Newb....

Morning everyone. Been looking hard at the new Tacos and have decided to purchase. Having questions about lifts, more power, etc., I started searching the web and found this site. Seems like the ultimate resource....so here I am.

I have never owned a Toyota, but after 11 years in my Ram 2500 (moving south from Alaska and don't need to be driving a 'tuna boat' anymore), I have decided to purchase a new, or new/used, Tacoma. I remember waaaay back in highschool when a buddy of mine had one. We used to bounce around in that little truck, chasing girls, wheel'in and drinking (yeah, I know), and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I want that feeling in my life again...fun little truck - capable, maneuverable, dependable, great looks.

For me, the bottom-line is, I want to 'get it right the first time.' I am about 95% certain that I will be in a TRD Off-Road DC, short bed, w/ V6 and 6-speed auto. This will accommodate myself, my lady, and one large breed dog (65lbs). Use will be mostly city/highway, boat ramps, and occasional light-duty/established trails (maybe 1-2x / mo.) for camping and exploring nationwide. I am looking to do a mild 2-3" suspension lift, upgrade wheels and tires (probably 285/70), add 'reasonable' power (15-20hp), and keep the ride as comfortable as (or even better than) stock. Will occasionally be towing a boat in hot weather, that weighs around 3,000lbs. Will probably start in the SE, hot and flat climate (GA/FL) and end up in a few years in mountains (CO). I will post these mods/questions in the appropriate forums, but wanted to make my 'vision' for the truck clear, right up front. Any tips, advice, ideas, and recommendations, are GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Thank you in advance.

 

Welcome to TW and good luck with your decision!

 

Welcome to TW and good luck with your choice

 

Welcome to TW

4x4 may come in handy on some of those boat ramps and in Colorado.

 

Thanks, fellas. Appreciate the welcoming. Absolutely would not consider a Taco w/o 4x4 - definitely helpful on boat ramps, snow, ice, etc. Very cool these trucks have rear lockers. Be even cooler if they had front lockers, too. I could so have used that where I was living in Alaska for the past seven years....SMH.