Off road worthy

Hello my name is Mario Sanchez I'm 19 years old I live in Lindsay California, I own a 2012 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner it's rear wheel drive and a 4 cylinder engine. I'm fairly new to off roading and modifying my truck. The only things I've done to my tacoma was put a pro comp body lift, toyo open country A/T tires and XD series rims. Everything else is just your regular stock tacoma. What I wanted to accomplish with my truck Is making it as off road worthy as possible, I know the limits on this truck especially with it being a 2wd and being a 4 cylinder. What would you guys recommend doing to it so its off road worthy. I just want to educate myself see what's the best route and not waste a ton of money on parts or stuff I don't need, and if you guys don't think I should do anything to it that's fine also Im just trying to see what's the best things to do. the first picture is what I started off with and the second one is where I'm at now.

 

First thing I would recommend is to upgrade your stock suspension. The fairly common thing to do with a PreRunner is to add MaxTrac Spindles with a decent coilover up front and for the rear, either Dakar, Deaver, or Allpro leaf pack. Next, tires, for a 2wd traction is key so going with a good set of 33" MTRs will make a world of difference when off road. Also, it would not hurt to regear to compensate for larger and heavier tires.

Next, get out there and see what she can do. You will be able to set your own limitations by simply get off of the beaten path.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks man wish I had people around where I live who actually know about Tacomas and off roading most of the people here are all show thank you doe it really helped! I'll look around harder and get some of that stuff! Which specific brand of shocks and coilovers you think are better im sort of on a budget for now I was thinking of getting some rough country shocks and coilovers then saving up for some better stuff like a long travel kits from king off road racing, or do you think that's a little much for a Prerunner

 

You could also just drive it like it is for a while. See what kind of off/road you like trail, desert, rock, mud, etc. I did more off-roading in my old two wheel drive than I do now with my 4x4. It was stock and didn’t do too bad unless it was deep mud or slick rock. Driver has a lot to do with off-road performance.

 

yea just get out there as-is and wheel it a bit. bring a winch or a friend with a truck and you should be able to conquer most trails, just have a bail out plan! i usually leave it in rear wheel for kicks anyways.

 

Ya that's also a great Idea I had this truck for a couple years and it has over 100 thousand miles, It was a hand me down from my step dad I use to have some BFG M/T tires and they were 27 but I had to take them off they were rubbing to much and I couldn't make sharp turns, and going from a size 16 tires to 27 on a 2' body lift was a huge upgrade from what it was. I use to go out and do some mudding and that's how I started off, but now i want to be able to do a little more. I do need to regear because I did lose some torque. Talking to a couple guys they said to get a ARB Compression system to lock the rear wheels and at least get some torque back and be able to tow a little bit.

 

Any truck can be "off road worthy". It's getting back on the road where things become tricky. Know your limits and have a plan.

 

The elusive 5 lug double cab! nice looking truck, it looks like you're already off to a great start Here's a good thread for 5 lug suspension setups. Also, just for reference prerunners are 6 lug trucks, so your options are a bit more limited (ie your truck is not a prerunner) , but still theres some great info for you on this site. let me know if you have any questions!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/official-5-lug-suspension-setup-thread.138807/

 

Before throwing money at the thing, just GO DRIVE IT. Like others said, just drive it, see what it can and can’t do.

 

Get an aftermarket Snorkel Air Ram Intake that suits your drive/track in case you get adventurous. There are plenty of options here, make a list and you can then decide.

 

A snorkel on a 2wd 5 lug?

lol

 

Your going to want a skid plate of some sort either the underbody skid plate or bull bars with the built in plate will do. Id stay away from steps on the sides though because you want as much clearance as you can get. Also just so you know the truck was made to ride with the back a little higher than the front so try to keep it that way ive heard of a few people running into mechanical issues because they had it level. If you lift it anywhere past 2 inches your probably going to need new upper control arms (not a big deal like 75 bucks per side). If you are trying to get the most out of it like i think most people will agree suspension and tires are key. You would be surprised i think to find out what a RWD taco can really do just go out there and enjoy it and you will soon be figuring out what you actually need on your own. Lastly don't listen to all the hubbub everyone will inevitably tell you that there aren't any options for a 5 lug if your any good in a garage or your mechanic is good there are way more options if you are creative. I have Gabriel air shocks on my 5 lug and they said that they don't make air shocks for my taco........

 

Yeah like the other dudes say just get out there, it also helps to go out with a co-pilot who is experienced and can critique you and give you advice in real time.