asteffes' '06 Taco DC (because I want to be a cool kid, too.)

[daverami]

Yes, I have been getting so many ideas it makes my head spin! Well, almost. TACODOC and BajaTaco have some great write-ups, as well as others I can't remember at the moment, sorry. I think I will end up going your route as far as the suspension goes. Several people have said the stock suspension does well, just needing a little extra help with larger loads. The AAL sounds like a viable alternative. Does anyone have any comments on the Nitto Terra Grappler or the Cooper SST? I have read BajaTaco's write-up on the SST and except for the fast wear, it sounds like a good tire. The BFG's are on my list. I ran them on my '85 and '89 Toyota pickups with good success. Kind of thinking of trying something different. I know tires are a big decision. Keep up the great work on your truck.

David

 

[Haggis]

Another tire you might want to consider is the ******** Cepek Fun Country II. I use to run BFG ATs on my Dodges, and they were a good tire in the snow and on the highway, though in the PA muck they were less than stellar. I replaced a set of Pro Comp Mud terrians ( wouldn't recommend those) with the current Cepeks and have been really happy with them. Great on-road, handle snow and ice really well, dig in the mud fine even for a AT (though they don't like clay), handle sand well, and as for rock, we're limited in its scope out here, but they do fine on the sandstone and aggregate ledges and boulders. I will need new tires this fall and I think I'll get another set or I might try out the new Cepek Mud Terrians, though I don't know any one that has tried those yet, might as well be the guinea pig.

 

[slooowr6]

Yes, I have been getting so many ideas it makes my head spin! Well, almost. TACODOC and BajaTaco have some great write-ups, as well as others I can't remember at the moment, sorry. I think I will end up going your route as far as the suspension goes. Several people have said the stock suspension does well, just needing a little extra help with larger loads. The AAL sounds like a viable alternative.
David

Just to confuse you more.eepwall: Air bags for the rear is also an option. I've it on my Taco, it handle great with 1200lbs load. I run them at 70/60 psi when loaded and 10psi when I have the camper off the truck. I like the way stock suspension feels so I'm keeping the stock setup, with 1200lbs it does need a little more help on damping. I'm getting a set of 5100 to help.

 

[daverami]

The Larsen antenna didn't work so well, so it has been removed and replaced with a magnet-mount Diamond whip until I devise a superior solution.

In other news, UncleChris helped me install my Donahoe coilover suspension today. This suspension consists of 2.5" diameter front coilover dampers and remote-reservoir rear dampers. I have not raised the ride height for now, and chose to retain the front swaybar. I'll adjust the coilovers to maintain a close-to-stock ride height once I install an ARB bumper.

For now, though, the truck's highway stability and ride quality have improved quite a bit over the TRD Off Road suspension package. The new dampers are huge compared to the factory-installed Bilsteins. While the TRD suspension was pretty good compared to many trucks and some cars, it always felt a bit nervous or twitchy, especially the rear when going over bumps. The Donahoe suspension is smoother and more refined - something you don't always associate with a truck suspension. I expect it to get a bit firmer when the coilovers are raised a bit but I don't expect it to get dramatically rougher. I'm quite pleased with the new setup.

I owe UncleChris a huge thank you and a beer or three for all of his help.

How are the Donahoe remote-reservoir rear shocks working out for you with the stock rear suspension?

 

[asteffes]

They work very well. The rear of the truck is much less jittery and feels more planted under all circumstances.