Improve My 2WD Off-Road Build

I recently bought a 2015 Tacoma 2WD Access Cab.

I want to do some overlanding in it. In practice that means most of my miles will be on-road miles with moderate off-roading.

My plan is simple:

Copy the Prerunner’s proven 2WD off-roading build.

That means I’m changing my current specs:

• 15" wheels
• P215/70SR15.0 BSW AS tires

To match the Prerunner’s specs:

• 16" wheels
• P245/75SR16.0 BSW AT tires
• Possibly stronger suspension

Is this the best approach to achieve my goal? Or would you add or remove anything?

Also, would I need to swap out my suspension?

Looking forward to your responses

 

I dont know that you are going to fit that size of tire on a 5 lug. Also you wont be able to mount a 6 lug wheel on a 5 lug for obvious reasons.

 

You would also need to add a rear locker if you really wanted to copy the TRD OR Prerunner build.

I have no idea if all of this is possible on a 5lug, others here know more on this topic

 

Check out this thread if you haven't for lifting your 5 lug:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-lifting-your-5-lug-guide.518620/

Best of luck to you OP!

 

Check out the 5-lug section! Great info and there are some people doing badass stuff to our little trucks.

I put on - Cooper DISCOVERER A/T All-Season 235/75R15 105T Tires on my 2013 SC as well as a 2" front spacer leveling kit. I run a camper shell the majority of the time so I will be putting on an aal and bilstein 5100s (or equivalent) in the rear sometime soon! Lots of people on the 5 lug thread have done much bigger tires than me with the BB mod and bigger spacers, etc!

 

That's awesome!

How much off-roading do you do? This sounds like you're doing what I'd like to do.

 

i only did the lift / tires like 2 months ago and am in the middle of a landscaping renovation so all I have gotten to do so far is play in the mud while picking up project trash :/ .

 

My vote:

-stock
-rear tire chains
-winch

Everything else is just BS you most likely won't need.

 

But what is needed is good judgement. Pick your trails carefully knowing you have a 2-wheel drive truck.

 

I wheel a lot in 2wd. I wouldn’t go without AT/MT tires, winch (with recovery gear), and sliders. I installed a locker now but I still have to winch, just not as often. You have to approach things differently in 2wd and hit things faster/harder. I’ve completely trashed my side steps lol

 

All things being equal a 4X4 is about $1000-$1500 more than a 4X2. Instead of spending money to modify your 4X2 trade for a 4X4 and leave it stock. You'll come out money ahead in the long run and have a much more capable truck.

 

Another vote for rear locker. I have a rear auto lock and almost never use 4x4

 

I have two other 4x4s and agree that it can be worth it (although I think its more expensive than that) but there is something fun about taking an old fleet vehicle and making it tougher!

 

U can fit 33s with a 5 lug second gen.

 

@5 Lug Fury

 

Its a bigger difference between 5 lugs and any 6 lug.

As mentioned check out the 5 lug lifting threads on here as the suspension is different from 6 lugs. After lifting 3" in the front and 2" in the back, you can fit 33s or 32s with less rub. The diff is the same as the non elocker 3rd members so any lsd or locker meant for 6 lugs without an elocker will work (ARB). A good set of tires will help alot as well. I like my Goodyear Duratracs as they're not fully mud tires but work really well.

As for recovery gear maybe a winch or at least a shovel and tow strap will take you a long way. Just start going with your local offroading groups and you will see what you really need.

 

Another vote for some type of rear locker or limited slip. I think a TrueTrac would be a great addition to any 2wd truck.

Does the 5lug have the same removable carrier as the 6 lugs? If so it's an easy upgrade.

 

Yeah its the same as the all the non trd offroad 2nd gens. I was about drop a lsd in but ended up swapping in a complete elocker axle for cheap lol

 

Any big deal to wire in the new locker?

 

Not really took me probably a day. I used a switch from Low Range Offroad and I would suggest adding another switch to make sure you don't accidentally bump it on the highway.