Help me plan my (2013) build!!! ($7k budget)

not really...

^^^

 

keep it stock OP.

 

I totally understand the cosmetic stuff.. I've just had a recent change of heart haha

Spacers are crap I agree, just throwing it out there.

For 285s I had a small cab chop (not nearly as aggressive as some) and a little trimming of the TRD fender flare .. the fender itself cleared and the inner liner was pretty much fine - I never rubbed the top of the wheel well but rubbing the pinch weld at the rear of the well is common. I just put some slits in it and hammered it over.

For the spare, I have seen 285 all terrains in the stock location but muds can be tricky. I thought clearance would be an issue as well, but it only comes down a hair below the shackle hanger so it's doable. There's a nice Expo build on here (forget the name) with a high clearance rear bumper on 285s with the spare in the stock location. He doesn't have any issues.

 

Thanks for the greater insight on the trimming requirements! Have you had it fully turned when flexed and still had good clearance?

I think I know the build you are talking about, he had 285 BFG Mud terrain KM2s, IIRC. My only concern there is that it may have fit solely by virtue of the fact that KM2s typically run small. I'll have to look for it and ask him.

Thanks!

 

Let us know when the build starts and good luck with it!

 

Thanks!

Thanks for the thoughts bro! I've always been pleasantly surprised by the capabilities of stock Toyotas! I've never been the driver of one until now though! Read below for a bit more explanation of my position on things.

Thanks y'all! This is my first Toyota but not my first modified truck, nor my first wheeling rig (though, I am by no absolutely no means an expert four wheeler, not in the least). I know that for the trails that I want to hit, skids, rock sliders, and at least a bit bigger and a bit more aggressive tires are necessities. Lift kit would be helpful (for breakover angle, approach angle, and departure angle (On other rigs I ripped off a portion of a front bumper once and dang near ripped the whole bumper cover off another time. I can only remember dragging belly once, but have hit rock sliders a few times (with bigger tired, shorter wheelbased rigs), and saw two friends get stuck high centered on their hitches (had the momentum to slide back onto them backing up but, couldn't pull forward off them), and a rear locker would be helpful (I've been stuck on them with an LSD rear, gotten through with a rear locker, and easily gotten through when locked front and rear) I would definitely not take my Tacoma out dead stock, it may make some of the easy trails and bypasses but, lack of skidplates and sliders would make it a dangerous proposition and lack of traction (small non aggressive tires and no locker) will make it quite tedious at times.

For more aggressive than stock tire choices, I have ran BFG ATs and KM1s (2 pairs of KM1s, differing sizes), Dick Cepek mud terrains, Cooper STT muds, and Goodyear Wrangler MTR kevlars. I am thinking of running something different for this build, hence my tire ramblings.

I am really liking that Bud Built is nearby, I'd like to pick up skids directly from them. IIRC, they are in Boone, we go up there about once a year anyway! For sliders, I'll take a look at the Famous Fabrication built ones, thanks! (I know the CBIs require some drilling, I read the install article)

Bumpers are not happening for quite some time. (other than just color matching a stock rear to dechrome the truck, that's happening soon)

I had an ARB front in a rig a couple years ago, loved it!!! Only thing I now know to do differently is- do NOT mount the compressor in cab! They say it's quiet enough to do so but, it drove me nuts! (ended up relocating it under the hood) Only wheeled that rig twice (was a perpetual project) but, both times, having that ARB front rocked!!!! (rear was locked as well, of course, a Detroit locker)

I don't want to go higher than 3 inches, I don't want to have to run drop down brackets. If I go higher, it will be SEVERAL years from now and it will be an SAS.

Thanks for the thread links! I'll check them out! have been reading builds on here like crazy!

 

That's what I'd ultimately like! It's a matter of figuring out which ones!

BTW, that's a great looking regular cab you've got there!!!!

 

Aha. The truth comes out.

 

Looks like a good list! Thanks! I'm assuming Fox and King are adjustable and have different spring rate options? I read about Dakars losing arch, are Allpros a better choice?

Question on control arms-
Keeping stock lowers, mounted in stock position (looks like most of the kits do this) wouldn't the track width become narrower than stock what with the new (steeper) angle on the lower control arms?

 

Yup! Unfortunately, she who must be obeyed may not allow it! LOL!

 

For your stated usage - ARB Old Man Emu (OME) springs and shocks with the Dakar leaf pack are a fine choice. Springs and shocks stiff enough to carry the load of the stuff you want to add to the truck, and reasonably affordable. If you're going the full 3" lift a replacement upper control arm is called for. Since you're not "high speed mobbin' " the light racing UCA is a great choice as it's very adjustable and a little more affordable.

 

Thanks for the info!!! Been looking through your build, looks good! Are you still liking your OME setup? About how much lift do you have now? (saw that you said it settled a bit) Thanks!!!


Another question: I used to be a Chevy guy, and of course on their IFS it's torsion bars rather than coilovers but, is it a similar situation in this respect?: if you go with max lift, are your cutting further and further into potential for droop travel? Or is the front setup on Toyotas long enough travel for this not to be an issue?

 

I wouldn't spend all the money at once. Do it bit by bit and you can figure out what you need, what you want, and what you can do without.

The first thing I got were sliders (Famous Fabrication bolt-on) and some basic off road recovery kit. Next thing for me will be tires on the OEM wheels.

 

Congrats on getting a Tacoma! While they are actually pretty capable stock, they do need armor to protect the body and underside. Also, a lift not only provides much needed ground clearance, but should improve performance and ride quality as well, and lockers definately help. I personally put a Detroit in the rear and an ARB in the front.

We offer the majority of items you're looking for, and can put together a package deal for you. If you want, give us a call at 951.658.7077 or PM me you email address and I can send you a quote that works within your budget on what we recommend based on what you've posted. Or just let us know if you have any general questions, we're here to help.

Don't forget, we currently have a 15% off of all armor special this month, and we are giving away a set of our new APEX sliders (see our section to enter if you haven't already). Our parts are made to fit on the 2012+ as well.

Best of luck with your build!

 

Morgan I say we just secretly swap in one tons and 37s while the wife isn't looking. A question for all you 2nd gen guys what do y'all think of the bilstein lift? Way cheaper than coilovers and do shackle flip rear instead of new leafs.

 

Yes there is. Hypertech Inline Speedometer Module. Installed mine in less than 30 minutes and full calibration another 30 minutes after that.

Link

 

LMAO!!! I think she might notice!!!

Actually just read a shackle flip thread, might be a viable option, anybody got opinions on that idea?

Awesome!!! Thanks for the links, that is a big help!


SO, IMPORTANT NEWS:

Got the go ahead from the wife today, I can get a lift!!! (new tires and wheels were already okay so, these are big steps toward my build!!!)

Also, she bought me an ARB midsize compressor for Christmas (along with an ARB tire air up kit, a color matched rear bumper, XM Onyx, and door sill protectors!) so, that's some more good build bits!!!

So, I need to get on it and figure out a good setup for my suspension!
Thus far, I am thinking
OME or AP rear springs (or maybe a shackle flip???)
New upper control arms (leaning toward TC, but they are $$$)
Adjustable front coil overs that will hold a future winch bumper and winch okay (still up in the air as to whom to go with, question- are OME's adjustable? Or do they just use spacers? If spacers, are there a big enough variety of sizes available to get get the Taco level now and relevel it later with the winch and such down the road? Is it kind of trial and error for setting them up to level the truck, or is it a pretty straight forward affair?)
matching rear shocks (of whatever sort, LOL!)
extended brakelines- the impression that I am getting is that only rear brakelines need extended???

 

I know of no one who makes a bolt up shackle reversal kit for 2nd gens. Some trucks can get easy lift this way, but not ours - by virtue of the way the shackle is designed. Just get the leaf pack and shocks, and call it a day.

OME front shocks and springs are not adjustable. If you want that adjustability - you've got to step up to the next level of coilovers. Those threads can/do corrode however, so it's not generally recommended if you live in a snowy area where they heavily salt the roads.

You can add a single top plate spacer later if e.g. you add a heavy bumper and winch. Or just change from 885 to 886 springs. It's not that hard or expensive. The springs by themselves are only in the neighborhood of roughly $150.

 

Well...... don't kill me but..... I kinda ended up going in a different direction....I ended up trading in my Tacoma for a Ram Power Wagon. I wanted something with more payload capacity. It has got a 5.7L 383hp 400lbft Hemi V-8, 6 speed auto (yeah, I am gonna miss having a manual trans), 4wd, solid axles with 4.56 gears and with locking diffs front and rear, front swaybar disconnect, 2 lift, 33" BFG all-terrains, and a 12,000lb Warn winch all stock. 1,880lb payload capacity (limited by softer than standard springs not by chassis or axle strength), 10,300lb towing capacity. All the above are standard features, I haven't modified it at all yet!

Took it out to Uwharrie for a volunteer workday saturday, hit 3 trails cleaning up trash and it did great! Gave my skidplates a workout on the berms though, the crew cab makes for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG wheelbase!

Anyways, thanks for all the kind words and good advice on here! I know I would have ended up with an awesome Tacoma had I kept it and built it with the knowledge of y'all on this site!!!! Thanks y'all!!!

 

Thanks! Though, I don't know who Rick and A.J. are, LOL!