Where to start on a 97 tacoma to make a good dependable ride

[Wmpinkerton]

I am looking to build my 97 tacoma ext cab for a good play truck but dont want to be broke down all the time due to factory parts breaking Where would be a good place to start Any ideas would be great.

[tanabuse]

well it depends on how much u wanna dump into her i say if ur broke stay wit what toyota put factory in those trucks ive seen stock list ifs tacos do vary well so weld the rear and go beating

[Yota87Truck]

Is your truck currently stock?  If so I think a 2.5" spacer lift up front, or coilovers if you can afford it and AAL in the rear w/ 33's is a good start.  Body protection is also always a good investment. 

[Wmpinkerton]

my truck is still stock with a set of 31" kumhos They do really good. I have rectenly found out that body protection is a must ofter meeting up with a few trees that dont move very easy. I would like to change the gearing in the truck and put about a 6" lift on it and then put 33" tires on it  Does any body have any sugestions on a lift that wouldnt break the bank and i was reading about gearing and it looks like 4:88 is a good choice.

Thanks for the comments.

[81yotalove]

^^^^^^^
you definitely do not need 6 inch lift to fit 33's. stick with a 10.50 wide and some pinch weld bashing i think you can make it fit. also if you have 16 inch rims use 255/85 r16 tires. a lot tacos use that size when still ifs.

[Yota87Truck]

you should post up some pictures of your tacoma, and what kind of budget are you thinking about?