Adding a utility bed on my gen1

Hi all, long time viewer first time member . My project mimics what user garretG1991 did with his 80/20 wedge camper build.

I have the bed already, picking it up soon. The issue I’m having a hard time conceptualizing is the wheel placement. With the wider box bed, should I use spacers to widen my stance and get better balance? The bed extends (as of now) 7.5” on both sides. I feel like a dually set of the 10.5” stock rims would be sufficient. Since I don’t want to dually my truck, I figure spacers might be viable, or even getting wider rims and tires just for the rear. Drawback to the last option is I have to carry 2 spares and I don’t know if it would be worth it.

any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. I do plan to regear this year, I just don’t have the knowledge right now and am facing the issues I’m facing now.
3.4l V6,Sr5 4x4

thanks ^_^

 

I don’t have any advice but it sounds cool

 

What your doing is putting a full size utility body on a 1st generation Tacoma frame?

Times are tough we do what needs done when a full size truck is not an option for what ever reason.

Wheel spacers are not going to give you enough to make much difference.

How much weight are you talking about when your loaded? Is the weight going to down low or up high??

I would go with the dual wheels and run the same wheels on the front axle.

What Suspension modifications are you planning?

Myself I would build a trailer to fill my needs.

Best of Luck!!

 

Yes. 7foot bed.
Weight is going to be lower. Stock bed + camper shell is about 550, new bed is about 350.and it’s going to be physically lower too.

I already have the 2” old man emu, and I plan on adding a leaf in the rear to help counter the new addons

 

Is your cap really 350 lbs? The stock bed is right at 200.


I would look at having someone narrow the box, although that doesn't help your wheel well problem. It really depends on the distance from the front of the bed to the axle.

 

If you came to me with this job I would decline.

This is not going to work well if this is a stock utility box. Your box is going to sit on your tires .

Lots of fabrication in your future.

Please take some pictures .

 

that’s an idea. The previous owner widened it with about 16” of 3/4” ply. I’m gunna narrow it a bit and see how she sits

 

Then I’m wrong, the googled numbers told me the bed was like 340? Plus the topper I just guessed and asked around.

 

Ah ok. Yeah the stock bed is 200. I weighed it when i did mine.

 

Nope. And the new bed is hella heavy. It changes things, but nothing too much. I knew I had to do something to the suspension, now I know the answer; airbags and maybe a leaf added. No biggie

 

Don't add a leaf to worn suspension.

Don't add airbags to ride on them 24/7.

Replace any and all suspension components, including any and all bushings (upper and lower control arms, steering rack), and especially replace your leaf pack.

Whether your end result happens to land you near stock weight, or wherever it gets you, take care of everything underneath before undertaking this huge project.

 

I wouldn’t be so cavalier about extra weight. These are not heavy duty trucks, and every extra pound we drag around impacts the vehicle negatively - more fuel, more wear on drivetrain, more wear on suspension, and additional strain on an already cheesy frame.

 

@wildmanmarck

Let's see pics of this bed.

I see some fabrication in your future, and you can't be too far being in Nor Cal

 

I have upgraded leaf packs. I going to get a leaf added, but given my plans. Air bags seem likely

 

So Cal.

 

Air bags are for when you have that extra payload you don't often carry. Not meant to be driven on indefinitely.

Interesting.

 

Hmm. Then how would I mitigate the weight? Just replace the leafs?