what is best model to mod?

so i have been looking at many different models of tacoma and my question is. I am looking to get a tacoma and i was wondering what model of tacoma is the best to mod for a off road truck. i love outdoor activities like mountain biking, backpacking, rock climbing, etc. and also off road driving, mudding, and trail riding.

I just saw a tacoma with the baja kit but i would like to do my own work on the truck, so that is out. the pro tx or whatever looks nice but a little expensive for what it is if i am going to want to work on it myself. then there is the v6 srs which i think is a perfect kit truck for what i want but would it be a little price to mod it from that model up.

I have been working on off road vehicles for a while so must of the labor i can do but the problem is how expensive the parts would be.

I would like to put on a skid plate, lift it a little, new tires, new suspension and some other mods to the engine in general.

 

SR5

 

+1 for SR5. All the shit that came on the TRD off-road I have, I'v pretty much ended up changing out for upgraded stuff. Though it might be a little easier to sell some the unassuming purchaser if I ever sell.

 

Mostly it depends on what you're willing, able, and have the desire to do yourself -- plus you also have to consider the interior features that come with the packages as well. It seems that if you are willing to do the mods yourself, the cost of the individual parts is less than you may pay for it with one of the packages in many cases.

I'd say based on your OP, the SR5 may be a good starting point, but the 4x4 modes of the TRD models are worth considering as well (both as a potential positive or negative).

The T|X and Baja packages are probably better suited for someone that does NOT want to do their own mods, because essentially you're paying more for the "limited edition" status and they are marked up more than the extra mods they are carrying.

 

I'd say the SR5. I like my TRD OR, and having the factory locker is nice. Still allows me to complete my own mods, while still offering pretty decent capabilities stock.

 

Off Road, saves you money on having to buy/install a locker..

 

Sr5 and get an arb air locker

 

okay. so there has been some discussion on this thread. but the over all majority agreed with my thought of an sr5. the off road pack doesn't work for me because then i am still going to have to redo the alot of the things that i would just pay more money for to get on that model. I actually found a 2008 sr5 trd 4x4 v6 for 15,000.
My question now is. I have not spent alot of time under a tacoma. I was wondering what would be the three biggest things i would need to change right off the start or if there is anything i should change that anyone has found to be a problem or just for off road capibilties.

 

If you want to get off-road, I suggest first going with tires/lift. The suspension and stock wheels/tires on the SR5 aren't really made for Off-Road, so that was the first thing I did. I'm running a 3" lift on a set of 33"s and I have nothing to complain about.

Depending on how much money you're willing to spend, you can get very capable truck with just those mods alone.

 

X 200,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

The differences are minimal and OP is looking at used trucks which makes those points absolutely mute.

SR5 is the most bang for your buck. Nothing "needs" to be changed IMO until you push the limits of your driving and the truck. These trucks are fairly good right out off the showroom floor.

IMO having a good set of tires, recovery gear, and sliders is the first step.

Get tires that add clearance (255/85/16)....not width (285's and up). They will require less modding to acheive height with less rub and issues fitting them. All Tacoma's except reg cabs have a long wheel base so you will drag your belly. 99% of the time I get stuck from high siding (hitting frame due to long wheel base).

The stock trucks do not have a sufficient recovery point in the front and without a hitch they don't have one front or back. Start there, because you will get stuck.

Sliders before skids because you can usually pic a line that will bash the sliders. Only when you gain experience should you enter areas where obstacles are all over thus the need for skids.

When you start pushing harder grab a locker for the rear....then the front...

Stay away from "bling" for your truck like aftermarket bumpers until the end of your build. They give poor return on your investment in regards to performance gains. A locker returns much more function then a bumper does and bumpers are heavy requiring suspension modifications.

 

I think you misunderstood me. I meant if he wants to go off-roading, not get a TRD O/R. I was making the point that the first thing to change is the tires and suspension.

OP said some off-roading, mudding, and trail riding. Sliders, Recovery points, lockers...the guy just wants to take some trails to local climbs and hikes, whatnot...I think wheels/tires and a set of 5100's will do him plenty for the time being on a stock 4x4 SR5. I know plenty of people who go mudding with that setup, sure you get stuck here and there, but who doesn't? As long as you have somebody around who can pull you out you'll be fine. And I always use the buddy system when off-roading. Never go alone.

 

Okay. So I have been looking around i think I will probably going to go with a 6 inch lift with 17 inch bf goodrich tires. After I get the right skid plate and stuff. Can a shocks get me that high or will I have to lift it too?