09 Tacoma Budget Build Options (For Mild Expo trips)

[RyanPont]

Hello all,

After months of searching and reading, looking here, and Tacoma World, I can not sit by and look at my whimpy looking Tacoma. I need to give it some function and attitude. My starting platform is 2009 Tacoma Access Cab 4cyl 5 speed. No thrills just your basic convenience package. I have set aside a start up budget of 1000 dollars to get the ball rolling. Putting Money aside for a house and building a truck are opposites. I understand 1000 could be spent on just one single part of the truck, but this is what Im starting with.

My idea of this build is too keep it simple but still make it a functional vehicle, More than it is stock. Ive learned alot from when I had my wrangler. Now that ive become more educated I have a better understanding of where to start and in what order to do them. If that makes sense.

My Tacoma is a Daily Driver, MPG is important (Even though work is a 5 minute ride lol). Tire size will be kept small. 265/70/16 will be what Ill go up too from my 245/70/16 mastercrafts. I do alot of Camping and have some too do lists, Mostly civilized state parks and National Parks. But id like to get out and explore more remote areas on the East coast and eventually make my way out towards the West Coast.

Protection
Mild Lift (Maybe a tad bit stiffer) I experience body roll now and Sometime the rear sags when after ive loaded up all the wood and camping gear.
Good Rubber
Lighting

This is a novel, Im sorry. I have an idea of where to start, but im asking for suggestions, constructive criticism. Parts that fit the budget......

THANKS!!!
Ryan

 

[RyanPont]

P.S. I understand budget and Expo truck dont go hand in hand lol

 

[Applejack]

You mentioned tires............that's where I'd start. It's amazing what a set of properly selected tires can do, so be choosey and take your time. I spent about 3 months reading reviews and asking questions about certain tires I was interested in, and in the end I ended up a really ugly tire that I absolutely LOVE!!
The point is, when your on a tight budget like most of us these days, being methodical and taking your time before purchasing is golden. A certain tire, or other product for that matter, may work well in the Southwest but really stink in the Northwest.

 

[RyanPont]

My thought was some tires and sliders, depending on the tire and sliders that could be the budget. Id like address the weak leaf springs also. Any thoughts?

 

[Zac808]

Did u already get ur tsb on the rear? Tires and sliders is a good starting point.

Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk

 

[hansonian]

If you're within your warranty I'd try to get the TSB for the rear leafs. If not try a AAL. When I added tires to my Tacoma it made a big difference in the handling and ability off road, well worth the money. In the past I've spent considerable money putting parts on my Jeeps I never really used. With the Tacoma I add things as I need them. Right now I'm adding a GPS mount and looking into replacing the stock steps with sliders.

I say get out and use it and make notes of what you need to make it more comfortable with what you're doing. No sense spending money and stuff you won't use.

 

[SLOwag]

I say get out and use it and make notes of what you need to make it more comfortable with what you're doing. No sense spending money and stuff you won't use.

...it's so easy to fall into the trap of "hanging stuff" on your truck. I also have an 09 that I'm just starting to work on, I think you're on the right track to set a budget and build slowly.

 

[Mash5]

Number one for me with a new rig is always tow points... Hum does that say something about me?... tires would be second.

 

[TwoTrack]

The point is, when your on a tight budget like most of us these days, being methodical and taking your time before purchasing is golden.

So true. Better to do it exactly right the first time rather than have to redo it a second or third. I've learned this lesson the hard way. I think that you should just take it out stock, find out what it is exactly you want it to be able to do and start upgrading the weak links in order of what YOU need. Some people put armor on first some tires. It all depends what you are using the truck for and where you're using it.

 

[RyanPont]

zac808 i havent had the tsb done, i think im out of warraty though

 

[barlowrs]

Depending on what type of terrain you travel on, sliders are a great plus, but if you are mostly on fire roads (no rock gardens) then I would focus the money elsewhere to start.

Good rubber is a must. Your truck will take you most places in stock form. For a lift, I would look at OME..much cheaper compared to adjustable such as Icon, but still VERY good equipment (I run full OME and love it). There are several spring options to go stiffer. I am actually running without a sway bar and she still drives nicely (mine is daily driver as well). A HD leaf pack in back and I can load her up all day and no sagging.

If I were you I would start with tires and a lift....but again, it really depends on where you go, you may not even need the lift.

The best way I learn what to add next is by taking her out, and waiting until something breaks, or something obviously needs to change, then I do that. My air came after I got tired of borrowing air, my bumper and sliders came after I got hung up in big bear on some rock gardens, water prevention (breather, sealed ECU, snorkel, etc) came after i had to cross a river numerous times for a recovery operation, etc.

Take her out, learn how she does, and she will tell you what needs to be improved.

 

[CLynn85]

I agree with most on here, except for the sliders. If you don't find yourself frequently banging over or through rocks, they're just not that necessary and add a lot of weight and expense. Yes, they do add a step and jacking point, but I've had my truck for 4.5 years, 110,000 miles, been off-highway in more than half of the continental US, and all I have is one actual dent in my rockers.

Tires - yes! I switched my stockers out for 265/75/15 BFG all terrains @ 40k and I'm now on my second set.

Tow points - if you have a tow package and the stock beefy front tie-down/tow point, you should be fine.

Suspension - I've had good luck with my Bilstein 5100 Front/AAL rear combo. I was out of warranty before the TSB even came out so I went with the AAL for height and load capacity, and it really helped. I still am adding a set of air bags for more capacity and for more stabilization for the camper.

I say you're on the right track. Learn what you need and go from there. Too many people buy a truck and throw a credit card at it hanging a bunch of stuff off on it not even knowing what they really need in a truck.

 

[greg mgm]

Completely agree with this.
Not sure if you have a camper shell or not, but a nice shell and rear AAL's would do wonders for your Tacoma.

I say get out and use it and make notes of what you need to make it more comfortable with what you're doing. No sense spending money and stuff you won't use.

 

[RyanPont]

Tires: For a set of tires I was looking at a set of Treadwrights. The prices seemed cheaper compared to others. Im not looking to throw an E load range tire on either.
Tow Point: I was thinking since I dont have any front or rear, and my rear bumper is a little bent I may look for a lightweight bumper with a receiver.
Lift: Looking for maybe an inch or inch and a half. Old Man Emu does make good stuff, but the complete kit is out of my price point. I dont want anything that ill need to add upper arms or keep replacing cv. Mybe the AAL and 5100's are the way for me to go.
Armor: Right now I think i could get away with no sliders, but maybe some cheesy black side steps for my girlfriends benefit
I already have a Bestop fabric topper

 

[hansonian]

I've been running a set of the Treadwright's for almost 10k miles now and I have no complaints. I read a ton of stuff online, the good and the bad, and decided to go for it. If they continue to hold up like they have I wouldn't hesitate to buy another set or to recommend them. I'm running the 245/75R16 WARDEN A/T (E).