New to AZ and new to Taco's

So, I have intro'ed myself in the intro area so this will be more local based.

Live just west of Luke near the White Tanks. LOVE IT HERE! Came here from Ohio early last year....HATED it there! In the USAF Reserves in Tucson...fly on helo's.

Anyway, I bought my Red 2006 Access Cab Tacoma 4X4 TRD Offroad to explore this state. I am not looking to rock climb so I wanted a truck with good off-road capes and still be somewhat street friendly.

The truck is stock right now so I am looking to bring it up to the mission of exploring this state. Based on what you guys/gals have done, what would you recommend:

Suspension
Wheels/Tires
Bars (D54, I like your front bar and slider setup)
Lights

Any recommendations are appreciated...you guys will essentially build this truck! I do not want to second mortgage the house or sell the wife into online porn....hmmm....no....uhhhh...shit.....damn..can't. I need to keep an eye on cost without sacrificing quality. Do it the first time right and there does not need to be a second time.

Also looking for a GOOD shop for both general maintenance and off-road work. This is very important...I had a great mechanic who was honest to the core...he got every bit of our work for 25+ years. We sent an assload of business his way. I would love to find someone local that would meet that standard. I am big on reputation..and WILL spread the word.

Recommendations for some good trails..for beginners...baby steps folks. Wanna make sure I adhere to good "stewardship" of the state..so responsible off-roading. Also, wanna stay legal!

Places to shoot...I am a gunner on helo's so I do like sending lead downrange. Have a couple of AR-15's..and some handguns. Any shooters out there? Been Coyote hunting a couple of times...dig it. Have a gun built for it.

General tips for maintaining this truck, parts, fluids, ect.

I am sure I will have a lot more questions but this should be a good start.

Thanks a ton in advance! I am looking forward to getting this Taco dirty....

 

Damn nice to have ya! Lets go wheelin some time!! I moved out here 7 years ago from Indiana and i'll never go back

 

I was born in Indiana! Greensburg...home of the "world famous" tower tree...even though most people from one county away have never heard of it!

 

Welcome from Chandler (East side of the valley)

 

Saweeeet! I as born in South Bend

Butcher Jones Trail is pretty fun out behind Saguaro Lake and there aren't to many "good" mechanics out here. As far a a setup for your truck i'd say a 3" Old Man Emu lift, wheels of your choice and color and some 285/75/16 Goodyear Duratracs.

 

There is a Mod-day on April 10th. DO IT!

 

Welcome from Tucson

 

Hello from 'Copa (Maricopa City about 20mi south of Firebird International Raceway near Chandler).

I second the 4 Peaks OHV area (also called Butcher Jones around here). As well as the 4 Peaks forest service road. It's 2wd friendly so it's an easy ride, but it's some great scenery right out side of the valley.

 

good beginner and sightseeing places

close by
4 peaks
Butcher Jones (the rolls OHV area)
Sevin Springs and bartlett lake
new river canyon
bulldong canyon
apache trail

a little farther away
lockett meadow and shultz pass (flagstaff)
Schnebly hill road (sedona)
bradshaw mountains (prescott)

those are some of the easier more popular places but with a few inch lift, 33's, sliders, and skid plates you should be able to run almost all of the trails around.

 

As far as mechanics, there's a guy named Scott at Sun Devil Auto (67th ave and Bell). Very knowledgable and very honest. Has worked on my vehicles for several years.