Code Taco---just another budget build struggling to stay on budget.

I'm not much of a thread-starter, so I thought I would update my build experience. First, let me say that I am a much wiser owl now that I have seemingly made every mistake along the way. I've also met/corresponded with/done business with some really cool folks during this journey. I began with an '08 TRD Sport AC 4X4 with 87K miles that was intended to be a very light budget build. This was purchased en lieu of another motorcycle because for some strange reason Mrs. Code didn't have a problem with me buying a truck to screw around with---"I'm okay with a new toy----but NOT ANOTHER MOTORCYCLE!" Whatever...bishes be crazy.

I initially went only for "look" by installing a 2.5" spacer. Then I discovered you guys, my TW brothers (now known as "the usual suspects".) I soon put the spacer on the shelf and the budget began to seep. Then, I bought Billy 5100's and set 'em at 1.75. Not bad, but inverted non-TSB rear springs left a bro lean.

I ordered a set of All Pro Expedition springs, flip kit, and extended brake-lines. The All Pro Expos are beefy springs and built like a brick shithouse, but the stinkbug look is/was painful to look at...even my alcoholic neighbor with the stock taco was busting my balls. In hindsight, perhaps I should have removed a leaf---the jury's out. I'm still chasing a bit of rake and the right rear has not yet settled to match the driver's side rear. We'll figure it out. Every screw-up leads to a new Tacoma contact... Also, I installed the longer Billies in the rear.

Up front, after much consternation I moved forward with the 5100's and set them at the lowest setting. I paired them with OME 887's that I had powder-coated in red for personal perference. I added toytec 3/4" plates in red and an ICON sway-bar relocate kit (in black, haha). Trying to regain some form of a budget, I went with SPC Lite Racing UCA's. Jury remains out as to whether this was a prudent place to shave costs---or whether it was yet another mistake/lesson along the path on my budget build journey. My history is not good, so we'll see.

Researching tire sizes, etc. Maybe rims down the road, but would like to keep the gray man effect, for now.

Next mod up: I've decided on the All Pro sliders (w/ kickout and top panels). Gonna have some removable steps fabricated for the Mrs.

Here's some post-install pics.

 

how was the 2.5" spacer lift when you originally had it, i've thought about getting the same.

 

I just got the same truck, except it's the TRD off-road instead of sport. Haven't done anything to it yet, just got it tonight. I'm not seeing any pictures, though?

 

Eric hit me up sometime if you like with a PM(Start A Conversation).We both live in HB and we could hook up for a brew,talk Tacoma's or whatever.I have you on a main list i've established for TW meets/events.You'll be tagged when something is going on!

 

With the spacer it was stiff as a buckboard with a bad tendency to wander. In hindsight, I don't think it stood a fair chance of assessment in light of the sagged out rear springs.

 

Roger. PM inbound.

 

Hmmm. I can see 'em, but that's no help to you! I'll hit up an admin and inquire.
You're gonna dig your rig---no doubt! I was looking for an OR, but stumbled on the Sport and squeezed the trigger.

 

Just did some measurements after a couple trips into the jungle (Downtown LA) via the 405 & 110.
Left front: 23.75
Right front: 24
Left rear: 24.75
Right rear: 25.25

So.......I'm afflicted with the lean. Will the trim packer resolve this issue? I have OME 887 springs with 3/4" toytec spacers, but no trim packer. By gawd, If I have to break these 5100's down again I'm gonna throw a wrench through the garage door----- I'm on my third 5100 tear down, as it now stands.

And, I remain puzzled by the jacked-up rear----something seems amiss. The right rear is considerable stiffer than the left rear spring and is .50 higher. I've got 300 lbs of sandbags sitting in the right rear trying to weight the damn thing down.
Any thoughts?

 

Welcome from SoCal!

 

Thanks, man. That's a badass rig you have, sir.

 

After working with 2 different shops and doing four alignments----the "lean" is gone and my alignment after installing the SPC/LR uca's is perfect. Truck has a .5" rake, currently with 300 lbs of gear.

I upsized to BFG KO2's in 285/70/17. Updated picture:

 

Welcome! Nice looking Taco

 

Update: Added 1" BORA spacers on each corner. Stance is perfect; slight rub at full turn in reverse (time to clip a bit of fender).
Chasing a bad needle bearing---have the ECGS package ready to install next week.

NOTE: See the 2nd gen sale barn for a smokin deal on some new-out-of-the-box set of N-Fab durateps for a 05-15 DCSB.

 

nice rims