nerfherder101
New member
So where do I start when considering modifications? I drive a 2011 Tacoma TRD Sport and she's all stock right now but my camping adventures are taking me away from the usual campgrounds. Thoughts? Suggestions? Ideas?
Where to start, so many options and mods.
- Thread starter nerfherder101
- Start date
tacozord
Adventurer
When I began, the logical choice was tires and suspension. But I also added on the front bumper and winch all at the same time. My thought process was that weight of the bumper and winch affected the suspension. Thats why I ordered mine with 700lb springs instead of 650.
But you can always do tires and suspension first. Then add on armor as you need it. If you find that your suspension is lacking as a result, make the adjustments and move on. For example, at some point I'll be adding a shell and more weight to the rear. At that point I'll have to get new leaf springs to accommodate. Until then, I'm fine.
But you can always do tires and suspension first. Then add on armor as you need it. If you find that your suspension is lacking as a result, make the adjustments and move on. For example, at some point I'll be adding a shell and more weight to the rear. At that point I'll have to get new leaf springs to accommodate. Until then, I'm fine.
Clutch
<---Pass
I agree with this.
Go out and travel in your vehicle...you'll figure out what you need. I find that as get older....less is more. Believe many get lost in "The Build" and bolting a bunch of accessories on, than actually getting out and exploring.
Me personally I don't need much.
This is probably favorite thread right now.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/139944-Old-s-Cool
Stoffregen Motorsports
Explorer
It all boils down to tires. You want bigger tires to be able to get the truck down those lonely roads. You need the suspension and gears to go with the tires and then at some point, you need more horsepower to push it all.
Need vs want
Tires = want
Everything else = need
Need vs want
Tires = want
Everything else = need
Clutch
<---Pass
I dunno, you take a stock Toyota a lot of places...can keep the stock size and just get a burlier tire. Just go out and explore...when you find yourself breaking things or can't get to the places you want to go...upgrade.
A person can get on here and start reading these money cannon builds, it can be overwhelming if they are new to the back country exploring...just get out there and start exploring and worry about "mods" later.
nerfherder101
New member
Thanks for the responses. Looks like I need to just get out more and see what we're capable of and go from there.
Watt maker
Active member
Two things I highly suggest upgrading are, 1. Tires. Even a decent set of stock size AT tires is a big upgrade from the factory tires. This alone will help you go more places than you probably thought imaginable. 2. Self recovery equipment (I probably shouldn't lump this into one item). For the times the AT tires let you get in over your head.
Clutch
<---Pass
You're welcome.
That list fog cutter linked to, is great...I always forget about that...since I just kinda do my own thing, I grew up off-roading and exploring...a lot of it just comes second nature to me. I like to keeps thing very very simple.
It is kinda funny, you'll be "out there in the boonies" in modded up rig...being all proud of yourself...then you run across some old rancher in old beat up 2WD F250...."this" nothing to him, he does it on a daily basis in much much less.
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nerfherder101
New member
I totally agree about tires. I swapped the crappy tires for Geolander ATs as soon as she came off the lot.
As far as bottle openers go, I must carry one on me at all times and there must be three in the truck. That and growler lids just screw right off.
As far as bottle openers go, I must carry one on me at all times and there must be three in the truck. That and growler lids just screw right off.
AaronK
Explorer
Best reason to upgrade I've ever seenYou need a tube bumper so u can weld a bottle opener on it ...
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98tcoma3rz
Observer
Tacomas are still very capable stock. Especially if you have an e-locker. I believe the most important modification would be a winch. Especially if you're camping out in remote areas or by yourself. But that also usually means adding a bumper, suspension etc.
Clutch
<---Pass
There is a thread on Tom Sheppard's G-Wagon.
Very simple and thought out.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/34976-Tom-Sheppard-and-his-G-Wagen
Very simple and thought out.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/34976-Tom-Sheppard-and-his-G-Wagen