2014 Tacoma TRD Sport Extended Cab LB to Mexico

Good Evening.

I am a new member (as of 30 minutes ago) to this Forum.

I own a Real Estate Company in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico ..... and am in the process of bringing a handful of Tacoma TRD Sports (Extended Cabs) South of the Border for my business.

In Mexico, in order to avoid heavy Import taxes, the policy is that you have to purchase a US vehicle that is in a specific window of 8 to 9 years old (Currently, that window is 2014 - 2015). The VIN has to start with with the numerics of 1 thru 5.

I have a 2014 & a 2015 Tacoma TRD Sport Extended Cab in hand. Still scratching for 1 or 2 more. Both of these are very low mileage vehicles (less than 50K)

I have a couple of general category questions.

1) My preference is to have the shocks changed out PRIOR to bring these Tacos across. I am purchasing Ranchhand grill guards for all of these (to be installed in the US ..... & they weigh in roughly at 140lbs per).

We sell a fair amount of property up in the Mountains & on down the Beaches ..... where there is no pavement (Dirt/Rock/Sand/etc). I do NOT want to lift these vehicles, their current ground clearance will be adequate. My preference is to place new Bilsteins on these vehicles (Only Bilsteins)

QUESTION #1: Would you recommend 4600's all around ..... or 5100's on the front & 4600's on the rear (due to the added grill guard weight)? Also, should I replace and/or upgrade the Coils? With the new shocks, what will the ride quality be like .....versus OEM suspension ? Harsher, Smoother ..... The Same?

2) I plan on having some preventative mtce work completed in the States prior to my Import Agent processing these for permanent registration in Mexico. Both vehicles have Clean CarFax accident reports (albeit Multiple Owners).

Good auto mechanics are hard to find in Puerto Escondido, so I want to get ahead of the game to the extent reasonable / logical. I plan on changing out all of the fluids, changing out the tires with a little more heavy-duty treads (probably Michelins).

QUESTION #2: Above / Beyond that mtce which I've cited, would you recommend other change outs (ex. Various belts, water pump, etc.)? I don't know where the consistent weak points are on these Tacomas (and the reason that I only want Tacomas is that they are Toyota Quality. I've owned a couple of 4-Runners in the States ..... and they were pretty much bullet-proof).

What other advance work would you recommend ..... and if I want to bring some parts with me across, what would you recommend for the "short list" ?

I apologize for the lengthy post, but I am trying to get really tight on these 2 questions.

Thank you in advance for your advice & counsel !

JPM

 

Only things I had to change on my 07 and 14 were tires and the battery.And a V belt )

 

Thank You Sir !

 

Why not the TRD offroad since the unpaved surfaces are a given(rear locker and a-trac). 5100 are extended travel shocks(therefore they are for lifted platforms) so you’ll be looking for them 4600’s. Things to keep these vehicles running is OEM air filters, oil filters, 5w30 engine oil, grease gun, 75w90 oil for the differentials and transfer case. I recommend the valvoline full synthetic bags.

I speak Spanish and my brother is a lawyer in Mexico. Let me know if any help is needed down the road. Cheers!

 

Many Thanks for the input ..... & those are really great adds !

The way I understood the 5100 was that it could be used at it's lowest setting on a non-raised chassis ..... but could also be "notched up" to approximately 2+ inches ..... WITHOUT neccesarily having to install put in a lift kit ..... or a leveling adjunct (ex.2 Inch leveling Kit | Toyota Tacoma 2WD/4WD (2005-2023) | Rough Country ).

M inquiring about the 5100's was in regard to the Ranchhand Grill Guards that I am having installed on the vehicles. Didn't know if I needed beefier shocks up front due to the added weight factor.

So I've learned something from you ..... 4600's all-round it is. You made that decision easy for me.

BTW ....... I also speak Spanish, and my wife is the #1 attorney in Puerto E (born & raised in Oaxaca City ..... & educated at UNAM .... conversant in Spanish, English, Italian & Argento)

Thanks again Sir !!