2nd gen Mods

So I am getting a second gen tacoma soon (in may) and will probably have 3-5k to use on mods for the truck right when I get it. I am wondering if I should get a camper shell first (I will be sleeping in it and overlanding/ offroading in it) or suspension and wheels? Also another question I have is if I should get wheels/ tires first or suspension first or both at the same time. Also what tires are best for a 3 in lift with medium offroading involved? I will also be getting a short bed tacoma since it is better offroading but worried about sleeping in the cap becuase I am 5’10

Thanks!

 

The wheels, tires , suspension and shell will use all the 3-5k and then some.

 

A new (brand name) fiberglass cap with a few bells and whistles (roof rack, carpeted, slider window) will most likely run you $2,500 to $3,000 if not more due to today's run away inflation.

If you plan on using the cap to sleep in, I would suggest a mid-rise cap like the Leer 180. It offers more head room over the standard cap. I have a Leer 100R which is a standard cap. It works, but that extra head room would be nice.

 

I just hoarded my parts and did suspension and wheels/tires at the same time. This was to mitigate an extra alignment and it would allow me to dial in the setup more precisely than having to idle with it twice.

 

Nice looking rig. I agree w/ the Leer 100R, wish it had a bit more headroom.

 

There is no reason to pay 2-3K for a shell. People paying that is the reason why the markets are the way they are. 6' beds are easily found online for 1k, if you have 5' bed maybe $1500 but thats if you need one like right now. I have seen 5' in the LA and Vegas , Phoenix area for $500. I bought my shell for $300. Passed on $500 one and thought i F###ed up until this guy just wanted to get rid of his.

 

How’d you find yours for so cheap?

 

If you live in or close to a large market area you can often find a cap for a good price. It may take a little while and you (like him) may have to pass on a few before you find a good one. As well, you may find one that is not the same color as your truck. But that's a different thread

 

Agreed, I have a Leer 180 and it's way better as a sleeper than a cab-height. I paid $3600 for mine with sliding windoors (must have), carpeted headliner, roof rack tracks, and an LED strip light.

You don't need good suspension to "overland" but you do want good AT tires, 265 75r16 or similar will give you some additional clearance.

I'd spend the rest on skid plates, mine are beat to shit which means they've paid for themselves in terms of undercarriage protection.

 

I made a custom folding cushion and slept in a used and repainted fiberglass shell for years- worked great, plenty comfy, and easy to remove everything when the weekends were over. I spent real money on the suspension (Fox 2.5’s), winch and bumper and am very glad I did. However, fast forward to 47 years old and sick of getting dressed hunched over and swapped the canopy for a GFC- it was a big bullet to bite, but damn fish camp is very enjoyable!

 

how do you keep the GFC warm when sleeping/camping in the winter?

 

Just a Mr Heater buddy and a Nemo 0 degree bag- I still keep the truck bed a truck bed when not on an overnighter. Shovel, axe, extinguisher are all that stay. Lights are cheesy battery r/w/b/g led puck lights with remote.

 

This was the platform and drawers that I had in the back.

 

Holy Sh!T

Tacoma MOD fever hitting pre owners now

And we don't want a vaccine

This spread is good

 

Doable.
700-900 for nice used cap. I found a color matched ARE W/ carpet & wiring.
2500 in suspension- ARB OME
1500 in tires-
Use rest on full fluid change

I always do a complete fluid swap on anything used. If I were in your shoes, I would sort out suspension before tires unless they are garbage.

 

I also got a short bed “because it’s better for off roading”. In hindsight, i dont think its significantly better and wish i had the extra foot of bed space. The short bed fills up really quickly and you can forget sleeping back there at 5’10”

 

I know a few guys who just run their awning off back on shortbed & sleep w/ tailgate down. FWIW, I think the shorter wheel base gets around better. I have a long bed.

 

how is it better for off roading? access cab has the same wheelbase. I wish I got one instead to have more room in the back including sleep.

longbed is never considered because they’re autotragic only
Access cab manual longbed is superior