2008 Taco Bulid-Up Suggestions

[Saco_De_Toro]

I've enjoyed my '81 Yota 4x4 for many years now. It has easily been one of the best engineered/build automobiles I've ever owned. It has never failed me or had a single mechanical issue on or off-road. I have a modest setup with 4.88s, 33 MTs, a Detroit in the rear, and a 5" Rancho lift. But... it's no longer smog legal (due to the carb - visual inspection thing), it has no PS or A/C. I plan to give it to my dad and brother who'll be able to keep/use it up in the Lake Tahoe area.

So I bought a new 2008 Taco. I plan to build this thing up so I got the base model, regular cab, 4x4 with the 2.7L I4, 5spd, and A/C. I'm amazed at how much herritage Toyota's been able to preserve in their newer trucks. When I turned over the engine for the first time, it had many of the same sounds of my faithful 22R.

I don't do hardcore rock crawling, but I do regularly hit up moderately difficult trails in most of the Socal deserts. I'm looking to modify things to have a worthy trail rig and maintain reasonable streetability. I've been looking into IFS lift kits and would like to know peoples' opinions on adding the following: 35s, 6" suspension lift (which brands are favored), 4.88s, and lockers.

I realize this is a pretty open ended post/question, but any advice/experiences with suspension and drivetrain mods for the new Tacos would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Julian

[NorCalToy]

Welcome to Marlin Crawler!

sounds like its going to be a fun buildup

if you are looking at keeping it IFS, Total Chaos ( chaosfab.com ) makes a very nice kit suitable for desert use, and some moderate crawling. Kit provides around 4" of lift and allows 33"s or if you want to trim the fenders a little, 35"s. and 13" of travel each side.

Or theres the obvious SAS with mostly custom parts.

but either way :
A badass new taco:




Or on some rocks?









(the edit was adding in those pics...)

[70 Cam Guy]

I have a friend with an '05 Taco and another with a new FJ.  They are both faithful to All Pro off road products.  My buddy with the taco has their control arms with the walker evens shocks all around (rear 3" spring lift).  He is on about 3" of lift and is running 33s.  He did the mod to the body mount and pinch weld behind the front tires so he'll be able to clear 35s.  His V6 has enough grunt for the 33s but his gas mileage went down the tubes.  He plans to re-gear before swapping in the 35s. 

http://www.allprooffroad.com/

He's got the All Pro sliders and skid plates.  He plans to get the bumpers as funds allow.  Here's his truck when we last went to Hollister.  From what he's told me, you can fit 35s without a bracket lift.  He has the stock e-locker, which works great, so I don't know what to recommend as far as lockers go.  I also plan on buying their rock sliders for my '87 because I like the kickout design and have already seen it save their body panels