Tacoma Expedition Suspension (install with pics, stats, etc.) (1 Viewer)

[expeditionswest]

I have received a few questions from this forum on my suspension set-up, so I will post the details here. My 2004 Tacoma is not designed as a rock crawler, but for long camping trips, expeditions (into Mexico and througout the Southwest, etc.) It does do well on the rocks but the truck is heavy, and I only configured the suspension for about 1.5" of lift.

Front Suspension: Donahoe standard length coil-overs, set to 1.5" lift

Donahoe Coil-over installation and pictures

Rear Suspension: Deaver 10 leaf pack, specified to 2" lift with 800lb rear axle payload.

Deaver 10 leaf Installation

Tires: 255/85 R16 BFG MT/KM (33.3x10.1)

fitting the 255/85 on a Tacoma

 

[macneill]

Looks cool. What is that? A half-basket on the roof?

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Nice write-ups. Your truck looks like Desert Dude's! What's up with your front hubs? It looks like a drive plate or something similar. I've never seen that on a Taco.

 

[calamaridog]

Scott, Demello fabbed up this winch basket for use with the stock bumper, some trimming required. It works good.

http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL817/1961151/7423085/96975579.jpg

I'll try to get you a few better pictures

 

[expeditionswest]

Looks cool. What is that? A half-basket on the roof?

Thanks . The rack is a 3x5 con-ferr portal (one piece welded). It works great ICW the kayak (or if I am using the mtn. bike mounts).

The load bars are Thule with modified 4runner bases and plates.

 

[expeditionswest]

Nice write-ups. Your truck looks like Desert Dude's! What's up with your front hubs? It looks like a drive plate or something similar. I've never seen that on a Taco.

DesertDude and I have been on a few adventures together. Great guy, and has good taste in mods and truck color if I do say so myself ;p

What you are seeing is the front drive hub dust cover. That is stock, I just dont like running the center caps on the wheels...

 

[desertdude]

Our trucks are like brothers - Scott turned me on to the tall and skinny tire religion. I have not been dissapointed on and off-highway.

At some point we need to talk around the fire about re-gearing (4:88 or 4:56) pros and cons, and swaybar issues - (on-off-or disconnects)

 

[expeditionswest]

I agree. I will be itching for a trip to Sedona soon (it was nearly 100 today). I need to do an article on a vehicle in that area too.

I am getting close to doing the gears and front ARB. hopefully before the Nevada Trophy event.

 

[calamaridog]

What's there to talk about? Regear those beasts! 4.56 will be fine if you never go larger than 33's but I'd do 4.88's if you may go larger.

Isn't Front Range offering sway bar disconnects now for your trucks? Maybe Scott can do a write-up on Expeditions West?

 

[desertdude]

Front Range offers the disconnects but only if you have an older than 04 sway bar Front range disconnects

I am on the highway 3000 miles a month and the trails maybe 500-1000

33's are probably where I will stay on this truck. 4:88's will bring the truck closer to stock - but is that what I want - not sure - I need a trade off between the highway-and off highway - plus the gas mileage thing comes into play somewhat -

of course if I go with a SC- and premium gas then who cares right?

what wil the 4:56 feel like on the highway/trails?

 

[expeditionswest]

What's there to talk about? Regear those beasts!

I agree! I am looking at 4.88's, but would really prefer 5.29's. I have heard mixed reports on the durability of the 5.29 in the 7.5' front diff, so I am going to settle for the 4.88's

Isn't Front Range offering sway bar disconnects now for your trucks? Maybe Scott can do a write-up on Expeditions West?

Swaybars? ;p Mine is collecting dust in the back yard. I took it off a long time ago. I think the truck works great without it. Hell, I even gave John in his 100 a run for his money on Price Rd. coming back from Box Canyon (nothing like drifting a 5,000 lb expedition vehicle around a muddy bend at 60 mph).

Disclaimer: I am not recommending that anyone remove factory safety equipment!

 

[desertdude]

Guess once the front locker install we should be carrying spare CV's

Scott- I might experiment with the sway bar removal when I get back to AZ

The Tacoma was built for speed on the trails not that I would know anything about controlled fishtailing