98 tacoma 5 lug 2wd conversion to fun off roader.

So I bought a 98 tacoma 2rz 2.4 liter 5 lug bone stock a few years ago for only $500. Today it has 406,000 miles and doesmt seem like its gonna slow down anytime soon.Used it as a work truck since then and I love it. I want to convert this little beast into a more off road vehicle for camping, offroading, and just meesing around in the dessert.

Is it possible to find a find a beefer suspension system and give it a lift. I found all the parts that I want to do to it such as limited slip rear differential, front bumper, and other stupid things that probably make no sense to put on this truck.

I know this is dumb but I want a fun project and something I can mob off road with out feeling bad about since this is only a $500 truck with high mileage

Thanks for the help.

P.S. I know there's tons of threads on this but nothing has really helped cause it's usually people saying that they should just buy a prerunner.

 

unless youre gonna trailer that thing or have a buddy to drive you home i wouldnt. Just sell it, if it runs youll get more than the $500 you said you bought it for.

 

@Sperrunner

 

Idk how up to date this list is but has all of the info you seek
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...erd-suspension-guide-and-general-info.545351/

DM me if you have questions

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Dope! thank you!

 

I was pulling @Sperrunner out of the sand every five minutes at Pismo Beach. A 2WD in the sand is not going to be fun. You can only get so far with RWD, if you’ve got the scratch I’d consider trading up to a 4WD if you can. Or do the DIY route and SAS the 5-lug.

That being said the 5-lug is perfectly capable on forest roads and such, lift kits and locking diffs exist. Just don’t be surprised if you get stuck in the mud, you’d be much happier with a 4WD.

 

I also have a open diff and shitty AT tires.

RWD only wasn't the problem. My setup and driving ability was.

 

Im up in Southern Idaho, not much sand and more of a rocky highmountain desert with forest road. Should have made that clear I have no intention to run this thing in sand dunes or mud bogs

 

You be find. Just dont expect anything more then looking like a stock 4wd unless you plan on cutting alot to stuff big tires or drop the$$$ to long travel

 

Or rock crawl, thinking more rally style off roading (not the speed) or taking into small forest service roads up in the mountains. Just trying to get this little truck more dirt road ready with more clearance. Nothing too crazy

 

was about to say, most sand trucks are 2wd not 4wd