Lightweight Tacoma Build

[RiverRatMatt]

I think its about time to start my build thread.
My goal with this truck is to keep it as light as possible while still remaining completely self-sufficient for extended periods. I am a minimalist and avid outdoorsman, so this is my primary exploration/hunting/fun/overland rig.
The truck is a 2010 Tacoma - 2.7L 4cyl, 4wd, manual trans, Access Cab.

So far I have:

- Yellow Wire Mod - the stock truck has LSDs in front and rear, but they get disabled when you go into 4-low. This mod tells one part of the computer that the truck isn't in 4-low and thus you retain your LSDs.

- BFG All Terrain 235/85R16

- Damaged rear bumper and passenger side bed skin. This comes courtesy of Cable One.

On the list:

- Replace bed skin and tail light (insurance paid for).

- Hammer bumper mostly straight.

- New gears! 3.88 was a bad choice for this truck and is my only complaint. That relatively high gearing does give me nice gas mileage but I have enough gears that I don't think it needs such a high gearing. Those gears are the main reason the truck is fairly slow and requires 3000 RPM to go up big highway hills (Horseshoe Bend hill, Whitebird Summit, Galena Pass for any fellow Idahoans). I'm thinking about putting these at 4.88 in. I'm open to any opinions on this though since I'm a gearing noob.

- Lightweight front/rear bumpers. Haven't seen anything yet that tickles my fancy here.

- Mount for Hi-Lift and shovel.

- Dual Battery.

- Some sort of topper for the bed.


Here's the truck starting out:

Currently:

My biggest goal is to take it down to Chile sometime in the next few years. I am currently learning Spanish, but what else do you guys recommend as far as mods and other general tips go?

Anyway, that's it for now.

 

[stinkytofu]

Subscribed!

 

[Combat Chuck]

I would advise investing in sliders, and onboard air for tires and tools.

Dual-batteries, aux. fuse block, can-back or comparable lightweight cover for gear and tools, aux lighting, emergency supplies, Racor fuel filter with water separator, and a winch.

I would also carry a full tool kit, spare bearings, water pump, belts, filters; air, fuel, oil, spare hoses, fuel pump, sensors, 90 weight, antifreeze, ATF (for PS pump), oil, brake fluid, fuses, bulbs, wire and connectors.

 

[rusty_tlc]

More fuel capacity. The nice thing about a pick-up is you can throw one of those tool box fuel tank combos in fairly cheap.

Secure storage for your gear would be a good thing, that's the down side of a pick-up.

 

[Jacket]

I would advise investing in sliders,

Agree. 127" of wheelbase is a big target for rocks.

Does yours have a OEM trailer hitch? If so, replacing it (and the stock bumper) with a simple rear plate bumper doesn't net you much of a weight gain. With the 4 banger your package may not have included a hitch tho....

 

[Tapage]

4.88 if you are going up to 285 ( which I like in those Tacos ) to add one more recomendation .. are you planning to stay on road .?

Where are you thinking to sleep .. ? I like so kind of pickup cage that allow you to still use the cargo space and fit a roof tent over the structure.

 

[kidglove13]

Some type of tube bumpers front and rear would be good for light weight
Talk to Adam at 4X Innovations

 

[RiverRatMatt]

I would advise investing in sliders, and onboard air for tires and tools.

Dual-batteries, aux. fuse block, can-back or comparable lightweight cover for gear and tools, aux lighting, emergency supplies, Racor fuel filter with water separator, and a winch.

I would also carry a full tool kit, spare bearings, water pump, belts, filters; air, fuel, oil, spare hoses, fuel pump, sensors, 90 weight, antifreeze, ATF (for PS pump), oil, brake fluid, fuses, bulbs, wire and connectors.

I forgot to add a few things to my original post, I'll update after this. I'm also planning on adding a second battery and I've been considering what the best topper would be for my bed. In my bed I'll have storage for all of the extra parts and fluids you have mentioned. Those are indeed key to carry. One big plus to having the 4 cylinder is there is plenty of room in the engine bay to add things like a second battery setup.
What did you have in mind for the topper? I want to try to keep the truck as low-key as possible. I want to try to blend in as much as possible, because I feel that's a better defense than any weapon.

Agree. 127" of wheelbase is a big target for rocks.

Its interesting you guys also mentioned sliders. I'm hesitant for two reasons. One is that it adds weight, and two it will make me stand out more. I'm curious what the biggest benefit of rock sliders would be for an expedition setup? Are my perceived downsides really a big issue?

My rear bumper does have a hole designed to hold a ball and has two holes on the side of it for chains or other functions. You don't see these things (which are also on my gf's 2003, though she has the separate 'tow package' underneath) unless you take the plastic cover off of the middle of the bumper. My plastic cover happened to be removed forcibly by the desert a year ago
I think I could actually fit a winch onto my stock bumper. The fact that it's stock and will be bent a bit and imperfect helps me blend I think.

 

[RiverRatMatt]

4.88 if you are going up to 285 ( which I like in those Tacos ) to add one more recomendation .. are you planning to stay on road .?

Where are you thinking to sleep .. ? I like so kind of pickup cage that allow you to still use the cargo space and fit a roof tent over the structure.

I'm planning to go offroad as much as possible to explore the area, and more importantly I want to be prepared for the worst 'roads' South America has to offer. Plan for the worst, hope for the best.
I'm not going to be doing 'sport' rock crawling.

I'm planning on sleeping either in a tent on the ground or, if I feel like I need more security, in the bed of the truck. The topper setup I select I think will be key. I'm not really interested in sleeping on top of the truck, that's a bit conspicuous to me.

As for tires and gears, I'm going to stick with 235s. I prefer the skinnier tires. Will 4.88 be unreasonably low for my use? I have to keep in mind this truck is also my DD and at the moment I have to commute 25 miles to my primary job.

 

[rusty_tlc]

.....
Its interesting you guys also mentioned sliders. I'm hesitant for two reasons. One is that it adds weight, and two it will make me stand out more. I'm curious what the biggest benefit of rock sliders would be for an expedition setup? Are my perceived downsides really a big issue?

.....

"Nerf bars" have been around for a long time, IMHO they wouldn't draw unwanted attention. Modern rock sliders are just functional versions of these old time classics.

I munched a rocker panel on my semi stock FJ60 on the first run we did with it. Not rock crawling but just taking an old mining road through the hills. I got off my line and crunched it. I think sliders are worth the sacrifice in weight for the protection they offer.

 

[Combat Chuck]

I agree, sliders are a must.

I'm not familair with the brands of top, and what you want specifically, but I like the can-back style tops. If security is a concern of yours, then go fiberglass, but remember that locks only keep the honest people out.

Personally, I'm hoping to do a similar build and journey with my '83, but I'd like to build a utility bed with matching tonneau cover for it, that way, I have compartments for all my spares and gear.

I would not advocate winching a stock bumper. They often are mounted onto the body, and not the frame, and lack the internal support needed to carry the torque of holding a winch as it's tugging your arse out of a pit or some such.

Finally, I would stop washing it between now, and the day you leave for your trip shiny things catch the eye, dusty, dirty rigs covered in bird crap do not.

 

[Combat Chuck]

Also, it's worth mentioning that you shouldn't worry as much as you are about weight. I know my little 22R can handle heavy armor and bed full of BBQ equipment, meanwhile, your 2Tr is nearly double the HP of my motor, you have room to spare for a decent bumper, and sliders.

 

[kidglove13]

Sliders can also make for good jacking points

 

[Combat Chuck]

Sliders can also make for good jacking points

And winching points. Also for tying down a rain fly. I like to buy paracord in bulk from online retailers, and thread it between the struts of a tube slider to add "grip", and to keep around for whenever you have a need for rope. Just give it a good washing with hot soapy water every couple months to control gunk and mold buildup.

Also, it's best to take it down for the winter. Mildew, y'know.

 

[rusty_tlc]

...
Personally, I'm hoping to do a similar build and journey with my '83, but I'd like to build a utility bed with matching tonneau cover for it, that way, I have compartments for all my spares and gear.

Utility beds are heavy, very very heavy.

I would not advocate winching a stock bumper. They often are mounted onto the body, and not the frame, and lack the internal support needed to carry the torque of holding a winch as it's tugging your arse out of a pit or some such.
....

If the winch is mounted on a plate tied directly to the frame rails the bumper construction is moot.

 

[RiverRatMatt]

I'm not worried about rear bumper strength.... this ain't no Rav4...

Ex. 1

Ex. 2

Ex. 3

 

[RiverRatMatt]

BTW, please tell me if I'm wrong about a winch on my rear bumper

I'm coming close to buying new gears. I'm still concerned that 4.88 might be too low, can anyone give me some advice on this? The truck is my DD and one of my jobs is a 25 mile commute.

 

[Combat Chuck]

BTW, please tell me if I'm wrong about a winch on my rear bumper

I'm coming close to buying new gears. I'm still concerned that 4.88 might be too low, can anyone give me some advice on this? The truck is my DD and one of my jobs is a 25 mile commute.

you will over-rev, and your fuel economy will pay for it, but it won't be detrimental. Just run 35's. I have a comparable situation right now: 27" street tires with 4.11's, the power is definitely there, but the economy isn't as high as it was with 31's. I went from high twenties to mid-thirties MPG (my best being 38 MPG lots of tail wind) to mid-twenties almost uniformly.

I would not winch your rear. Why waste nearly a grand on something you won't use as much? A single winch up front is more than most folks carry, but two will be overkill. Just stash a good 2-ton come-along and some recovery line among your tools, and if you need a yank from the rear, strong-arm your way out, or bring along a buddy with a winch.

 

[Combat Chuck]

Utility beds are heavy, very very heavy.

you are right about that one. I'm designing one that's really just a flat bed with boxes framed-out, and the "skin" will be FRP

 

[Bogo]

The original pickup bed weighs around 300lbs. So that can be deducted from the utility body weight.