Matt's 2012 Tacoma "Daily Driver" Build

Still sub'd for this build continuing in a good direction

 

Thanks man. Waiting for parts sucks. I'm glad I will be out of town a few weeks so the wait doesn't seem as long.

 

I've never understood the reason for gusseting the shock tower. The frame will bend before the tower will crack or bend, in fact the frame will flex before the tower will. I don't know, just seems like an unnecessary modification.

 

Now that makes more sense to eliminate flex.

 

Glad to here the EBC brake kit has been working out! I've been looking at an upgrade myself. Looks like you went with the green stuff pads. I've been considering picking up a used set of calipers and dust shields off the rear of a 2003-2009 4Runner to swap the rear to disk brakes. I just wonder if the ABS sensors will register and not cause issues?

 

The EBC stage 4 with green pads has been a solid kit so far. I have stainless brake lines front/rear that I am hoping will add to the improvement.

Bolting on the calipers from a 4 runner isn't that simple and I wouldn't advise it. The brake booster is spec to the Tacoma and would need a brake bias valve to tie it all together. I ran into that on my last truck when I had a 9". It took 2 different calipers and a brake proportioning valve to make it all work.

I wouldn't do that swap until you put stainless lines all around with a front brake kit and your still not happy.

 

Agreed, I'm hoping that the shock tower gussets combined with the secondary shock hoop will keep my towers straight. An engine cage is in the future but hopefully a ways away.

 

That sucks. 4 Wheel disc would be nice, but not at that much of a headache. I already have stainless lines front and rear, so I think I'll try the EBC brake kit.

 

So what is in store for the new spindles?! Looks like a great build!

 

I think that I'm just going to put them on the shelf as spares. This is my DD so I can't have it down.

 

Digging your truck! Really nice approach to a DD mid travel truck. I was debating on going LT but after reading your comment about not DD a LT truck that makes total sense. The light bar up front is a really good upgrade for desert driving. My stock leafs with Icon progressive pack is pretty flat and I'm thinking of running the AP standard pack next. I was also thinking of going with the BAMF shock relocation and putting on some 12" shocks for the rear. Maybe I should just stick with my 10" RR Icons and put longer rods in them? What are your thoughts on this?

 

Thanks man. I also went from the ICON AAL and I think that you will be very happy with the All Pro std pack. FYI It will take a few trips for them to settle so be prepared for the truck to sit high in the rear. If you get the BAMF shock mounts and buy the longer rod end that might take you to 11" of travel. I don't think that another 1" of travel is worth buying new shocks. Can you run 2.5" shocks with that kit? I thought that it required 12"x2.0 shocks.

 

Thanks for info! Yeah I've read the AP leafs have to be flexed pretty good to be broken in. The BAMF kit is designed for 2.0s although some guys have modified to fit 2.5s but seems like a little bit of a hassle. I have similar goals for my truck as well and will be moving back down to San Diego next month. Mostly desert wheeling but this is also my DD and I don't have a big budget for LT stuff. Did you go with the stock length TC LCA for added clearance and strength? I also might need to trim my fenders because I don't want to run glass and it's almost impossible to drive out in Ocotillo without breaking fender clips and messing them all up with the stock length fenders up front. Have you had any problems with your tires bumping your fenders up front in the desert?

 

I did go with stock length. I'm picking up all my parts next weekend.

You will need to trim your fenders and get the cab mount chop done. Beating flat the pinch weld will also help a lot. I did have issues bottoming out with 600lbs springs but after going to 700lbs springs it has been a rare thing.

 

Good info! I chopped my cab mount and hammered the pinch welds. If I'm still hitting the fenders I may go to 700# springs on my Icons and then if i'm still hitting the fenders then I will cut them.

 

Get the 700# springs anyways!!! I got them and I wish I upgraded sooner, because the ride on and off road is awesome since you don't have to crank in as much preload.

 

I like your thinking my friend. Now I have to choose between Icon, King, or Eibach coils. Since I have Icon coilovers the smart thing would be to go with icon springs

 

I have the Icon 14" 700# springs. Part number is 158508.

 

you rule

 

I got a few parts in the mail and Im excited to install.

My extra set of spindles just came in with Solo Motorsports gusset kit.



I ordered this All Pro IFS skid and it is already installed.



I also ordered ARP wheel studs all around with new ET open lug nuts. I am having a new set of hubs built by a vendor on TW and I shipped him the studs so he can build them.

I also picked up these stainless steel brake lines front/rear to help slow this heavy beast down.