Hey, guys. Been reading the forum... and posting a little.
My 02 Taco has 175k miles on it now, I've had it since it was new, it's been paid off since 04, it's been a good companion, and I want to spend the end of it's life as an offroader. We're in the first stages of planning a Rubicon trip for summer of 2013. I read that any decent 4x4 with 31s can make it through if you skip the good stuff and drag bottom. But I'd like to not skip the fun stuff. And if I can outfit it well enough between now & then... drive it like I stole it.
Anyway... first off lift kits. The 6 inch kits are a lot more $ than I'd like to spend on an old truck. The 3 inch lifts seems pretty standard without dropping everything like the diff, but guys out there are saying that only gets you to 33 inch tires... And they worry about stuff rubbing this or that. Well, I've got cutting wheels and a welder and sawzall... not too concerned about what it looks like or keeping it stock... So... Can I go bigger on a 3 inch lift by cutting stuff for clearance or taking off the flares???
Been making a to-do/shopping list and would appreciate your guys' suggestions on this list, and anything I may have forgotten.. Also, are there any problematic parts of this Taco that would be a good idea to replace just as insurance against breakdown? Anyway here's my thoughts so far...
Lift kit/tires: See above.
Shocks: Guess it depends on the lift, but I need to get as much range of motion out of this thing as I can.
Winch: yes, going to get one.
Rear Locker: got the stock one.
Front Lockers: From what I read, don't sound like it's worthwhile
Gear Ratio: I'd think in low range, I'd be okay as is, but open for suggestions
Wheelbase: I could potentially shorten the wheelbase a few inches if I go with a custom rear driveshaft.
Bed: Would consider buying or building a lightweight rack in its place.
Rocker Guards: Need em. Thinking about buying someone's used tubes and modifying and reinforcing them.
Skid Plates. I got the stock option one under the engine. Should I get any others like for under the transfer case?
Keep in mind, I'm going for functionality, not looks. Got no problems with used stuff. I don't mind some fab & paint, either. In fact, I'm really looking forward to it. Well have at it guys - look forward to hearing from others and their experiences with modifying the first gen tacos.!
My 02 Taco has 175k miles on it now, I've had it since it was new, it's been paid off since 04, it's been a good companion, and I want to spend the end of it's life as an offroader. We're in the first stages of planning a Rubicon trip for summer of 2013. I read that any decent 4x4 with 31s can make it through if you skip the good stuff and drag bottom. But I'd like to not skip the fun stuff. And if I can outfit it well enough between now & then... drive it like I stole it.
Anyway... first off lift kits. The 6 inch kits are a lot more $ than I'd like to spend on an old truck. The 3 inch lifts seems pretty standard without dropping everything like the diff, but guys out there are saying that only gets you to 33 inch tires... And they worry about stuff rubbing this or that. Well, I've got cutting wheels and a welder and sawzall... not too concerned about what it looks like or keeping it stock... So... Can I go bigger on a 3 inch lift by cutting stuff for clearance or taking off the flares???
Been making a to-do/shopping list and would appreciate your guys' suggestions on this list, and anything I may have forgotten.. Also, are there any problematic parts of this Taco that would be a good idea to replace just as insurance against breakdown? Anyway here's my thoughts so far...
Lift kit/tires: See above.
Shocks: Guess it depends on the lift, but I need to get as much range of motion out of this thing as I can.
Winch: yes, going to get one.
Rear Locker: got the stock one.
Front Lockers: From what I read, don't sound like it's worthwhile
Gear Ratio: I'd think in low range, I'd be okay as is, but open for suggestions
Wheelbase: I could potentially shorten the wheelbase a few inches if I go with a custom rear driveshaft.
Bed: Would consider buying or building a lightweight rack in its place.
Rocker Guards: Need em. Thinking about buying someone's used tubes and modifying and reinforcing them.
Skid Plates. I got the stock option one under the engine. Should I get any others like for under the transfer case?
Keep in mind, I'm going for functionality, not looks. Got no problems with used stuff. I don't mind some fab & paint, either. In fact, I'm really looking forward to it. Well have at it guys - look forward to hearing from others and their experiences with modifying the first gen tacos.!