Just bought 96 Tacoma

Hi I just got a 1996 Tacoma extra cab. I love it. I want to make some modifications to better suit my needs, and I need some help/suggestions. I currently have 5 lug wheels with P215/70R14 tires. The truck pretty low to the ground. I want to add larger wheels lo make the truck higher. I was thinking 16" wheels? I will be taking it off road occasionally but mostly on the road. Should I just get bigger wheels/tires or would a lift be a good idea too ? I have also heard that lifting the truck can cause issues with speedometer and odometer. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Welcome to TW. Your best bet might be to find a thread discussing lifts in the 1st gen section and post there? Good luck.

 

Welcome to TW

 

There is a 5 lug forum.

Options for our 5 lugs aren't as great, but there are some things that can make it more capable.

It's not lift that affects speedo/odo, it's tire/wheel diameter. You change the effective gearing with that. And if you get over zealous, you can turn the truck into a slug.

The good idea about moving to 15 or 16" is tire availability. There is a tire calculator here that will let you compare before and after choices.

Last tip. Build the truck for how you will use it 80% of the time. If you build it for that last 20%, the other 80% won't be nearly as enjoyable. Read a lot, learn a lot, before spending your hard earned sheckles!

 

What Dennis said above!^Good luck!

 

Thanks for help/advice. This is my first tacoma and I'm learning a lot already. The first thing I've noticed is what you said, Clearwater Bill, not a ton of options for 5lugs.

The truck is going to be mainly for driving to work everyday, but I will also be taking it camping and on surf missions down baja. I won't be doing any serious off roading or anything like that but I would like it to be able to handle dirt roads without any trouble. My plan is to fit it with a camper shell and make a camping rig in the bed.

I am thinking of putting on 235/75R15 tires on it. Will those tires fit without a lift? I will have to get new wheels because mine are 14".

Im going to keep reading and researching and I'll give the 5lug thread a shot.

This is my truck.

Any other suggestions of options would be great. Thanks everyone