First Build: 2009 Tacoma TRD Off-Road

[never.truly.lost]

Hey there Overlanders,

So I just sold off my Chevy 2500hd and picked up a "new" 2009 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, access cab 6-spd manual in silver. Only has 49,000km on it!
Unfortunately, it has fairly un-overlandish tires, ride height, etc as it is quite stock.

First few things I am looking to do this weekend is swap the tires out and possibly the wheels for a beadlock setup; but before that, might as well add a lift.
What do you guys recommend as far as 3-4" lifts for this year/model?

Looking to get something locally if possible as shipping cross border is a pain. Had my heart set on an OME kit but does not need to be if there is something that suits these trucks better. Also, going to work on selling the brush guard and hopefully go with a Trail Gear bumper kit.

This will be my first "build" but have been working on other Chevy's, Ford's etc so I have access to a decent shop and what not. The intent for this rig is to come up with something I can use as my daily driver, but get out around and travel/explore western Canada, and possibly trip around the states a bit.

Any and all info is appreciated!

Cheers,
Andy

 

[vicali]

Nice truck Andy, great start!

 

[Utah KJ]

That damage multiplier on the front is fairly non-overlandish as well. OME is the way to go, there are other options but OME is made from thunderstorms and Bruce Lee movies.

 

[Box Rocket]

OME suspension will be a great addition and it's an excellent all purpose suspension. I like the TG bumpers too. There are quite a few good options for bumpers for these trucks. I have a TG on my '03 and have really liked it. I prefer the better clearance over something like an ARB bumper.

 

[never.truly.lost]

Hey Expo's,

So just swapped out the tires! Got a deal on some Toyo's; so I went with the Open Country AT-2's in a 265/75/R16. Decided to wait on new rims/wheels until I can find a bit more of a deal on some "plainer" beadlocks. Most of the ones around town are a little flashy; I am looking for real plain-jane "army-ish" style ones.
Also got the Old Man Emu kit on the way, but I personally have to go to Toyota and order a new bushing set so that comes in on Monday.
Next up will be selling the bush guard and installing an ARB. Main reason for the ARB vs a Trail-Gear or similar is for insurance/liability up here. The provincial insurance people only recognize certain makes/models of after-market bumpers to be covered. Basically have to be ICBC approved. ARB is the easiest route for this, and pretty soon after the bumper I will hopefully get a winch. Have to decide if I want the fog light cut outs or not, it is about $100 difference.

For the Tacoma, what lb-age of winch/model do you guys usually go with? My brother has a Chevy half-ton so in theory that will be the biggest truck to pull so will not need a monster setup.

After all that, then figure out what I am going to build for a bed rack.


Cheers,
Andy

 

[never.truly.lost]

After much reading around, I am trying to figure out the real difference between ARB's commercial and "deluxe" bull bar's. All I have really found is that the Deluxe model has smoother weld spots and tapers/wraps more around the flare area on the wheel well.
Is there something else I am missing? What is the usual cost difference between the two, and also for a Tacoma like mine is there really a difference that makes the additional cost worth it?

Cheers,
Andy

 

[never.truly.lost]

Hey guys,

So the "damage multiplier" is gone; well off the truck anyways. ARB (sans light cut-outs) should be in by Thursday, and the OME kit sometime this week or early next week. Have not decided on a winch yet, so your guys input is appreciated. After that, I am going to design/build my own bed rack and something like a canvas type canopy that can drape over/secure on the rack, and also work with stuff mounted to that. As far as the big purchases, that hopefully should be it for a little while.
Here is a question though; do I need to replace the stock skid plate with the ARB on?

 

[never.truly.lost]

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So got the OME lift in last night, and ARB in this afternoon (first time doing both). Overall, the OME was fairly straight forward as far as installation. The ARB took a little bit more as the instructions provided were black and white pictures; but we figured it out.

This morning I took the truck in for an alignment as the front wheels were fairly toed-in. After the alignment, the passenger side looks alright but the driver side is definitely still off. I am pulling to the left, so not sure if they messed up, or what the issue is. Going to go back Monday hopefully and get them to check again.

Anyone else have this issue after an install? The upper control arms are not rubbing; probably a little less than an inch of space.


Also, will the suspension "settle" down a little bit after a while? The lift (supposed to be 2") is a little higher than I planned my tire choice for (265/75/r16).

Let me know what you guys think!

 

[never.truly.lost]

Pics!