My "AZTACOMA" build

Looks like a cool place, thank you for sharing

I only know where a few trails are at the white tanks. Would always love to know more. So far out there I've ran appetizer, tax collector, tie rod wash, sidewinder. Just found another that is right off tax collectors entrance to the right. Ends with a steep loose hill climb out or if you are a buggy there are 2 extreme lines out haha

 

lolz, I know exactly where you're talking about... in January it was real muddy and I was right on the left edge of that steep loose hill climb out, and very nearly flopped over driver's side. I had to strap my buddy up to the right of that big ass boulder in the middle, and he has dual lockers. It was real slippery and loose. Good times.

 

Awesome rig man!

 

Luckily I got out but my dad was unsuccessful in his 4runner. Winched him out. Lots of fun trails out there!

 

Installed new front coils (OEM), new LCAs (OEM), and new Daystar spacer lift today. Also a checked a few other things and took care of a few minor things like rattles, cleaned air filter, etc. I am officially ready for my Big Bear SoCal trip on Friday.

Yes I stayed with a spacer lift. Is it the preferred method? Probably not. Has it worked pretty damn well for me for 8 years? Absolutely. Since I scored a great deal on Toyota springs ($60) and my yellow 46xx billies are practically new, I went ahead and bought a newer spacer lift instead of buying whiz-bang coils and shocks. There it is.

 

nice tacoma! i want to cut my rear fenders like that... I'm just a wimp.

 

I made it out to SoCal Saturday and linked up with a guys from another forum. There was a 1994 Grand Cherokee, a 1995 Mitsubishi Montero SR, a 1997 LR Discovery, and my Tacoma. Let me just say that if you love 4x4 then the BB area is a solid place to hit someday as there are many trails from basic forest roads to some hard hittin carnage trails. Huge lake, some neat funky small "villages" and 7000-8000' mountains. Weather was awesome. I could easily spend days there just exploring and chilling.

But all I had was one looong day and ran a few trails, including one (John Bull) that we turned around on because it was turning to shit and the Discovery broke a rear axle and the Montero smashed his rear diff several times, bent both ends of his bumper up 4" so it looked like a smiley face, lost a piece of plastic trim, smashed the passenger rocker panel good enough to make both doors stick, and broke some plastic around a tail light. I took a few good bumps and scrapes along the bottom but nothing serious.

Updated the OP with the new trip, Big Bear in SoCal for more pictures.

Great fun!

SHORT VIDEO CLIP

 

Before changing my oil today I ran some Seafoam through the engine for the first time. It didn't smoke as much as I thought it might, with 200,000+ miles on it... perhaps a testament to how well maintained the Taco is??? I didn't notice much difference afterward although the idle seemed a little lower and stronger. Probably cleaned up some of the crap in there.

Every time I change my oil I put in a can of Restore "engine restorer and lubricant" into the motor and Restore or Gumout fuel system cleaner into the tank. Extra $12. It makes me feel better, don't judge me.

 

It's not too bad. The very corner is a little messy because if the multiple layers of steel to cut through, but other than that it's just a matter of marking it well and being patient. I did neither

 

I recently changed out the tail lights and headlights because they were cracked, weathered, and dull. I put in Spyder smoked/black front and rears and am still waiting on the blackened corner lights. Looks a lot better than the old ones and it's always nice to tweak the appearance every now and then. I also put in better-than-stock bulbs up front and combined with the new case the nighttime difference is pretty awesome. Pics kinda suck, but look at some older ones to see the difference.

 

Short term to do list:
- Remove steering res/pump and clean screen, flush, etc
- Change out coolant ($44 for gal at dealer )
- Clean MAF sensor
- Buy rear frame reinforcements
- Fix sticky door handle

 

Lookin good

 

Thanks, I have a weird idea I might try with my front bumper. Those little chrome inserts on each side (they have a name, I can't remember it) that I painted black... thinking about painting those white. Might look kinda rad, and if it's totally ridiculous it's too easy to re-paint black.

Flushed my coolant yesterday and accidentally dropped the engine bolt into a little crevice. My little extender magnate thingy couldn't even get it. After 30 minutes of mind-numbing hand, arm, and finger contortions in 108 degree weather I finally got it. Always a good time working on the Taco... that beer afterward was well deserved.

 

would you say it would be worth kit?

 

I think it's the only way to go if a wrap-around type bumper is going on. I was just saying it's pretty easy, but I wouldn't do with your current set up unless you're a crazy crawler and absolutely need the clearance... which I'm guessing is not the case.

 

no just go camping an 4wheeling a lot but i see what you mean

 

Great looking truck and sweet pics! Love the licence plate too haha

 

Thanks... I originally wanted "AZ FTW" but the DMV shot it down. heh

 

A better pic of the headlights:


Apparently the corner lights won't be here until late July.

I did a little 4x4 in some mountains (White Tanks) about 10 minutes from my house. I really need to get some rear frame reinforcements on asap, but my cousin's welder is down.

 

The Elk Mountains trip was a no-go for a variety of reasons but I managed to get in a nice northern AZ trip with a buddy. TRIP REPORT HERE.