I Don't Know if This is Classified as a Build ...

But I picked up my 2012 Tacoma last Monday, Jan. 23, with a grand total of 8 miles on it. Since this is my third Tacoma, I didn't think to take a pic of the Odo until I was down the road a way, but ...



Prior to picking it up from the dealer, I spent numerous hours scouring TW for insight on somewhat minimalistic tire and suspension upgrades. I finally decided to do what seems pretty unconventional based on the build threads here, but it will work for me. I kept in mind my real world use of the truck, which is a daily driver in a profession in which I drive a fair amount, some off-road time as I am an avid hunter, and maintaining as much fuel economy as possible. As I am primarily in the low country of South Carolina when off-road, full articulation is rare, as it's flat. But you have to be able to cross water, navigate over fallen trees, and deal with loose sand and the occasional shallow but slick mud hole. So lots of lift is just not what I need.

Thanks to BenWA's post, I decided to go with Billy 5100's set at 1.75", no lift on the rear, just the addition of the rear shocks, and Goodyear Duratrac 265/75/16's spaced at 1.25" with SpiderTrax. I had the work done on Friday, Jan. 27, with 231 miles on the truck. (By the way, if anyone needs a ToyTec 1.5" AAL and a set of brand new OEM TRD Billy's, let me know.)

All in all, I'm very satisfied. Once I reduced the tire pressure from 50-60 PSI to 35 PSI, the ride is terrific, my speedo is only about a half mile per hour off based on GPS, and any difference in throttle response is undetectable. No, it's not radical, but it works for me. I've already gotten lots of complements on the look, which is just about perfectly level. And the tires fit snugly in the wheel wells, without looking miniscule.

Thanks again, TW, for all the great info here, and those willing to share their knowledge. Now, on to the pics ...

















I did have to take off the "mini-mud flaps", which are held in place by two 10mm hex heads. No other rubbing to deal with, and no cutting.

 

anything above stock is considered a build plus you can post more as you do more to the truck.. looks good

 

sweet truck man. i like the new front ends, those tires are wicked too. you hit the subtle nail on the head, have fun!

 

Congrats on your new rig!!! Looks good!!!

 

That's all I plan to do suspension wise. To me, it's about practicality. Am I going to take it boggin'? No. Will I need a little extra clearance when going camping, trail riding, or even in the suburbs? Maybe not. But that extra lift in the front will help if I do.

That's a fine, fine truck you have sir. Should think about an ARB bumper. But that's just me.

 

Thanks! There may be no further mods, but some of the bumpers out there interest me. Maybe one day.

 

Thanks! I was going for subtle and practical. It works for me!

 

Many thanks!

 

A bumper/bumpers and possibly a winch may be in the future, but not any time soon, I don't think. So far, I've only need a winch a handfull of times that I can remember, and not always for me, but to assist someone else. But it would have been a life saver had I had it.

 

hang out here long enough and you better hang on to that wallet. TW is like crack for mods..

 

Very sharp lookin'!!! Those Goodyears really set it off!

 

Thanks! I am very, very happy with the Goodyears.

 

Build looks good. Goodyears do look nice in the wheel well. Nice job on the truck! What ar your future plans? ALSO welcome to TW!

 

Sweeet !

 

Very nice truck. Welcome to TW!

 

Thanks! If I do any more to it, it will probably be front and rear bumpers. I'm researching those now, but don't have any immediate plans. I just got it a week ago. The checkbook needs to recover a little.

 

Thank you!

 

Thanks!

 

just realized your name is a tool song...Winning

 

Haha! Yep. Some people get it and many don't.