Help me spend my money

Hey guys,

Recently purchased a Tacoma and now looking to do some upgrades to it and just making sure i'm ordering the right things. I looked every around and do a ton of research and I think i'm ready to purchase everything. I guess this is my final check. I drive mostly pavement probably 90%, but I would like to go off roading on trails (Rocky Roads and such nothing to serious) or something sometimes if I can. I'm from Louisiana so we have a handful of nice trails. So here's my list below let me know what you think and maybe tell me something I should change. I'm trying to get a leveled look. Thanks in advance !

* Bilstein 5100s all around on the 0 Notch with OME 885 Coils and the Deaver Single AAL (From Headstrong Offroad)

* Cooper Discovery AT3 265/70/17 Tires Load C

* TRD SEMA Black 17in Rims

* BPF Skid Plate

 

Depends on how serious the off-roading gets. For an SR5 4x4 this is what I am considering for three basic levels of upgrades. This is basic, minimum, not Cadillac or extreme. There are more levels beyond these three.

Level 1 - occasional off road on gravel/dirt roads, bumpy but nothing serious and very small probability of getting stuck. Upgrade tires, suspension, add a decent front recovery point (cheap upgrade). Make sure you have some very basic recovery gear. Learn good habits and techniques (airing down, approach angles, etc.

Level 2 - Rougher forestry trails, roads that are not maintained as well, deeper sand. Potential of getting stuck occasionally. To the above add skid plates and think about a lift to aid clearance. Sliders and a winch a possibility, but at least have some manual recovery method like a come-along.

Level 3 - More significant or more frequent off roading (not extreme, just the next level). To the above - front winch bumper and winch, upgrade rear bumper, definitely sliders and more skid plate coverage. Hi-lift jack. Definitely a lift for better clearance. Definitely add a rear locker. If you are in the sand a lot by yourself get a ground anchor.

Again, these are basic even for the amateur off-roader. Above this for really serious off-road you are well beyond my area of expertise. Would love to hear others comments on my list as I am new at some of this and open to education.

 

@dpgreen Thanks for the response man, i'm pretty new at this too. I'm sort of in between the first and second level and from what i've heard the set up that i'm going for will do alright in these situations. A lot of people seem to be running this exact setup so I think it's the right thing to do.

 

Appreciate the response man, I've been reading about them. I'm thinking about contacting Marie from Headstrong Offroad apparently that have some information about them. Apparently they are released already i'm not sure.

 

On your setup do you have them all set at the 0 notch also?

 

Okay, and quick question every keeps talking about like a leaf pack or whatever. But that's literally just one item right? Just one leaf that you add on top of yours and typically take off the overload correct? Could you possibly link me to the product?

 

Skid plate is on the only thing on your list you 'need' to accomplish what you describe. And you only need that for a bit of protection.

Before you lay down your cash, why not get the truck out and use it as it sits, then change parts you discover you need to make it more capable for how you are using it?

Tires are always first on the list. Not for bigness, but for grip. But you don't know how well the tires you have will do for what you intend to do until you try it.

As an instructor/coach in performance car driving, I always have folks get much better in their driving skills on OE tires. Once they squeeze all they can out of them, then move to grippier rubber. If a novice hits the course/track with slicks, the grip will hide driving flaws, and when the driver gets in trouble, he's really in trouble.

Same applies to off roading. The loose nut behind the wheel is the number one thing to work on.

 

I see where you got Falken AT3 tires. Did you ever decide on 5100s and OME 885 coils, etc? I'm leaning toward the same lift. I'm around BR too. I plan to order soon, just looking for a decent local shop to install.

 

Were you the guy at the gas station yesterday talking to me about my truck? I was about to go on that setup then I heard the 6112 setup is way better and isn't that much more expensive. My uncle is a mechanic so he does all my work for me !

 

Not me. I thought about the 6112 route, but can't make up my mind. Nice to have someone like your uncle!