Alright, I'm new. Here's why I'm here.

So, coming out of a deployment. Had some dough saved up. Knew I wanted a Tacoma, Double Cab. Something I could take my buddies out snowboarding in, dirtbikes, so on so forth. Picked up an 07' Prerunner with about 163k miles on it, automatic transmission .Beautiful looking truck.. (you wanted to do all that but you bought a pre-runner. Yeah I know, you don't have to say it. I'm acutely aware of that mistake) Not nearly as practical as I imagined as it has had numerous problems. Guy I bought it from was sort of a tool. Put it up on a 6" lift kit, 36's. Then he turn around and bought a Hummer, and then sold it to me. Kid with deployment money at 21 eager to buy his first taco.
7 Years later, I own the thing.
I've replaced the driveline with a straight through driveline because it kept eating carrier bearings. Got sick of it, figured she'd never be a crawler anyway. Only had 1 major problem that I couldn't fix myself, took it to a local Toyota Crawler guy, he got me fixed up.
Where I live now in California, there's really no opportunity to use it unless you're taking a long trip. Good news. I'm moving to the northern Tip of Cali.. where I know I'm gonna have plenty to actually play with her on a regular basis, and there's some playgrounds up in Oregon.
Its really got me thinking about slowly turning her into something dope. Because right now, shes just a pavement pounder with a lift kit. Its pretty pointless.
Now I paid 16.8k for the thing. Now days shes got about 300k miles on her. This is my drive it til she's dust or rust truck. Needless to say.. I dont really feel like selling her.

What's your thoughts on turning a truck like this into some sorta Baja racer?

Where would you start?

I'd really love to put a custom roll cage in here. Keep 4 seats.
Obviously swap the lift for real suspension.
Probably add a turbo for a little bit of kick if I ever wanna take it on a track. Probably leave the engine alone other than that.
Replace the straight through driveline at some point. Although it does give her a little more torque, sorta messes with the clearance.

Also considering leaving her be and picking up some 95-05 4x4 and making that my project vehicle. But, I'd rather make this one into something. I got a bond with this truck.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

Welcome to TW
Where are you in cali? If anyone can build what your asking for, its these 2 guys and or they can.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mid-and-long-travel-installs-tube-bumpers-sliders-bed-rack’s-cmcs-shock-hoops-welding-so-cal.379771/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/81-tube-frame-trekker.626283/

 

First off....
THANK YOU for your service to our country in helping us all enjoy the freedom that you have helped provide. Again, Thank You my brother!
While reading your post through your description of the Taco, I was ready to see a picture of a clunker. With the age and miles it has I'm sure there are some issues that you can only see in person but that's not a bad looking truck at all my friend! I'm from way down here in Alabama and I'm simply not familiar with the type of off-roading you guys do out on the West Coast. Only off-roading I do is going down an old dirt road and "through a mud hole every now and then" on the way to my deer stand, so I'm not the guy to help you make this call. I presently own a 2018 Crew Cab, TRD-OR 4x4 that I paid more for than my parents paid for their new home in 1968 and I have no idea how to use the "crawl mode". However (my 2 cents), I would keep the Taco and continue to make it your own because she has brought you this far, don't give up on her now. I just turned 53 years old and when I was 16 years old, my parents helped me buy my first car (a used Toyota Hi-Lux pickup, 2 wheel drive, bench seat, manual tran, vinyl bench seat, vinyl floors, AM radio, NO A/C, back then there was no mirror on the passenger door, with a bed as long as a football field (it seemed). Now 37 years later, I'm still driving The Toyota truck product, (only truck product I've ever owned). I'm sorry that I've taken forever to tell you this.... I've gone through the first Hi-Lux and seven Tacoma's since I was 16 years old and if you take care of them, they will NEVER let you down! I think your baby has still got a lot of "fun on the trails" years left in her! If nothing else (if you have children) use it one day to help teach them the responsibility of maintaining a vehicle. Keep on Truckin'.....

 

https://youtu.be/-PieRs7eLMg

 

Welcome to TW!

 

@windowman

Appreciate that. I'll be moving to the Shasta Area in Cali. Currently in the north Bay Area. I'll take a look. They might just be able to. Thanks again.

 

Thank ya. Yeah, I hope to eventually turn her into something. Shes not quite 300k but shes getting there. Multiple trips between El Paso and Cali.. I also commute. I keep up with her hopefully she'll keep up with me.

 

I am not sure about nor cal... but there is a section for it
https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/northern-california.42/
And more relevant info your gonna need
https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/long-travel-suspension.113/

 

Welcome to TW...Thank you for your service!!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW!
Anything is possible with enough time and . Better start the research now....

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW!
Thank you for your service!


Id start with just general replacing things that need fixed.
If the frame is rusted and the engine has 300k you need to figure out if you want to actually replace those before doing anything else.

Total chaos suspension

Magnuson Supercharger (Doesnt do a ton bit it 100% helps turn the wheels, you can't get a ton of power out of the engines)

Re Gear it if you plan on keeping it on bigger tires.

Stoptech Brake kit with Stainless Steel brake lines

Lockers if you don't have them

Air Compressor if you plan on actually using it, lets you air up and down more efficiently.

Aux Fuse Box if you plan on doing any lights or extra electronics

Dual battery if you plan on overlanding

Everything else is up to you.
That's just what I'd do if I had 20k sitting around lol

 

Welcome

 

Welcome, be sure to check the CA regs on what is allowed and what isn’t.

I know when I left about 4 yrs ago there was a “rule” implemented that any vehicle that has a vin and is legal for sale or registration on CA roads CAN NOT be modified for “off highway” use....

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW!