New Truck Build Thread - Advice wanted

Howdy all

I just picked up a '21 SR 4dr 4wheel drive after selling my built up 98 Jeep TJ on 35s along with my daily driver

I am working on planning out my build and I am not new to wrenching I am new to the taco world.

My end goal is to have a topper for me and my son to sleep in, haul my john boat on the top and bikes on the hitch. Im not looking to go hard core offroading (kinda been there done that) I just want to explore without worrying about getting stuck or breaking.

So I am thinking bumpers, armor, modest 2-3 inch lift and 265/ 33 inch tires with lights and doo dads added on later.

I ve got about 3 grand left over from the sale of my old car so I am thinking bumpers and some armor now, save up for the skids, lift and new tires while burning the stock tires it has on.

I am incredibly open to suggestions / critiques, but this is what I am thinking

For the front something like the CBI one here, but I have a line on a local guy who does good work https://sdhqoffroad.com/collections...road-baja-front-bumper?variant=39374309916772

Rear bumper I am thinking light and simple. For towing id but a D ring in the tow hitch.
https://www.esptruck.com/product-page/bumper-pre-runner-one-piece-design-4

Sliders im thinking bolt on and discrete https://state48overland.com/collections/pakrax/products/pakrax-16-current-tacoma-bolt-on-sliders

Then for suspension I am split between Icon stage 2 or the toyota trd lift from the factory.

Tires I lean towards K02s cause thats what ive run on previous rigs.

Thoughts / Suggestions / Snide comments? Thanks in advance

 

If you really aren't looking into getting into hard core offroading as you say above, why do you want any of these upgrades? Is it to make your truck stand out from the crowd (nothing wrong with that)? Because your desires sound like things that a decent set of tires (K02's are very popular here) can accomplish, without all of the extra weight, cost, and long term reliability of any of these mods.

I've been all over the place with a 2016 TRDOR 4x4 with 265/75 Wildpeaks and a set of sliders, nothing else. Filed in right behind Tacomas on 35's with 3" lifts, HC F&R bumpers, skids, the whole nine. We all came out the other side without issue.

I'm all about supporting the businesses that make parts for Tacomas, but it doesn't seem to me, as a complete stranger, that any of the mods you proposed would have any direct benefit to the anticipated use of your truck. Perhaps save that money and take your son out on more adventures. Those are always the best dollars spent!

 

Thanks for the response, you ve got a solid truck there

Not going for looks, just function.
I would rather overbuild the truck for my uses, and then not have to turn around or bow out cause I am worried about damage / getting stuck.

One thing I really like about my Jeep was being able to go just about anywhere.

At the very least I want bumpers, due to other people being sloppy drivers on the road, and me being sloppy off road lol>

I do think that 35s would be a bit much for the truck.

I see your in Flagstaff, just for comparison what trails have you been able to run? Broken Arrow or Diamondback gulch?

 

With what you're planning on doing, I'd say that your plans are over kill.

Something like the Body Armor 4x4 HiLine and doing a viper cut would net you the same clearance with a lot less added weight. And there are plenty of much more reasonably priced lifts (that are aren't designed for racing) that will handle your described goals. Rear bumper seems unnecessary for mild off-roading. Go to town on the skids, protect that drivetrain.

The factory tires are worthless off-road, so I'd do the lift/wheels/tires first if you're planning on any significant time in the mud/sand/dirt.

 

Good input, I will check out those bumpers.

I was pretty disappointed on the tires, tried to upgrade em at the dealer but basically I would have been buying an extra set of tires at full price

 

You would be surprised what you can get through in an almost stock Tacoma, a good driver, and a spotter when necessary. I have a grossly over built truck now, but it started as almost stock with just some UCAs, coil overs, sliders, and KO2s. The only place the jeeps I wheel with could go that I couldn't was places the truck physically would not fit. Been all over Death Valley, Nevada and Utah. I upgraded so I could run fast in the desert, and take the "exciting line" through the big rocks.

 

Makes sense.
I spent too much time driving a ridiculously modified Jeep.
Wheeling / exploring a stock rig seems so foreign to me lol