Looking to buy a 2005 Tacoma, what are basic but good off roading mods?

You could take the front mud flaps off for FREE.
Or don’t, and they will come off on their own while wheeling.

 

If you want to wheel / overland I’d suggest a legitimate suspension upgrade / slight lift. Not a spacer lift. Pick some good AT’s or MT’s for tires. Consider a ceramic coat if the paint you get is in good condition and you care about keeping it that way.

After maintenance and the above.. the rest is really cosmetic with some functionality.. like recovery gear and such but if you’re being moderate I wouldn’t worry too much about it.

 

'05 guy here.

Head gaskets and motor mounts are weaknesses on the early 2nd gens, not death sentences. You can get a good deal on a used truck, even if it needs repairs. The key is to know what repairs are needed or likely, and how much they'll cost. Research the trucks, run the numbers, and buy the best one for you.

Rust, abuse, neglect, and shoddy mods are far worse things to fear than well-known and reparable design deficiencies.


To answer your original question, the best first mod for offroading is good tires -- as big as will fit.

I got into this hobby by exploring the Colorado jeep trails in a stock pickup with spacers and 33s. You can spend every weekend on the trails, all summer long, and never run out of new places to explore with that combo alone.

 

You probably not going to find a Tacoma worth a shit for less then 10k

 

Don't overlook any low mileage, well taken care of 01-04's.

 

Agreed. I would recommend an older truck, especially for a young driver just getting into off roading. Or maybe a full size, or a domestic make, due to their lower resale value. I sold my 4x4 F150 for 1/3 as much as I paid for the Tacoma. Three years older, same mileage.

 

Good advice but the friend I'm talking about is an adult and a close family friend. Good advice though and thanks!

 

I wish mom and dad were cover it I haven't done anything for 3 summers as I've been working.