Dream Build, 1997 Toyota Tacoma

[Kyle_Elkins]

I have always wanted a 1997 Toyota Tacoma 4wd V6 manual. 12 hours after my car blew up I bought this off Craig’s list. My plan is to build a daily driver adventure truck that is reliable and capable.
Total budget 10000
Paid 5000 for truck
Wish list
OME 2.5 inch lift
33x10.50 BFG KO2
Rear locker
Rock sliders front/rear bumpers
Warn winch
Bed platform

 

[nickw]

Cool truck!

I had a really nice 2001 TRD, I really regret selling that, 4wd and manual too.

I'd spend the money to baseline that rig first (belts, fluids, CV's, brakes, etc) and see what you have left. I think you'd be ahead of the game if you forgot about the rear locker, sliders and bumpers (for now).

I did the OME lift and it was awesome, rode better and fixed the sag.

 

[Dopesick]

I did the OME lift, and I despise the damn thing. The ride is insanely harsh, unless and only unless you have 200+ pounds in the bed, OR a cab full of people (I have a double cab, so 3+ people).

My 4Runner is riding on Tundra TRD 4x4 springs with Bilstein shocks. It's a much much better ride.

FWIW: There are better options for similar prices.

My personal opinion would be: ToyTec, https://www.toyteclifts.com/bk9504-bilstein-lift-kit-with-5100-shocks-for-95-04-tacoma.html

 

[nickw]

I did the OME lift, and I despise the damn thing. The ride is insanely harsh, unless and only unless you have 200+ pounds in the bed, OR a cab full of people (I have a double cab, so 3+ people).

My 4Runner is riding on Tundra TRD 4x4 springs with Bilstein shocks. It's a much much better ride.

FWIW: There are better options for similar prices.

My personal opinion would be: ToyTec, https://www.toyteclifts.com/bk9504-bilstein-lift-kit-with-5100-shocks-for-95-04-tacoma.html

He does have a shell, like I did, which is probably right at 200+. Mine was 10x better than stock, more firm, in a good non-harsh way.

 

[roving1]

Funny because I have an OME lift with an extra leaf added and the leafs are too soft still. I have a ton of stuff I carry but who gets a lift to drive around empty all the time lol? This is an Overlanding forum. I also think 5100's have under damped valving most of the time and are no where near as reliable as people think. I have seen at least half a dozen 5100's fail just driving on Detroit roads lol. Different strokes I guess.

 

[jgallo1]

I am a huge fan of the OME lift, but I usually have 100+ in the bed, bumper, and winch.
I really recommend doing the control arms as well. I have used the SPC and had great luck.

 

[phsycle]

Just get the correct spring rate for the front and OMEs will ride nice.

Nice Taco. That is my favorite front end.

 

[Kyle_Elkins]

Spent the day with a lot of polish and wax, got the paint to come out pretty clean for 23 years old. Ordered the OME 882 with the add a leaf from wheelers off-road, hopefully have it installed within the next couple of weeks. 100% recommend wheelers off-road vary knowledgeable and helpful customer service got 20% off, free shipping and no sales tax with everything assembled.