3rd gen Taco

[cnstaco]

This isn’t a true build thread but thought I’d post anyway. So I carefully selected parts and had Insain Fab do the work. Corey has the skills! Parts:Fox 2.5 extended travel (remote resi), total chaos uca’s and super bumps(wheelers) up font. In the rear Fox 2.0 extended travel (remote resi, for tundra), ome Dakar leafs, u bolt flip with off road bumps and extended brake lines. FN countersteer type x 16x8” 0 offset x5. Bfg ko2 285/75 r16 x 5. IF body mount chop. Alignment: toe:0 Camber:0 caster:3.8 no rubbing at full lock in reverse. Shake down run tomorrow to check for rub and flex the rear. Next up armor and then re level. If this wasn’t my DD probably would have waited and went LT and 35’s but that’s stage 2 just don’t tell my wife lol.

[Terrafied]

Very nice. Looks like you took care of all the major rub spots, but there's always something that rubs anyway. Should be a lot of fun finding out.

[RockyMtRebel]

Wow, nice upgrades. Looks Mean!!!

[Java]

Very nice. The name Insain keeps coming up, he's building a good reputation. :thumb:

[cnstaco]

Thought I’d report back on how everything worked out. The truck handles and drives better then stock. No noticeable loss of power due to running 33’s. Doesn’t rub even when off-road, I was actually suprized. My 2nd gen taco rubbed with 32’s and 2.5” lift. Im at 2.5” front and 3” back over a stock 2nd gen. So bmc definitely worth it. Mpg loss is about 2-3 miles to the gallon but I still get 19 on the highway so not bad. Only real negative is the front creaks at slow speeds not sure if it’s the uca’s or coil overs but it’s not too bad. I switched out the crappy plastic Trd gas tank skid for a 1/4” 5052 Aluminum skid from Ricochet. That’s all for now.

[cnstaco]

Finally got my spare mounted. Ordered the y strap and brackets from N-Fab had to modify just about everything. Good thing I have a grinder, drill and black rattle can;)

[cnstaco]

Hey Pete if you happen to see this your right. Greased and re torqued my uca’s along with all other suspension parts to Toyota specs. Also adjusted my coil overs on the truck adding a 1/2” of lift and I’m still not maxed out on preload yet. The wife bought me a set of tools for my bday.

[RockyMtRebel]

Nice, look at you working on your brand new truck! This stuff is addicting isn't it?

Can't wait to go wheelin' with you again!

[cnstaco]

Thanks Matt, and it is very addicting lol...I’m thinking of maybe running Pennsylvania gulch next weekend.

[cnstaco]

Added new skids today, Ricochet front bash plate(the center gussets catch the frame) and Rci mid. Still need the transfer case skid and sliders but getting closer.

[open_circuit]

Nice. We need to wheel together again sometime. You're getting ready for some more challenging terrain with that build.

[cnstaco]

We do Trent my son was asking about you guy’s today;)

[cnstaco]

So I finally removed the sway bar, truck drives way better at slow speeds and does fine on the highway. However I did the 40mph swerve test and there’s quite a bit of body roll. It will stay off for now with more testing. I also relocated my rear remote resi’s due to one getting hit pretty hard the last wheeling trip. They are definitely more safe on the frame just bought some steel and pipe straps and self tapped em in. Also hi-tucked the exhaust while I was down there. Cb and sliders up next.

[open_circuit]

Looking good!

[schwanstabilo]

Sweet ride!

[cnstaco]

Finally got my suspension all dialed in yesterday, first picture is how it got pinched last weekend. Also installed RCI rock sliders pita lol. I’m still messing with the the cobra 75 I installed a few weeks ago can’t get rid of this electric brake booster noise that comes through intermittently when I hit the brakes. Installed an rf choke which helped but it’s still there. I’ve owned this truck just over a year so it’s come a long way and I’m definitely happy with how it performs on the trail. That being said I can’t wait to go 37’s someday.

[open_circuit]

:thumb:

Did you tune your CB antenna yet? Stop by sometime if you still need to work on that -- I have the SWR meter and extra jumper cable.

[Java]

Very nice. :thumb:

[cnstaco]

Trent I bought an swr meter and I’m running just under 2 with my 2’ firestick maxed out (up). Cb worked well on the trail clean up run but my range is super short guess 2’ antenna is too short lol.

[open_circuit]

I went with a 4' firefly (Firestik brand https://www.amazon.com/FireStik-4ft-Black-Firefly/dp/B000QB917Q ). It works well, but is too tall for my garage. Probably should have gone with 3' antenna instead.

[Jim]

is too tall for my garage

Mine is too. I have a quick disconnect which makes it easy to install/remove - I just have to REMEMBER to remove it before pulling in.

https://www.amazon.com/FireStik-K-1A-Push-n-Twist-quick-disconnect/dp/B000UTQUAK?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-ffsb-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000UTQUAK

[cnstaco]

So last Saturday after work I pulled my front coilovers and had a new friend switch out the crappy 13” 600lb springs to some ebiach 14” 650lb springs. Truck has way less body roll since I’m running with no sway bar, also gained a 1/2” of lift with a lot less pre load so win win. Next up is re-gear, add front locker and 35’s this winter. Also have a high clearance rear bumper on order should be installing that early January. My wife says I won’t stop until it’s a truggy lol she might be right. Sorry about the pic orientation not sure how to flip it.

[dr350jja]

Nice work. It's looking good.

[cnstaco]

Thanks Jim, and nice 2nd gen! (Sometimes I still miss mine). We should go wheeling sometime.

[Jim]

Sorry if this is a continued threadjack...


Mine is too. I have a quick disconnect which makes it easy to install/remove

A comment on the CB antenna quick disconnect - I've removed mine.

People would comment that they could hear me if I was stationary but I would be garbled / difficult to hear if I was moving. I wondered if the mechanical connection of the quick disconnect (movement in its joints causing electrical issues) was the cause for poor transmission while moving. While at Moab I removed the quick disconnect and folks in the group never made any comment that I couldn't be understood / heard clearly.

If anyone wants this disconnect - it's available. If it works for you - great - but I think it's out of my life.

[cnstaco]

No worries and good to know because I almost bought a quick disconnect. Glad I didn’t.

[cnstaco]

Did a little snow bashing with my brother n law and his fj a few weeks ago. Managed to mess up one of my fox rear shocks again. So I finally bought some b110 p’s for Half the price of the foxes. They extend an 1.5” longer then the foxes so more droop. Trade off is up travel so we’ll see. The ride quality feels the same. Also added an RCI 1/4” transfer case skid. Picked it up at their new shop in Loveland that place is super nice really cool guys too.

[Brian]

That's a beefy looking skid. :smokin:

[cnstaco]

Quick update, if any of you Toyota guys are planning on ordering from Cbi beware that their lead times are 6 months right now. I ordered a high clearance rear bumper October 8th (when they took my money) and after getting the run around for 4 months I finally canceled it yesterday.

[KornRunner]

That’s crazy! 6 months! Try C4 fab, I ordered a front bumper from them and there 6 weeks out.

[cnstaco]

Thanks for the input Cory but I think I’m going to switch gears (literally) and start the process to run 35’s and wait to do bumpers later. Maybe have something different then all these heavy plate bumpers everyone is selling. Can’t wait for May dude!;)

[KornRunner]

Chris post some pics of your new tires and a review I’m looking to get a new set of rubber here in the next month and can’t decide on ko2 or km3’s.

[cnstaco]

Ko2’s are an excellent AT does well in all areas and quiet on the road. I went with km3’s to see what the traction difference is on an MT. I probably won’t have them on for a month or more due to the amount of work required to run 35’s on a Tacoma. I’ve heard good things about the km3 though and will definitely post a review.

[Jim]

That stack's an ever present incentive to get your Tacoma work done!

[cnstaco]

That stack's an ever present incentive to get your Tacoma work done!
you ain’t kidding Jim, I can’t wait to get those the truck;)

[RockyMtRebel]

my KM3 stack should show up today....... can't wait!

[cnstaco]

Here’s some tire comparisons: stock 31 to 285 75r16 and then 315 75r16. In case anyone is wondering my plan is to regear to 5.29’s to make up for lost power. I will also have spindles and cam tabs gusseted for the added weight. Then I will trim fender liners and fold in pinch weld to make room. I’m also running aftermarket bump stops which should help. Hopefully I do not have to trim fenders. The weak points will become stock steering rack and cv axles but on 315’s I should be ok. Man this going to be fun;)

[KornRunner]

Looking forward to seeing here in the next couple of months :thunb::thunb:

[cnstaco]

East coast gear supply delivered today. ;)

[The StRanger]

Nice.

[Patrolman]

Is there an air line coming out of the front diff?

[cnstaco]

Is there an air line coming out of the front diff?
It’s electrical I went with the harrop elocker up front and already had the Toyota elocker in the rear.

[Patrolman]

What was the cost of the locker? I hadn't heard of them yet. The rear e-locker is a great option.

[cnstaco]

The locker was $1400, buy once cry once lol. But by the time you buy a compressor it’s not that much of a difference compared to ARB. I will definitely report back on how it works. I’ve been extremely impressed with the Toyota elocker in the rear. Also I’m not a big fan of compressors and air lines probably because I use them all the time at work.

[cnstaco]

Also added these yesterday to get my backspacing to 3.5” in preparation of running the 35’s. The width won’t clear the uca at droop otherwise. Only issue is now it will rub at fender/firewall and maybe the body mount I had chopped last year but I’ll deal with that later.

[open_circuit]

Anxious to see the taco with all of the work you have put into it this winter. When are we wheeling again?

[cnstaco]

Anxious to see the taco with all of the work you have put into it this winter. When are we wheeling again?
Most of the work should be done in the next couple weeks hence the reason I’m missing the run on Saturday and I think I’m working too. After that I’ll be doing some light wheeling to break in the gears and find any problems lol. May 1st I’m headed to Moab. I’ll text you man, so we can go wheeling soon;)

[cnstaco]

It’s official the Taco is on 35’s.

[cnstaco]

First round of clearancing complete, no rubbing under normal driving conditions. The body mount will need bigger chop for wheeling. More to come soon

[Jim]

Looks sweet in its side pic.

[open_circuit]

Looks ready for Moab. Heading out on your own this spring?

[cnstaco]

Looks ready for Moab. Heading out on your own this spring? No I’m actually going to a Toyota Land Cruiser/Rising Sun event called Cruise Moab, should be a fun time and Cory’s going too. I will have the wife and kids with me as well, more on that later. So the diffs, spindle and cam tab gussets were installed by Tru automotive in Sheridan. I still haven’t wired the front locker but hopefully this weekend. The 5.29’s are awesome the truck doesn’t even notice the 35’s. The rpms are a little higher but only noticeable at high speeds up hill. So far I’m happy with all the work but I still have quite a bit of testing and cutting;).

[cnstaco]

Front locker wiring almost complete waiting on a mini fuse tap. Also cut a lot off the front of the body mount. I’ll be on an easy trail Sunday breaking in the front diff and doing some testing if anyone happens to read this and is bored on Sunday lol.

[RockyMtRebel]

I’ll join ya in my new Power Wagon!!!! Where should we go?

[open_circuit]

I might be available. Have to see on Saturday how the weekend shakes out

[cnstaco]

Hey Matt and Trent that would be awesome if you guy’s want to meet up but I’ll be honest it won’t really be wheeling because of the break in process on the gears. I’m thinking the south side of Switzerland about 9-9:30. Did you buy something else Matt? Also I’ll be up in that area every Sunday until May if you can’t make this one Trent. Definitely want to go wheeling with you guys, this season is going to be a good one;)

[RockyMtRebel]

I’m going to be gentle on my new Power Wagon and keep it nice (unlike the Rebel that I traded it for yesterday) so I’m fine doing something very mellow. Ill probably take the Jeep out on Saturday but could see going for a ride Sunday morning and checking out your build in process!!

[cnstaco]

I’m going to be gentle on my new Power Wagon and keep it nice (unlike the Rebel that I traded it for yesterday) so I’m fine doing something very mellow. Ill probably take the Jeep out on Saturday but could see going for a ride Sunday morning and checking out your build in process!!
Cool, those power wagons are bad ass! I’d definitely like to check that out.

[cnstaco]

Well didn’t make it to a trail today do to the crappy alignment Firestone did that has to be redone. They just don’t understand that my specs are way outside factory parameters, guess I’ll try Toytec this week. I did manage to get my Rci rear bumper installed (which I got a killer deal on). I’m now at 26” to the lowest point of the bumper (the receiver is behind the license plate now). A stock Tacoma is around 20” to the hitch.

[cnstaco]

Finally got some trail time on the new set up. I ran So Switz to Gordon Gulch to pee wink with some cool downs in between. First impression on 35” MT’s (w/5.29’s) night and day compared to a 33” AT. There were some rutted out snowy sections that added a little fun;). I finally got a proper alignment from Toytec in Denver. No rubbing on body mount of course I cut the entire front off so I think I’m ok there. Now when it really flexes I’m rubbing the plastic fender flare which I was really hoping not to cut. No rubbing in the rear so far. I tested 4hi, 4 lo and rear locker. I have not tested front locker, figured I’d give the gears a little time to wear in first. Next weekend I’ll probably run north gross 68j if anyone is bored, more mellow testing.

[cnstaco]

Jim if you see this I can’t figure out why it adds those weird A’s every so often. Might be my iPad?

[cnstaco]

Nice day up there at 51*

[Jim]

Jim if you see this I can’t figure out why it adds those weird A’s every so often. Might be my iPad?

`went back looking. I see the issue. No idea on my mind as to resolution.

[FINOCJ]

Like that bumper and integrated hitch

[cnstaco]

I can’t say enough good things about RCI. High quality and their shop is in Loveland So no shipping. They had that bumper ready in 2 weeks compared to some of these shops with a 3-6 month lead time.

[cnstaco]

I ran 68j today and finally tested the front locker which worked flawlessly. Only thing I’m noticing is that my stock steering rack struggles a little to turn these 35’s. If I end up going to 37’s that will definitely need to be addressed. I also swapped out my stock shackles and hangers for a set from archive garage, way more beefy. So for now phase 2 is complete but I have big plans for next year;).

[cnstaco]

Here’s a couple pics of the shackles and hangers. It was a pita drilling out the frame rivets that held the factory ones. Also wanted to give a big shoutout to Jon Rice at ECGS for taking care of me and all my questions with the built diffs. If anyone needs gears, lockers, diffs or axles I would highly recommend these guys.

[cnstaco]

Well I ran Ironclads yesterday it was really nice and completely dry. It was also super crowed. Truck is working great and I finally cut enough to stop rubbing however I have my front bump stops spaced down 3/8” to limit up travel as a test. Also had a strange clank on the passenger side hoping it was just a rock that flipped up. I’ll probably just post my small solo trips here unless Jim objects. Speaking of Jim I’m pretty sure I saw him, Matt and Phillip on the side of highway 7 on my way up. Tried to get you guys on the cb but no answer and I was running late or I would have stopped. Hope all is well.

[Jim]

good progress!

That was us! If Phillip and his white jeep were there - we were busy getting him aired down to get to the trail and weren't paying attention to the traffic.

No worries posting trip into in your build thread - but there's also no issue posting any sort of run report in the run reports forum - your call.

[cnstaco]

Well I was hoping to run a trail this weekend until I found this. Front diff is leaking on top at breather more investigating tomorrow.

[cnstaco]

So it seems I accidentally overfilled it when I changed the gear oil before Moab. I filled it until it drained out of the fill hole which is standard but Toyota recommends a 1/4” under the fill hole which is hard to measure or 1.6 quarts when dry. So my guess is when it heated up it found its way out of the breather. Yesterday I drained it and found 1.5 quarts Of clean gear oil which is good. Put 1.5 quarts back in it which does not come out the fill hole. Took it up the hill today and rant it in 4lo for an hour, tested the locker and no leak.

[cnstaco]

Also tested my new front/rear anytime camera.

[cnstaco]

Here’s the switches the compressor switch if for a future mod. I deleted blind spot monitoring and parking sonar which didn’t work anymore.

[cnstaco]

Also moved my cb antenna to the rear and bought a 3’ to replace my 2’.

[cnstaco]

Also swapped back to the off road hood no more fake scoop blocking my visibility. Only pic I have of hood. Well that was my 3 day weekend along with a bbq and house work.

[cnstaco]

Couple pics from switz today.

[cnstaco]

Hung out with Austin for a bit at Tru Automotive today. He’s the only other guy I let wrench on my truck. I do all my own maintenance and work unless welding or gears are involved then I call him. We were both impressed by the rear droop without being long travel.

[cnstaco]

Found my loud pang and fixed it for free;)

[cnstaco]

Did some more suspension testing today at Slaughter house. The Taco is a happy crawler again.

[cnstaco]

Finally got a front bumper from Addicted Offroad. Now I can get a winch. First thing I did was cut the light bar tabs off. I only wheel in the day. Next up powder coat and install.

[cnstaco]

Front bumper install

[cnstaco]

Hmmm

[cnstaco]

That’s better

[cnstaco]

Leak in front diff is fixed from above pictures and my winch works.

[cnstaco]

Cut some more off the truck.

[cnstaco]

And HC rear from Warfab these guy’s are in Montrose check them out if you have a Tacoma.

[cnstaco]

Ironclads

[cnstaco]

learning to cut

[cnstaco]

Learning short circuit mig

[RockyMtRebel]

Yo Chris!!!! We gotta take the big trucks out together..... I'm having 37" KM3's installed any day now ;-)

[cnstaco]

Yo Chris!!!! We gotta take the big trucks out together..... I'm having 37" KM3's installed any day now ;-)Hey Matt, heck yeah man that power wagon is a Beast, Let’s Go!

[cnstaco]

Rear shock mount relocation. I went with a 14” Bilstien 7100 short body because the compressed number is the same as a 12” but extend’s to 14. BAMF relocation brackets. Everything diy. I have yet to fully flex this set up but with my leafs I should be around 4” up and 8” down. More to come.

[Java]

Nice welds. :thumb:

[open_circuit]

When are we going to see this beast on the trail again? I think you've rebuilt half of the truck since the last time we ran a trail together!

[cnstaco]

When are we going to see this beast on the trail again? I think you've rebuilt half of the truck since the last time we ran a trail together!
I hope really soon but I’m also remodeling my house and working full time lol. We definitely need to hit a trail this summer Trent!

[cnstaco]

Winter mod time. The truck needs a new battery the VSC light is on again and the steering wheel is crooked. Crawl box it is!

[RockyMtRebel]

damn dude, when are you coming out to wheel? I haven't even seen your truck since it was bone stock ;)

[cnstaco]

Honestly it might be a couple months I have some more plans for the truck but as soon as spring comes let’s Go!

[RockyMtRebel]

Hell yea, you let me know when you're ready to wheel!!

[cnstaco]

Cases are back in and drive shafts are at the shop. Sorry about all the sideways pics don’t know how to fix that.

[cnstaco]

Still getting it dialed in.

[RockyMtRebel]

Chris, let’s get the trucks out this summer!

[speedkills]

Looking sharp!

[jayson44]

nice! 37s?

J.

[cnstaco]

I’m back and the build is mostly completed. Front camburg +2 LT with an LC 200 rack 10 of travel with chromoly shafts from cvj. Rear deavers with 14 bilstien and hammer hangers 12.5 of travel stock axle. 5.29s fully locked. Front case Rf1a 4.7 TG with some Marlin mixed in, rear is a stock 2.57 electronic shift. I’m running TR beadlocks with 37 stt pros. Final crawl in lolo is around 230:1. Lots of other stuff!

[cnstaco]

Here’s my latest Camburg steering knuckle mock up. I used scrap construction steel and ordered a piece of 1/4 wall 1 5/16 Dom for the tie rod. Not going to weld it until I verify the geometry is good.

[Getaklu]

Nice!

[cnstaco]

Well I still have toe in at full bump. So I’m going to move the heim location on the knuckle down. Camber is at 0 at ride height along with toe. Caster is locked at 3*. I’m showing a camber change of 2-3* through out the cycle. Getting closer

[cnstaco]

So close to finish weld. Bump steer is 0 until 5” droop 1/16th in. I’m bumped at 4” up and 5” down. So 9” of travel I can remove the spacer and get 2” more of up travel but will have to cut a lot of inner fender. Also the rear is bumped at 4.5” up and 8” down. Some day I hope to get them equal. It never ends:)

[Jim]

That looks great!

[cnstaco]

Total chaos

[Mountaineer01]

Total chaos

That looks pristine compared to my garage...

[Tom]

That looks pristine compared to my garage...
Ditto

[cnstaco]

All done.

[Getaklu]

Nice Chris!

[cnstaco]

Thanks man! We definitely need to go wheeling this season!

[cnstaco]

My son and I went on a spring break adventure. We wheeled, camped and hiked in New Mexico and Arizona and had a great time. We put 2,345 miles on the new set up with no issues.

[Java]

Those welds... :thumb:

https://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=54093&stc=1&d=1680657856

[Getaklu]

Sounds like an awesome time! Glad to hear it was issue free as well.

[cnstaco]

Just to clarify all of the really nice welds on those knuckles are Camburg mine are the ugly ones with the Hobart cranked to 240v and mig gas but they are definitely strong. :)