Getting started with a stock truck

Good thread! I just picked up a ‘15 DCLB and I’m already thinking of upgrades too... lol

 

Thank you! I have some 265/75R16s Wildpeaks AT3Ws on the way. I really wanted to go with 33s but wasn't sure if I was going to be lifting or not, these are about 31 and should be good enough for me. And yeah, I don't NEED a lift but I want one haha.

Thanks again for everything! I think I'm going to look at a 3 leaf set and 5100s to satisfy the itch, but save any big mods for down the road

 

Do those ride much different from stock tires? Upgrading the rubber is going to be my first upgrade, I'd like them to make the ride better if possible instead of worse.

 

I'll let you know as soon as they come in and get mounted! The tracking link isn't even active yet lol.

There's a 248 page thread on these tires specifically though! https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/packed-with-technology-falken-wildpeak-a-t3w.419869/

 

Those are more like a 32. I have the same size in a BFG KO tire.

With my 1st gen, I rubbed the frame right behind the front suspension at full steering lock. Even with a 1" lift (5100s) they still rubbed a little. It wasn't until I did my Kings and upper control arms that I don't rub anymore.

Not that that applies to your 2nd gen, but just something to keep in mind.

 

Best advice? Know your limits...

 

Ok but what's a better story, "I knew my limits and got home safely" or "My buddy had to come with 2 trucks, a winch, a chainsaw, and a can of bear spray, and it took us 8 hours to get out"?

But actually, thank you. My girlfriend saved my ass last weekend from trying to ford a giant puddle/mud pit with unknown depth or obstacles, on highway tires, in some woods we didn't know with 0 recovery tools. Fortunately she is a good foil to my "Just send it" mindset

 

It's only a good story if you are alive to tell it.

Many years ago my brother was in a similar position, and arguably did (mostly) the right thing. My brother waded into a muddy puddle like 3/4 the way across and it was no more than a foot deep, figured that last 1/4 was no different (big mistake, as it turns out). That last 1/4 was god knows how deep - deep enough for water to come up to the windshield. Luckily it was only a few hour hike out to town. It sat for several days while my brother secured a tow rig to get out there.

The MOST important safety item you can have is that piece of meat between your ears. Have safety/recovery equipment and know how to use it, but even with all that, especially if you're going out alone, tell someone exactly where you're going and when to start worrying about you. Communication is a good idea, too, but batteries can die, and CB and HAM don't have unlimited range. Even a Garmin InReach isn't perfect (although arguably by far the best as far as range since it is satellite based).

 

Knowing what I know now I’d recommend a locking rear differential for the first modification if your truck doesn’t already have one.

 

I didnt even check what tires you had lol, but yeah since a lot of people do tires as the first thing its something that sometimes gets overlooked on recommendations. I have Wildpeak AT3Ws, the P rated ones and they're held up really well. They're to the point that Im probably getting them again for my next set.

 

Back in the day, my brother did the Rubicon in an open diff IFS 4Runner on 32" BFG M/T's.

Lockers are nice, but honestly not at the top of the list for a noob. They would definitely be on the list, tho, once you gain the confidence and skills to drive a trail that would require a locker.

It also depends on the terrain and your style of driving. An LSD would be another option.

 

I'm just brain damaged from digging myself out of sandy washes in the summer heat before I had lockers. And one of those times was in my former 2nd gen that had a limited-slip.

 

I totally get it, like I said, there's a lot of mental calculus that goes in to what's best for your situation.

Lockers are IMO the "best" as far as performance and traction, but not everyone likes having to remember when to turn it on or off, and not everyone needs the absolute traction from a locker. I used to turn mine on all the time, but then I started leaving it off only until I got stuck or really needed it. I really don't "need" it all that much.

 

I have a drunk shopping problem... I have 5100s and 885s on the way, with a 3 leaf AAL in the back. Hopefully I won't rub!

 

Nothing a little won't solve!

 

I may also have been shopping welders, but I do need a better cutoff wheel/Sawzall. I do have a BFH though

 

I really like my Hobart 210MVP.


If you have access to a 210 plug, it's the way to go, IMO. As I said earlier, my first welder I thought would be sufficient. And it was, sort of. It "technically" got the job done, but 3/16" was the max rated thickness. I basically just underestimated what I'd be doing with it. I fooled myself into thinking I wouldn't be doing much "truck stuff" when I bought it. I started with fences and gates, and that sort of stuff, and the 125 I had was more that sufficient for that.

Best thing about the Hobart is that it can switch between 110 and 220. My 220 plug is a bit too far away from where I park my truck, so when I'm tacking things together on the truck, I run a 110 line from my garage, then take it off and finish with the 220 from my shop. So even if you don't have a 220 plug available, it's still more powerful than my 125 was. Plus, having 110 available, you can travel with it. I've done a few "jobs" for friends welding fences and one guy I helped weld some brackets for a bumper. 110 is fine for that.

I haven't switched it to gas yet, but that's the plan eventually.

$1,150 Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder - Empower Your Welding with Precision and Power Small

https://www.amazon.com/Hobart-Handler-210-MVP-Welder/dp/B004USV5UC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1EAQS16OUHHCI&dchild=1&keywords=hobart+210+mvp&qid=1594836882&sprefix=hobart+210%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-2

 

I bought one of those a few years ago but never got the 220 line set up so I haven't used it yet. I'm lazy I guess...

 

You haven't used the welder at all?? It's perfectly functional at 110.

Get a 220v extension cord and plug it in to your drier plug. I think I paid like $90 for my 50 footer.

 

I need to get off my ass and try it out. I've never used a wire feed. I learned on stick way back, and gas.