Gen 2 Tacoma build suggestions

Recently purchased my 3rd Gen2 Tacoma. I've had an '08, '10 and now a '14 TRD OR 4WD.
I've never done anything but put tires on them and have now decided to actually build one out given I've finally paid off $125K in student loans.

My end game is a 2" lift with TX/Baja wheels, 285/75/16s tires and eventually a camper shell.

My question is where do I start?

All sarcastic replies will be greatly appreciated indeed.

 

First question you should ask yourself is what are you primarily building it for?

Easy access camping? Dispersed camping? Rock Crawling? Legitimate overlanding? Mall crawling?

Once you answer that you can get some more precise answers.

Otherwise, affordable lift option will be the Bilstein 6112/5160 package, expensive would be fox/king/icon. pair them with either an AAL or a full replacement leaf pack (I recommend Icon RXT). Probably need some aftermarket UCAs to get proper alignment after lift as well You'll want to do a Cab Mount Chop to fit those tires. Personally I would recommend looking into a different wheel with a more negative offset, or a narrower tire. I had that tire/wheel setup at first and my tires would occasionally rub on the UCAs. It's a real tight fit.

I'd also recommend bed stiffeners to reinforce the bed for the camper shell. Maybe some MattGecko LED lights for inside the camper

 

Set aside a budget of $1200 now and sit and wait to find the shell you want. They pop up semi-frequently, but are usually the wrong color, missing desired features or in bad condition. Be ready to pick it up at moments notice. I recently found a color matched Leer for my friends 2011 access cab that had a roof basket and crossbars that he can sell to recoup some of the $600 cost.

As for the other items, if you don’t have money to do lift, wheels, tires all at once, you’ll probably want to lift first and deal with the gap until you get the bigger tires on.

Edit: now I see you said 285s for tires. You do you, but I wouldn’t do this since I don’t want to CMC my truck. So plan for CMC when the new tires go on.

 

A. I very much appreciate the time taken to provide said responses gentlemen.

B. For all other build-noobs out there, I have zero idea what "CMC my truck" is referring to. (hence I'm asking the questions to those that do).
As of now, I've got the stock wheels with some stock rubber on them but just want something OEM and better looking.

C. As per use/intent. Daily driver/easy-moderately easy access camping on the weekends with the family.

Thank you guys again from W. TX

 

Here's what a CMC is (Cab Mount Chop). The cut along the line then weld in a flat plate to provide more space, just behind the front wheels where the cab mounts to the frame. Without that extra space, that tire/wheel setup with rub against it regularly. Many people do it to fit bigger tires, however there is a certain risk where they say the original construction is designed to push the wheel down in an accident, while chopping it can result in the wheel getting pushed straight back/up. Weigh your risk/reward. I've done it on mine.

Spoiler

As far as your use...truck is plenty capable stock with all terrains. I'd refer back to my first post, that should be a fairly comprehensive of the basic necessities for 2 inch lift and the tires/wheels.

 

head over to the builds forum and spend a few days looking at what others did and youll pick up on all of the vernacular and get inspired.

These trucks are very capable with a good set of AT tires, a winch, and driver knowledge.

 

Your use case sounds like leaving the truck bone stock would be fine. These things are quite capable as-is. A 265/75r16 will give you a one inch taller tire (0.5 extra ground clearance) and won't hurt your mileage as much as going to a 285/75r16. The 1 inch taller tire will make your speedo more accurate than stock, and doesn't require cutting of your cab mount.

If adding a canopy and regularly hauling around some extra wait, a new leaf pack designed for the weight would be highly beneficial. And since your truck is a 2014 (and I'm assuming original suspension), you might as well get new shocks. A lot of people like Bilstein 5100s, and they have some adjustment for lift in the front. The 6112 (front) / 5160 (rear) mentioned above would be the next step up. I currently have 5160s and will be adding 6112s this year.


I guess I shouldn't assume... does your truck have ANY mods currently? original suspension? wheels? tires?

 

Get these you know you want too.

 

Or maybe this too



I'm just kidding. Do what makes you happy.

 

Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro fog lights are always a great upgrade!

 

If you can come around on the idea, look into 255s vs 285s. There are several threads on skinnys, and personally I think the scale/size is perfect on 2nd Gens. It will allow you to go taller with less chance of needing to cut(CMC), and will likely save you some weight. I had 255/75r17s stock with no issue and eventually had 5100s at .85 in front. If I'd kept that truck I was going to 255/80s for the next set.

 

This thread may be of interest to you regarding the wheels if you can't find some decent ones used.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...e-still-in-production-new-part-number.786141/

 

CMR is more room for future tire compatibility than CMC. You may as well do that first now before bigger tires, if you plan to do that down the road.

There are lots of toppers out there. Fiberglass can be fragile, heavy, and does not come with a roof rack. Lots of other ones to consider.

If you want decent ride and lift, 6112/5160 and a leafpack is one way to do that; the leafpack to handle weight.
I would not spend money on 16" wheels. They do not clear bigger brakes and do not offer any sort of bead grip.

The need for X mod to the truck normally comes about from a use case necessitating it.
Like if you're off roading smacking the underbelly, then comes the thought "this wouldn't be happening with a lift and bigger tires"
Or, preparing ahead of time suiting the truck to your needs and intended use cases.

 

Plus these