Howdy TW - '21 Long travel rock crawler/overlander build in the works, here's an intro!

Hi folks! Saying hello to TW finally. Been reading/scrolling for a while but now deciding it's time to get active and that starts with an intro.

My truck is a 2021 Tacoma SR 4x4 V6 auto in silver. Bought it used in summer of '24 with 28k. I know it isn't a TRD or anything, but that's just how I wanted it. I wanted to redo everything my own way from scratch, and the extra $5-10k for an e-locker and "crawl control" wasn't worth it to me when I knew I build the same or better myself. Here's the truck stock:



Since then, lots has happened. Started with SPC UCA's (still running), and a Bilstien 6112/5260 kit (still running the 6112s) with just a 1.5 inch block in the back just to level it (I know, I know, but I was and still am on a college kid budget just working 20-25 hours a week outside of school) and 4runner sr5 stocks painted black wrapped in 295/70r17 Geolander X-ATs (still running for now until I can afford 16" Method beadgrips and some new tires to match) and some OMT 1.5" spacers.

Since then, for non-suspension mods, I've done CaliRaised trail edition sliders, C4 engine skid, Decked Gen 1 (to house trail tools, Yankum kinetic rope, misc survival gear, etc), Morimoto heads, and a DRT cab mount relocation. Besides that, just some random blackout emblems, HF hitch recovery point, paracord wrapped wheel, and Carhartt seat covers. No lights besides headlights for now because I avoid wheeling in the dark if possible, but good fogs and ditchs are for sure on the future list. Also waiting because lights before lockers is not my style.

All standard work was done by me, which has been an incredible learning experience, and while challenging, very fun, and all fab work (previous and future) done by TorxFab until I get a little better on the MIG welder. Occonee Off-Road in Athens for misc stuff like alignments and wheels/tire mount/balance. Don't have a ton of super updated photos but this is essentially how she sits now, minus a few things. Also a cool photo of the DRT CMR install.



I live in Georgia and therefore mostly wheel North GA trails, but she's been as far as WV/VA and out west soon to come. She's done about every tough trail GA has to offer for now. Since I am currently winch-less, always looking for friends in the area to wheel/explore with for camaraderie and extra safety. I also hunt, fish, and sometimes offroad just for the hell of it even when not camping.

Ultimate goal of the rig is just a glorified overlander "camping rig". Most of this stuff is therefore overkill, but my goal is for it to be two things as a camping rig
1- Better than stock reliable, even while getting pushed offroad. Fixing stuff on the trail is an adventure, but also dangerous, often expensive, and often a trip-killer. I want to save those headaches.
2- To be a camping rig that can get places most peoples camping rigs can't. Down that tough trail, over the rocks, etc, to spots that a stock truck on 33" A/Ts paired with nothing but an unnecessary $3,000+ RTT in the bed can't get to.

Anyways, if anyone read all this, it'd be a miracle. Excited to share progress here on TW and keep learning, exploring, and sharing. Best to all of y'all

edit: follow my build thread as I make it if anyone is interested. not much there as of 03/25 but lots to come in summer '25 and onwards

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-armor-over-built-suspension-and-more.855388/

 

Welcome to TW! Nice looking ride!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome from MC