Tigger’s, bouncing all over PNW Build

Here is my first thread. Not much too it as I am just starting. Enjoy!

2008 4x4 DCLB, 222k

We all love pictures so I’ll always throw many, many in my posts from here on out!

Most recent picture:
Exterior has not changed much, but suspension all redone.



When I got the truck in 2018:



Few months ago:


2018:










Modifications & Upgrades
As of October 2020:

Suspension:

Front:
Fox 2.5 extended, 650LB spring 14 inch
Tuff country UCA (came on truck, soon to be replaced)
Timbren front Bump stops
Toyotec 1/4 inch spacer plate on driver side to fix taco lean. (Worked)


Rear:
Fox 2.5 extended
OME Dakar EL095R heavy duty leaf pack
Toyotec 3 Degree axle shims
Driveline carrier bearing Toyotec drop kit
3 degree shims to fix axle wrap


Exterior:
Smittybuilt front and rear bumpers (came on truck, front will be replaced soon with something else, lighter)
Smittybilt X2O 10K Waterproof, Synthetic Rope 10000lb, Wireless Winch
Lo Pro Soft tonneau cover
RVS BT Back up/towing camera
30” in grill LED light bar
Aftermarket headlights (came on truck, will go oemish later)

Engine:
K&N CAI (its really just for sound) will do the cowl intake soon


Tires:
Fuel XD800 Misfit rims
Goodyear Duratrac 285/70-17 D1

Maintenance:

2020:
Front Fox 2.5 rebuilt by Hazzard Fab Works, Spokane WA
LCA OEM Bushings
UCA Rebuild
LCA OEM Cam bolts
Transmission mount
BBB steering rack
Carrier bearing
Greaseable u-joints
Front disc brakes and pads
ECG driver side differential bushing upgrade





Thank you for checking out my simple build so far. Short and sweet first post. But more to come as I continue moding and exploring.

 

Front suspension!
The previous owner put a 2 inch lift block kit on the rig and it, for the better part, made the suspension go, "boom" eventually. Don't ever do lift blocks. So I was able to find some used Fox 2.5 from another forum member and had them rebuilt by a local shop up here. Lets just say with the neglect to the truck over the years and the weather taking a beating on her some things needed the hammer treatment and so on.



The rear suspension was about the same process. A pain in the a$$. But eventually fixed it as well. I went with the heavy duty springs due to towing and all the gear i carry around all the time for the job.

Rear bump stops are on the list a swell as a ubolt flip kit.

 

Front light bar!
So not a fan of the light bar sitting on the top of the bumper. Especially out in the open and all that. So luckily having access the the fire department shop I was able to fab up some behind the grill brackets. Its not the prettiest job but it work. They are cleaned up and painted now, so looking better.

 

So for a little while now I have been chasing the Tacoma vibration. Replaced u-joints (put back together in order it came apart), carrier bearing (feels like this aftermarket one is bad again), have the Toyotec drop kit and then just did the 3 degree shim kit on the axles a few days ago. It feels a little smoother in the rear but still have the drive line vibration between 30mph and 40mph under torque (5th gear).

These are pictures of the shims in the rear.

 

If you need any driveline work go to the driveline guy on Seltice Way towards Post Falls. He does great work and his prices are very reasonable too. I'm sure I'll see you driving around town in the Tacoma.

 

I will look into that place! I have been chasing the renown Tacoma vibration. Will just go the route of getting some driveline work. Thank you very much.

 

That bumper looks exactly like my body armor bumper.

 

Identical actually! How do you like it?

 

It’s 202lbs. Of mean looking steel... haha. Since you do have the same bumper. How’s that smittybilt winch doing in there??

 

It is very beefy for sure! I like the winch but have not used it much. Was thinking of fabing up some kind of removal system for the winch so I can take it off and on when needed and store it in the bed.

 

Does it fit nicely in there? Is it easy to use the controls on it?

 

It is very nice! Super easy to use as well that it being a Bluetooth controller.

 

Finally added some new rubber. Had the BFG KO2 and was not a fan. I decided to go with a different brand of tire for many reasons. Did a lot of research on this forum and other places about the Goodyear Duratracs. The reviews are solid and for the aggressive tread work well on and off road in all seasons. The other reason was to bring down the weight of each tire to reduce rotational mass. In return better mpg and such. went with 285/70-17 D1 ply. Weight of 54lbs each.