mlbarson

So I just got my 99 taco with 174k on it and she runs like a champ! The 31 bfg's rub a lil in the front at stock so I'm going to take the whole truck up 2". Also the rear leafs look tired so those will be replaced. I live in Colorado and am always going on the jeep trails in the Rockies! I want to keep my truck as a daily driver but eventually want it bulletproof for the trails (within reason...).

So my question to u folks is, what do I need to do first? Problem areas etc. I am a highly skilled fabricator/welder so I'll be making my own bumpers and sliders etc. I moved here from Florida, flat land, sand and diesel 1ton trucks. So while I've always loved Toyotas, this is my first!

Thanks for your help!




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mlbarson

Will also post pics and updates of the build of course, here's how she sits now.

mlbarson

RockyMtnToy

First you have to figure out what you want to do with it. Do you like rocks, mud, sand, overlanding? Give us some of that info and we might be more specific. Without knowing what you want from it, I can offer you this:
Armor first. I would do a skid plate to protect your radiator first thing, unless you already have one, then beef it up a little bit.
Engine next, bigger spark wires, injectors, make sure all your fluids are good.

sirhk100

In fear of getting off track of the purpose of the thread... I've gotta ask, why the advice on injectors and bigger plug wires? Serious question, not looking to start a you're full of it question. I just haven't really seen that advice before. Is there that much performance available there or is it more for reliability advice?

sirhk100

As far as the thread goes... Skidplate/body protection stuff never hurts like mentioned above. I'd also do some research on the various bolt in performance front shock options and weigh the pros (performance feedback) vs. the cons (cost/your budget) and figure out which would fit your needs best. A set of Deaver leafs in the rear with some bilstein 5100 shocks would make the rear work really well on the street and trail. Talk with Deaver specifically about what your plans with the truck are. Loads, use, etc... They'll set you up with something that works really well!

Those couple things will make a world of difference in how the truck works on the street and offroad for you.

RockyMtnToy

Regarding the spark plugs/injectors 1/3 reliability 1/3 performance and 1/3 im full of it
(this is what a few friends have told me)
Injectors: get worn out over time, go bigger with them, preform better.
Spark plug wires: going from a 5mm to 7mm delivers a bigger spark, You should change your wires every now and then so why not go up a size
I said those is just a general sense as they would be good things to do and i'm just a little full of myself haha

niall

in regards to going bigger injectors, it's absolutely pointless unless you recalibrate (tune) the ecu to go along with it. it can actually negatively affect performance and economy. if the trtucks higher mileage, then cleaning the injectors is definately an asset, and will get the most performance from the injectors possible.