Wanting to build out my 2010 Tacoma

I have a 2010 Tacoma TRD/OR V6 4D with a short bed and the OEM tow package. It's in great shape and was mostly used for hauling materials and animals on my farm. I no longer have my farm and my truck is now no longer my daily driver, so I want to build it out for off roading. I'll need to be street legal for getting where I'm going

I am a beginner! There is an off roading park near me that I have visited a few times - mostly just driving over the easier trails which amounted to "rough gravel roads". I am wanting to take it up a notch and explore the harder trails. I think if I replaced the stock suspension, wheels and tires, I would feel more comfortable trying the harder trails.

Help!

- I would like to do a 6" lift. The shop I was planning on using says they won't install 6" lift on a Tacoma. This shop is a truck outfitting shop with lots of experience in my area - why wouldn't they do a 6" lift kit on a Tacoma? I'm assuming with a kit and having it done by professionals, they will perform alignment and make sure the geometry is all OK?

- I don't have any brand allegiance, and I want to pay for quality. I've been reading about King, Icon, Fox, BDS, Rough Country, ProComp lift kits - I think this is about what I am looking for: https://www.customwheeloffset.com/s...make=Toyota&model=Tacoma&drive=4WD&cab=4 Door - it's better than entry level but not the Stage 10 beast either.

- I'm think I want to stick with 33" tires. Any reason I would really regret not going up to 35" later? I read about having to cut some of the fender wells if I went up to 35" and since I'm not trying to compete or anything, this seems like overkill for me.

Closing thoughts:

- I'm really just a weekend warrior, I'm not wanting to try to compete.
- I'm a big fan of "buy once, cry once".
- I don't want to do any physical work myself, I want to take everything to a local shop

Thank you for any help or guidance you can provide!

 

Before spending a dime throughly check the body and frame (especially the frame as you will be increasing the stress on it) for corrosion.

 

Welcome to TW!

You have begun your rabbit hole descent!

 

Best mod you can make is the nut behind the wheel, lol.

As you're still a beginner, bigger tires, better suspension etc... don't make you a better driver. They just make it more likely you'll get in over your head.

Aside from some basic safety/recovery gear, you don't need any mods just yet. These trucks are more than capable of getting you in quite a bit of trouble as is.

Find a buddy with a truck, ideally someone with more off-road experience than you, and just go driving. Have fun, push your limits, but don't be dumb about it. When if doubt, you can always turn around if there's an obstacle that's too intimidating. Better to save yourself for another day.

Basic list of stuff to have with you include (but are not limited to):
-air compressor (airing down to 15-20 psi by far the best thing you can do to increase traction)
-basic set of tools (wrenches, hammers, zip ties, duct tape, etc...)
-tire plug kit
-a way to safely change a flat tire (hi-lift or a lot of guys are carrying bottle jacks or light-weight(ish) floor jacks, etc...)
-1st aid kit, and not one of those stupid locket sized ones - get a GOOD one, you have the space
-Tow strap or better yet a snatch strap (know the difference)

Know how to use all these things properly and safely. All can be dangerous if miss-used.

Bonus tip: Have a safety plan: i.e. have someone know where you're going, and when to send for help if you don't show up.

Only rely on a cell phone IF you are 100% sure you have coverage where you'll be, otherwise, act like you won't. There are plenty of spots that are deceptively close to town that don't get good cell coverage. basic 2-way radios (like those Motorollas) are great for truck to truck communication, HAMs are good for long distance, but IMO Garmin In-Reach is better for truly universal world-wide communication and SOS features - no FCC license required.