Looking to build a 1st Gen, Mod specs & a few questions

Hey guys! I'm about to start building my house. After I finish that I'll be looking to get a 1st Gen Tacoma and build it for Overlanding and to assist me in getting to my destinations for work. I have a video/photo business and have been getting some pretty interesting jobs in the past few years, many of which have had us WAY off the beaten path, camping in random locations and then jumping up and running to shoot at really random hours. So, we want to build a truck that we can take on these excursions to be a little more prepared for whatever may come. On one of our recent jobs we were having to use a couple "roads" to get back and forth to film over a 48 hour period and we encountered everything from flooded portions, washouts, to fallen trees, etc. Other jobs involved hauling kayaks or mountain bikes into the back country. Once of which we opted to walk in because we didn't want to get stuck. Man that was a long walk, but a smart one because most people got stuck, haha.

So my questions:

Since they are getting pretty old, most all in our area are over 150,000 miles with some being at 300,000. What's the availability of a rebuilt engine for one?

What are the most common problems with, say, a 2002 Tacoma 4x4?
We do all our own maintenance, so I'm not afraid of the work, just wondering what I'd be most likely to have to replace right away, or what I should replace as a precautionary measure.

I don't want to waste money, but I don't mind spending money on quality gear. This truck will be an investment, as well as a company tool, just like one of our cameras.

Most trucks in my area are selling for $7,500-$10,000. I want to keep the cost under $20,000 if possible, yet keep it well equipped. I am sure I can easily exceed that amount, and probably will before it's over, haha. But at least I have a number to go by for now.

Like I said, this build is not happening right away, so I have time to plan, do research, and be prepared to build it right the first time.

Here are the mods I have been considering, feel free to critique and suggest alternatives:

ARB Front Bumper
ARB Intensity OR Baja LP9 lights on the bumper
Warn Zeon 8-S
Relentless Fabrication Rear Bumper with Tire swing and Dual Jerry can mounts
OME-9504TAC suspension & lift
BF Goodrich KO2 (33")
Full skid plates by RCI
Snugtop or ARE camper shell
Safari Snorkle

Things I want but would like suggestions on:
Sliders
Fridge
Awning
Roof Rack on cab and camper shell
Water storage for shower/general use

If money permits
Icon Six Speed wheels
ARB Onboard Twin Air Compressor, if not then Portable Air Compressor Kit

No need for a RTT, will just use simple 1 person tent for each of us (only two of us).


Looking forward to browsing around here and learning all I can from you guys!

Just for the heck of it, photos from a couple of these outings:

 

I hate to say that I didn't read the entire post, but I didn't read the entire post.

I quit when I got to the "mod" list - these trucks are very capable and don't need much to get you going.

In fact, I would discourage any mods until you've taken the vehicle off road, know what it's capable of, know what you as a driver can be capable of, and have a good idea of what you really want or need to accomplish.

 

Haha, I like your honesty! I'm pretty capable off road, and I do definitely want to try it out in whatever condition it's in when I buy one before changing everything. I was just wondering everyone's thoughts on what I listed, or if they feel there are better options for the money.

 

1st thing is check the frame for corrosion/rust. You're right these trucks are getting old.
2nd basic things: engine, brakes, tranny. Make sure all is working as it should then move on to additional gear.

 

I think the biggest reason I like my 1st Gen is for it's narrow size...it will squeeze into some pretty small spots other trucks can't. I mean there's way more to love, don't get me wrong!

If you're willing to shop around or extend your search area to outlying states (or even mid West for that matter) you can still find good condition 03-04's under 150k in the 10k range. But be prepared to jump on a buy if you're set on a 1st Gen. A quick look around the forum and you'll see our 3.4's will go well beyond 200k without major maintenance to the engine or transmission, it's the "little"stuff like suspension, ball joints and neglected regular maintenance that will cause issues.

As was suggested, I would use the truck before making a choice on modifications. Just some good quality tires and a factory rear locker will get you almost anywhere you'd wanna go.

That being said, I'd start with suspension upgrades first. Can't go wrong with OME or Bilsteins up front with Dakar/Alcan leafs in the back.

I personally think most bumpers and armor that are still being sold for 1st Gens are all good quality and it really boils down to personal preference and looks/features. Some don't like ARBs because they're a little bulkier then others but it does retain factory crush zones if that's important to you.

 

I won't really add much more that you either don't already know, or that others have mentioned already.

Since you said you can handle yourself off road already, are you looking for suggestions specifically in regards to "overlanding"?

Overlanding itself is comprised of a different group of individuals; some of those can be found on this forum but more often than not you'll run into the know-it-alls and so forth.

Just remember, if Overlanding is your goal here, you don't have to have "this" piece of gear or "that" piece of gear to be accepted into the community. All you need is the desire to go explore the outdoors with your vehicle, and have fun doing so.

With all that out of the way; I do find myself wanting a bumper with swing out. It's convenient having gas cans outside of your bed which should be used to carry other precious cargo. Tires and suspension are a huge plus, with onboard air to boot. Really, if you have the clearance and traction (provided both by tires being aired down as well as 4x4 and/or rear locker), I can't see much standing in the way of things.

I'm still debating on onboard air such as an ARB compressor; if you buy one and decided to install it outside of your engine bay, I'd be curious to see it. I use co2 for my onboard air.

 

Thanks guys! I appreciate the info. When I get ready to buy, I'll definitely expand my search area and give them a thorough inspection.

 

Just a couple things. Okay, maybe more than a couple...

>The winch. Get a bigger one. 8k is like the MINIMUM for an unloaded tacoma. If you are going to be outfitting this thing with boxes, camera gear, camping equipment, etc... just go for a 10k winch...

>recovery/safety gear: This should be first. BEFORE any of your cool bumpers and skid plates and stuff. You mention a winch, but don't mention and snatch straps, shackles, shovel, hi-lift jack, etc...

>Snorkels - they aren't really for (primarily) deep water crossings (unless you water proof the rest of your truck, too) - they are primarily for dust. If you drive solo a lot, they aren't really necessary.

>An air compressor should be one of the FIRST things you get (besides the safety/recovery gear). No air compressor = no airing down = lame. While on the dirt, you should really be running like 15-20 psi... Smoother ride, less stress on components, better traction, etc... I really like my Viair 400p portable compressor. on board air is cool, but it's also complicated and time consuming to install (and expensive). I can just whip out my compressor and take it anywhere since it's not tied to my truck.

>Other things that bolt to the truck, like awnings: I would take a hard look at these. I can easily imagine that when doing photo shoots, it's be nice to have portable shade, like an ez-up or this (link), to shade your camera gear and not be tied to the truck. I'd go that route first, before getting something that mounts to the truck. Might kinda suck to get an awning only to find out you never use it and end up with an ez-up anyway. Other thing to consider is if it would fit in the type of terrain you drive in. I know a lot of the trails I drive are pretty tight, and an awning would get snagged pretty easily...

>Research the difference in ride quality of digressive shocks vs. linear/progressive shocks, then decide if the Icons (a digressive shock) are still right for you.

>Suspension: pick one. You mention the OME, and then later on the Icons... there's a lot to be said for buying once, crying once. I would drive with the stock suspension first, then have a little heart to heart conversation with your wallet and see which makes the most sense. Buy the OME, then buy another suspension setup later? Lots of people wheel pretty heavily with either the OME or the 5100 shocks and are perfectly happy. Or just buying the icon (or whatever you end up choosing) first... For MY purposes it made sense to get a set of 5100s first (which are also digressive shocks), then 6-7 years later I got Kings(linear/progressive shocks), but at the time my truck was a daily driver and only saw occasional offroad so $1000+ Kings didn't make sense. If you're off-roading from the get-go, I'd consider just upgrading the shocks once...

The rest of it is fairly standard stuff. But as others said, I would suggest wheeling it as is at first. Minimize the bolt-on, hard mounted stuff (like the awning) at first until you're pretty confident you'd use it effectively. All of it really boils down to "buy once cry once". A lot of the stuff I saw on your list is simply stuff I see on a LOT of "overlander" rigs that seem to be more about the instagram clicks. Get what will work for YOU. Only way to know that is to get out there and explore. Keep a notepad or your phone nearby so you can make lists of stuff "it would have been nice to have" and outfit yourself a little bit better each time you go out. It's not an all or nothing thing. 1 mod here and there is all you need. People have been "overlanding" for generations with a tent and a 4x4...

Enjoy!

 

Thanks so much! Definitely some good things to think about.

As far as the snorkel goes, I get into some pretty dusty situations LOL. This was from the first day for a multi-day event we filmed. The whole truck looked like this. We are in situations like this roughly 6+ times a year.


Good point about the air compressor. I don’t HAVE to have a fixed one, and depending on the situation, a mobile one could be very handy.

I’ll definitely check into the suspension more.

Recovery/safety gear. I didn’t list it all because I was trying to keep the list a reasonable length, but it’s definitely a first on my list. I’m a wilderness first responder, so I’m always prepared (most times over prepared by my wife’s standards LOL).

I really appreciate your suggestions!

 

I'd look for a truck that has a locking rear differential. So in a 1st gen Tacoma look for the TRD Off-Road package. But be careful, lots of them are fakes that have the decals but not the locking rear diff. If you find a non-TRD 1st gen that's otherwise excellent, a rear diff lock ought to be mod #1. The lift kits and armor are cool but realistically only offer minor improvements in capability over stock. A locking rear differential is a whole new world of capability over stock.

 

About the dust, if you're solo I don't think it'll matter, since you kick up dust behind you. It's only really when your in convoys that you eat dust.

I was *this close* to getting a Viair on board air system. They are definitely super convenient, but then I listed out the other 35 projects I hadn't completed yet, and figured I didn't need another one, lol.

Great you're a WFR!

If you want to save some cash and are interested in projects, get yourself a welder, like a 140 amp one. There are several DIY "kits" out there for bumpers, sliders, and skid plates are pretty easy to make from scratch. I have a 125 (lincoln) and it does the job, just slowly. Welders really open the doors to being able to fabricate literally anything you want for pennies on the dollar.

 

It's probably more important to have tools and parts than steel bumpers and lightbars if you're going off the grid.

But if your budget is $20k, you can easily get a stock truck and add suspension, armor, winch, comms, tires, and regear.

If what you need is function for your job, you'll be best off building your own system as you go. Take a note pad to write down things you wish you had as you think of them, otherwise you'll forget by the next trip.

If it's just a hobby and you want to mod just for the fun of building things, there are endless builds on here for inspiration.

 

https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/372467728316

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-design-ebay-snorkel.573571/

 

Great info, thanks!

Good points. Definitely going to get a welder, especially since we are going to have a homestead. I'll look into the kits.
Yeah we figured between having the homestead and having all these clients that have us working in remote locations it would be smart for us to be prepared for whatever may come at us and get some training.

It's definitely a combo of fun and function. I've always wanted one, but now I have the justification for it. So, function will come first. Then, I'll spend the remainder on fun/cool factor, haha.

Cool, thanks! I'll definitely keep that in mind.

 

>BF Goodrich KO2 (33")

Checkout 255/85/R16. They're tall & skinny, 33.1" x 10.0". I went with 235/85/R16 which is a slightly smaller version that doesn't require either a lift or trimming.

https://web.archive.org/web/2018021...esearch/white_papers/tire_selection_rev1.html

https://web.archive.org/web/2018021...tionswest.com/equipment/tacoma/bfg_mt_km.html

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/255-85-r16-owners-experience.155849/

 

Also try to get a V6 TRD. You get a locking rear differential in the V6 TRD models.

 

I definitely want tall and skinny, wide tires don't do much for me. I want to be able to dig down and get traction. Thanks for the links!

No doubt. I want all the help I can get, haha.