My Cheap tacorunner “build”

A while back I decided I wanted to build a lowered taco that was 2wd. Im always loading motorcycles and my 4wd tacos were just a tad too tall for my liking. It needed to be lower mileage and cheap, this is what I found sub 1k on clso it was a second owner truck with 150k, grandson wrecked it And split the rack and bent the control arm. Luckily no frame damage as the fender support and rack took the majority of the impact. So my journey began.

 

Got a new steering rack in it and a alignment and it was pretty decent! Decided to go with the Djm lowering kit with new shocks. 4 in the rear and 3 in the front
Stole a bumper off another one of my tacos for the time being and actually found a decent green fender to replace the crumbled one! Used a portapower to push the radiator support back to a spot where it wasn’t too in the way and decided to put it to use. At this point I just wanted to make sure the engine and trans were ok before I did too much more body work.

 

Neat build, what a good deal on a project.

 

Fast forward to now after driving it for 6months, I finally started pulling it apart. I scored a front clip of a 4Runner at picknpull on a 50% off weekend, yay! Thanks mr 4Runner since my fender support was so crushed I just hacked it off. I know I could of done so at the firewall but this worked fine so meh. A few zaps and it was pretty good! I did use seam sealer on it as well for good measure. Remember this is a cheap and dirty project that I didn’t want to overthink. Just having some fun messing around. This is it’s current state as of now. Obviously got some body fitment to do but it is back on the road. Think I got around $1300 into it now with all the parts after selling my other nice Tacoma fenders. It’s never going to be a mint truck but it’s hauling bikes everyday putting in work. My back is also very happy! I did toss a new water pump at it while I was in there, she’s worth it after all. I’ll update it as soon as I get some lambo doors

 

How does the djm lowering kit ride feel? Worse? Better? Same? Ive seen people say all 3 and wanted to ask you personally on your experience. Nice truck btw

 

Got about 10k on the truck now with the Djm kit and it has got better than when I first installed it. I feel like the handling is better for sure but the ride is very stiff and makes you want to brace for the train tracks. I Kina expected that so I’m not disappointed but it rides rougher than I thought it would. When you got a load in the back and it’s sitting on the bumpers it’s way better tho. That’s ok with me since I always have bikes in the bed. Overall I’m pretty happy with it and you can’t beat the insurance/registration!