Upgrading Truck - Need Advice!

I own a 2002 Tacoma SR5. It's an extra cab, but NOT a Prerunner.

I go out to the desert 2-3 times a year right now, but am very limited by my little truck. At the suggestion of a friend I've been thinking about this upgrade path:

-Larger tires (265/75/16)
-1" spacers in front
Eventually:
-Detroit locker
-skid plate
-suspension?

But you guys have the experience. Am I better upgrading my little truck or selling it and purchasing a PreRunner, or a 4WD vehicle?

Thanks for the advice!

 

how do you plan on driving it? are you hauling ass like the desert racing guys? or are you just goin out driving around?

 

you should sell it... I could use a 4wd

 

I say throw on a moderate lift ( 3" or less) and throw some nice All Terrains on it (265s or 285s). That locker will make a world of a difference in its off road capabilities


Edit: I'd keep your truck because its paid off...the MODs you can do to it are damn near endless

 

Just driving around out in the desert without needing to worry about getting stuck or low clearance.

 

What do you do in the desert 2-3 times a year that your truck can't handle? I go out every weekend and handle just fine.

I really wouldn't consider selling and repurchasing. You've got an awesome 4x4 platform right here. With a little lift and some bigger tires, there won't be much you can't handle as an occasional off-roader.

 

So confused about your truck. Is it a 4x4? Or are you saying it is a 5 lug truck, not the six lug PreRunner? If it is a 6 Lug truck. Then your best bet would be to get a set of ICON Coilovers up front, and a set of Bilstein 5100s out back, with a 3 Leaf AAL set.

 

I think he means he has a V6 4x4 without locker. At least that's what I'm getting

 

I'm guessing he's 5 lug... He didn't say anything about v6 and specifically said non prerunner. I have a5 lug mini and am about to lift it 3" with spindles. A 235 tire is as big as you can go with no lift I believe.

 

^^^^ I'm betting the OP has a 5 lug.

 

Yes you are correct, I'm sorry for the confusion everyone.

A 235/75/16 is the largest tire I can go without a lift? I've read other threads that say 265/75/16 is the largest you can safely run without a lift.