Wisconsin Tacomas and bad financial advice

Now yer talkin

 

Making a tundra smaller is infinitely more difficult than making a taco bigger.

Race car parts make race car sounds

 

These? https://btffabrication.com/collections/toyota-1/products/05-15-tacoma-high-caster-lca

I haven't ever used/known anyone with them. Looks like they push the the LBJ forward 0.75", so you're gonna get more firewall clearance. I don't love that they're rocking moog balljoints instead of uniballs, but that's fine. Uniballs are tighter but require maintenance and are a wear item.

I'm just not sure if 2k in parts on stock width is where I'd spend my money. If you could snag them used or on sale, then it's probably pretty appealing.

What's your timeline for SAS? What are you thinking for a front axle? Superduty or something similar? Out of curiosity, why did you decide SAS vs LT? What are you thinking for the rear end?

 

I would agree on spending that money on UCAs when planning on a SAS anyways. The Martec front SAS 3 link kit is $4k. You'd be half way there for at least the links.

 

I would not run 37's with second/third gen IFS and a 8/8.4 rear.

You're just polishing a turd no matter what you do. If you're wheeling hard enough stuff to justify 37's, you're going to start breaking stuff, then break some more, then break more, and then wonder why you just didn't SAS from the start and save a bunch of money long term.

The steering is the hardest part. No rack is going to turn 37's worth a damn or hold up. Which puts you into full hydro, which you can do if you're okay with full hydro on a non-trailered rig. The race type full hydro has gotten so good that it's less of a hinderance than it used to be. Problem is still fitting the ram, mounting it so that it won't rip out, and then not breaking spindles.

Then there's the ADD stub, CV's and the continuous maintenance that IFS requires on big tires. It's just a mess long term

 

Even though I just did everything IFS that you advised against I totally agree. Specially if a SAS is the end goal.

 

I mean, I'm going against all my own advice and good judgement with 40's on a mini truck based front axle....I do have a SD60 in the corner ready to be built into a 609 if it proves to be a bad idea though.

 

Maxxis? What model?

That truck will be a killer with 40s on it!

 

We'll see how it holds together, I wheel with a ginger right foot so I'm hopeful that it will work pretty well until I'm ready to build the 609.

They are Maxxis Razr's, I've got them in 37's on the first gen now and they work awesome so I didn't stray far. I considered the Mickey Baja Boss MT, but decided to stick to a tried and true tire. They run the Cooper casing that I don't like as much as the Maxxis casing.

 

Okay:

SAS vs LT: I want something BOMBER that I can go to Moab, SMORR, Windrock and run challenging trails. Is it realistic? Probably not. I have it in my head I can build a stronger rig with SAS that will do more for less, thus that decision.

Timeline: At least 5 years. I have two girls-one in college and one heading there. Financially I can do it but it makes more sense to wait. I am going to rock 35's for a while yet.

I will probably do the rear end three link sooner than the front as I feel more comfortable with what has to be done there. Dana 60 with 5.29's and a locker, three link style.

Maybe I am being unrealistic. It is my hope to keep it drivable but big trail able.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hotshot-offroad-black-friday-sales-check-em-out.846708/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/black-friday-deals-thread-2024.846510/
black friday deals have begun!

 

Tundra racks can steer 37s all day with 0 issues.

A 2nd on 33s with armor can run 80-85% of Windrock

A 2nd gen on 35s with armor can run 98% of Windrock.

 

Don’t bother with a rear 3 link before you get the front pinned down. It’ll be more streetable and it’s wayyyyy less work to just stuff a new rear in on leaves. What are you looking to gain in back aside from a bigger rear axle and internet cred?

 

I'll be honest, what I want is something that can handle the big boy trails without breaking. I know I have to work on it, but once its dialed in I shouldn't have to pine for something else (except portals maybe) because its capable and doesn't break. Internet cred? Not my thing. three link is something I can do and it looks like you gain a bunch of flex-am I mistaken here?

 

What got all this started was a question about LCA's. They are (In my head mind you) my weakest link right now. And, it would be great to get some forward movement, thus those BTF lowers I was asking about: 05-15 tacoma high caster LCA – BTF Fabrication

It is going to be a while for the 37's etc. I am not ready as a driver yet. I love what I have and do not drive to the limit as of now.

 

@drtfabrication you have the stock length BTF LCAs right? Can you comment on general build quality and and potential weaknesses. I know you drive mostly mall trails (lol) any issues so far?

 

Nobody said it was going to be easy.
Rivets just "pop out" my eye.

Coffee break, then onto the driver side. 2nd side is always easier, right?

 

No... those fuckers are HARD to get out!