New 18 DCSB 4x4 SR Mod Order Suggestions

First post.. sold my 04 Tundra 2WD and was in the market for a used Tacoma 4x4 but ended up buying brand new 18 (cheapest version, SR since I was going over budget) because of the radar/adaptive cruise control which I LOVE on my work commute (about 35 miles each way).

I’m trying to decide on the best way to spend about $3,000 to make this thing most safe and capable off-road, yet keeping in mind it is going to be a daily driver.

I live in California so I’ll see hard pan, rocks, mud, some sand.

285/55/16 BFG Mud Terains or Dick Cepek tires on stock SR steel wheels with no lift

265/75/16 Toyo Open Country or Cooper ST Maxx on stock rims with no lift

Bigger tires with 5100 shocks up front and add a leaf in back? I’d prob pay for install on this so costs could get heavy.

ARB rear locker and compressor.

MaxTrax or Go Treads

Front recovery point

Front skid plate

Rock Rails preferably with step platform so my kids can get in easier. I will not get the kind where two steps hang down lower than the frame... already seen how weak that is.

HiLift Jack or some jack upgrade parts to lift higher with sock jack from Safe Jack

Winch and winch bumper

 

Depends on the trails you’re planning to run. Are you going to Rubicon? Or running around DV?

 

1. Sliders (0 Degree angle so they work better as steps)
2. Skids
3. whatever else you want

1 and 2 are all about protecting the truck. These trucks are very capable stock so once protected you can use it and find out what else you need.

 

Stuff like this.. Hollister Hills

 

Welcome! I would look into Falken Wildpeaks the M/T version. So many good reviews about em and they are cheaper than BFG. I have seen two that runs em in their 2018 TRD Offroad with the size 265/75/R16 with one with no lift and the other with 2" lift. Both looks good, and the no lift doesn't rub.

All the things you have listed will be way over $3k. If you are looking for bumper/winch, and want to keep the stock look, go for them lo-profile bumper that just replaces the middle section. They run around $600-800 + $500-$600 winch set up. If you want to replace the whole bumper, Demello is having a limited time offer/run on their new overland aluminum front bumpers, but that will start you out at $1300 which is on the cheap side for good bumpers (they are $1500-$1600 starting without the offer).

If you get steel bumpers, you will most likely have to upgrade your suspensions to compensate for the weight and that will run you about $1000 just for a decent kit.

If you get a full bumper set up, that will also cover your front recovery point.

Winch will be your friend when you go mudding without a buddy. I think SOS is running a tax break deal right now for rock sliders and you can order them with fill plates, which is extra $$.

 

Well congrats on your purchase! As a “daily driver”, I would not purchase any big ticketed items unless you are sure that is the way you want to go with your build.

For example, $3,000 isn’t enough money for a good Suspension System so I wouldn’t plan on that. If you want to lift your truck to get bigger tires, which will probably come out to $3,000, I’d get a lift that you know will most likely be temporary. This is what I did. I wasn’t sure exactly what setup I wanted to go with and I didn’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a Suspension System that I would change in a year. Which is what it took me to finally decide what I want to go with. To each their own. I didn’t do any research before I purchased my truck and maybe you have your build all planned out. Which would help in your case. I guess that would help us give you feedback too is knowing your end result and plan for your build.

If you know for sure you want a winch and front bumper, then I’d go that route, but again, that will take at least $1,500-$2,000, if not more, for a great setup. You need to decide, do you want to cut the front bumper off or keep it Stock and be more subtle. Depending on the direction you want to go there, we can definitely give you advice on some great setups. However, adding a front bumper and winch will weigh your truck down. With a Pro, maybe your Suspension System will be good for the time being.

The other thing I went to first was my OEM Automatic Remote Starter, absolutely love and would recommend, and my OEM Double Cab Predator Step Bars. I went with Predator Steps because most people in my family are short and need the steps. Plus I knew I wasn’t going to Rock Crawl or do any off roading too crazy. I’d definitely look into some options here and see which direction you want to go again with your build.

There’s always the re-gearing to Nitro 4.88s to prepare for the full Overlanding truck. You know, bigger tires, lift and suspension system, winch, front and rear bumper, skid plates, etc

Skid plates would be nice, and great for protection for your underbody. If you live where they use salt, I’d look at undercoating to prevent rust. Sooner rather than later. If you are interested in protecting your paint, I would get it treated with ceramic coating.

 

Thanks for the tips so far! The list of items was just a sample of things I could do, but clearly I can’t do them all for $3k. My question was more on the lines of what combination of those things gives me the best bang for the $3,000 bucks.