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PreRunner as an Expo Rig?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by ChamYota, Oct 28, 2012.

  1. Oct 28, 2012 at 8:31 AM
    #1
    ChamYota

    ChamYota [OP] Crash Bandicoot Or Groot AKA Cham "Scottalot" Yota

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    Cam
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    H1 Morimoto projector with XB35 4300K bulbs with Mini-gatling gun shrouds, BHLM. Debadged,OEM roof rack,TW sticker,Sockmonkey Beside decals,265/70/16 Nitto terra grapplers with dick cepek DC'2 wheels,weathertech floor liners(front/back),USA Spec Ipod reader,Scanguage II,Bestop Supertopper and more in the works...
    2nd Gen section looks like a good place to put this :cool:

    So I've been doing alot of looking around for the last couple months or so and I like going in the outdoors/camping/fishing, that sort of stuff. I want to know, would it be worth modding my truck(2wd) into those beautiful expo rigs with the sliders, armor, RTT, lights,rack,snorkel(i'd do this mod for the hell of it anyway).

    I have ZERO intreats for going in deep into mud, and snow will prob be no where to be found where I live.

    So wit these things in mind, should i still keep saving up for the modifications?

    Keep in mind these changes will happen very slowly as im only a Freshman in college but its good to already have some sort of game plan if I happen to run into a large sum of cash.

    Input would be appreciated greatly. :D

    -Cam




    EDIT: 9/18/13 Update:

    Im just going to bump this again. i have since this thread, aquired practically nothing beside a projector retrofit, and i think thats about it.

    Im waiting on my bestop to come in and that'll add the dry storage thing checked off. I have but one important question, how the hell do you wheel a 2wd locked truck? i've searched high and low for vids and i've come up short, could anyone who wheels 2wd locked or knows what they're talking about to input wheeling knowledge.

    Thanks again.

    Cam.
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2013
  2. Oct 28, 2012 at 8:44 AM
    #2
    BuzzardsGottaEat

    BuzzardsGottaEat Well-Known Member

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    The great thing about the definition of an "expo rig" is that there isn't really one. If you think your 2wd truck can handle whatever trip you plan, etc then by all means make the truck functional for you. Expedition vehicles are VASTLY different depending on the application, who's doing the driving and what type of "camping out" the driving likes, etc. I personally like to sleep in the back of my truck and bring a few extra gas cans for further range. Now I don't have armor and lockers etc but I do like to go on mine, me-expeditions ha. 4x4 is desirable when wanting to disappear into the vast over yonder, but if you want to just make your truck more capable and usable for whatever kind of trips you like to use it for, then by all means, mod it up
     
  3. Oct 28, 2012 at 8:44 AM
    #3
    bjmoose

    bjmoose Bullwinkle J. Moose

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    Steve
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    OK, this type of thread can quickly devolve into a pre-runner vs. 4x4 argument but if it does, that won't help you get the info you want.

    Pre-runners are a lot more capable than many folks give them credit for.

    Especially - pre-runners can be a good platform for high speed desert running, and are often built up with long travel suspension and tube bumpers etc...

    However, because of the lack of front traction and low-speed transfer case, they're not well suited to the type of rock crawling that requires armor.

    So it comes down to how you plan to use your truck.

    Now, the line between "expedition" and "overlanding" is blurry at best. If what you want to do is explore some remote locations - you can certainly do that. The watchword of expedition/overland travel is self-sufficiency since you don't have a bunch of buds with you to help you if you get stuck.

    SO, a good measure of JUDGEMENT is called for as the easiest way to get un-stuck is to turn around BEFORE you ever get stuck.

    It actually sounds like you're more interested in the act of building up the truck rather than where it'll go once built. Examine your motivations. If you find that to be true, then you may want to consider building towards having a "desert runner" style build rather than "expedition" type build.
     
    frankiejr likes this.
  4. Oct 28, 2012 at 8:50 AM
    #4
    Workman

    Workman Well-Known Member

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    Workman would not waste his time or money modding a 2wd truck basically for the look. If you need to have armor to get to where you want to go, then maybe it MIGHT be worth it. Or it might be worth it to just park and walk in to fish or hunt. Why drop a few thousand dollars into a 2wd just to look like a 4x4?

    Unless money is no problem for you, (or for your parents:cool:)!!!!
    If that's the case, mod away...
     
  5. Oct 28, 2012 at 9:03 AM
    #5
    ChamYota

    ChamYota [OP] Crash Bandicoot Or Groot AKA Cham "Scottalot" Yota

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    I would have to say that im intrested in the look, as well as the places i'd be able to go with said, equipment. I dont want to go "off the radar" yet but it may be an option in the distant future and if that comes, then i'll convert my 2wd into a 4wd. I hope this doesn't becoming a pissing match because thats not what im asking. Im asking would it be worth it to build my PreRunner(not for high speed) as i am no where near that type of climate where that'd even be useful. :p, but for going off the paved path into the "woods" so to speak to camp out, or travel(another intreats of mine) and be self sufficient with my taco.
     
  6. Oct 28, 2012 at 9:03 AM
    #6
    badger

    badger Well-Known Member

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    You certainly could do that, buy you should approach it from a different angle. Loading a truck down with armor creates problems even for trucks that need it. I sure wouldn't do that to your rig for your intended use. It you want a better bumper, there are some really good aluminum options. You can get aluminum skids too, but think about what you really need. Sliders are handy for a number of reasons, but again go for a light weight option because you will not be rock crawling in high range. Keep the truck light, and it will perform better in 2wd. You can lift it for more clearance if needed. There are plrnet of ways to bling it up, but smart is always cool.
     
  7. Oct 28, 2012 at 9:07 AM
    #7
    4Wheelin4Banger

    4Wheelin4Banger Supercharged Toyman

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    Sounds like some good plans but make sure you add a winch to your list (more important for you than the snorkel) for just in case if you plan on going out solo.
    Do you have a rear locker? You might want to add that to your list if you don't.
     
  8. Oct 28, 2012 at 9:13 AM
    #8
    ChamYota

    ChamYota [OP] Crash Bandicoot Or Groot AKA Cham "Scottalot" Yota

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    H1 Morimoto projector with XB35 4300K bulbs with Mini-gatling gun shrouds, BHLM. Debadged,OEM roof rack,TW sticker,Sockmonkey Beside decals,265/70/16 Nitto terra grapplers with dick cepek DC'2 wheels,weathertech floor liners(front/back),USA Spec Ipod reader,Scanguage II,Bestop Supertopper and more in the works...
    Form follows function comes to mind after reading this. I havent decided on what type of armour to get but Aluminum seems to be the better option. For the front I was seriously considering the ARB bumper as deer are very common on the road ways and I dont want a deer to total my yota. I will research aluminum armour. Thanks for the suggestion.


    I have a TRD Off-road so the rear locker is present there. Certain things that i want to do are essential(suspension, lightweight armour) while others i admit would be for the look factor(a snorkel really wouldnt be of use to me as i think about it but it'd be nice to have in the event) Statements like the one underlined in why I try and "justify" these things. I'll be buying them myself as my parents bought the truck for me so i'll be pumping the cash into the mods.
     
  9. Oct 28, 2012 at 9:19 AM
    #9
    Mach375

    Mach375 Habitual Violator of Wheeling Rule #2

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    Sathington "Alowicious Devadander Abercrombie" Willoughby (but you can call me Mud)
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    Too much to list, but enough to get me in trouble. Repeatedly.
    There's a guy on here, forget his screen name, who converted a prerunner to IFS 4x4. He's now looking to go SAS for the articulation.
    His rig is about as sweet as I've seen. Marlin crawler box, FJ twin-stick TC, fender flare trim, tons of stuff. He's currently riding on 37's, looking to step up to 40's once he gets the SAS going.
    I bought his old 255/85s with wheels off him recently, sold him my ATO IFS skid. Seriously sick ride.
    Maybe something for you to consider down the road if the prerunner turns out to limit your exploration. It can be done! (And if you need parts, I'm sure he'll sell his IFS for pretty cheap when he starts his SAS conversion).
     
  10. Oct 28, 2012 at 9:31 AM
    #10
    Workman

    Workman Well-Known Member

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    It would just be so much easier in the long run to start out your expo rig as a 4x4, especially if you are not going to do the work yourself converting a 2wd to 4x4. Doing a conversion like this makes zero sense to Workman, as there are so many 4x4's to choose from and cuts out a MAJOR step in creating an expo rig. If you started with a 4x4 from the get go, you could put A LOT more money into making your truck a top notch, practical expo rig, instead of a pieced together 4x4.
     
  11. Oct 28, 2012 at 9:35 AM
    #11
    4Wheelin4Banger

    4Wheelin4Banger Supercharged Toyman

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    I plan on getting a snorkel more for keeping dust off my air filter than water (dust is more of a problem for me than you I'm guessing by your location).
     
  12. Oct 28, 2012 at 9:40 AM
    #12
    joes06tacoma

    joes06tacoma Well-Known Member

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    These trucks are relatively easy to convert to 4x4. Since you are young and ambitious, it might be a realistic thing for you to do eventually. With that in mind, why not mod the Prerunner you have? The worst that can happen is you end up converting it to 4x4 or buying a 4x4 and transfer all your parts over to it. I don't see how it would be a waste if you want that type of look for your truck.

    I personally have outgrown modifying just for looks, and won't be modifying mine until I need it to perform beyond it's current limits. To each his own, but if you want my personal opinion on what to do with that type of cash once you have it in your hands: fill the tank, take a week off work and GO somewhere.
     
  13. Oct 28, 2012 at 9:41 AM
    #13
    Workman

    Workman Well-Known Member

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    Workman is curious to know how those snorkels work in very rainy or snowy conditions. It seems that they would allow water get sucked into the intake. Any first hand experience?
     
  14. Oct 28, 2012 at 9:46 AM
    #14
    4Wheelin4Banger

    4Wheelin4Banger Supercharged Toyman

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    Workman needs to get over himself and stop referring to himself in the third person.
    This is about what ChamYota wants to do to his Taco.
    If Workman doesn't want to do this to his Taco he doesn't have to.

    I don't have a snorkel yet & don't live in very rainy or snowy conditions. I live in the high desert and we occasionally get heavy rain or snow but it's not common.
     
  15. Oct 28, 2012 at 9:47 AM
    #15
    ChamYota

    ChamYota [OP] Crash Bandicoot Or Groot AKA Cham "Scottalot" Yota

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    I would agree with that statement. We dont have a dust/salt problem down here as far as i know. I just want to keep my options open but in your case you could justify the modification.

    I have pondered the same thoughts, worst case i just transfer parts or i just convert it over. No problems there.

    My father who's old school likes the "chrome" look. Im trying to get rid of the chrome and replace it with black with meaningful mods. Which type of mods have yet to be determined but like i said, research must continue. :)

    I believe some people turn them backwards in the snow(so the snow doesnt fall inside the tube),but for the most part, i've heard no horror stories about the snow or rainy conditions causing problems.
     
  16. Oct 28, 2012 at 9:52 AM
    #16
    Leoffensive

    Leoffensive Well-Known Member

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    id probably not go through with those mods if your not gonna use them because of your college student comment.

    you gonna throw all this money into the truck with stuff your not gonna use and then later your gonna wish you had spent that money on other stuff that you needed.
     
  17. Oct 28, 2012 at 9:58 AM
    #17
    Workman

    Workman Well-Known Member

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    :cool:Workman lives in a very snowy climate and feels like moisture buildup could be a problem with a snorkel.
     
    nonohmic likes this.
  18. Oct 28, 2012 at 10:00 AM
    #18
    ChamYota

    ChamYota [OP] Crash Bandicoot Or Groot AKA Cham "Scottalot" Yota

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    Precisely the mistake i wont be making as i'll be doing little/nothing to the truck while im in school. THe most i'll do is a retrofit, and some astethic stuff(color matching grill,bumper. Nothing too large that would require alot of money. :)


    I have my priorities in line.


    :laugh: not sure if troll? lol
     
  19. Oct 28, 2012 at 10:05 AM
    #19
    steve o 77

    steve o 77 braaap

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  20. Oct 28, 2012 at 10:13 AM
    #20
    kirkofwimbo

    kirkofwimbo Well-Known Member

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    People use station wagons as expo rigs, I see no reason you couldn't use a prerunner. I'd skip on all the armor as that will just give you the excuse to use it, and stick to the useful mods like a RTT, fridge, etc.
     

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