Noob Alert: I don't know what I want

Hello all...just paid off my 2018 Orange Tacoma.

Have the cash to fix it up now, but don't know really where to start?

I have stock rims/suspension and would like to consider bigger tires, a (smallish) lift and a level(?). And probably a front skid plate, maybe an LED bar?

I really have not clue where to start or what to look for or what these items should cost...

Are there some threads on this forum for dingbats like me?

 

What do you want to do with it? Where have you found it falling short to date? Start there and you'll see where your money should go. Alternatively if your use doesn't push it to the point of falling short, then either get out there in some more challenging ways or just do whatever suits you cosmetically.

Edit also peruse here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-mods-tips.428840/

Good idea to get familiar with the stickies in any of the sub forums that interest you. If you're like most of us you'll have no trouble finding things to blow your budget.

 

Trucks been great? Does whatever you need it for?

If so, save your money.

 

Tires.

Personal rule of thumb, start at the tires and work your way in.

Tires first, then suspension (brakes if you want), gearing if necessary, etc.

Start with good AT tires like Falken Wildpeak AT3W or Hankook Dynapro AT2 in a +1 size, like 265/75-16.

Don’t need anything else yet. As you run into scenarios repeatedly you’ll find yourself saying, it’d be nice to have . . . Then get that.

 

Don’t fix it if it isn’t broken.

 

I personally find anything posted in The Dumbgeon particularly enlightening.


Hang out, browse threads at random. I can't point you to a single one. For me, it's been a lot of reading, watching what others do to their truck, and deciding if it applies to how I use mine.

Mostly though it's been stumbling across someone's new little innovation and saying to myself "that's fucking stupid, how much time/money went into that, and where can I get one?"

 

Thanks all...very helpful.

 

It’s like asking us what color you should like. No worries. You’ll figure it out. Drink some beers, read some posts, but do not talk about politics.

 

Roth IRA

 

When I finished my pay-off mod, I rewarded myself with an Eibach Pro-Truck Stage 2 kit, Eibach 1" rear blocks, some TRD Pro replica wheels, in 17", and an upsize in tire, 265/70R17's some Open Country AT III's. I love the way it turned out.

There are so many options with these trucks, the sky or your wallet is the limit.

 

Looks good. Where did you buy the wheels?

 

wheelwiz.ca

 

Try some brand spankin’ new Toyota spark plugs and a new cabin air filter

 

Spend enough time on here and you’ll never run out of things to put on your list

My .02… specifically suspension mods… do your homework and get it right the first time. Cutting corners results in costly wear and tear of suspension components.

 

Best advice !!!

If you do mods, only buy what you can afford with cash.

 

Pfft. Screw that. I want it now. Let Capital One and it's 26% APR worry about the details.

 

buy once, cry...every month when you see your statement balance

 

If you have a credit card, well the boys here will help you spend it .How old are you?

 

That belly is going to explode any minute !!!!!

 

Thanks again everyone...I'm 54 and have NO CC balance!! (but I do have a wife that is hard to get spending past)!!
I have been seriously looking at the YouTube Overland Stuff and would like to do medium type off-roading and camping...
I really like the improved look of a small lift/level and new rims...

One issue I have, is that I totally BABY my Tacoma...it's been garaged for 4-5 years and only has about 7k miles (2018). I don't drive it enough (church on sundays, lol), and I now am even considering trading it for new 22 or 23. An issue I have, and perhaps this deserves another thread...the 6 speed tranny is really awful IMHO. When I am on the highway, it seems to shift all the time...is this normal? Is it better or worse in new taco?

I know the dealer did some computer upload stuff, and put some new "version" on the truck...it helped, but is still seems bad.

I had a manual 5-speed, 87 4-Runner that had 280k miles before the water pump blew and siezed the engine...what an amazing truck that was!!