I just picked up a 2001 Toyota Tacoma xtra cab, V6, TRD. We are planning on driving from New Jersey to Central America and possibly South America. I don't plan on doing any crazy off-roading, but we do plan on driving on dirt roads through mountains and forests, beaches and through rivers, Basically wherever the road takes us, and wherever we find campsites, and I know those roads are badly maintained. What type of suspension upgrades should i look into? What other mechanical upgrades do i need to consider for such a trip?
2001 Tacoma. What suspension upgrades for overlanding do I get?
- Thread starter deano32
- Start date
enzo
Explorer
^This. Look up ARBUSA.com and check out OME suspension systems.
Vantage
Adventurer
If you are doing mild - medium trails you cant beat OME (Old Man Emu). A little lift, more travel in the rear and a great ride. They are also very fairly priced and very easy to install.
On my first 2002 Tacoma I put over $3000 into Icon suspension and it worked just as well as my current $700 OME setup on my new 2011 Tacoma.
A set of skids, new tires (matching spare), good condition spare tire/rim and jack, and small tool kit with recovery gear is going to get you over most terrain. If you are going alone, a winch+bumper might be in order if you are seeing difficult trails.
On my first 2002 Tacoma I put over $3000 into Icon suspension and it worked just as well as my current $700 OME setup on my new 2011 Tacoma.
A set of skids, new tires (matching spare), good condition spare tire/rim and jack, and small tool kit with recovery gear is going to get you over most terrain. If you are going alone, a winch+bumper might be in order if you are seeing difficult trails.
TangoBlue
American Adventurist
Even simpler than what this senior forum member suggested... http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/52528-Collection-of-Build-Threads
This collection of build threads should illuminate and inspire your descent into madness.
You can't go wrong with OME; I ran it happily for several years and even sold the set-up when I did my SAC.
FJR Colorado
Explorer
You might consult with Toytec as well... they are a solid outfit.
Thanks for the info. I've been reading up on the Old Man Emu. It sounds like what i'm looking for. How much weight can it carry before it sags? My load will not be too heavy. Most of the weight might be from up to 3 gerry cans, about 10 gallons of water, swing out spare tire carrier, and tire mounted under bed. also my cap and whatever i pack inside the bed. Its actually a fair amount of weight. I could also pack some stuff on a rack above the cab to distribute the weight.