First Time building up a truck. Need some help.

Heys what's up, the season of building my truck is coming up as soon as my summer break comes up but I just wanted to get some advice and help as this is my first time. I don't really have a clear budget, but I do want good-quality gear on my truck. For starters, I have a 1996 2.7L 4x4 extra cab taco. It currently sits at 170,056 miles. It was my father's when he was young and he recently gave it to me for college and I absolutely love it. It is fully stock, besides a pioneer unit I installed this last summer before returning to school. This upcoming summer is gonna be the summer that I start upgrading and building. I want to add a new suspension/lift, new wheels, and bigger tires, I was thinking 32s? I am a bit lost on what I should run and start with. In terms of suspension and a lift, as of now with the stock suspension, I can feel every bump but that's because they are old and need to be replaced. I was also thinking of adding a camper to adventure, but I don't know what suspension setup would be good for that. Also in terms of tires and such I really don't know where to start. I do want her to sit tall with some big tires but not too big if that makes sense. Thanks for the help in advance, I'm sorry if this is confusing, I thought this would be the best place to start, asking yall. This is how she sits as of now...

 

If you can find a set of OR 3rd gen rims for under $300 I would snag it ASAP!

 

Ill look around. I was thinking of adding some methods to this truck, something along those lines.

 

Methods are Dope too! Just if you were on the budget tons of people are getting OEM wheels you can even go for some 4runner rims 17s and have more tire option!

 

What do you mean tire option?

 

Perform all maintenance for safety before spending $$ on wheels. Have you checked the lower ball joints?

 

You'll have more tire options to pick from (17s), 16s you only have a decent selection.

 

Yup. I already replaced them and did a whole sweep of the truck before I took it to college.

 

I don't even know what size of wheels I have on as of now, they're the stock ones I just plastidipped them. With 17s will I have to do anything else?

 

nice!! Nice truck too!! Good luck On your build!!

 

Thanks!! She still is in amazing condition for being 27 years old. No rust at all too.

 

hahaha! If you look at your tires it will say something like 265/70/16 or so

Getting 17 with stock tires size you probably wont have to do much, Probably when you go for a bigger tires, you'll have to do some trimming. Tires do cost a lot more of with 17s tho hahaha $50-$150

 

A lot of useful information here, Just keep reading man. I'm just spreading my knowledge from reading on here. "tacoma world _____" something always an answer on here.

 

ohhh sick, I see. As of now I have 15s on I just checked. At about how big tires with 15 and 17s will I have to trim?? i really don't want to trim. I was hoping my lift and such would help.

 

Yeah man, I appreciate it.

 

Awesome truck! +1 for the Old man emu nitro charger shocks all around, 881 coils in front, and Dakar leaf packs in the rear. you should get about 2-2.5 inches of lift and then be able to slap on 32s no problem.

 

OME was what I was thinking of doing cause I saw someone in a different thread saying those are good to carry a camper with you want. But I just recently checked their site and they only do 98+. Where can I find them cause even when I look them up it don't come up? also in terms of leaves. Should I do a whole new leaf pack or just add??

 

I think you can probably get away with on 17s on 265/70/17 with normal height,
Here some links that might help you understand it better
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/why-are-there-so-few-1st-gens-on-17-rims.417946/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/advice-needed-1st-gen-with-17-wheels.363435/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-on-my-first-gen-taco-without-spacers.645154/

 

I would recommend replacing the whole leaf pack. Great for a camper because otherwise you’ll have some rake with brand new springs (more lift in rear).

Not sure your budget but you yourself would be able to knock out the full swap in a weekend by yourself easy.
Try this link for a complete OME package 95-97. I cannot recommend the nitro chargers enough. For the front coils I think the lowest setting of spring load is fine, the stiffer settings are if you plan to carry armor up front like heavy plate bumper etc.

 

Or forget what I said and just follow the guide here from Wheeler’s, they won’t point you in the wrong direction!