Thoughts on these mods?

I am traditionally a Ford guy (don't shoot me) I have a modied F150 FX4 and I know quite a bit about my truck. However my daughter now has a 07 Tacoma Pre Runner that she wants to mod. Her current wish list is:

front end level
exhaust
tires/wheels

I would like to know thoughts on each of these mods. What is the most cost effective mod for each and what is the preferred mod. Also what are issues to watch out for on the front end level mod?

Thanks in advance for the help.
Phill

 

Front lift - Bilstein 5100's; Approx. $170 + install unless you DIY
Exhaust - Custom, add a muffler to existing piping; Approx. $150 (muffler $80-$90, install $50+)
Tires/wheels - Too many good choices to list; research, check out tirerack.com for user reviews

 

Readylift of bilstien 5100's for the front to level it. If you go over 2" in the front it will be hard to get the alignment correct without getting new upper control arms.

Magnaflow exhaust is sweet. The TRD is also great if you want a bit more quiet but nice growl when you step on it.

I would stick with the 265 series tires if you are 2" lift or below. Get wheels with a 4.5" back spacing, lots of choices out there.

 

X2 on the Bilsteins to level out the front. The middle setting should get it about level.
Exhaust, personally I like the TRD exhaust (which I have) really nice grunt - the Borla sounds nice also
As for wheels and tires it really just comes down to preference and cost. I went with a less expensive option due to the fact that the wheels were going to be abused off road. Ive always like the TRD fj cruiser wheels on tacomas. Go with some 265/70 all terain tires like BFG or the Nitto terra grapplers and she should be good to go.

 

if you plan to offroad do not get the FJ wheels, anything that touches them will destroy the finish.

 

First off you are a cool dad to be helping you Daughter, second when are you going to ditch the Ford and get another Taco? I keed I keed

But like others have said already, the Bilstein 5100 for the leveling out or you could do a little more expensive route and get the OME struts with OME 884/885 springs depending on the truck being an access cab or double cab respectively. For the OME I think you would be looking at a ball park figure of $335-375ish and should level it out for you.

The exhaust is like asking what your favorite NFL team is...everyone is going to have their own opinions. I have a Gibson cat back bolt on that I got for $263 shipped to my door on sale. I know a could guys who have the TRD exhaust and it's louder and drones in the cab but they like it. Or as one person said you could add a muffler.

 

All these guys have good info that they shared with you. Now I am going to put in my input to you:

Females in Tacomas are going to be looked at very very much!! Especially if they are leveled out, got an exhaust, and aftermarket wheels and tires!!! I'm just giving you a heads up dad!!! Hope your not the overprotective type!!!

 

Add window tint to mod list??

 

Haha, yeah I guess that can work. Just make sure to keep it legal!!

 

For the front, Bilstein 5100s from DownsouthMotorsports (they give a Tacomaworld discount). Set them to 1.75. I'd put them on the back as well (not adjustable in the back but it improves the ride). The nice thing about the Bilsteins vs a spacer lift is you can always use them later should you decide to add a coilover lift.

Exhaust isn't going to do much other than change the sound. There's a compilation thread of different exhaust sounds:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/performance-tuning/14558-sound-clip-compilation-thread.html

Tires/Wheels: There are a lot to choose from. Is she interested off-roading? What size wheel does the truck currently have (15", 16", 17") and what look is she interested in?

 

Best response so far.

 

PM sent.

 

All
Thanks for the great input. I know a lot of these mods like exhaust, tires and wheels are personal choice but I appreciate the input.

WW Firefighter - thanks for the heads up. I am not protecitve and she is 18 and headed to college in about 8 months. Good thing she got moms looks and my level head! Extra tint on the list now!

I will get to work on this with her and have her post some pics as we make progress!
Phill

 

chevys>fords

 

j/k

Bilstein 5100s for the front leveling - $180.00

Flow Master super 40 exhaust - $ 70.00

Pro Comp 7089 Wheels with Goodyear Duratracs - $1,400.00

All Ball Park figures

Good luck with your choices and post up pics when your getting started

 

never in a million years

 

Everything sounds good, just remember that any exhaust you put on there will never make it sound like a V8. I think exhaust systems on our trucks are kinda annoying personally, the most I plan on doing is the quietest magnaflow muffler or maybe a TRD exhaust since they're actually quiet.