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My 'new' Tacoma -- need some advice!

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by devinedj, Aug 14, 2011.

  1. Aug 14, 2011 at 9:34 PM
    #1
    devinedj

    devinedj [OP] Member

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    David
    Walla Walla, WA
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    03 PreRunner SR5
    Picked this upon eBay for $8500. '03 with 75k miles, great condition. Only issue was that I had to drive it all the way up from Houston -- what a great way to get to know a new car! It's my first time behind the wheel of a Tacoma. I'm loving it so far...

    ...except the wheels. I have a week before I head back to school and I want to get a fresh set of kicks that really make the truck look sharp. I don't really want to go completely blacked out so I'm leaning away from black wheels. Any suggestions with pictures, preferably on black Tacomas, would be greatly appreciated.

    I'm also hoping to raise it up 2.5"-3" all around. What is the most cost effective way to do this? I would love to put in the labor myself if possible. DIY links would be great. I'll hop on the search to see what I can find too, I promise.

    Other plans include aftermarket stereo deck with subs, plasti-dip chrome bumper and grille surround, tool box in the back... I can already feel myself getting carried away with this.:D

    Here she is at sunrise, half way home, after 20 straight hours of driving:

    [​IMG]
     
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    #1
  2. Aug 14, 2011 at 9:51 PM
    #2
    CHPTR11

    CHPTR11 Team Impulse Red

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    Dan
    Pacific NW
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    OME, Hankook, ARB, SCS
    Welcome to TW fellow Washingtonian.

    Truck looks awesome, easiest and most cost effective is 5100s and an AAL. Can be had for around $450 in parts.

    Just search 5100s + First Gen.
     
  3. Aug 14, 2011 at 10:28 PM
    #3
    devinedj

    devinedj [OP] Member

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    Thanks. Know of anywhere in the Seattle area to pick up the 5100s and the AAL or do I have to order them online?
     
  4. Aug 15, 2011 at 1:59 AM
    #4
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    Welcome!

    5100s can be bought the cheapest im sure from DSM.

    AALs from Wheelers or Toyotec are good choices as well.

    For 2.5''-3'' lift, OME 881/882s for 2.5ish and 3 or more get Eibach coils. All of them will fit on the 5100 up front set on the 0'' setting!

    For the back, you'll need longer shocks for anything over 3''. You can just get a 2'' AAL, or new leaf packs. AAls, much cheaper. For 3'' id get an AAL and shackles.

    Check the build sections for more ideas and such, take your time and decide what you want and then run with it!

    Yes...getting addicted to modding your truck is...well..a problem most of us have :D lol just wait till you see an Elite plate bumper..:drool:
     
  5. Aug 15, 2011 at 6:59 AM
    #5
    ohdrj1all

    ohdrj1all Well-Known Member

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    Dayum... $8500 for a 75k mile 03... well done!!!!!!! I'd say you stole it!!! :)
     
  6. Aug 15, 2011 at 11:10 AM
    #6
    devinedj

    devinedj [OP] Member

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    ^^ That's why it was worth the long drive!

    @Blackdawg: are you saying I need 5100s AND OMEs?

    I really like this tacoma: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...r-matic-2002-dc-trd-4cyl-prerunner-build.html those wheels are sexy, even better when he paints them black @ pg9

    What does the 3" spacer in the front accompish? Just a wider stance?
    Also, what about the "pro comp 9000" on the rear?

    Unrelatedly, do people ever powder coat their wheels? I feel like painted wheels will start to chip...?
     
  7. Aug 15, 2011 at 12:04 PM
    #7
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    5100s in all 4 cornerswould be a good idea.

    Im on my phone so I didn't view the link but if its a 3" spacers then that most likely a suspension space as 2" wheel spacers are the biggest you can get. Wheel spacers push the wheels out father for a more aggressive wider stance, check my build for a good example.suspension spacers are just blocks that go in between the coil and top plate pre compressing the coil to give lift. These are cheap lift and most ppl are very against them. If you want 3" lift get eibach coils. Much better option.

    Pro comps are just another shock. However in lifting the back more then 3"lift you'll need extended shock such as 5125s. But again 5100s will be fine for 2"wheel and IMO are a better shock


    Powder coating wheels is a very good idea and always looks great. Its just pretty expensive so most ppl are just fine with painting or plasti doping them. This also allows for you to be able to touch up your rims yourself if they do get chipped. I painted my wheels and actually did a write up on how to do it.
     
  8. Aug 25, 2011 at 10:03 AM
    #8
    devinedj

    devinedj [OP] Member

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    Ok tell me if I'm just being a noob here but can anyone explain to me why these shocks from DSM are equally priced? It seems like 1 comes with rear shocks as well...?

    1

    2
     
  9. Aug 25, 2011 at 10:18 AM
    #9
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

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    good question. Get the ones with the 5125's before they realize their mistake! lol:D
     
  10. Aug 25, 2011 at 10:24 AM
    #10
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    Both come with front and rear shocks. THe only difference is the rears. One comes with 5100 rears, and the other with 5125 rears.


    5125s can come in extended lengths for lifted applications.
     
  11. Aug 25, 2011 at 10:31 AM
    #11
    scocar

    scocar hypotenoper

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  12. Aug 25, 2011 at 11:07 AM
    #12
    JTacoma

    JTacoma Well-Known Member

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    Icon Stage 2 Coilovers, Camburg UCAs, 33x12.50x15 Dick Cepek Trail Country EXP on American Racing AR201 15x10 wheels, differential drop, carrier bearing drop, BPV bracket, Leer canopy with Rhino Racks
    Hi from Walla Walla. Welcome to TW. I would look into a 3'' spacer lift in the front and blocks in the rear. You could get a kit for around $300 and install yourself. Revtek, Rough Country, and Tuff Country have fairly inexpensive kits. Les Schwab installs lift kits also.
     
  13. Aug 25, 2011 at 11:23 AM
    #13
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    This is the worst advice you could possibly give anyone owning a Tacoma.

    OP. do NOT put spacers or blocks on your truck. Cheap shit into a truck = cheap shit truck. Do it right the first time
     
  14. Aug 27, 2011 at 11:07 AM
    #14
    devinedj

    devinedj [OP] Member

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    Ok so I've been checking out builds and suspension threads and with the help of y'alls advice I think I'm starting to narrow things down. My plan is to stick with a more modest lift, hopefully around 2" all around. Here's the proposed set up:

    Bilstein 5100s all around @0" setting
    OME 881s up front
    Toytec 1.5 AAL in back

    Also, planning to put on BFG Rugged Trail T/A 265/70/16s (right now I have 255/70/15)

    A few questions:
    1. Where would this set-up put me in terms of lift?

    2. Would I need a 2" AAL? I want to have a close to level rake. I searched on and they seem to only offer one option for AAL.... where can I find different sizes?

    3. Any experience with the quality of these tires? Would the tires fit without any trim work? Also, where is the best place to buy tires? Locally or online -- any significant price difference?

    Thanks for all the input guys! I'm excited to get all this installed.
     
  15. Aug 27, 2011 at 2:09 PM
    #15
    scocar

    scocar hypotenoper

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    Cool. see my comments VVV

     
  16. Aug 28, 2011 at 7:24 PM
    #16
    devinedj

    devinedj [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the advice on the front shocks I like your idea.

    The AAL vs new leaf pack is a money issue. (I'm under the impression that it's ~$300 difference so tell me if I'm wrong). I'm not sure if my leaves are frowning or not, I can check tomorrow. If they are not frowning, what would I gain from a new leaf pack over an AAL?

    FYI my car is a 4 cylinder.
     
  17. Aug 31, 2011 at 7:59 AM
    #17
    jking3002

    jking3002 Well-Known Member

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    OP, could you take a picture of your wheels? If you get something else I might be interested in the center caps.
     
  18. Aug 31, 2011 at 9:12 AM
    #18
    scocar

    scocar hypotenoper

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    Better ride quality and durability. The AAL leaf will be fighting a losing battle against the rest of the failed leaves.
     

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