Ordered a 2008 Tacoma and now have some ?'s

[olympiccop2002]

Hello All,

I ordered a 2008 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 Off Road in Silver last week and it should arrive around November 10th or so. I can't wait to get it! :wings: I'm getting rid of a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 R/C 4x4 with the very thirsty 5.9l V8. Nice truck but I needed more room as we are expecting our first child this Spring!:victory:

Now to my questions... I am planning to leave the suspension stock as the head of the department of finance does not want a lift on the truck. This will be our dd truck so it really isn't going to go too far off the beaten path for now. Most of our activities will involve Highways, gravel roads, fire trails and driving onto unplowed lakes for ice fishing! :REOutIceFishing:

I would like to switch tires right away as I can get an allowance for trade in. I was curious if a 265/75r16 will work on the truck without rubbing? I searched this forum and others and really didn't find a solid answer. I am looking at the Hankook Dynapro ATm tires http://hankooktireusa.com/product/tire_detail.asp?pid=290 in a 265/75r16. Will this tire fit without rubbing or should I be looking at getting the original size of 265/70r16 or maybe even the 235/85r16? I have read that it might or might not rub but no good answers. What would you guys suggest? I really don't mind the stock size but the taller tire would be helpful in the long run I would think.

I need to keep the suspension stock. The only drawback to this plan is that I would like to add an ARB or Shrockworks front bumper and winch to the truck. I think that this might sink the front suspension too much for my liking and cause a spongy ride and increased nose dive in hard breaking. Is there a very small spacer lift for the front or another option like stiffer front springs that retain the stock stance so I can keep the nose of the truck where it's supposed to be?

Sliders should come next or maybe before the front bumper. These will be useful when I am crossing hardened ice rifts and getting onto the lake where the dropoff from shore to lake can get a bit close to the sides of the truck for comfort! These will add weight also to the truck but hopefully not enough to notice in the suspension area.

Tires have been approved by the DoF and I will be putting those on as soon as I get the truck. The front bumper and winch will be next followed by the sliders but neither have been approved by the DoF. She hit a deer and totaled out her car a few years ago so that might play into the "safety" aspect and hasten the demise of the stock front bumper! :elkgrin:

Thanks for answering these questions for me. I really do appreciate it greatly.

Bjorn

 

[slooowr6]

Welcome on board!
Both 265/75/16 and 235/85/16 will fit without rubbing. 235/85/16 mostly comes in load rating E so they will be stiffer.
With ARB+winch, you are adding ~180lbs in the front. You'll need after market shock and coil to handle it. Get the tire done before DoF changes her mind.

 

[Dave Bennett]

You will be fine with the 265/75r16 tires on stock suspension, just know that even with stock tires you can "rub" up front at full compression, and most guys who offroad these new Tacomas lose the front flaps due to cracking since they are so stiff. No big deal but just know its "normal" wear and tear.

If you add an ARB and a winch up front you MUST upgrade the coilovers. Racerunners, Donahoes or Old Man Emu. Spacers are not a good solution for many reasons, and they will wear out the stock coils prematurely if you have an ARB and winch up front.

If budget is a concern go with Old Man Emu, best bang for the buck IMO.

As for bumpers, remember that the ARB is designed to work with airbags and crush panels... it is the only aftermarket bumper to certify this. It is the safe choice for your family.

 

[Lost Canadian]

I picked up a set of used daystar spacers to use with my stock coils while I wait for my Donahoe coilovers to get rebuilt and mailed back to me. The Daystar's are not bad for the price and the truck sits and rides on the street about the same as it did with my D-hoes. There is no noticable nose dive and the ride is not spongy. I also have an ARB bumper and Warn winch in case you were wondering. I've had the Daystar spacers on my truck for about a month and a half now and there hasn't been any noticable sag on the stock coils, I don't know how long that will last though.

You could always look for used spacers to live with until you get the OK to upgrade to a more serious suspension. I picked up mine for $20 off ebay.

 

[Nullifier]

Congrats on the new ride it will provide you with many years of service and adventure for sure!.

WWhen you add the bumper a "lift will need to happen up front. You have 2 ways to handle this. Upgrade the coil in your factory coilover system by getting a stiffer OME coil. This would have minimal cost and compensate for the wieght of the bumper. Depending on what coil you select the "lift could be 0" with the bumper. Your other option is an adjustable coil over then adjust the coilover so you have a 0" gain over factory ride hieght but enjoy the benefits of stiffer coil and better shocks.

The later of the 2 is the more expensive option. Although keep in mind that an IFS lift on a taco is usually only 2-3" so it will not be a monster truck or anything.

 

[olympiccop2002]

Thanks for the replies so far. I already did the "monster truck" thing. Well, sort of... I had a 1991 Dodge Ram 150 with a 4 in lift and 33x12.50. I am 6'5" and that was a jump to get into. I didn't like it and swore that I would never again own a jacked up truck like that. I want to keep this truck as practical as possible.

I grew up traveling with my parents and brothers as we lived in Anchorage, AK and I hope to do the same with my wife and kid(s). I know I will never get my wife to agree to a lift if she has to struggle to get into the truck. She is 5'7" so the Tacoma with a small lift in the future might be in the plans. I'll check into the OME and the coilovers. I think I'll go ahead with the 265/75r16 tires as it looks good with a small lift and the size is easy to come by.

I really like this site because it gives you practical off-road travel advice. It sure helps when it's not a bunch of teens telling you what works or doesn't work on their make believe rigs. The been there done that got the t-shirt attitude around here is sure appreciated.

Bjorn

 

[Schattenjager]

235/85/16 BFG AT's will fit a stock 05+ Tacoma no problem. I did it. You really can't get enough articulation out of a stock setup to matter about rubbing up front.

Old Man Emu is a wonderful suspension. Show the DoF a thread or two on ExPo about them and she will learn that OME can smooth a wash board roads teeth jarring ride, keep the truck nice and straight if you should ever have emergency braking, last a very long time due to super quality, and will *only* lift the ride about 2 1/2 inches. Maybe 3" with a HD setup. This gives you a better view forward in traffic and lifts you a little higher than the the car that might run into you - MUCH safer if you ask me... It is, after all, in the name of your family's safety...

For your gear - I highly recommend http://www.bajaoverland.com/ no matter what you decide. They are super informative and do what they say. Rare in the gear world... Prices are great too!