Modifications

Hello everyone, I’m new to 4X4 world and upgrades/modifications. So my first modification was wheels (rims/tires), next is window tint then looking into OVR LND pop top and tail gate lock. Not sure what is important for off roading, was thinking of exhaust, some type of axle dump? Open to all suggestions, so let it rip and thanks everyone

 

welcome!
I don't know if an exhaust is necessary, some heavy off-roaders will cut it back, so it doesn't hang so low out of the back where we tend to drag.

Defiantly pay the extra few bucks for ceramic on the tint,,, it's well worth FYI

 

You've already done the tires and rims, so too late to wait for those. I'd get a bed mat now so your stuff doesn't slide all over the place. Other than that, I'd drive the truck for a while (including off road) and see what you want/need after you've had some road experience with it. It's a lot less expensive to wait than to buy a mod that you will end up wanting to replace later on because it wasn't quite right. These trucks are very capable as is and you won't have any trouble getting where you want to go in the meantime.

 

If you have not, replace the front "engine splash guard" (NOT a skid plate) that is the default. OEM TRD aluminum skid plate is considered enough by many. Others pay up for steel in RCI or other brands. But OEM TRD has holes for accessing oil plug and a removable door to access oil filter.

No need to be into serious off-road to get a nice engine guard that actually protects.

Of course you could also get transmission plate, transfer case, sliders ... but be sure you need more than just replacing that splash guard.

 

Here is a good thread to get you started on Mods. Welcome to TW.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-mods-tips.428840/

 

Some reading to do. Reading first is always good. But "reading first" is not always practiced ...

https://www.toughtoys.com.au/media/commerce_products/557/beginners-4wd-web.pdf
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/traction-board-review-tred-maxtrax-traction-jack-maxsa.470774/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-traction-control-modes-explained.530695/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4x4-best-practices-for-snow-covered-roads.753009/

And watch this to know that "off-road recovery" is not to be done by amateurs ... people can die ...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/kingman-az-man-died-in-offroad-recovery.774094/

 

Definitely do the remote tailgate lock, it's awesome and should be standard. I installed the OEM bed lights too and would recommend them. As others have said, the OEM bed mat is great and the rubber all weather floor mats if you don't have them.

 

Neither. Bigger tires are a way better investment, but I recommend you change nothing until you have more experience.

 

^^^^ This

Fools never learn. Smart people learn from their own errors. Wise people learn from reading what other TW members have done.

 

The best thing you can do about off-roading mods is to:

GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN!

You and only you can figure out what you need based on your driving behaviour, the local terrain you are in, and your type of off-roading. From forest service roads, Dune bashing, to rock crawling.
Everyone will have their personal limits.

Experience will teach you what you need, as every person has different situations, both in what I mentioned above and financial.

But the most important of all is to BE SAFE!
Don’t risk you, or others! Or your vehicle if you don’t feel comfortable doing it.
The last thing you want to deal with is emergency in an area that is hard to get out of.

Ive seen too many people go out and get themselves stuck, rolled over, or injured simply to impress their friends or their date.



The way I should have went for mods was in order:
Tires
Armour (Rock sliders, Skid plate)
OME Suspension lift 2in