First Tacoma Buy & Build

Well, I've always been a Jeep guy but I'm about to sell my CJ7 and buy my first Tacoma. Got some questions.

Looking for a Crew Cab 4x4 and plan to put about a 3-5 inch lift with some 33"s.

I plan on buying used.

Being that I'll lift it as soon as I buy it, is it worth getting a TRD? Meaning, won't a lift kit pretty much replace the suspension components of a TRD?

I also want a rear locker. Is there a quality and/or price difference from buying a TRD Offroad already with a locker versus buying a Non TRD or TRD Sport that doesn't have a factory locker and then putting in an aftermarket like an ARB? The aftermarket locker I would pay for installation.

Last question. Does buying a short bed mean I won't be able to find a camper top for it?

 

I wouldn't bother with a TRD, the ARB airlocker is more money especially considering install and the need of an air compressor, but it is a lot stronger.

Camper top... Do you mean a shell or a slide in camper?

 

Post up some pics of your CJ7!

 

Basically I'm looking to get a silver, gray, or black crew cab short bed. And buy a color matching topper with the solid windows, not glass. Like this.....



I'll have to post some better pictures of my CJ when I get back to my home computer, but here are a few I have for now. It's a 1985 CJ7 - AMC 304 with an Automatic. 33" Nittos

 

Sweet jeep. Yeah you can definitely find a topper for a short bed.

BTW you probably won't want to lift it more than 3" anything more and you need long travel suspension or a drop bracket type lift.

 

Thanks, nice to know. Parts and Installation with compressor for that ARB air locker is what? About $1800?

 

Probably about that. I just bought one for cheaper during a group buy, but that's in the ball park.

 

That canopy has windows in it thats just a wrap over the entire truck, thats my friends truck.

 

That one may have a wrap over the windows. But I've seen the Tacoma the guys at the youtube channel, OverlandExpedition have. I think their's is a ARE top X-series. ARE's website has an option for aluminum window panels instead of glass. Haven't found prices yet though, might be pretty pricey.

http://www.4are.com/product/x/

 

in all honesty, i have a trd and when i bought it after its first initial break in i had already dumped the suspension and during the next cycle oil change i had dumped the front and rear bumpers for armor. There was really no point for me owning a trd but I got a really, really good deal on it so it was similar to buying a sr5. If i was you i would stay away from the trds if you plan to mod fairly early.

 

Yup I know the one you are talking about, you may want to think twice. Switching lanes on the freeway I ALWAYS look through my canopy windows, without them there would be such a big blind spot. Plus backing up would be incredibly difficult.

 

Totally agree with what everyone has said, for off-roading stay away from the drop bracket lifts like 4-6"! Stick with a 3", there are tons of options for all kinds of needs.

If you know your going to mod the truck i would stick with the SR5 4x4. Then you can add the arb air lockers and replace the suspension, then you'll be better than the stock TRD models quick.

Good luck, if you have any questions I can try and help my best!

 

Here's my Jeep that I'll be selling or trading for the Tacoma. I'll probably cry when I have to get rid of it. But need four doors and the practicality of the Tacoma.