JBWeldIt's 2001 TRD build

Hey TacomaWorld, I've finally decided to start upgrading my 2001 TRD Double Cab. I figured this was the appropriate place to start my documentation and ask for advice. I will be heading home in approximately 3 weeks and want to get to it for the 20 odd days I am home. That being said, I have yet to order, as my knowledge is only as far as the search button has taken me. I thought I might start this thread with my truck as it sits, what I plan on doing with it, and what I am thinking of buying.

My taco as it sits today is pretty stock. Other than the tinted windows, nothing really has been done to it. As a 2001 it has about 98k miles on it.

My plans with this truck are to do some offroading, but nothing too crazy just yet. I'm looking to keep these first initial mods to under 2k as my 0% interest credit card has been empty for some time. With that being said, I'm looking for an all around suspension lift, preferably 3" as well as new wheels and tires.

 

For the Lift, initially I was looking at the Toytec Ultimate lift kit, as many people here have backed it. However, this kit only comes with an AAL. After some more research, OME has a lift kit for about 500 dollars cheaper http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Old-Man-Emu-Tacoma-suspension_p_225.html. It also has options to add the Dakar Leaf kit for another 400. From what Ive read OME is definitely backed just as much in the offroading community. By paying about the same money I initially intended, I get the same lift with dif drop and all plus a new leaf kit for the rear. I know the comparison has been made a thousand times, but your thoughts are still welcome.

As for the tires, i was hoping to get big ole 33's on this thing. From what I understand, a three inch lift would allow me enough clearance to run 33's. Goodyear Duratracs 33x12.5x15 are my current thought and I'd like to run Cragar Soft 8's 15" as well. Im assuming Im probably going to need to do some trimming, but I dont have the tools/money/ability to do some crazy mods to keep it from rubbing. Furthermore, the lift doesn't come with new UCAs. I have heard of others running 3 inch lifts without it, but do you all think 33's on a 3 inch lift will cause any issues? Should i just stick to 32's instead?

That's all for now, i suppose. Im hoping to swipe the plastic this weekend so everything will be sitting at home ready for me and my buddy to put on (that's the fun part, right?). Any and all advice and suggestions are welcome. I appreciate everybody's inspiration around here, hopefully my taco will turn into one of these sweet builds one day. Thanks!

 

So. After many more hours searching and changing my mind back and forth, going to 4 wheel parts, listening to what he had to say and completely brain dumping it, and doing more research, i have finally decided on what I will order tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day.

Decided to keep the OME kit from Wheelers Offroad with 882 coils to hopefully run a bumper in the future. This kit is one of the most complete (and cheapest) i could find online. From the backing they have on this site, I am more than willing to give them my money.
Furthermore, this crazy aftermarket wheel issue with tacos made my head hurt for like 3 days straight. From what a few people on this site are running, the Wheelers Offroad 15x8 type B seem to be the only 15's that will clear my 2001 4x4 calipers.
Finally, i decided to run some BFG Mud Terrain KM2's at 32x11.5x15 as im getting a decent deal from some one back home. I wanted the size of the 33s but im hoping to do some wheeling, and didnt want to have to cut my truck to pieces to fit the 33s at full stuff.

Two questions ill be asking Wheelers when i call on monday ill post here for maybe someone to input. 1) The wheelers offroad type b, the site says they fit pre2003 4runners and by seeing them mounted on tacos here, i assume they fit. But are the 4runners and tacomas the same caliper size during those years? 2) These wheels are said to fit the tacomas for these years. Is the bore size 106 to fit the tacoma or am i going to need the 2mm spacers to take up the slack from 108.

Excited and sick to my stomach to be spending so much cash at once. But am extremely stoked to get my rig going.