Doc's 05 Tacoma Build Thread

[snowbrock]

I am working out all the lift details before I take the plunge and am interested in your experience. How do the 255/85s fit, any rubbing on or off road? How have they affected your gas mileage? I like the idea, but I wonder if 265/75s aren't a better option, especially for a daily driver. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Dave Bennett]

'07 Taco Dcab TRD checking in. We just got a taco about a week ago. I haven't read the entire thread yet, but am working on it. Lots of good info. I also have a '93 4runner that I am working on. The plan is to build my trailer and have some kind of expedition storage system that can be easily transfered between vehicles. I would like to have my choice of vehicles, 4runner for more heavy offroad travel and the taco for longer trips with minor offroading. I look forward to reading this whole thread for ideas. My wife made me promise to not "mod" the taco, so I have to be stealth and mod the runner and make my storage system work in both.

Welcome to ExPo!

YAT YAS??? Oorah!!!
(You Aint Tracks, You Aint Sh*t) Amtrackers... :ar15:

 

[Dave Bennett]

I am working out all the lift details before I take the plunge and am interested in your experience. How do the 255/85s fit, any rubbing on or off road? How have they affected your gas mileage? I like the idea, but I wonder if 265/75s aren't a better option, especially for a daily driver. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

I have no problems with the 255's fitment, very tough tires, some rub on UCA's at full lock but nothing to really worry about other than a shiny spot on the UCA.
Mileage? It has gone down some but since I modded so fast (weight gain) I cant blame it on any one component. Eventually I will regear to 4:10's and add a crawler box... :drool:
265's in an AT tire may be the best for a DD but I like the MT's toughness in rocks since we have so many in my primary wheeling areas of SoCal, AZ and Mexico. Ultimately, everything is a compromise.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Another Cool 05 Rack...

Check out cell4soul's sweet rack setup for long range expeditions! :drool:

http://community.webshots.com/album/556104877JOmkqc

 

[slosurfer]

I have a question about the front mud flaps, they look really low, is everyone just removing them for offroad? Or are they switching them out for other ones? Still haven't taken ours offroad yet, but just looking at those mudflaps I could tell they wouldn't last long. Thanks

Oh yeah, Devil Docs rock!

 

[Dave Bennett]

I have a question about the front mud flaps, they look really low, is everyone just removing them for offroad? Or are they switching them out for other ones? Still haven't taken ours offroad yet, but just looking at those mudflaps I could tell they wouldn't last long. Thanks

Oh yeah, Devil Docs rock!

They are too long, inflexible, and will break off road, I recommend taking them off before they get ruined. I sold mine on Ebay...

 

[slosurfer]

Thanks, that is pretty much what I thought about the mud flaps.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Demello Rack Fab In Progress!!!

Dropped the Tacoma and Eezi-Awn off at Demello's skunkworks today... should be all done by week's end... stay tuned...

 

[Lost Canadian]

Nice. Can't wait to see what Jason and you have come up with.

 

[asteffes]

Check out cell4soul's sweet rack setup for long range expeditions! :drool:

http://community.webshots.com/album/556104877JOmkqc

This is a very nice setup. It looks very organized and sturdy without being overly heavy. One concern I might have, though, is that it's attached only at four points on the bedrails. I would worry about the rail fatiguing and breaking after some time off-road. That's easily improved, though.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Skookum

This is a very nice setup. It looks very organized and sturdy without being overly heavy. One concern I might have, though, is that it's attached only at four points on the bedrails. I would worry about the rail fatiguing and breaking after some time off-road. That's easily improved, though.

Jason and I looked at cell4soul's setup and discussed it at length.
We are using TEN bolts vice FOUR for mounting... 4 on each side and 2 along the front rail...

I believe the Chinook word for this setup is SKOOKUM :hehe:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skookum

Something Skookum this way comes! :box:

 

[blupaddler]

Congrats!
I am sure the results will be quite stellar! I can't wait...

:tent:

 

[Dave Bennett]

Teaser Pic...

Got the rack back from Precision Powdercoating in Santa Ana today...

 

[flyingwil]

Got the rack back from powdercoating today...

More... Please...unk03:

 

[Dave Bennett]

Demello Expedition Rack!

The Demello Expedition Rack is complete!
The forward basket has room for 7 Scepter cans (or 1 water, 1 fuel, and extra gear or firewood), 4 light tabs up front, 2 antenna tabs (CB and 2M), and 2 light tabs aft. The tent opens to the passenger side.

I can mount a total of twelve lights now..

And, those hoops will carry my future kayak topside, and keep it and trail brush from tearing up the Eezi-Awn's cover...

The rack is 7ft, 3 inches tall at the forward hoop. Tent is at about 6 ft off the ground. The rack looks heavy, but it is an easy two person lift on and off the ruck without tent, four person lift with tent. I wager the entire assembly (rack+tent) weighs in at around 200 lbs.

Can you say skookum? unk03: