. If you get 5” pickup springs like I did, they will get you way too much lift out of the box but they give you plenty of room to yank leafs out or put them back in as your build evolves.