Swamp's Build

[Swampmonger]

Well, I might as well do it. I have enough ideas in my head to warrant a build thread, but it won't be very active. At this point I plan to throw extra money at paying the beast off, but I will be doing things I deem necessary to use her for her intended purpose.

A warning...this thread will be just as much my asking advice as will be documenting my build. I thank everyone in advance for any help given.

First mod, a name. Everyone please welcome "Lacey Grey".

Next, let's discuss Philosophy of Use (for all you Nutnfancy fans ):

We have a 2016 Tacoma SR 4x4 which is our main camping vehicle. We have a killer setup we've been working on for years for tent camping. It's not made for overlanding, though. Once we get setup we don't want to move for at least a couple days. That's where the LC comes in. I'm looking to make her a self-contained shelter, galley, ablution station, etc. You know...an overlander.

Okay, so without further adieu, Lacey Grey's second mod...wheels and tires.

285/70R17 BFG KO2s on TRD Rock Warrior rims

Stock

New rims and tires

Fresh from Discount without rings and center caps

 

[Willy beamin]

congrats

 

[Swampmonger]

My plans:

Skids (Bud Built)
Sliders (Slee)
Lift (OME basic with 2702, 2722, and UCAs)
Rack (Frontrunner or Gobi)
Awning
Hardshell RTT
Onboard air
Dual batteries

Maybe:

Rear locker
Bumpers

So out of those first three what should come first?

 

[pdxlc200]

My plans:

Skids (Bud Built)
Sliders (Slee)
Lift (OME basic with 2702, 2722, and UCAs)
Rack (Frontrunner or Gobi)
Awning
Hardshell RTT
Onboard air
Dual batteries

Maybe:

Rear locker
Bumpers

So out of those first three what should come first?

I would seriously consider Rhino Rack Pioneer tray and their backbone system. The frontrunner on my 200 was very cool, but man did it make a ton of noise compared to my K9 Rack. Just ordered the Rhino Rack for my G550.

 

[TonyP]

My plans:

Skids (Bud Built)
Sliders (Slee)
Lift (OME basic with 2702, 2722, and UCAs)
Rack (Frontrunner or Gobi)
Awning
Hardshell RTT
Onboard air
Dual batteries

Maybe:

Rear locker
Bumpers

So out of those first three what should come first?

How are you planning on using the vehicle? IE: what kind of trails?

 

[Swampmonger]

How are you planning on using the vehicle? IE: what kind of trails?

This is our main stomping ground and camping area. I can't say I'll never get more technical than this, but I've not needed to so this is what I have to go on.

We're looking to relocate to the PNW so let's go ahead and say I'll be about half as brave as @kreiten is with his rig in that area.

(Not my video and I don't know the people that posted it. Just used to illustrate the Crown King/Senator Hwy area.)

 

[Mogwai]

Based on footage above and the intended use as a camping focused rig (and this assumes you've already decided on an RTT) I'd vote: sliders, roof rack, RTT.

 

[Swampmonger]

Based on footage above and the intended use as a camping focused rig (and this assumes you've already decided on an RTT) I'd vote: sliders, roof rack, RTT.

Really? You wouldn't lay down a foundation of armor (along with the sliders) and a lift first? I assume it's because the footage above just doesn't warrant it?

 

[TonyP]

Based on footage above and the intended use as a camping focused rig (and this assumes you've already decided on an RTT) I'd vote: sliders, roof rack, RTT.

My thoughts too.

I'd even consider a lift before skids. This will allow you to carry more weight, safely, for the family camping outings. Sliders are an essential as far as I'm concerned.

Like I've said a million times, go out, have fun, find what it needs to fulfill your needs, mod accordingly. But it's t's tough when there are so many awesome rigs on this forum with cool parts. Just my opinion though.

 

[Mogwai]

If I could have picked sliders, lift, and RTT I would have but can you realistically mount on stock roof rack? But yeah... Agree lift is right there.

FWIW, after tires, I went sliders only and ran like that for 10k miles. Next lift and dual battery. Have been in current state for another 5k miles. Edit: and bb skids next!

 

[mark71]

After sliders, I would get drawers. They are my favorite mod for overlanding.

After that, you'll probably want to upgrade the suspension before adding more weight.

 

[Swampmonger]

I'm definitely getting the hint that sliders should be next no matter what.

 

[Reccymech]

Caveat: I don't own a 200 series...but working on it.

I'd go for the lift kit first up. Set the vehicle 'stance', and ride, how you want it. Your going to have your ar $e planted in the seat covering miles, best it be comfortable.

 

[RS6tofj80]

Agree on sliders - and drawers would be right up there IF you like to have a lot of stuff onhand...
from there.... lift, Dual batts/ OBA / rack ( I like how quiet my Prinsu is but recall that some folks said it's a bit difficult to get the RTT on/off....and until CBI bough them the wait time and communication were less then optimal)

Congrats on the rig !

 

[TexAZ]

@Swampmonger check out some of the copper state cruisers run of the month threads.
there's a few 200s in the area

February ROTM 2/27/16 Most Likely Box Canyon

 

[CLHickman]

I've run the Crown King trail a few times. I had a 6'' lifted truck with 35's at the time.

A lift is a great idea as you just don't know how the terrain has changed season-to-season. Sliders and under armor are VERY good ideas due to the amount of rocks you'll encounter. The current tires will be great, so you're good there.

Anything after those would be gravy, but my suggestion would be to focus on the items that will keep you moving on the trail first. After, then you can focus on those comfort items, e.g. RTT, fridge/freezer, drawers, etc.

Just being aware of the surrounding and capabilities of your vehicle can keep you safe most times. We cleared a large rock up front only to slam it into our rear dif. Basically, took our clearance for granted.

That trail and so many others in the area are just a blast.

 

[Swampmonger]

@Swampmonger check out some of the copper state cruisers run of the month threads.
there's a few 200s in the area

February ROTM 2/27/16 Most Likely Box Canyon

Holy crap! Those 200 owners doing that run without sliders have some cajones.

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

I think to add to the armor opinion, and I think it's know that I do stuff with BudBuilt and play in the rocks a lot. I would wait on skid plates.

Sliders, first thing, every truck, every trail, all day. They also are awesome in parking lots with careless drivers.

If camping by RTT is going to happen at the end of every day, then the rack and RTT would be my next priority. Side note, front runner, just so good.

Everything below this is case by case (and in no priority of order):

After some trips, if you are sagging from the camping weight, suspension.

After some wheeling your trips, if you are destroying the stock skid, real skid plates

After some wheeling, the back of the truck is an unorganized mess and camp set up/break down takes to long, better storage cases/bags of drawers. I actually don't like drawers and use a very organized box and bag setup.

After some wheeling, if you are getting poor traction or popped a tire, all/mud terrain tire.

In my small opinion, spend your money on fuel and non part buying activities for trips, then after ward if the truck is having issues in an area, then dedicate hard earned money to it.

I owe a lot of my wheeling style to my past. When you don't have any money, you find ways to get through trail, keep your truck alive, and don't spend much money on it.

Ive wheeling every trail the 200 Series yearly group run has done, in a rental GMC envoy and the only thing that touched the ground on any trail out there was tire. And 200 doesn't need a thing to be everything you want in general wheeling.

And for all the trails being talked about in the Moab pre run, I've wheeled all those with a bone stock '96 Tacoma on street tires. Again nothing touched the ground other than tires and I drove 2,000 miles one way to Moab, wheeled, 2,000 miles back.

I don't say any of that to make my sound better, or to be like "look at me," it's just as much a learning point for me long ago that, no, it's ok, Toyota engineers know what they are doing, if anything, 95% of the aftermarket is total crap and a waste of money.

Some thing are a great upgrade, most things are not really going to help. Find your wheeling style, keep your money in your pocket, learn what products your need... for you.

You guys are awesome.

 

[Markuson]

Really? You wouldn't lay down a foundation of armor (along with the sliders) and a lift first? I assume it's because the footage above just doesn't warrant it?

I'm glad your taking your LC into the dirt and boonies. Amazing how many never leave the pavement!

The footage didn't really show anything that could cause much damage... No rocks, or barriers, really. Looked like well-groomed dirt roads with the occasional wet or snow, but nothing really requiring belly protection. Perhaps the footage is not a full representation of what you have in mind...?

Personally, I'd swap suspension even if primarily for streets, because a I think the stock suspension is just way too squishy...but YMMV. You can significantly improve the ride & handling with even a basic Old Zman Emu "lift" and have a much nicer handling truck in all conditions for around $1100.

Sliders are a great investment no matter in my basic mod book...and also make great steps & parking lot protection. Strong and functional sliders can be had for around $1k.

As you venture out of that zone, you may discover you need more protection. I just wouldn't see a need yet in that particular terrain.

 

[Climbingnut]

Like @CLHickman, I've run the Crown King trail a number of times. I did it in my old 79' International Scout Traveller with a SPOA and 35" with a rear locker. There are some decent, near vertical inclines that would warrant a lift and sliders in my opinion. If i was in your shoes, I'd go lift and then sliders. After that, I'd assess my budget and look into what other things I can afford. Your tires, aired down and using crawl control should be great on a lot of those obstacles.

Have fun in AZ while you can. If the PNW is where you're headed, you're gonna miss that sun!