Overland Build on a Budget

I'm new to the Taco world and also new to the overlanding world. Theres not much in my area for any extreme overlanding so I would like to do a basic 2" lift, on a budget. What are your recommendations as to what i should go with for a proper setup? Keep in mind this is my daily driver. Also keep in mind I am a noob.

 

Have you tried searching for this answer yet?

 

Hey Steve, there’s a thousand+ combos out there but here’s my .02 since you asked... and I have no idea how you actually use your truck... but keeping budget (and a basic build) in mind I’d go with bilstein 5100 shocks on all four corners, OME coil springs, a progressive (3 leaf) AAL, and a softopper for the bed.

 

Man I've looked at so many things I dont know where to begin. Just want to get the right bang for my buck.

 

You could buy a used 3rd Gen suspension then add a one inch lift to the front. AAL to the rear.

I buy everything from Craigslist, Facebook or here. Some stuff black Friday. Just be patient.

 

This is my vote, too. You can probably do all this under $200 if you install yourself which is pretty easy. You will also have less sag with an AAL, and the 3rd gen front OR suspension is great for what you need.

 

I’m in the same boat. Planning 5100 in the front for now, ome leaf pack in the rear if I find I need it. DIY bed rack and tent. That’s all I think I’m gonna be able to afford this year

 

Was gonna be my suggestion too...

I just bought 3rd gen suspension (shocks, front and rear springs, UCA's) with ~15k on them for $100. Not a huge "upgrade" necessarily but for my truck that has 190k miles on it I just got 4 new shocks, 2 new ball joints and a few suspension bushings all for $100 and even got a little lift out of it. Truth be told the truck had a 1.5" spacer (3" lift) that I then replaced with some $20 3/8" spacers (3/4" lift) in the front so this setup actually lowered my truck from where it sat when I bought it - but that's what I wanted. It also has a 1" block in the rear but eventually I'll probably swap out to an ALL or new leaf pack. Just gotta wait for the right deal on craigslist

 

3rd gen off-road suspension with a 1/2in spacer up front. 1” block out back. Or go with an OME nitro charger setup with AAL.

 

Welcome to TW!!

@tacosteveo32811

 

My $0.02, invest more and do it once. If you plan on slowly building your truck as an offroad vehicle that's likely will be weight loaded for overlanding, go with a quality setup that will handle the weight along with offering a smooth ride. Front COs and a rear leaf pack would be the route I would choose. You need the proper height to run a larger tire setup along with the added weight from equipment and possibly sliders, bumpers,winch, etc..later down the road. A 3rd gen oem setup or just 5100s would not handle it.

 

Appreciate all the feedback fellas. Hopefully I can get the right setup together. Since this is my first Taco I really dont want to go too extreme, especially with the mileage it has now. Get this paid off in about 3 years or less and then move up to a 3rd gen with less miles. I work at a steel mill in Virginia working 48 hour shifts so I should be able to accomplish it financially just have to plan the installs during my 4 days off in between rotations without taking the truck off the road and not driveable for a day or so.

 

Question is, what does anyone "need" in order to "overland"?

Most of the fancy kit you see people loading their trucks down with is unnecessary. All you "need" is decent tires, some form of simple recovery in case you get in over you head, and storage to keep all your crap in. RTT's, armor, winches, big lifts, are all extra that I won't fault anyone for wanting, but remain mostly overkill.
If you're not rock crawling and mudding, a stock ride height 4x4 Taco with decent tires will go anywhere you will need/want in a vehicle you are still making payments on. Remember, this craze was started by people looking at Land Cruisers and Defenders with zero upgrades rolling around Africa with a couple of Jerry cans for weeks on end. As capable as those vehicles are stock, are they that much better than a Tacoma at getting around?

It's a truck, throw a tent and sleeping bag in the bed, load up your cooler, and go for a spin out in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests (since your in VA, I live in NoVA). Bring a buddy with another truck, hang some hammocks in between them and have a blast. Do that a few times and figure out what YOU need and were missing during the trip, and upgrade accordingly.

 

How the hell do you work 48 hours straight??

 

This and only this.

 

We work 4 twelve hour days then off 4 days straight then 4 twelve hour nights then off 4 days straight and so on.

 

Hence me saying I am a noob and I am looking for recommendations for what I should get. Mainly all I really want to do is lift it, throw on some good wheels and tires, get a rack and roof top tent and have a decent recovery system. I was just fishing for the varieties of suggestions from everyone here lol.

 

Plus size your tires with something meatier, get a cap or cover to keep your gear safe and out of the elements (plus a nice option to sleep under), and find someone else with a roof top tent that you can try out for a few trips. I find RTT's to be a pain in the ass, and the only way I would rock one is if I built a dedicated trailer to mount it on. The suggestions for a cheap lift that were listed above are great, I've been contemplating doing the 5100's and a AAL myself, but I really like my ride height for daily driving where it is now with the slightly taller tires. For recovery, try some recover straps and ratchets, and practice with them so you know how to use them when the need arises. Be safe.

 

Like the OP said I'd start simple and go from there. No sense in spending thousands only to find you wish you would have done it differently. Upgraded tires would be a great idea, a little lift isn't a bad idea. Then some basic tools, perhaps a small portable compressor, a come-along. I'd definitely start with a regular tent rather than RTT. Those things are expensive. I personally haven't used one but I don't like the idea that once you're setup you would have to breakdown and pack up if you want to use the truck. For my uses I'd rather make camp then hop in the truck to go explore. Seems that with an RTT once you're setup you really are limited to walking wherever you want to go unless you pack up the RTT.

 

https://fredericksburg.craigslist.org/pts/d/fredericksburg-bistein-5100-adjustable/7047379862.html

Here is a CL post. Not sure if this is a good deal or not.