Glad to be here, lots to learn

Been lookin at posts here for a while and thought it high time I get involved. I've had my taco, Amigo, since '04. Bought it cert used from a yota dealer in Portland where it had 14k miles. It now has a relatively trouble-free 137k miles. I've longed to make this truck into a proper 4wd and before I get all the tsk-tsk's I know it's a lot of work. This will be a labor of love and worth the money. It'll get another motor, suspension, drivetrain, etc. and bc I'm no fabricator I'll have it done correctly the first time. I'll sell what's on/in the truck to offset what will obv be $$thousands$$ it'll take. I've seen some great rigs for inspiration and decided that a SAS is prob the way to go. I'm not a hardcore offroader but I would envision doing some long distance traveling with it once it's done. Patagonia or bust! My first goal is to put together the parts list, a complex blend of herbs and spices LOL. Then follow through with a quality fab shop here in SoCal or anywhere relatively close. Any suggestions or tips are appreciated and encouraged. Thanks guys!!!

 

Any homies in the San Diego area that enjoy helpin a bro out with his design on paper? Over a beer or two possibly? Cheers

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
Buy an 80s 4x4 Toyota pickup and use the money you'll save to keep one of them running and not rusting away.

 

Thx! Not sure what you're gettin at? I don't need to buy another truck, got one already lol

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Is this truck your only vehicle, or do you have a second reliable vehicle to drive while you transform the Taco?

 

I live in the San Diego area and have actually been looking for some off roading buddies down here. Would love to go over designs and ideas especially because I am still all over the place on what I want to do with my Tacoma.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

It is my only. For now I'll be putting a list together. Once the time comes I'll purchase a lil car I can plug in to the outlet in my garage.

 

Thx, dude. Yeah, the design phase is important. I mtn bike and surf so I'd like a truck I can take down south and have zero issues.

 

Tacoma was definately a great choice. Will get you anywhere you want to go and more.

 

Good plan!

 

Just stick with IFS if you want to do long road trips. SAS is great in the big rocks. Not so much on the highway. You can do plenty in an IFS rig with lockers, dual cases and 35's. If you plan on really getting into hard trails then by all means go SAS.

 

I appreciate the feedback. In my research and reading of various forums the IFS conversion for a 5 lug is more of a pia than SAS. I think the IFS would be better as well for my purposes but I'm not sure yet about the fabrication differences. Apparently there's some welding etc that needs done on either conversion.

 

I won't be doing that work, I'd pay a shop to do so. I love my truck so I'm sure tons of folks on here are already rolling their eyes lol