F/R Locked TRD Sport DCLB Build & Colorado Wheeling

Hidden winch mount and factory bumper still? A clean look

 

The spindles bend easily, thus throwing off your alignment.

I've installed a few TC cam tab gusset kits and they work well, but the one you linked looks like the same thing. Could also look at the Marlin one that reinforces the mounts too. I think either way it's worth it over welding the stock tabs.


IMO, any IFS toyota that's hitting the trail should have both of those gussets.

 

Yessir! It's Torq Engineering's hidden winch mount. The toughest part is cutting the hole for the winch fairlead. It's really difficult to line up where exactly to cut given the winch is on the backside of the bumper & they do not provide the template. Other than that, easy & simple install for a lot of functional benefit.

 

Yeah, makes sense! I agree that having both is ideal. I am gentle on the truck so fortunately haven't had any issues w/ the spindles, but will definitely be making that upgrade once I plop some 35" tires on.

Given the TC cam tab gussets utilize the factory cam bolts, I'm concerned that the cam bolts will still have the ability to rotate within the LCA causing the alignment to come outta whack again. Whereas the KPO kit leverages the octagonal spacer that provides some contact points on the cam tab.

 

Hey guys - looking for thoughts & input on 35" tire selection. I have been doing a lot research & landed on the below set of tires based on their tread patterns, size, weight, and reviews. I've put together the below table that compares the tires by some key metrics (size, weight, and the weight difference b/w my current 285/70R17 BFG K02s). The primary goal is to keep the weight as low as possible, but I do have some other questions I could use your input on. See the table & questions below.



Questions:

1. Any first hand experience w/ fitting these various sizes? I know the 10.5" Kenda's will be the easiest to fit, but wanting to know how much more trimming would be required (for my setup) if I went with the 11.5 or 12.5 widths. The 11.5 Nitto is very intriguing given it's the lowest overall weight.
2. Any first hand experience w/ these tires (e.g., performance in snow, tread life, etc.)? I've read a lot of the threads on TW about them, but more info is always better.
3. I am currently running 17" wheels, but I LOVE the look of 16s... I've been eyeing the old school TRD Tacoma wheels, which are 16x7.5 w/ a 10mm offset. What do you guys think about changing it up to a 16" wheel? Any considerations for fitment?

 

I don't have first hand experience but I'm in the middle of buying new tires now so I feel your pain. (about to order the 33x10.5 kendas)

There's a big thread on the Kenda 35 x 10.5s it looks like a CMC and plastic trimming is about it. Everyone I've talked to loves the Kendas

There's also the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss in 255/85/17 at 65ish pounds I think

 

Dude it’s such a tough decision. With so many options out there, it’s tough to make a final call .

Thanks for sharing that thread! That’s the thread that brought the Kendas to my attention in the first place actually! I was so stoked to see someone finally making a skinny 35”. Like you said, everyone raves about Kenda RTs and honestly I’m pretty convinced they’re the right tire to go with. Just wanting to get any alternative perspectives before officially pulling the trigger.

Thanks for your input - shoot me a pic of the truck when you get yours installed!

 

Its the worst ha I've been going back and fourth between 255,285 and 33x10.5s for weeks now finally had to just click buy.
Not on your list but it was driving me nuts so I found that Mickey Thompson photo post 357 . Your set ups stellar btw, hard to get these long beds too look proportional with lift/tire size.

 

Awesome build……noticed the front plate. We spent some time in manhattan as well.

 

Haha I feel you on that man... from everything I've read, I think you've made a great buy! Thanks for also sharing the Mickey Thompson's - I'll check those out too.

Thanks a ton for the kind words on the build . I completely agree - it's so hard to get these long beds to look proportional. I had a 2 gen DCSB before this truck & absolutely loved the proportions/look of that truck, but I was constantly annoyed with the bed length. I found myself needing just one more foot to store ANYTHING, so when I started shopping for a 3 gen I was very much set on getting DCLB. Although aesthetically they don't look as good, I have loved the functionality. The ability to sleep in the bed with tailgate closed & haul things without the tailgate down has come in clutch countless times.

 

Thank you! That's awesome you spent time in MHK! Love that little town. Went to college there & now we frequently stop in on our way back to KC for holidays and such for a Taco Lucha queso & some tacos.

 

I got the 33x10.5 kendas on my 5th gen 4r on stock TRD OR wheels and I don’t rub at all, no BMC or fender trimming either. Just an Eibach stage 1 lift and freedom off-road UCAS. So you might clear them on your taco without any trimming needed. Also, hello from Colorado !

 

That's awesome man! I think we may have just followed each other on Instagram. If so, nice rig! That's great knowledge about the fitment on the 4Runner, really appreciate the context. Let's see if we can get together & wheel sometime this summer!

 

Man, I couldn't disagree more! The DCSB is so hard to make look good, the bed is just too squished up against the cab when you start to lift it and fit bigger tires. The DCLB is just right after those modifications. Straight from the factory the DCSB does look better, but modded there is no competition!

 

Look at the Falken RT in 35x11.50. C-load, but with a beefier sidewall. It's like 66/67lbs. Just put a set on my truck. They weigh about the same as the 285/75/17 C-load ridge grapplers I had previously. My truck already had a CMR and a C4 fender liner kit, so these just bolted in place without any additional work.

Also, for your cam tab question. I'd at least get the Marlin Crawler kit. It does not prevent all the movement in the cam tabs, but it helps. For example, if your alignment shop leaves the tabs a little loose they will still move. You can couple it with the total chaos tabs too.

The main appeal is strengthening and stiffening up all the attachment points up front. You can feel the difference nearly instantly after driving the truck.

Install can be pricey though, as the control arms do need to come off (regardless of what anyone says)

 

Don't get me wrong, I love the look of my DCLB now that it's lifted & has some 33s . I should have been more clear & said that they just look a bit odd straight from the factory. I think the bigger the tire (to an extent), the better the DCLBs look. The rigs I've seen w/ 37s look absolutely phenomenal, but it's just such an investment to get a truck to the point where it runs them properly (e.g., clearance at full lock/stuff & doesn't just constantly break parts like CVs, tie rods, and steering racks).

At some point my dream is to upgrade to a @Marlin Crawler RCLT HD kit up front & throw on 37s, but that is wayyyy down the road. Just so many other life milestones I should save for before I do another modification that expensive to the truck. The re-gear & lockers hit me hard enough

 

Dang, those Falkens are sweet! Thanks for putting me onto those & for the insight into how they fit w/ the CMR and C4 fender liner kit. They're definitely in the running for the next tire. It's quite interesting that they weigh in at 66/67lbs given they're a C load. Figured they'd be a bit lighter than that given the E load Ridge Grapplers in the same size are about 66lbs too. I might need to check my sources on the Ridge Grappler weight listed above, haha. Just checked out your build thread & the Falkens look awesome installed on your rig!

Yeah, I like the Marlin kit too, I just don't know if I wanna shell out that much money at the moment... really appreciate your input & experience w/ them. If you don't mind asking, how much was the labor for install of them? I have also considered JD Fab's lower arm pivot kit, but I have a feeling the fab work on that job would be crazy pricey.

 

Hallie and I got in what will most likely be our last ski/snowboard day of the season today - and it was killer. We headed up to Winter Park last night & camped in the truck. We decided to make this our first ski bum trip with Theo since it was so nice out today (40s and blue bird). Typically he goes to day care or we have someone watch him, but he got to tag along for this outing.

We camped in one of WP’s overnight parking lots. Woke up around 6 am and headed to Mary Jane side & parked in a ski in/out lot so we could have quick access to Theo. We got back in bed and snoozed till about 8:30, took Theo on a walk, and fixed some breakfast sandwiches before hitting the slopes. Skied till about noon and decided to head back to the truck, have a beer, and hang with Theo for a while. It was an absolutely awesome day. Days like today always make me hate working from an office, but it also makes the days spent outside so much sweeter.

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I'll be getting the truck all loaded up tonight for EJS weekend #1. Plan is to head out during daylight hours tomorrow so I get into Moab before nightfall. I'm a little concerned about finding a campsite, but I think I'll be able to find something dispersed. I've got a couple areas in mind. I'm running Fins & Things on Saturday & I'm very stoked. I'll be sure to take pictures and do a write up here following the first weekend of the event.

 

Couple good sections on fins and things you’ll need a spotter for. There’s one steep rocky right hand turn/descent about 2/3 of the way through it.

It’s also a pretty rough ride during the middle half.

I did all the alternate routes in the beginning section, gets pretty steep but that’s it.

I didn’t touch a skid or bumper on the trail but I know I was super close a few times.