new member 2000 Tacoma 5lug 2wd

Hey everyone,

I've been creeping around the forum as a non member reading up on 5lug lifts and various builds.

I'm getting close to starting my lift/build and thought I should say hello before I start asking the questions I can't find answers to.

Pics coming soon

SO, I recently bought a 2000 base model Tacoma. White, 2wd, 5 Lug, 2.4l, Automatic, Air conditioning, regular cab.
It was a delivery vehicle for a local business and i watched it sit for many years without being used. Last registered in 2007 it only had 73,000mi on it
I bought it and did a full replacement of all rubber hoses on the truck.
Then a trans service, oil service, 2 new coil packs, new (used) fuel tank and pump, all filters, new brake fluid to go with the hoses, new left front brake caliper, and an AC service.
Now it's driving fine with cold AC. All it technically needs is new shocks but...

HELLO

plans :

-early (1996) low profile front bumper conversion.
-Doetsch Lift Spindles
-Bilstein shocks front and rear (already have the 5100 rear)
-Add A Leaf rear spring/leaf (already have from a PreRunner, I think it will fit.)
-Planning on a tire in the 29" range, tall and skinny
-2001-2004 15" steel wheels (already have)

Them's the basics. I might also like -

-PreRunner fenders and liners, or maybe a 2001-2004 sheet metal swap at the front?

-big brake kit?\seen here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTCwWmbPV1I But i am having doubts about these Cadillac calipers fitting on the Doetsch spindle

-I'm also confused about how much the Doetsch/fabtech spindles move the front wheels outward? I can't find any real world numbers and most people have custom rims with no specific adapter/ET/Backspace specs with this lift.
I have also read that stock wheels won't work with the spindles but Doetsch implies they will.
I did find a spec of 3 3/4" back space for these spindles but that's only one place and not well explained or documented. My 15" steelies have 4.5" or so


And finally, I am having a lot of doubts about any of that up there as this truck drives like a dog. The slushbox AT is a bummer and the whole 2.4 package feels slow BUT it drives fine in slow LA traffic and heat. My other trucks, '73 Datsun 620 and '77 Dodge PowerWagon, do not have AC but are fun to drive.
I suspect I'll have to re-gear if I start modding and going up in tire size. I'm not sure if I want to go that far

Advice please

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome!

 

If you have questions goto the 5lug section and ask around there or read up alot of the good info that is there

 

As for the spindle yes they widen the front track about 1 1/4” per side so it is wider then the rear after install.
As for the big break im not sure, i have yet to get around trying to install the bigger calipers on my lift spindles

 

I have the same one in sliver, the 2.4 AT is so slow. But love how compact and simple it is and fuel mileage is around 25mpg