new to toyotas

[mwp]

hello

I'm new to Toyota's and was looking for some info. I want to build a expedition vehicle and I'm leaning toward a 04ish Tacoma double cab with the TRD. Is their any thing I should know about these generation Tacoma? As in things to look for, things to stay away from, that sort of thing. I was also wondering about the Chevy spring swap. how much lift do you get? how well does it work? (ride,flex,that sort) I've built a jeep rock crawler in the past and if i asked questions like this then i would have started with a different year jeep. so any help is appreciated.

thank ya, mark

 

[soenke]

Hey Mark,

where do you want to travel to? In the third world a LandCruiser would be the better choice to get spares....

greetings Sönke

 

[taco chaser]

Tacoma's are a very sound platform stock or modified. The 04 Dcab only comes in an automatic tranny. I personally have had no issues with anything stock on my Tacoma.

Stock Chevy springs will provide 2" additional height due to the spring hanger having to be moved 7" foward on the frame rail in order to keep the stock axle location. I've run the half ton 63's, off road performance is great, load capacity not so great, road ride was smooth. 3/4 tons with the overload leaf taken out seem to be the best combo in my opinion due really good offroad and on road manners, more than enough load capacity and they are almost military wrapped unlike the half tons.

 

[mwp]

Hey Mark,

where do you want to travel to? In the third world a LandCruiser would be the better choice to get spares....

greetings Sönke

i live in eastern Washington so where i want to go ranges widely. From snow runs in Canada and Idaho to camping in Utah ( i love Zion)to dunes in Oregon. but since i live here i think a fj 80 is to big for some of the overgrown trails around here, and a fj 40 is to small for the family and gear

 

[mwp]

Tacoma's are a very sound platform stock or modified. The 04 Dcab only comes in an automatic tranny. I personally have had no issues with anything stock on my Tacoma.

Stock Chevy springs will provide 2" additional height due to the spring hanger having to be moved 7" foward on the frame rail in order to keep the stock axle location. I've run the half ton 63's, off road performance is great, load capacity not so great, road ride was smooth. 3/4 tons with the overload leaf taken out seem to be the best combo in my opinion due really good offroad and on road manners, more than enough load capacity and they are almost military wrapped unlike the half tons.

i would prefer a manual but a auto is OK. are the spring hangers welded or riveted to the frame? wife might be a little bent if i take a torch to a new truck:littlefriend: has anyone had any experience with the Wheeler's off-road springs? I'm only looking to fit a 33.

 

[taco chaser]

Welded on the 04's and down. Riveted on the 05 and up.