What have you done to your Tacoma today? 1st Gen Edition

1st gen Tundra with stock 4.7L?

 

Sounds like you've got a good head and the right idea. Most people who show up and ask questions like that out of the blue have neither. Most of them disappear before their post count gets into double digits.

Keep a thick skin for a bit. Read the existing build threads to see what's been done and who knows what. Ask people questions about their builds. People love talking about their own builds.

I see your thread about headlights. That's another question that's been asked many times before, and that people tire of re-answering. Most answers you'll get from questions like that are regurgitated from other posts on the site anyway, so you might as well find the old threads and read them yourself. You'll learn a lot that way; often things you didn't expect to learn.

Start a build thread for yourself. You'll get plenty of support once people see you making progress on something cool.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/1st-gen-builds-1995-2004.102/

 

Credit to @Speedytech7 for this idea: A Sequoia axle gets you the same width and diff as a Tundra axle, but also you gets you factory disc brakes.

 

the disc brakes would be a huge plus... isnt there somthing weird about the parking brake with the Sequoia axle?

 

Yeah it's two separate cables, can either make custom cables or instead just use a line lock to lock the discs.

 

Whole new rear drive shaft shoved in on the side of the road. The old one was so worn out, it made a significant difference driving around.


What's wild is in Idaho I had been quoted $900 for a rebuild. Came to NM and bought a whole new unit for $600. Worth the money. Next up... Tires. How big do I go....

 

40’s that’s the only real answer

it really is crazy the difference in parts market from state to state.

 

The truck is cut for 35s, I just don't know if I want the extra cost in fuel and tires themselves. Emotional side of the brain wants em, the look soooooo good and perform amazing in the dirt. Logic side says it's still drive on the street most of the time and fuel economy is already only 16mpgs and paying for style points ain't worth it. . . Who will win?

 

35’s aren’t crazy. Lots of people do it. MPG = LOL.

 

No they aren't crazy but they are about as big as we can go without altering the body mounts and frame.

And I usually feel the same way about mpg but when you're saving up to take a year off work it matters.

 

Is the truck geared for 35s too? If you've got 4.88 or 5.29 then anything smaller could be a bad time on the highway anyway.

 

Dude, that would be so sick! Hope that works out for you!!!

I’ve been on 33’s forever with 4.88’s I have ZERO clue what kinda MPG’s I get. I just fill her up when she asks me to.

 

Stock 4.10 baby! Boost makes it doable that way but would still be tempted for 4.88 if I go back to 35s.

 

Then I vote 33s and maybe find yourself some junkyard 4.30 or 4.56.

 

I'll second the 33's

Get some skinnies and save a little MPG's

The temptation for 35's is strong though I get that for sure.

 

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Really great to hear you have passion and a dream. FWIW put a v8 in an FJ40 and understand maybe a little your desire to build something unique (although a V8 in the LC is pretty common now). And it's really cool you want to do something with your grandpa. Family=Important. Looking forward to your journey and hope to see what you build!

 

I am leaning towards 265/75/16, so only a 32. That way my stock size spare under the bed would work in a pinch. But damn what a waste that I did all that work for big tires and not using it!

 

I'd say wait another 6mo for fun sized k03's to be available

 

Honestly I loved the bfg had run for years. But man after changing to Yokohama it's hard to want to go back. I was constantly having the bfgs rebalanced. I'm going to try Micky Thompson this go around to see how they are, their Baja EXP seems like a decent tread pattern for my needs.

 

If you're staying under 33", consider my approach to tire buying...

1) Use OEM rims. They're cheap, plentiful, and well-made. For 16", the 4Runner 5-star is also fairly lightweight.
2) Buy SL tires, not LT. They're cheaper, lighter, ride better, and a good A/T should still be plenty for moderate off-road driving.
3) Use the savings to buy a matching spare and run a five-tire rotation. Now your spare is business as usual, not limp mode.

I know the second point will stir up lots of opinions, but for me and my driving my Toyo AT/III in 245/75r16 SL have done just fine.