2wd SR5

[mp_cude]

I picked this up the other day. Typically what happens to me is I get over excited, over pay and compromise, not getting what I wanted . Originally I set out to find a nice 2.7, pre-runner, but this popped up. I’m pretty sure I over paid at $12k, but it’s nice and I’m getting excited about it. Pristine time capsule, just turned 100k last night.

I know the pre-runnner and the base Tacoma are on a different chassis, and it would be absurd to convert this one, wouldn’t even try. Personally, I’d prefer to keep it as is, or let it go and find a pre-runner. However the wife is trying to convince me to lift this one a little. Is there a way to lift the 2wd taco (1”-2” at most) without compromising steering feel and integrity? If so, how high can a guy go and maintain factory specs as far as steering is concerned. Not really interested in aftermarket ball joints and a-arms, unless they’re an upgrade as far as life expectancy. I’d be curious to know about what people have done, if anything. Thanks!

 

[shoes22]

I picked this up the other day. Typically what happens to me is I get over excited, over pay and compromise, not getting what I wanted . Originally I set out to find a nice 2.7, pre-runner, but this popped up. I’m pretty sure I over paid at $12k, but it’s nice and I’m getting excited about it. Pristine time capsule, just turned 100k last night.

I know the pre-runnner and the base Tacoma are on a different chassis, and it would be absurd to convert this one, wouldn’t even try. Personally, I’d prefer to keep it as is, or let it go and find a pre-runner. However the wife is trying to convince me to lift this one a little. Is there a way to lift the 2wd taco (1”-2” at most) without compromising steering feel and integrity? If so, how high can a guy go and maintain factory specs as far as steering is concerned. Not really interested in aftermarket ball joints and a-arms, unless they’re an upgrade as far as life expectancy. I’d be curious to know about what people have done, if anything. Thanks!

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Enjoy it. These little trucks know how to work. I’d leave it as is.

 

[Jerry Attric]

Nice truck! +1 to leave it alone. I’m on my fifth Toyota truck and haven’t lifted any of them. The whole reason I bought them is they were already the best built and engineered. Had a few lifted domestic trucks but with those it was easy and sometimes cheap to improve some things when lifting them. Lots of donor vehicles and parts hoarded by collectors to pick from. Stronger axles, bigger brakes, whatever. Also easy to get more power to turn the taller wheels. Not much of that is true with that Toyota.

I see your wife’s point. It looks kind of weak with the low stance and small wheels when you’re used to built off road rides. Maybe lean into that if it bothers you. The black wheels look much better. How about something more nastruck style? Something like this.

 

[D21FJ60]

Toyota Tacoma 1.5" Front 2" Rear Add-a-Leaf Lift Kit 2WD 5Lug 1995-2004

Toyota Tacoma 1.5" Front Poly Spacer 2" Rear Add-a-Leaf 2WD 1995-2004 (5-lug) Kit Contains:Front:(2) Poly Spacers Rear:2 Add-a-Leaf Springs, 2 Center Pins Vehicle Applicaton:1995 - 2004 Toyota Tacoma 2WD (5-Lug) Installation Instructions IncludedInstallation Instructions - PDF Download...

4x4.fatbobsgarage.com

 

[Hiluxforever]

I wouldnt lift a 5 lug. Its not like you need the ground clearance.

The low ride height is a feature.

Toss some bigger LT tires and maybe clamp the front of the overload spring to the leaf pack for less axle wrap.

Drove mine for 10 years that way. Was mint.

 

[Rifleman]

I’m pretty sure I over paid at $12k, but it’s nice and I’m getting excited about it. Pristine time capsule, just turned 100k last night.

I'd say you did just fine on price, i live one state west of you in Arizona. When i went looking for my rust free TRD Tacoma the prices ranged anywhere between $12.500 to $15.000 for a well used truck with over 200,000 miles on it.

In the case of my low mileage super clean TRD Tacoma i paid north of those prices, but for a well maintained truck you get what you pay for.

Moving forward, clean, rust free, low mileage Tacoma's are going to command much higher prices. First gen Tacoma's, just like 80 series's Land cruiser's, have now passed the bottom of their depreciation curve, and really nice examples are only going to get more expensive as time goes by.