Best 1st gen mods?

I have a 1998 Extra cab Tacoma 4x4 with bilstein shocks and eibach springs for about a 3-4 in lift. I put on Spc Ucas and have replaced Lca bushings. I put on
a 2in lift rear shackle and 265/75/16 general grabbers. Just wondering am I on the right track and what else are good practical or more capable mods? What problems should I look out for? I’m only 16 so not super expensive. Do I need to put shims under my leafs to prevent axel wrap? How do I know if I have axel wrap? I do wheel pretty hard as well.

 

welcome to TW, Weston

 

Welcome!

I will be the first to say that you do not have to modify your vehicle for everyone else's approval.

A first gen 4x4 Tacoma is very capable alone with a good set of tires and an experienced driver.

Being that you're only 16, my suggestion is to stop modifying your truck, and get your feet wet as you haven't been driving very long. Don't think about the next mod you need to install but instead, think about which way you need your wheels turned or which line you need to take on your next adventure.

Sure, modifying your truck is fun as hell, but I'd suggest you only do so when you've pushed the limit on something and that 'mod' would help you over that hurdle.

 

Also, a 4" lift isn't exactly ideal as you've lost a lot of droop with all that preload you set on your coilovers.

Most guys stick with 2-3" and do a lot of trimming for bigger tires when the need arises.

 

Using that criteria:

Crawlbox
ARB front and rear
35's

 

Ok I will probably slow down on the mods but wanted to know the most common problems with lifted 1st gens and what I can do to prevent them.

 

40's and tons son

 

some guys just stick with the stock af look just because...

take it to the end of the line in Bishop
or Provincetown pilgrim monument
both are nearly the same distance

 

Also has anyone had problems with double Cardan joints on their drive shaft? Mine has a lot of play because something in there is broken. Do I need to go to a driveshaft shop and is that even service able?

 

To much trouble with the Taco platform. Might as well just tube chassis and go from there. That's my plan at least. Those 3 things I listed have gotten me through a lot of trails on IFS. The next build will be a tube chassis trailer queen on 40's. That means I'll also I need a tow rig and trailer. That shit gets expensive quick. lol

 

i hear the LBJs can be problematic and wear fast

 

Pfft

40s and tons is all plug n play, simple bolt on ain't that right @jbrandt

(But yeah you're right it gets stupid expensive stupid quick lol)

 

Yep. Easy as can be. Just cut out the old and weld in the new. The great thing about starting with a tube is there in no cutting out the old. I'm lazy and like to skip steps when possible. lol

 

What is the history of your rig? I know you're excited to mod it out, but as others have said, they are quite awesome even stock.

If you don't know the history of the maintenance, I'd start there. When was the last time all the fluids were changed? Diff breathers working? Greased all the zerk fittings? Rubber seals and play on all joints, bearings and belts and hoses.

If you need to replace your front brakes, lots of folks swap to Tundra front brakes. Good practical mod that adds safety and security.

Share some pictures when you can, everyone likes pictures! Welcome to Tacoma World. As far as common issues here are a few,

Leaking valve covers
Rusting frames
Lower ball joint issues (breaking, or bolts breaking)
MAF/Sensors & Idle issues
Somewhat weak alternators & wiring from battery to alt to fuse box (Big 3 upgrade)

 

If you have a 4" lift on an IFS 4x4 Tacoma your CV boots are probably rubbing themselves apart or they will be soon...3" lift on these trucks is usually the limit for the CVs and even 3" is pushing it. Unless you do a drop bracket lift or a small body lift

 

Big 3 is the best way to start on your journey to modding, helps correct any issues and gets you drilling deep in your rig so you have time to correct/note any problems that you feel may arise in the future. Plus you can get a shopping or wish list going.
I sense your wallet getting lighter as we speak...

 

The most reliable 1st Gen are typically the ones left stock. However if you want to personalize yours certainly nothing wrong with that.

 

I have checked all the fluids and done brakes. All of my zerk fittings are greased and the ones that wouldn’t take any were replaced.

 

LED dome light. Locking glove box.