2002 Tacoma for Autocross

Do it guys, you'll have a ton of fun!

 

Cool, you ever consider getting out to an autocross? It would be cool to show up with a group of Tacomas.

I am changing mine as the 8.8 I chose has 3.73 gears. The other Explorer gear options that I saw at the yard would make my truck more sluggish on acceleration and I didn't want that. I also figured that if I go to a W58 or W55 in the future (in order to gain a useful 1st gear) it would help mitigate some sluggishness from that.

 

What alignment specs did you end up getting?

 

3 degrees positive caster (this was the most the tech said he could get on my truck)
1/2 degree negative camber
1/16th toe in

I can definitely feel a difference in the stability and response already on my initial local canyon test runs!!

 

Could you dial in more camber or was that maxed as well?

 

I think I can go more, going to test it out one the next event and see about adjusting further as needed.

I was at -.2 degrees previously.

 

Wrong. Was competitive too.

 

@Torspd get in here.

 

That's what they all said. Lol. Advanced Class at MSR Houston! He's that good. No need to mention autocross. That vehicle handles way better that people imagine.

These truck do very well too, with the right mods.

A panhard bar or similar is extremely beneficial.

 

You'll push the limits, and find the next area needed for handling and braking upgrades. Do those. Build any power mods post handling.

 

Totally agree! After the last event I have picked up a water sprayer, and got a performance oriented alignment done.

Since I found there is a significant lack of traction with no weight in the rear I decided to go with a limited slip diff (TrueTrac) as my next addition. I am just waiting for a couple parts to complete the diff rebuild while I am at it... not sure if I will be getting this done by the next event but we will see.

The panhard bar sounds like a good one too, when you say something similar what are you referring to?

 

Probably a Watts link, basically any way to control lateral travel of the rear axle will be a big help.

 

Correct you are.

 

The TruTrac will handle beautifully for you.

 

Depending on class get wider wheels and tires. Could run a staggered set. You could also try and adapt some xrunner implements on the 1st gen like the x brace and box the frame for multiple benefits.

 

All great suggestions guys, I appreciate the help and all who chimed in!

Funny it was mentioned, I was actually looking at the XRunner brace and saw how it ties the shackles together and then to the frame for some stiffness. This doesn't look to difficult to replicate..

I looked under my cab and thought I could use the lower shackle mount vs the bottom of the shackle, then just gotta work around the spare tire and the exhaust a bit on my first gen.

 

If you want a cheaper and easier alternative you could add a brace or Cross tube between the rear leaf hangers. Made a good difference on my dd/rally truck.

 

Very nice, this looks like half the xrunner brace already!

 

We have plans.

 

We have our first event next weekend, as long as the weather holds out, and since my Miata is still without an engine, I'll be racing the DD. Got caught up on some maintenance and took the snow tires off, ready to hurt some feelings