2004 Tacoma Mods to Suit

[bs1865]

I've poured over lots and lots of past posts on this forum and others as well as visiting various vendor websites for resource about mods for my 2004 Tacoma TRD v6 with rear locker.

My goals: Hunting rig (in Texas and the Rockies - elk, deer, etc), 1/2 time daily driver, currently my only pickup. Got rid of my 2006 Dodge Mega Cab when I bought a 2002 Ford Excursion as a family touring/camping/road trip rig. Have 3 kids (two teenagers), wife, labrador and myself on most recreational trips. Although the hunting trips are just me and maybe one other person.

So back to the Tacoma. I'm not currently and don't see myself being a rock crawler type of off roader, but do want my truck to get me and my hunting/camping gear into the back country down fire roads, jeep trails for general exploring and gaining access to prime public hunting land in the Rockies. Typically my hunting trips into these kinds of areas are just me or me and one other. Anymore travelers and we take the Excursion and avoid places that are really only suitable for a Tacoma type rig.

I've considered the OME kit from Cruiser Outfitters, Rocky Road or Slee. I have seen the 1st Gen Double Cab Tacoma build by Box Rocket and others, just don't know if that level of build/gear would be the right fit for the type of use I'm planning. Of course, you don't need them until you need them. Until I make a decision on the body gear, I don't feel comfortable pulling the trigger on a suspension system.

Below are some pics from a hunting trip into the Sierra Diablo Mountains of West Texas for Elk & Mule Deer. The Tacoma was perfect for the terrain, hauling my gear including a 200 qt Coleman Marine, under the cap in the bed, for getting the venison back home. Sure the Excursion or a 100 Series Land Cruiser would be much more comfortable for the road trip, but I want to maximize the Tacoma for this use.

What recommendation on gear and suspension would you make? I'm looking to solid performance with reasonable outlay of cash.


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[austintaco]

If you find yourself in Austin, you are welcome to check out my Tacoma's setup. The suspension is Tundra coils and adjustable bilsteins with All Pro leaves in the back. I go to similar areas as you, Big Bend Ranch and SW Colorado mostly. I make it to Shiner every year for the ride and my wife usually drives my Tacoma out there for the ride back. I don't think I'll make it this year though because of a conflict with that weekend.

 

[juicebox]

Have you read through this build thread? It seems like it'd be up your alley.

 

[ADVW/Liam]

Bilstein has a new 6112 set up coming out soon, if it's not already out. I'll probably replace my OME kit with it in a year or so. Nothing wrong with the OME, just like Bilstein more better.

 

[drsmonkey]

I'd say that since you will be mostly solo in this truck and for your use to prioritize a good set of tires in 265/75r16 or 235/85r16, get a winch and a way to mount (hitch?) along with appropriate recovery gear, a jump pack or secondary isolated battery and maybe some sliders. Only after that would I consider a lift if you feel like you need it and/or you have the cash flow.

 

[drsmonkey]

Also can't see your pics, so can't tell what you have now.

 

[Utah KJ]

Selecting the right outfitter is just as important as the right gear. You can't go wrong with Kurt @ Cruiser Outfitters or OME.

 

[bs1865]

austintaco

Two of my favorite areas...BB and SW Colorado. Would be good to connect in Shiner and/or Austin. Let me know if you get this way. Thks for advice.

 

[bs1865]

Selecting the right outfitter is just as important as the right gear. You can't go wrong with Kurt @ Cruiser Outfitters or OME.

I agree, I'll call Kurt this week and get his direct feedback, thks.

 

[bs1865]

Bilstein has a new 6112 set up coming out soon, if it's not already out. I'll probably replace my OME kit with it in a year or so. Nothing wrong with the OME, just like Bilstein more better.

Thanks for heads up. Those look sweet.

 

[bs1865]

I'd say that since you will be mostly solo in this truck and for your use to prioritize a good set of tires in 265/75r16 or 235/85r16, get a winch and a way to mount (hitch?) along with appropriate recovery gear, a jump pack or secondary isolated battery and maybe some sliders. Only after that would I consider a lift if you feel like you need it and/or you have the cash flow.

Being solo on occasion makes proper planning and gear even more important, thanks for the tips. As far as the pics, I just added them using the icon button for pics when posting. Is there something I'm not doing correctly?

 

[Box Rocket]

So I know you said you have been through my build, and it's true my Tacoma is probably a bit more built than is necessary for many on this forum. But the primary mods that are on my truck are valid and would accomplish your goals quite well IMO. I can't say enough good about the Old Man Emu suspensions. Sure there is other popular eye-candy suspension kits out there but IMO are more than most will ever need or use and require more maintenance because of the adjustable coilovers that get corroded, or open uniballs on the control arms that also can get loose and corrode and require a rebuild. The OME suspension is nearly maintenance free and is proven. I can speak from experience that the OME suspension on my truck performs just as well as more high-dollar setups that are popular these days unless you get into the race-type bypass shocks etc but it doesn't sound like that's what you need.
.
Several have already suggested calling Cruiser Outfitters regarding the OME stuff. I'd recommend the same thing.
.
beyond the suspension, a good set of sliders and tires and a good recovery kit should really be all you "need" to safely get to a lot of places without too much risk or damage to the truck. With the right wheels you can fit a 15" wheel on these Tacomas (I prefer the smaller wheel) and a set of 33x10.50 tires is a great size tire that gives plenty of sidewall to perform well and keep the wheels away from the rocks, and it's also narrow enough that they shouldn't require much trimming in order to keep them from rubbing.
.
the sky's the limit after that and after a few trips I'd add the items that you find you need based on how you are using your truck.

 

[marathonracer]

I use my truck for the same purpose as you do. I had an 03 Tacoma TRD before my tundra (had to upgrade for more kiddo room) and like many have said you don't need the high dollar adjustable coilovers and uniball ucas to make the truck a good hunting rig. I swapped to 15 inch rims like Adam suggested to run 33 10.5s with the factory locker and a small lift upfront and sliders that truck took me anywhere I needed to go. I did not run a topper because I frequently hauled bear bait and other things that just didn't .make the topper practical. I did have to upgrade the leaf pack to carry the constant extra weigh of gear (snow machine).

Sliders will save a lot of headaches. For me it provided a place to use the hilift when stuck to get something under the tires. The one other suggestion would be a front receive r hitch. You don't need to make a rock crawler and spend thousands on bumpers and armour to make a good reliable hunting rig.

 

[bs1865]

So I know you said you have been through my build, and it's true my Tacoma is probably a bit more built than is necessary for many on this forum. But the primary mods that are on my truck are valid and would accomplish your goals quite well IMO. I can't say enough good about the Old Man Emu suspensions. Sure there is other popular eye-candy suspension kits out there but IMO are more than most will ever need or use and require more maintenance because of the adjustable coilovers that get corroded, or open uniballs on the control arms that also can get loose and corrode and require a rebuild. The OME suspension is nearly maintenance free and is proven. I can speak from experience that the OME suspension on my truck performs just as well as more high-dollar setups that are popular these days unless you get into the race-type bypass shocks etc but it doesn't sound like that's what you need.
.
Several have already suggested calling Cruiser Outfitters regarding the OME stuff. I'd recommend the same thing.
.
beyond the suspension, a good set of sliders and tires and a good recovery kit should really be all you "need" to safely get to a lot of places without too much risk or damage to the truck. With the right wheels you can fit a 15" wheel on these Tacomas (I prefer the smaller wheel) and a set of 33x10.50 tires is a great size tire that gives plenty of sidewall to perform well and keep the wheels away from the rocks, and it's also narrow enough that they shouldn't require much trimming in order to keep them from rubbing.
.
the sky's the limit after that and after a few trips I'd add the items that you find you need based on how you are using your truck.

Thanks Adam! OME is definitely at the top of the list for my suspension. Plan on calling Cruiser early next week to talk it over. Any more specific thoughts on 255/85/r16 vs the 33x10.5x15?

 

[bs1865]

I use my truck for the same purpose as you do. I had an 03 Tacoma TRD before my tundra (had to upgrade for more kiddo room) and like many have said you don't need the high dollar adjustable coilovers and uniball ucas to make the truck a good hunting rig. I swapped to 15 inch rims like Adam suggested to run 33 10.5s with the factory locker and a small lift upfront and sliders that truck took me anywhere I needed to go. I did not run a topper because I frequently hauled bear bait and other things that just didn't .make the topper practical. I did have to upgrade the leaf pack to carry the constant extra weigh of gear (snow machine).

Sliders will save a lot of headaches. For me it provided a place to use the hilift when stuck to get something under the tires. The one other suggestion would be a front receive r hitch. You don't need to make a rock crawler and spend thousands on bumpers and armour to make a good reliable hunting rig.

Thanks Marathonracer! I've found a few aftermarket front receiver hitch options for 2nd gen tacomas, but not 1st, except the one offered by Curt Manufacturing which reduces front end clearance. It looks like the front bumper may have to be cut/modified to properly fit a custom 1st gen front receiver hitch or I'll have to just look at bumper options with a hitch mounted. The Curt is also 50 lbs which isn't much less weight than some aftermarket bumpers.